House okays bill requiring blood type in ID cards

Mandaluyong City Rep. Alexandria Gonzales, principal author of the bill, said knowing one’s blood type is crucial for both the recipient and the donor for the immediate transfusion of the appropriate blood during medical emergency situations. (Photo: Congresswoman Queenie P. Gonzales/Facebook)

MANILA — The House of Representatives has unanimously approved on final reading a measure mandating all government agencies to indicate the blood type of every individual applying for an identification card, certificate and license.

With 214 affirmative votes, members of the lower chamber passed House Bill No. 1530, or the “Blood Type Identification Act”.

The measure aims to facilitate medical treatment and ensure the safety of patients, especially in the transfusion of blood during medical emergencies.

Mandaluyong City Rep. Alexandria Gonzales, principal author of the bill, said knowing one’s blood type is crucial for both the recipient and the donor for the immediate transfusion of the appropriate blood during medical emergency situations.

“Accidents and other medical emergency situations affect and happen to everyone. In case of emergency, which results in excessive blood loss, there is immediate matching so the correct blood type may be transfused in order to save the life of the victim,” Gonzales said in her explanatory note.

Among the government-issued documents covered in the bill are the birth certificate, driver’s and firearms licenses, and identification documents issued by the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Also included are passports issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the professional identification card from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

The bill requires the individual to secure a certificate from a pathologist to validate his/her blood type.

The Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with all concerned government implementing agencies and corporations, is mandated to formulate the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of the proposed Act.