QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Same-sex couples in Quezon City can now apply for the local government’s healthcare proxy initiative online following the integration of the Right to Care (RTC) Card into the QC eServices portal.
The digital transition allows eligible partners to upload necessary documents and book their required orientation session remotely, streamlining a process that previously required in-person submission.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte highlighted that digitizing the application aligns with the city’s commitment to public service accessibility and inclusivity.
“Digital transformation should make government more accessible to everyone. By bringing the Right to Care program online, we are making it easier for LGBTQIA+ couples to access a service that recognizes their dignity, protects their welfare, and affirms that everyone deserves equal care and respect,” Belmonte said.
To qualify for the RTC Card, at least one partner must reside in Quezon City. Both individuals are required to hold a valid QCitizen ID and an active account on the city’s eServices portal.
First introduced in June 2023 across local government hospitals, the program uses a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) legal framework. This grants designated partners the legal authority to make critical medical decisions—including giving or withholding consent for treatments, procedures, and medication—on behalf of their significant other.
Each physical card features a QR code linked to a notarized digital copy of the SPA detailing the authorized healthcare powers.
As of June 2026, the city has recorded 1,782 applications, with 375 couples completing the mandatory orientation and 658 cards printed.
“Quezon City has always believed that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and protected. We will continue creating policies and improving services that ensure no one is left behind,” Belmonte added.
The digital RTC Card application expands the QC eServices platform to 245 public services distributed across 43 specialized modules.