The Senate has approved on third and final reading Senate Bill 2965, which seeks to provide free funeral services to poor Filipino families.
The bill defines the poor as those whose income falls below the poverty threshold set by the National Economic and Development Authority and who struggle to meet basic needs.
Senator Mark Villar, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that funeral costs—ranging from ₱8,000 to ₱15,000—pose a heavy burden on grieving families already in financial distress.
Under the proposed law, indigent families will receive a funeral package covering embalming, burial or cremation services, transportation, documents, and either a casket or urn.
Villar noted that the measure addresses the common request for funeral aid received by senators and ensures dignity for the poor in their time of loss.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 3, 2025
