The pain of losing a loved one does not only end in a death bed. There are people who struggle with financial problems when it comes to arranging funerals. The problems poor families face when it comes to organizing funerals are something others do not see and can be quite a struggle.
Because of this, there is a need to elevate the affected households’ burden. Which is why there is a senate bill that seeks to secure free funeral services for households that earn ₱15,000. Another requirement is that the household must not own any vehicle or property.
Although, this is not the first bill filed with the same intention. The Makabayan bloc consisting of France Castr (ACT Teachers’ Rep), Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women’s Rep), Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Rep.) filed a bill in Congress which seeks to give discounted or free funeral services to families in need.
Who is the Author of The Bill?
The bill’s author is Senator Raffy Tulfo. He expressed that many poor families are both burdened with grief and financial stress that some would even opt to borrow money from others, such as lenders. The downside is the money lenders have high interest rates.
Yes, there is already burial assistance provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, however, Tulfo wants to establish a FREE burial and funeral services for the poor.
The free burial and funeral service would include funeral documents preparation, embalming, viewing, burial or cremation. A casket or urn should also be provided by accredited mortuaries.
