The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill requiring all government agencies issuing licenses, certificates and identification cards to bear the blood type of the owner of such document to allow immediate action or transfusion response in particular during medical emergencies and in times of disaster.

House Bill 6154 aims to promote prompt and effective blood transfusion response for medical emergencies.

The measure, which substitutes House Bills 111, 505, 907 and 974, covers government issued identification documents such as birth certificates, community tax certificates, driver's licenses, professional licenses as issued by the Professional Regulation Commission, firearms licenses, Social Security System cards, Government Service Insurance System cards and passports.

"Accidents and other medical emergency situations happen to everyone. Thus, in case of emergency which results in excessive blood loss, immediate matching of the correct blood type may be transfused in order to save the life of the victim. Knowledge of one's blood type is important for both the recipient and the donor for the immediate transfusion of the appropriate blood," House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II Gonzales said.

Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara said the blood supply system is one that requires a high degree of scientific accuracy, training and integrity.

"The blood products must be pure as there is little room for error. Blood typing underscores this need for accuracy. Through this measure, the safety of citizens undergoing medical procedures is ensured," Angara said.

Rep. Susan Yap said Filipinos have generally low awareness of their own blood type, adding that this simple knowledge spells life or death in unlikely situations and events such as accidents, disasters or calamities.

"During these times, information on the blood type of the victim come in handy so that the rescue worker or health practitioner can easily identify the need, resources and what ought to be done," Yap said.

Rep. Augusto Syjuco said since during emergencies, identification cards, certificates and licenses are the primary sources of information of the authorities or rescuers, so that necessary medical attention can be provided immediately.

"It is imperative that the holder must indicate only accurate information to avoid further harm," he added.

Under the measure to be known as the "Blood Type Identification Act of 2012," government agencies such as the GSIS, SSS, PRC, Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Local Treasurer's Office, Local Registrar's Office and other agencies which may later be identified or created are mandated to indicate in their issued certificates, licenses and identification cards the blood type of the owner-holder.

The bill imposes a fine of P10, 000 on any person who deliberately bears false information as to one's blood type.

The Department of Health (DOH) is mandated to formulate the rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.*