Senator Christopher “Bong” Go paid tribute to medical technologists during the 61st Annual Convention of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists Inc. at The Manila Hotel in Ermita, Manila.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, stressed that medical technologists are among the unsung heroes of the health sector whose sacrifices deserve utmost recognition, noting that their work behind the scenes is crucial for patient diagnosis and safety.

“I have met health workers across the country... And I always hear a common message from medical technologists: they want safer workplaces, updated equipment, and a system that truly supports their growth,” Go said, adding that their concerns shape his legislative work.

Go highlighted his legislative efforts to support healthcare workers, including his role as an author and co-sponsor of Republic Act (ra) 11712, or the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act.

He urged the Department of Health (DoH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to prioritize the settlement of pending Health Emergency Allowances for health workers who served during the pandemic.

“It is only right that we elevate the level of recognition for you because the life and safety of the patient are at stake in every test and result you release,” Go said. “We remind the DoH and DBM to expedite the distribution of healthcare allowances.”

As a health reform advocate, Go is also one of the authors and co-sponsor of RA 11466, or the Salary Standardization Law 5, which increased the salaries of government personnel, including public healthcare workers.

Furthermore, Go filed Senate Bill No. 172, the proposed New Medical Technology Law, which aims to modernize the 1969 Medical Technology Act. A key provision of the measure is the improvement of compensation and benefits for medical technologists and the establishment of a dedicated Professional Regulatory Board of Medical Technology. Go explained that the bill promotes higher salaries for entry-level positions.

He also filed Senate Bill No. 1352 to ensure just and humane working conditions for private healthcare workers.