Inclusion of blood type on gov't-issued IDs sought

MANILA, Philippines - The House Committee on Health approved a bill requiring to include the blood type of Filipino citizens on government issued identification cards.

 

Tarlac Rep. Susan Yap co-authored House Bill 5018 which will cover government issued identification documents such as birth certificates, community tax certificates, driver's licenses, professional licenses issued by the Professional Regulation Commission, firearms licenses, Social Security System cards, Government Service Insurance System cards and passports.

 

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"Considering that during emergencies, identification cards, certificates and licenses are the primary sources of the blood type and other information needed by rescuers and health care providers, so that necessary medical attention can be provided immediately, it is imperative that the holder must indicate only accurate information to avoid further harm," Yap said.

 

The bill aims promote public health and awareness about the importance of blood type, especially during medical emergencies.

 

Under the bill, a pathologist would have to validate a citizen's blood type. The Department of Health will formulate rules and regulations for implementing the proposed measure.

 

There will be a fine of not less than P5,000 for those who deliberately bears false information about their blood type on their government issued identification documents.

 

A bill seeking to consolidate all government issued identification cards into one "Filipino ID Card" is also being discussed in Congress. 

 

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