​SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has expressed support for a proposed measure that would allow Filipinos to designate a trusted individual to make medical decisions on their behalf, even if that person is not legally recognized as family. ​Cayetano made the statement after signing the committee report on the proposed Healthcare Proxy Act, a measure that seeks to strengthen patient autonomy within the country’s health care system. ​”I haven’t seen a real shift in how we look at our health system, and part of improving it is making sure patients are heard even when they can no longer speak for themselves,” he said. The bill, formally filed as Senate Bill 1985, is sponsored by Senators Risa Hontiveros and Loren Legarda. It proposes allowing individuals to appoint a health care agent who can make decisions on their behalf during times when they are incapacitated or otherwise unable to communicate their wishes. ​Under the measure, hospitals and health care providers would be required to recognize these designated agents as part of broader efforts to promote advance care planning and supported decision-making. ​Lawmakers emphasized that the proposal does not seek to redefine legal family structures, but instead addresses practical gaps in patient care — particularly in cases where individuals rely on partners, close friends or companions who may not be legally considered next of kin but are most familiar with their medical needs and personal preferences. ​The proposed legislation underscores the importance of dignity, informed consent and respect for patient wishes, especially during critical medical situations. ​Cayetano noted that real-life relationships often extend beyond legal definitions, highlighting the need for policies that reflect the realities faced by many Filipinos navigating illness and hospitalization. ​”With this measure, we recognize that trust, care and shared responsibility are just as important as legal ties when it comes to making deeply personal health decisions,” he said. ​The bill also aims to address long-standing concerns in the health care system, where patients without immediate family members — or those estranged from them — may be left without a clear advocate during emergencies.