Blood extraction as penalty for violators of laws pushed

BAGUIO CITY – Violators of city ordinances of this summer capital may soon find themselves being extracted of their blood as penalty for their infractions.

The city council is now studying the proposal to make blood donation an alternative mode of settlement of administrative fines for violation of city ordinances that carry the penalty of payment of fines.

City Councilor Joel Alangsab who filed the proposal July 20 said the ordinance was referred to the committee on health chaired by Councilor Elaine Sembrano during its last session following its approval on first reading.

Alangsab said the proposal known as “blood for fine ordinance” aims to increase the supply of blood for patients to assure the sufficient supply of safe blood for all.

 The proposal mentioned that under Republic Act 7719 known as the “National Blood Services Act of 1994” it is a declared policy of the state to promote and encourage voluntary blood donation by the citizens and to instill public consciousness of the principle that blood donation is a humanitarian act.”

 It further said that while there is a huge demand for blood supply to saves lives and improve health, millions of patients needing it do not have timely access to safe blood.

 Once the proposal is approved, those meted with a fine ranging from Php500 to Php1,000 can settle the administrative penalty by giving his blood. “Upon apprehension, the violator shall be informed by the law enforcer of the options to donate blood or to pay the corresponding fee.”

 The violator has seven days to donate blood to the Baguio Health Services Office (HSO) and failure to do so within the period will compel the person to pay the fine. The HSO shall bear the cost of the screening the blood and all other expenses needed to pursue the donation.

 However, if it is found that the blood contains impurities, the person shall be required to pay the administrative fine for the violation he committed.

 But because blood donation cannot be done more often than every three months, the person can only take the blood donation option beyond the three months period.

 As a matter of procedure, upon completion of the blood donation, the violator is issued a certification which the person has to present to the city treasurer’s office for the offsetting of the administrative fine.

Alangsab, in an interview, said this will not just be a deterrent for persons from violating the city’s ordinances but in the end will help save lives of people who are facing medical emergencies. -- Liza T. Agoot/PNA