Solon wants to criminalize detention of bodies in morgues

• Published date: 30 October 2022
• Publication title: Philippines News agency

A lawmaker on Sunday pushed for the passage of a measure seeking to penalize the detention of cadavers in funeral homes and morgues on grounds of non-payment of embalming and other mortuary services.

In filing House Bill 1292, Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. said it is "cruel and inhuman" for morgues and funeral homes to hold "hostage" the remains of the deceased as security for payment or financial gain, adding that such a scheme should be outlawed.

"There are numerous instances where funeral parlors and other similar funeral service providers refuse to release the bodies of the deceased until the embalming and other funeral expenses are paid," he said. " It is a shameful and anti-poor business practice that should be condemned by Congress.'

Under the bill, it would be unlawful for providers of embalming...