MEDICAL

TECHNOLOGY LAWS
AND BIOETHICS
HEARTDWICK L. CUARTEROS, RMT
Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines
PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL
TECHNOLOGITS (PAMET)
 PAMET- is the only accredited professional organization of all
Registered Medical Technologist in the Philippines.

 It is a non- stock, non-profit organization that was originally organized

in 1963.

 PAMET provides the opportunity to uphold the principles, core values

and the code of ethics of the profession as it advocates the highest
standard of profession and ethical practices.
 It serves as the guiding light of quest for professional
excellence with integrity and dignity. It also opens the door
to give back and serve the society as part of the social
responsibility through various community outreach programs
and projects geared towards environmental protection and
socio-civic involvement. There is no better way to have a
total fulfillment than being able to serve not only the
patients but the community and the environment as well.
 As a member, everyone is privileged to be part of a
wider circle of fellow Medical Technologists where a
member can establish linkages that could help address
important issues and concerns about the Medical
Technology profession. It serves a bridge to share
experiences, best practices and new techniques.

 Although some benefits are intangible, it gives the

venue to sharpen skills and upgrade knowledge through
the Continuing Professional Education programs that it
offers to its members.
 Being a member of a professional organization like
PAMET is deemed to be a moral obligation of every
professional since they committed themselves to be
loyal to their chosen field of endeavor.

 Regular and faithful renewal of membership helps the

Association survive. Attendance to various activities
and any expression of support inspire its leaders to do
better. A member is expected to share time and do
some sacrifices for a common goal and for everyone’s
benefit.
HISTORY OF PAMET
Must Knows Events or Information:

 The association was organized by MR. CRISANTO

ALMARIO ( recognized as the “FATHER OF
PAMET”) who felt the need to standardize the
profession and sought to improve and upgrade the
practice.
 From the initial pre- organizational planning and
conceptualization, PAMET was born on September
15, 1963 at the Public health laboratory at
208 Quiricida Street, Sta. Cruz Manila.

 The 1st National Convention was held at the

Conference Hall of the Far Eastern University
Hospital on September 20, 1964 where Mr.
Charlemagne Tamondong became the 1st President.
 It was incorporated and registered at the Securities
and Exchange Commission on October 14, 1969
with Reg. No 39570 during the presidency of Mr.
Nardito Moraleta.

 A few days before declaration of Martial Law on

September 21, 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos
declared the 3rd week of September as a celebration
of the Medical Technology profession.
 PAMET is a national body with forty-six (46)
provincial chapters nationwide divided into four (4)
regions such as North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas
and Mindanao Region and three (3) international
affiliates such as PAMET Singapore, Eastern
Region Middle East and Western Region Middle
East.
 The PAMET National Office was located at Unit
1720 17/F, Cityland 10 tower 2, 6817 Ayala
Avenue, Makati City.
 PAMET Symbol
 CIRCLE - symbolizes the continuous
involvement where practice and
education must always be integrated.
 TRIANGLE – trilogy of Love, Respect
and Integrity.
 LETTERS & GREEN – the color health
 MICROSCOPE & SNAKE – symbolize
the science of Medical Technology
Profession.
 1964 – was the year of First PAMET
Election.
 Rights, Duties & Obligations & Benefits of Members

 RIGTHS:
 Vote and be elected for office following
prescribed qualifications and requirements;
 Be appointed to committee(s) and other special
tasks for the Association;
 Be heard on financial and other operational
matters pertinent to the Association;
 Be entitled to due process for any compliant or
case brought against the Member.
 Rights, Duties & Obligations & Benefits of Members

 DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS:

 To regularly comply with all requirements pertinent to
membership including annual membership fee;
 To regularly and actively participate in the affairs of the
Association;
 To regularly attend activities and functions of the
Association;
 To give recommendations/suggestions that will benefit
the Association, its members and the profession.
 Rights, Duties & Obligations & Benefits of Members

 BENEFITS:
 Access to continuing professional education and/or
professional development program of the Association;
 Access to information regarding medical technology
and/or health care, both local, Asian and international;
and
 Seek protection or assistance on matters affecting the
member in the practice of the profession.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
CHARLEMAGNE T. TAMONDONG
“Emergence of the Profession”
(1964-1967)
• He succeeded in working for the bill (House
Bill No. 7682) for the Medical Technologists
in the country through the help of the Congressman Jose
Moreno and Congresswoman Magnolia Antonio.

• He worked for the building and recognition of PAMET for

public acceptance and for its good social standing.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
NARDITO D. MORALETA
“Professional Recognition”
(1967-1970)
• He has worked for the passage of Senate Bill No.
996 and signed into law by the President of the
Philippines, His Excellency, President Ferdinand E. Marcos into Republic Act
No.005527 or the Medical Technology Act of1969, on June 21,
1969.

• He worked for the registration of PAMET with the Securities and

Exchange Commission on October 14, 1969 (Registration No. 39570)
• He worked for the registration of PAMET and its membership to the
International Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists (IAMLT in
Europe) on May 28, 1970.
• He worked for the amendments and approval of the PAMET
Constitution and By-Laws, approved at the 1969 National
Convention of PAMET at UST. He worked for the Standardization
of the Medical Technology Curriculum in all Schools of Medical
Technology in the Philippines through the Medical Technology
Council in1970. He worked for the appointment of the First
Medical Technology Board of Examiners through R.A. 5527.
• He prepared the Medical Technology Code of Ethics which was
adopted by PAMET on August 6, 1968.
• He worked for the publication of the first official newspaper
of the association—the “PAMET News”
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
FELIX E. ASPER
“Legislative Agenda”
(1970-1971, 1973-1976)
• He worked for the approval of Presidential
Decree No. 498 which signed by his
Excellency, President Ferdinand E. Marcos on June 28, 1974. This is
an amendment to Republic Act No. 005527.

• He also had the Philippines Association of Medical Technologist

integrated (accredited as bonafide professional organization for Medical
Technologists) with the Professional Regulation Commission on May 24,
1975.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
BERNARDO T. TABAOSARES
“Celebration of the Practice”
(1971-1973)
• He worked for the amendments to the Teves Law
(about salaries of medical professionals) which was
in third reading in the Senate when Martial Law was proclaimed,
so the said project died.

• One of his pet projects was approved by His Excellency, President

Ferdinand E. Marcos through the help of the Presidential Assistant, the
late Honorable Guillermo de Vega proclaiming the third week of
September as the Medical Technology Week.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
ANGELINA A. JOSE
“Career Advocacy”
(1973-1977)
• She worked for the approval of the Professional
Tax through the Bureau of Internal Revenue –
that all registered medical technologists should
pay a professional tax in the amount of seventy-
five pesos yearly.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
VENERABLE C.V. OCA
“Educational Enhancement”
(1999-1981)
• She saw to it that monthly medical missions were
made as part of the association’s services to the
poor and unfortunate people in our country.

• Another was the series of seminars being conducted monthly

with different prominent speakers in order to update the profession
and the medical technologists who were in the active practice of
their profession.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
CARMENCITA P. ACEDERA
“Image Building”
(1982-1991)
• She worked for the membership of PAMET with
the Asean Association of Medical Laboratory
Technologist (AAMLT).
• She worked for the adaption of PAMET Hymn on November 22, 1989.
• She hosted the 2nd AAMLT conference.
• She introduced PAMET to the different companies and well-
known organizations both local and international (mostly at her
own financial expenses) which gained PAMET recognition from
these companies and organizations.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
MARILYN R. ATIENZA
“Proactivism”
(1992-1996)
• She worked for the close coordination of
PAMET and PASMETH.
• She worked for the publication of the official newspaper of the association
“Lab News” and the official journal of the association “Phil. Journal of
Medical Technology”
• She worked for the membership of PAMET to the ASEAN Association of
Southeast Asia Medical Laboratory Science (AAMLS).
• She worked for the sending of qualified medical technologists as scholars
for the training program offered by the Japan International Medical
Technology Foundation.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
NORMA N. CHANG
“International Leadership”
(1997-2000)
• She worked for the establishment of more
PAMET chapters.
• She worked for the revision of the Medical
Technology Code of Ethics in March 7, 1997.
• She worked for the sending of scholars to the Japan International Medical
Technology Foundation.
• She adopted the Medical Technology Prayer.
• She sponsored a “RETREAT” for chief Medical Technologists, PAMET Board
of Directors, PASMETH and MEDAP members for spiritual enrichment.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
AGNES B. MEDENILLA
“Organizational Dynamism”
(2001-2002, 2005-2006)
• She worked for the amendments of R.A. 005527 at
the Congress of the Philippines.
• She maintained a close link with other professional associations by
being an active member of the Council of Health Agencies of the Philippines
(CHAP), Council of Professional Health Association (COPHA), and the
Philippine Federation of Professional Associations (PFPA).

• She worked for the welfare and protection of the medical technologists by
continuing professional education, community services, and global
competitiveness.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
AGNES B. MEDENILLA
“Organizational Dynamism”
(2001-2002, 2005-2006)

• She worked for the approval of the 2002PAMET Constitution and By-
Laws.

• She worked for the job fair activity for the newly registered medical
technologists.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
SHIRLEY F. CRUZADA
“Interdisciplinary Networking”
(2003-2004)

• She worked for the forging of the Memorandum of

Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Health
and the National Reference Laboratory (DOH-NRL).

• She worked for the Graduate Scholarship Project with Proctor and
Gamble’s “Dagdag Karunungan, Kinabukasan ng Kalusugan Grant Program”.

• She worked for the activation of inactive PAMET chapters during

regional conferences and meetings. She worked for the Interdisciplinary
Networking and collaborative activities – PAMET website (www.pamet.ph).
LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
SHIRLEY F. CRUZADA
“Interdisciplinary Networking”
(2003-2004)

• She submitted to the Senate the Medical

Technology Revision Bill to revise R.A.005527.

• She maintained close relationship with

PSP,PASMETH, and CHED
LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
LEILA M. FLORENTO
“Beyond Expectations”
(2007-2013)

• She continued to work in the interest of

promoting excellence in the practice of medical
technology
• She organized different PAMET chapters.
LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
ROMEO JOSEPH J. IGNACIO
“Medical Technologists Soar Higher
through V.O.I.C.E.”
(2013- 2015)

• “Medical Technologists Soar Higher through V.O.I.C.E.”

Visibility, Oneness, Integrity, Commitment, and
Excellence

• He worked for the upliftment of the medical

technology profession.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
RONALD E. PUNO
(2016- 2018)
• He spent over two decades as Chief Medical Technologist
in private practice in his own Clinical Laboratory –
PROLAB Diagnostics. It is complemented by his
meaningful involvement in various government agencies
such as the Department of Health and the Commission on Higher Education. He is
also actively involved in different international organizations such as the ASEAN
Association for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (AACLS) and the International
Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) among others.

• His areas of interest include Laboratory Management Systems, Quality

Assurance, Clinical Chemistry, and Clinical Microscopy.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
ROMMEL F. SACEDA
(2019-2022)
• Rommel F. Saceda is a student in the Master of Science in
Medical Technology Program of the Graduate School. He
is finishing the academic courses as requirements for the
comprehensive examination.
• As a department manager (chief medical technologist) of the Institute of
Pathology in St. Luke’s Medical Center-Quezon City, Mr. Saceda is very
supportive of the International Clinical Internship and the student development
program of the TUA College of Medical Technology. He is an active member of
the consultative group of the CMT Dean on training and professional
development.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
LUELLA A. VERTUCIO
(PRESENT)
• She is a graduate of Centro Escolar University, was given
recognition for her leadership in Continuing Professional
Education by the Japan Association of Medical
Technologists during the recently concluded 33rd World
Congress of International Federation of Biomedical
Laboratory Science held at Palazzo Dei Congress in
Florence, Italy.

• Ms. Vertucio, a 1988 graduate of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology was

presently the Chief Medical Technologist/Laboratory Manager of the Providence
Hospital, Inc. She was also elected officers of various organizations.
 LEGACY OF PAMET PRESIDENTS
LUELLA A. VERTUCIO
(PRESENT)
• She is the current Vice President of the Philippine
Association of Medical Technologists, Inc., an accredited
professional organization for medical technologists in the
Philippines and Auditor of the Asian Association of Clinical
Laboratory Scientists. She is also an Assessor of the DTI-
PAO ISO 15189, and a member of the Philippine Advisory
Council, American Society for Clinical Pathology
International (ASCPi).
 R.A. 9288:
NEWBORN
SCREENING ACT
OF 2004
NEWBORN SCREEING ACT OF 2004
• Effectivity date: APRIL 17, 2004

PERFORMANCE OF NEWBORN SCREEING

• Congenital Hypothyroidism
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
• Galactosemia
• Phenylketonuria
• G6PD Deficiency
• Maple Syrup Urine Disease
DOH Memo 2012-0154 (May 15, 2012):
Inclusion of MSUD in Newborn Screening since it is the
most common IEM in the Philippines.
 P.D. 223:
CREATION OF
PROFESSIONAL
REGULATION
COMMISSION
Amendments:
1. PD 657 – issuance of a certificate of registration or
a temporary special permit to practice to a
foreigner.

2. RA 8982 – implement full computerization of all

examinations; statistical reports of school
performance faster delivery of results (within 3
days).
Composition (Appointed by the President
Chairperson
Commissioner (2)
Term of Office
Qualifications:
1. At least 40 years old
2. With a valid license / COR
3. Familiar with the principles and methods of the PRC
4. At least 5 years of executive/management experience.
5. One commissioner must be a past chairman or member
of the Professional Regulatory Board.
 R.A. 11166:
PHILIPPINE HIV
AND AIDS POLICY
ACT
ARTICLE IV: Screening, Testing & Counseling

As a policy, the State shall encourage voluntary HIV

testing. Written consent from the person taking the
test must be obtained before HIV testing.
TESTING MUST BE MADE AVAILABLE UNDER THE
FOLLOWING:
1. If the person is 15 to below 18 years of age, consent to
voluntary HIV testing shall be obtained from the child
without the need of consent from a parent of guarding.
2. Any young person aged below 15 who is pregnant or
engaged in high-risk behavior shall be eligible for HIV
testing and counseling, with the assistance of a licensed
social worker or health worker. Consent shall be
obtained from the child without the need for consent
from the parent or guardian.
TESTING MUST BE MADE AVAILABLE UNDER THE
FOLLOWING:
3. Consent to voluntary HIV testing shall be obtained from
the child’s parent or legal guardian if the person is
below 15 years of age or is mentally incapacitated.
4. In cases when the child’s parent or legal guardian
cannot be located despite reasonable efforts, or if the
child’s parent or legal guardian refuses to give consent,
it shall be obtained from a licensed social worker or
health worker, the assent of the minor must also be
required prior to testing.
COMPULSORY HIV TESTING SHALL BE ALLOWED
ONLY IN THE FOLLOWING INSTANCES:
• When it is necessary to test a person charged with any of the
offenses punishable under Articles 264 and 266 on serious
and slight physical injuries, Article 335 and 338 on rape and
simple seduction both of The Revised Penal Code (RA 3815)
and the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (RA 8553).
• When it is necessary to resolve relevant issues under EO No.
209, otherwise known as “The Family Code of the Philippines”
• As a prerequisite in the donation of blood in compliance with
the provisions of the “Organ Donation Act” (RA 7170) and
“National Blood Services Act of 1994” (RA 7719).
COMPULSORY HIV TESTING SHALL BE ALLOWED
ONLY IN THE FOLLOWING INSTANCES:
• INFORMED CONSENT – refers to the voluntary agreement of
a person to undergo or be subjected to procedures based on
full information, whether such permission is written or
conveyed verbally.

• PRETEST COUNSELING – refers to the process of providing

an individual with information on the biomedical aspects of
HIV/AIDS, and emotional support to any psychological
implications of undergoing HIV testing and the test result
itself before the individual is subjected to the test.
COMPULSORY HIV TESTING SHALL BE ALLOWED
ONLY IN THE FOLLOWING INSTANCES:
• POST TEST COUNSELING – refers to the process of providing
risk- reduction information and emotional support to a person
who is submitted to HIV testing at the time the result is
released.
ARTICLE VI: CONFIDENTIALITY

• With complying with reportorial requirements of the national

active passive surveillance system of the DOH: Provided, the
information related to a person’s identity shall remain
confidential

• When informing other health workers directly involved in the

treatment or care of a PLHIV. Provided, that such worker
shall be required to perform the duty of shared medical
confidentiality.
ARTICLE VI: CONFIDENTIALITY

• When responding to a subpoena duces tecum and subpoena

testificandum issued by a court with jurisdiction over a legal
proceeding where the main issue is the IV status of an
individual. Provided, that the confidential medical record,
after having been verified for accuracy by the head of the
office or department, shall remain anonymous and shall be
properly sealed by its lawful custodian, hand-delivered to the
court, and personally open by the judge; Provided further,
that the judicial proceedings be held in executive session.
DISCLOSURE OF HIV-RELATED TEST RESULTS

The result of any test related to HIV shall be disclosed by the

trained service provider who conducts pre-test and post-test
counseling only to the individual who submitted to the test.

The result may be disclosed to either of the patient’s parents,

legal guardian, or duly assigned licensed social worker or health
worker only.
 If the patient is below 15 years of age
 An orphan
 Mentally incapacitated
RA 11469: Bayanihan to Heal as One Act of 2020

An act declaring the existence of a national emergency arising

from the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation and a
national policy in connection therewith and authorizing the
president of the Republic of the Philippines for a limited period
and subject to restrictions, to exercise powers necessary and
proper to carry out the declared national policy and for other
purposes.
RA 11469: Bayanihan to Heal as One Act of 2020
 On March 24, 2020, the President signed into law the
Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which is valid for three months
unless extended by the Congress.
 The law grants authority to the President to realign about
P275-billion of national budget to address the impacts of
Covid-19.
 Under Section 2 of RA 11469, the following Presidential
Proclamations were issued:
o Presidential Proclamation 922: declaring a State of
Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines;
raising the Code Alert System for COVID-19 to Code Red
Sublevel 2
RA 11469: Bayanihan to Heal as One Act of 2020
o Presidential Proclamation No. 924: declaring a State of
Calamity throughout the Philippines and imposing
Enhanced Community Quarantine throughout Luzon.

 Under Section 4 of RA 11469, the law grants the President 30

special powers to address the COVID-19 outbreak in the
country.
 The law provides that aside from acts or omissions already
penalized by existing laws, violations under this law is
punishable with imprisonment of 2 months or a fine of
P10,000 to P1,000,000 or both, at the discretion of the court.
SUMMARY OF OTHER RELATED LAWS
 R.A. 11223 – Universal Health Care Law
(February 20, 2019)

 R.A. 11215 – National Integrated Cancer Control Act

( February 14, 2019)

 R.A. 11166 – The Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Law

(December 20, 2018)

 R.A. 10912 – Continuing Professional Development Act

(July 21, 2016)
 R.A. 1517 – Blood Banking Law of the Philippines (June 16,
SUMMARY OF OTHER RELATED LAWS
 R.A. 1517 – Blood Banking Law of the Philippines
(June 16, 19560

 R.A. 9165 – Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act

(June 7, 2022)

 R.A. 10152 – Mandatory Infants and Children Health

Immunization Act
(June 21, 2011)

 R.A. 8981 – PRC Modernization Act

(December 5, 2000)
SUMMARY OF OTHER RELATED LAWS
 R.A. 8504 – Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act
(February 13, 1998)

 R.A. 7170 – Organ Donation Act

(January 7, 1992)

 R.A. 6969 – Toxic Substances, Hazardous Waste and

Nuclear Wastes
( October 26, 1990)

 R.A. 9482 – Anti-rabies Act

(May 25, 2007)
SUMMARY OF OTHER RELATED LAWS
 R.A. 7722 – Higher Education Act
(May 18, 1994)
THE END!

Thank you!