Establishing an Interagency Coordination Mechanism for Radiologic Technology Practice in the Philippines: A Comparative Policy Analysis of ASEAN Regulatory Frameworks

Abstract Background: In the Philippines, the regulation of radiologic practice is distributed among multiple government agencies, including the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), each exercising authority over distinct regulatory domains. Objectives: This study examined the structure and coordination of radiologic governance in the Philippines and selected ASEAN jurisdictions and explored mechanisms that may strengthen interagency coordination and regulatory accountability. Methods: A qualitative policy analysis using documentary analysis, comparative review, and triangulation of legal and regulatory documents was conducted. Triangulation was undertaken through legal analysis of current Philippine laws governing radiologic practice, review of selected ASEAN regulatory frameworks, and interpretation using relevant governance literature. Documents were analyzed using content and thematic analysis guided by five analytical dimensions: regulatory authority, licensing, inspection and monitoring, enforcement mechanisms, and interagency coordination and accountability structures. Results: The findings showed that while a radiologic regulatory structure exists, the reviewed legal and regulatory instruments assign responsibilities across multiple institutions without explicitly establishing formal mechanisms for routine interagency coordination. No formal referral mechanism, structured communication process, or shared monitoring framework was identified within the reviewed legal and regulatory documents, suggesting a fragmented regulatory architecture. Across the selected ASEAN jurisdictions, more coordinated regulatory systems were identified, characterized by integrated licensing processes, facility regulation, inspection procedures, adverse radiation incident reporting mechanisms, monitoring systems, and coordinated enforcement activities. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the primary governance challenge lies not in the absence of regulatory authority, but in the lack of formally documented mechanisms for coordination across regulatory institutions. A Joint Memorandum Circular is therefore recommended to establish formal mechanisms for interagency referral, joint inspections, reporting and monitoring, coordinated enforcement, and related regulatory activities.