This was after a landmark legislation was passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod through the proposal of Cebu City Councilor Rey M. Gealon.
Gealon said he crafted the ordinance for the poor and underprivileged.
“Para sa mga kabus intawn ni nga nahikawan og dignidad bisan sa ilang kamatayon tungod sa ilang pagka kabus,” Gealon said.
(This is for the impoverished who have been robbed of their dignity even in death just because of their poverty.)
Supportive
The Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes Inc., one of the prominent funeral service providers in the city, has expressed its support for the ordinance, which will come into effect once Mayor Michael Rama signs it and it is published.
“We firmly believe in the importance of providing compassionate care and support to all families, regardless of their financial circumstances. We appreciate Cebu City’s efforts to address the needs of bereaved families but we have some concerns about its long-term impact,” said Renato S. Dychangco Jr., president of the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes Inc.
While they support the city’s ordinance, Dychangco still urged the City Government to conduct constructive dialogue and collaboration with the public “to explore effective solutions that preserve our commitment to the underprivileged while ensuring the viability of funeral services.”
Ordinance
Under the ordinance, funeral establishments will be required to complete their services, from the wake until the burial of the dead.
The family or next of kin will be made to secure a promissory note covering the unpaid obligations, but the establishment cannot withhold the burial or delay it further.
Gealon added that there is no reason that funeral homes cannot render their services since the less privileged are assured of the P10,000 in funeral assistance from the City Government.
The indigents will need to obtain their certificate of indigency from their barangay and the official death certificate of the deceased before seeking assistance from the City Government.
“We cannot allow indignity and ignominy to befall upon our dead brethren, as well as those they leave behind, for reasons of poverty and penury,” Gealon said
“The refusal, denial, or withholding of funeral service consequently brings about that. Besides, those engaged in the funeral business are not without legal recourse. They may seek the issuance of a promissory note with guarantee,” he added.
Penalty
The ordinance states that failure to comply may result in imprisonment for a period of six months to one year, and a fine of five thousand pesos, subject to the court’s discretion.
Refusal to comply could also result in cancellation or revocation of the business and sanitary permit issued by the City of Cebu. (KOC)