Free funeral services for indigents now a law

National

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. allowed a bill granting free funeral services to indigent Philippine families to lapse into law.

The measure, now known as Republic Act 12309 or the Free Funeral Services Act, took effect on September 28, 2025, after the President did not sign or veto the enrolled bill within the constitutionally allotted 30 days.

Under the new law, families who cannot afford a decent burial will be eligible to receive a standardized “indigent funeral package” from accredited funeral establishments nationwide.

The package may include preparation of funeral documents, embalming, transport of remains, a simple casket or urn, and burial or cremation services.

To access the benefit, claimants must submit several documents: a valid ID, the deceased’s death certificate (or equivalent certification), a funeral service contract signed by the funeral provider and DSWD personnel, and a social case study prepared by a licensed social worker.

In a report by Philstar, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is tasked with oversight and reimbursement to funeral providers. Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will regulate funeral service costs and pricing to guard against excessive charges.

Violations under the new law carry penalties: funeral establishments that refuse to provide the free service face fines up to ₱400,000 and revocation of permits, while those who fraudulently avail the program may be penalized with up to six months’ imprisonment and fines up to ₱500,000. The law also explicitly includes families in “crisis situations” — such as those affected by disasters, calamities, or emergencies — among the eligible beneficiaries.

In Cebu, the regional DSWD office has confirmed it will begin coordinating with local government units (LGUs) and funeral service providers to implement the program.

Social workers and municipal social welfare offices are preparing capacity-building workshops to ensure smooth processing of applications.

Observers say the timing is crucial, as it came just before Undas, when many families struggle to fund burials.

Local social welfare officers said the challenge ahead lies in equitable implementation across remote barangays and in ensuring funeral homes abide by the approved rates.(Victoria Diana USJ-R Comm Intern)