Abstract

Aside from the health, social, economic, and financial damages brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most painful aspects of this phenomenon is the death of patients who succumbed to the coronavirus disease without their loved ones having to at least view their dead bodies and accord them the usual funeral and burial rites as dictated by tradition, culture, and religion. I first outline the guidelines that comprise dignified management of dead bodies from international organizations, and the Philippine legal mandates regarding the matter. I then argue that there is incongruence between the legal mandates and real events regarding the dignified management of dead bodies of persons who died from COVID-19 in the country as evidenced by some anecdotal accounts. As a subject and not an object, dead bodies of human beings have inherent worth and value that should be respected; their loved ones should not be deprived to have the last view and say goodbye to COVID-19 victims' dead bodies. Finally, I offer ways to improve the management of dead bodies in the country to ensure dignified death of COVID19 victims and offer loved ones the opportunity for a dignified send-off, and pave way for better responses to future related crises.