Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._1659

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE CHEENO MIGUEL D. ALMARIO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippine Statistics Authority reports a daily average of 2,409 registered deaths or a crude rate of
eight deaths for every 1,000 Filipinos in 2021. In the context of Filipino culture, where family is a social structure
valued in high regard, where ties and relationships are nurtured, and where traditions are passed on through
generations, death is one of the most significant events in every Filipino family. For many Filipinos, a family
member's death becomes an avenue for further strengthening family ties by showing solidarity, respect,
religiosity, and affection in the presence of the deceased.

However, death comes at a steep cost that the majority of Filipinos cannot afford. Although the Philippine
ranking in the Quality of Death Index by the Economist Intelligent Report is much improved in 2021 at 38th
position, it is still a long way from an ideal place when it comes to providing our people with quality end-of-life
care. Along with all the expenses that most families struggle to pay - such as medical and hospital expenses,
including incidental spending for cases involving accidents and property damage - in the end, even a decent
burial is considered a luxury.

Considering that preparations for funeral service have several layers, with each entailing expenses - from
acquiring legal documents like the death certificate and burial permit to preparation for memorial service and
wake that may last a few days, and to the interment of the deceased - this bill proposes to provide financial
assistance of 20,000 to the family of a deceased Filipino whose death occurred in the Philippine territory and
whose family is identified as indigent. This is to help defray incidental expenses in the burial and funeral of every
poverty-stricken Filipino family experiencing extreme financial challenges while still grieving for their loss.

‘The proposed measure aims to make this phase easier for the family of the deceased struggling financially
and in recognition of the depth of importance our culture and family put in Filipino traditions.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought

CHEENO } ein suman
Represehtative

24 District, Davao Oriental


10

11
12
13
14
15

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
TWENTIETH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._1659

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE CHEENO MIGUEL D. ALMARIO

AN ACT
MANDATING THE PROVISION OF BURIAL ASSISTANCE
OF TWENTY THOUSAND PESOS (PHP 20,000.00)
FOR EVERY FILIPINO CITIZEN WHO DIES WITHIN
THE PHILIPPINE TERRITORY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Burial Assistance
Act of 2025”.

SEC. 2. Coverage. - This Act shall cover every Filipino citizen who dies
within Philippine territory.

SEC. 3. Definition of Burial Assistance. - For purposes of this Act, “Burial
Assistance” shall be understood to mean a cash grant given to pay the burial
expenses of the deceased Filipino citizen.

SEC. 4. Provision of Burial Assistance. - Every Filipino citizen who dies of
whatever causes within the Philippine territory shall be eligible for a provision of
burial assistance of Twenty Thousand Pesos (PHP 20,000.00).

SEC. 5. Eligible Recipient of Burial Assistance. - The eligible recipients are
the next of kin according to the following order: 1) Spouse if capable; 2) Child or;
3) Closest living relative. In the absence of any direct living relative or in the case
of multiple claimants, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will
determine th e authorized recipient.


16
17
18
19
20

21
22

23
24
25

26
27
28
29
30

31

33

34
35
36
37

38
39
40

41

SEC. 6. Requirements to Receive Burial Assistance. - The eligible or
authorized recipient must present the following: 1) A death certificate issued by
the local hospital, local health unit, or whichever is applicable; and 2) Proof of
relationship with the deceased. The capable spouse must present a marriage
certificate and the child must present a birth certificate.

To facilitate timely claims, the certifying local hospital or health unit must
release the death certificate without delay.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. - The burial assistance provision shall be charged
to the budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development given in a
fiscal year.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Social
Welfare and Development, in coordination with the Department of Interior and
Local Government and the Department of Budget and Management shall, within
thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the implementing rules
and regulations to effectively carry out the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. ~ Provisions herein that may be declared
unconstitutional shall not revoke the effectivity and enforcement of other
provisions of this Act.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances, or part or parts thereof, which are inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation.

Approved,