Bong Go files bill to modernize medical technology profession

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed a bill seeking to update and regulate the medical technology profession in the Philippines to meet modern healthcare standards and strengthen support for frontline diagnostic workers.

The proposed measure, known as the “New Philippine Medical Technology Act of 2025,” aims to overhaul Republic Act No. 5527 or the “Medical Technology Act of 1969,” which Go said is outdated and no longer reflects current medical advancements.

“Republic Act No. 5527 has remained the governing law for the practice of medical technology in the Philippines for over five decades,” Go stated. “While it has served as a foundation for the profession, many of its provisions are now outdated and no longer reflect the current advancements, standards, and realities of medical practice.”

He emphasized the role of medical technologists during the COVID-19 pandemic and called for clearer standards in education, licensure, and compensation.

“They have stood at the frontlines of disease detection, diagnostics, and public health surveillance, often at great personal risk,” Go noted. “This bill seeks to modernize the legal framework... and cultivate a corps of competent, ethical, globally competitive, and service-oriented medical technologists.”

The bill also proposes setting the minimum entry-level salary for registered medical technologists in government at Salary Grade 15 to match compensation received by nurses and other health professionals.

Go filed the bill as part of his 10 priority measures for the 20th Congress, which include proposed legislation on disaster resilience, health IDs, expanded education subsidies, and wage hikes.

He reaffirmed his broader advocacy for healthcare reforms and social support for the poor.

“For my second term, with all sincerity, I will continue to push for pro‑poor programs and laws, especially on health. Health is wealth. We must collaborate to bring quality medical services closer to our people, particularly the poor and indigent patients. Ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.