The Senate has passed the Free Funeral Services Act, ensuring free funeral services for impoverished families across the country.
With 22 votes in favor, zero opposition, and no abstentions, Senate Bill No. 2965 successfully cleared its third and final reading.
Sponsored by Senator Imee Marcos, the bill defines “poor” as families earning below the poverty threshold set by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) or those unable to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, education, and housing, as outlined in the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act.
Under the measure, free funeral services will be provided to families in crisis situations, as determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Qualified families will receive an “Indigent Funeral Package,” which includes funeral document processing, embalming, burial or interment services, transportation, cremation, and inurnment, along with a casket, urn, or venue for the wake or ceremony.
Accredited funeral establishments nationwide will provide these services for every death in a qualified family.
The bill mandates all funeral establishments, regardless of type or location, to implement a standardized “Indigent Funeral Package” in coordination with the DSWD.