Pampanga First District Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has filed House Bill No. 9639 seeking to institutionalize the provision of free caskets and funeral service discounts for indigent and extremely poor families through local government units (LGUs) nationwide.

Filed on June 2, 2026, the proposed “Free Casket and LGU Funeral Service Discounts Act” mandates LGUs, through their Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs), to provide funeral assistance to qualified beneficiaries.

The measure also seeks to establish an LGU-funded assistance mechanism in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to complement the national free funeral services program under Republic Act No. 12309 or the Free Funeral Services Act.

Lazatin said the bill aims to ease the financial burden faced by low-income families during times of bereavement and ensure that their loved ones receive proper and dignified burials.

The proposed legislation builds on Lazatin’s ongoing Free Casket Program, which he has personally funded since September 2025 using a portion of his salary. The initiative benefits indigent residents of Angeles City, Mabalacat City, and Magalang through a partnership with Pangilinan Funeral Homes.

The program continues a similar initiative first launched by Lazatin during his tenure as mayor of Angeles City.