Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has filed a measure seeking to provide free caskets and funeral service discounts for poor families nationwide through local government units (LGUs).
House Bill No. 9639: Free Casket and LGU Funeral Service Discounts Act
Under House Bill No. 9639, filed on June 2, 2026, all LGUs will be mandated to provide free caskets and funeral assistance to qualified beneficiaries through their respective Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs). The proposed measure also calls for the establishment of an LGU-funded assistance mechanism in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to complement and avoid duplication with the national benefits provided under Republic Act No. 12309, or the Free Funeral Services Act.
Easing Financial Burden During Bereavement
Lazatin said the bill aims to ease the financial burden of poor families during bereavement. “Many extremely poor and indigent families have to make difficult choices during their time of loss due to the exorbitant costs of caskets and funeral services,” Lazatin stated. “We are filing this measure to help ensure that those who are financially challenged will still be able to provide a proper and dignified burial for their loved ones,” he added.
Building on Existing Free Casket Program
Lazatin noted that the proposal builds on his existing Free Casket Program, which he has funded since September 2025 using a portion of his salary. The program benefits indigent residents of Angeles City, Mabalacat City, and Magalang through free caskets provided in partnership with Pangilinan Funeral Homes. Residents availing of the program are required to submit to Lazatin's office a death certificate, funeral contract, certificate of indigency, and valid government-issued IDs. Social workers conduct assessments before qualified beneficiaries are issued a referral letter for the funeral home.
