FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S, No. _-,-,2--".6....:;6....:;9,--
) 
) 
) 
Introduced by Senator Franklin M. Drilon 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
'11 
FEB -1 
P3 :07 
The Medical Act of 1959 has been the governing law on the practice of 
medicine in the country since its inception more than fifty years ago. Over the 
years, medical advances and innovations have been made to revitalize and 
improve the practice of medicine. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to review 
the present law and accommodate the changes In the medical field for the benefit 
of our medical professionals and the general pU.blic who deserve quality medical 
care, first and foremost. 
This proposed measure seeks to enact a new Physicians Act that will 
govern the standardization, upgrading and regulation of the operation of 
medicine-proper courses including internship training; the examination for 
, 
registration and licensure; the supervision, control and regulation of the practice 
of medicine; the integration of the profession; and the development of the 
competence and moral values and the professional attitude of physicians through 
continuing professional medical education (CPME). 
This bill attempts to meet the demands and the imperatives of global 
competitiveness in medicine. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 


2 
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE, 
) 
) 
) 
S. No. _-",,2,--=6,-,,6,--,9::-
Introduced by Senator Franklin M. Drilon 
'11 
FEB -1 
P3 :07 
AN ACT REGULATING THE EDUCATION AND LICENSURE OF PHYSICIANS AND 
THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING FOR THE 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 2382, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
GENERAL PROVISION 
3 
SECTION 1. 
Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Physicians Act of 2011 ". 
4 
SEC. 2. 
Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the vital role of physicians in the· 
5 
preservation, maintenance, safeguard, cure and enhancement of life, health and general 
6 
welfare of the citizenry. Physicians' professional services shall, therefore, be promoted as 
7 
a regular component of the total health care system. 
8 
SEC. 3. 
Objectives. - This Act provides for and shall govern the: 
9 
(a) Standardization, upgrading and regulation of the medical education including 
10 
internship training; 
11 
(b) 
Administration of the medical licensure exarrjination, licensure and registration of 
12 
the physicians; 
13 
(c) 
Supervision, control and regulation of the practice of medicine; 
14 
(d) 
Integration of the profession into one Philippine Medical Association (PMA); and 
15 
(e) 
Promotion of competence, moral values and professional attitude of physicians 
16 
through an integrated PMA. 
17 
SEC. 4. 
Enforcement. -
For the purpose of implementing the provisions of this Act, 
18 
there shall be created the following: Council of Medical Education, hereinafter referred to 
19 
as the Council, and the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine, hereinafter referred to 
20 
as the Board, under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), hereinafter referred 
21 
to as the Commission. 
22 
ARTICLE II 
23 
THE COUNCIL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION 


2 
SEC. 5. 
Composition of the Council of Medical Education. - The Council of Medical 
2 
Education shall be composed of the following: 
3 
(a) 
The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or his duly 
4 
authorized representative as chairperson; 
5 
(b) 
The Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) or his duly authorized 
6 
representative as member; 
7 
(c) 
The Chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine or his duly 
8 
authorized representative as member; 
9 
(d) 
The President of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) or his duly authorized 
10 
representative as member; 
II 
(e) 
The President of the Association of the Philippine Medical Schools (APMS) or his 
12 
duly authorized representative as member; and 
13 
(f) 
The President of the Philippine Hospital Association (PHA) or his duly authorized 
14 
representative as member. 
15 
The Chairperson and members of the Council shall hold office during their incumbency in 
16 
the respective institutions that they represent. 
17 
The Council, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity .of this Act, shall appoint a technical 
18 
panel composed of seven (7) outstanding members of the academe and/or the profession 
19 
whose responsibility is to assist the Council in carrying,out its functions and powers. 
20 
SEC. 6. 
Functions and Duties. - The Council shall have the following functions and 
21 
duties: 
22 
(a) 
To determine the requirements for admission into a recognized college of 
23 
medicine; 
24 
(b) 
To determine the minimum requirements for physical facilities of colleges of 
25 
medicine, to wit: buildings including hospitals, equipment and supplies, apparatus, 
26 
instruments, appliances, laboratories and bed capacity for instruction purposes, operating 
27 
and delivery rooms, facilities for out-patient services and others used for didactic and 
28 
practical instruction in accordance with modern trends; 
29 
(c) 
To determine the minimum number and the. standard qualifications of teaching 
30 
personnel including student-teacher ratio; 
31 
(d) 
To determine the minimum required curriculum including internship leading to the 
32 
degree of Doctor of Medicine; 
33 
(e) 
To 
authorize the 
implementation 
of an 
acceptable 
innovative medical 
34 
curriculum/strategy in a medical school that has exceptional faculty and equipment 
35 
facilities. Such an innovative curriculum may prescribe admission and graduation 
36 
requirements other than those prescribed in this Act: 
Provided, That only exceptional 
37 
students shall be enrolled in the innovative curriculum; 
38 
(f) 
To accept applications and issue certificates of admission to a medical school and 


3 
keep a registry of those issued with said certificate; and to collect from said applicants 
2 
reasonable fees as may be determined by the Council which shall accrue to the operating 
3 
funds of the Board of Medical Education; 
4 
(g) 
To recommend to the CHED the closure or suspension of the degree of Doctor of 
, 
5 
Medicine program of a college of medicine when called for based on the evaluation of the 
6 
statistical information on the performance of the said. college in the Physician Licensure 
7 
Examination as furnished by the Board of Medicine and the Commission and upon 
8 
inspection of the college of medicine by the Counpil, for various deficiencies and/or 
9 
violations; 
10 
(h) 
To select and approve hospitals or some d~partments of hospitals for training 
II 
which comply with the minimum specific physical facilities as provided in subparagraph (b) 
12 
hereof; and 
13 
(i) 
To promulgate, prescribe and enforce the necessary rules and regulations for the 
14 
proper implementation of the foregoing functions. 
15 
SEC. 7. 
Minimum Required Course. - The medical course leading to the degree of 
16 
Doctor of Medicine shall be five (5) years inclusive of clinical clerkship and internship and 
17 
shall consist.of the following subjects: 
18 
(a) 
Anatomy and Histology; 
19 
(b) 
Physiology; 
20 
(c) 
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; 
21 
(d) 
Pharmacology and Therapeutics; 
22 
(e) 
23 
(f) 
Microbiology and Parasitology; 
Internal Medicine, Radiology; 
24 
(g) 
25 
(h) 
General and Clinical Pathology and Oncology; 
Obstetrics and Gynecology; 
26 
(i) 
27 
U) 
28 
(k) 
29 
(I) 
30 
(m) 
Pediatrics and Nutrition; 
Surgery, Preventive Medicine and Public Health; 
Otorhinolaryngology, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Psychiatry; 
Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Public Health; and 
Legal Medicine, Medical Jurisprudence, Medical Ethics and Economics. 
, 
31 
Provided, That the Council may recommend to the CHED to rearrange, recluster or 
32 
integrate and revise the abovementioned subjects. 
33 
SEC. 8. 
Admission Requirements. - (a) A medical college may admit any student who 
34 
has not been finally convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal offense 
35 
involving moral turpitude and who presents all of the following: 
36 
(1) 
Record showing completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Science or Arts; 
37 
(2) 
Certificate of eligibility for entrance to a school of medicine from the Board of 
38 
Medical Education; 


4 
(3) 
Certificate of good moral character issued by two (2) former professors in the 
2 
college offering the pre-medical course(s); 
3 
(4) 
Birth certificate duly authenticated by the National Statistics Office (NSO); and 
4 
(5) 
Proof of successfully passing the National Medical Admission Test. 
5 
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to inhibit any college of medicine from establishing, 
6 
in addition to the requirements set forth in this section, any other reasonable entrance 
7 
requirements relevant to the degree. 
8 
For the purpose of this Act, the term "College of Medicine" shall mean to include faculty of 
9 
medicine, institute of medicine, school of medicine and other similar institution which has 
10 
complied with the standards and requirements set forth by the Board, offering a complete 
, 
II 
medical course leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine. 
12 
(b) 
Every college of medicine shall keep complete records of enrollment, grades, 
13 
graduates and must publish each year a catalogue giving the following information: 
14 
(1) 
15 
(2) 
16 
(3) 
Date of publication; 
Calendar of academic year; 
Roll of faculty members indicating whether on full-time or 
17 
their curriculum vitae; 
18 
(4) 
19 
(5) 
20 
(6) 
21 
(7) 
Requirements for admission; 
Grading system; 
Requirements for promotion; 
Requirements for graduation; 
part-time basis and 
22 
(8) 
23 
(9) 
Curriculum and description of course by department; and 
Number of students enrolled in each class in tl;]e preceding year. 
24 
ARTICLE III 
25 
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF MEDICINE 
26 
SEC. 9. 
Composition of the Board. -
There is hereby created a Professional 
27 
RegUlatory Board of Medicine, hereinafter referred to as the Board, under the 
28 
administrative control and supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission, 
29 
hereinafter referred to as the Commission, composed of a Chairperson, a Vice 
30 
Chairperson and five (5) members to be appointed 'by the President of the Philippines 
31 
from among three (3) recommendees for each position, chosen and ranked by the 
32 
Commission from a list of five (5) nominees for each position submitted by the integrated 
33 
and accredited professional organization. The Board shall be organized not later than six 
34 
(6) months from the effectivity of this Act. 
35 
SEC. 10. 
Powers and Duties. - The Board shall be vested with the following specific 
36 
powers, functions, duties and responsibilities: 
37 
(a) 
Supervise and regulate the practice of medicine in the Philippines; 


5 
(b) 
Determine and evaluate qualifications of the applicants for registration with 
2 
physician licensure examinations and for special permits; 
3 
(c) 
Prepare the questions in physicians' licensure examinations in accordance with 
4 
recognized principles of evaluation and of pertinent provisions of Section 23, Article IV of 
5 
this Act; prescribe the syllabi of the subjects and their relative weights for the licensure 
6 
examinations; formulate or adopt test questions and deposit them in a test question bank; 
7 
draw the test questions at random through the process of computerization; conduct the 
8 
examination; correct and rate the examination papers; and submit the examination results 
, 
9 
to the Commission within the period provided for by'the rules of the Commission. The 
10 
above test questions should be in congruence with the syllabi and the table of 
II 
specifications of the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC); 
12 
(d) 
In the formulation of test questions, the Board shall see to it that the questions 
13 
shall have relevant distributions as to the knowledge, skill and attitude of the examinees; 
14 
(e) 
Determine, amend or revise the requirements for the subjects in the physician 
15 
licensure examinations and their relative weights and the manner of giving the 
16 
examination, subject to the approval of the Commission; 
17 
(f) 
Register successful examinees in the physician licensure examinations in the rolls 
18 
of physicians and issue the corresponding certificates of registration; 
19 
(g) 
Issue special/temporary permits to foreign physicians to practice medicine for 
20 
specific projects and for a specific duration of time, in coordination with the integrated 
21 
PMA; 
22 
(h) 
Administer the qualifying examinations given to physicians who wish to train in the 
23 
Philippines for a specialty field, in coordination with the integrated PMA; 
24 
(i) 
In coordination with the integrated PMA, look into the conditions affecting the 
25 
practice of medicine, adopt measures for the enhancement of the profession and the 
, 
26 
maintenance of high professional, technical and ethical standards, in coordination with the 
27 
Council and conduct ocular inspections of places where physicians. practice their 
28 
profession; 
29 
U) 
Monitor the performance of medical schools and their compliance with the rules 
30 
and regulations of the Board of Medical Education; 
3 J 
(k) 
In coordination with the integrated PMA, promUlgate rules and regulations 
32 
including a Code of Ethics for Physicians, administrative policies, orders and issuances to 
33 
carry out the provisions of this Act; 
34 
(I) 
Investigate violations of this Act and the rul/ils and regulations, Code of Ethics, 
35 
administrative policies, orders and issuances promUlgated by the Board. The rule on 
36 
administrative investigation promulgated by the Commission shall govern in such 
37 
investigation; 


6 
(m) 
Issue subpoena ad testificandum or subpoena duces tecum to secure 
2 
attendance of respondents or witnesses as well as the production of documents relative to 
3 
the investigation conducted by the Board: Provided, ·That failure of the party to whom a 
4 
subpoena has been issued to comply therewith shall be punishable by way of indirect 
5 
contempt of the Board. 
For this purpose, the Board is hereby vested the power to cite 
6 
any party for contempt which may be exercised pursuant to the applicable provisions of 
7 
Rule 71 of the Rules of Court; 
, 
8 
(n) 
At the Board's discretion, delegate to the Chairperson, 
Vice chairperson 
9 
or any member of the Board, or a Commission attorney (PRC attorney) the hearing of an 
10 
administrative case. If the case concerns strictly the practice of medicine as defined in 
11 
Section 27 hereof, the investigation shall be presided over by a member of the Board with 
12 
the assistance of a PRC attorney: Provided, That the power to cite a party in contempt 
13 
shall be issued exclusively by the Board, upon recommendation of the member charged 
14 
with such investigation; 
15 
(0) 
After due notice and hearing, cancel examination papers and/or bar any 
16 
examinee from future examination; refuse or defer' his/her registration; reprimand the 
17 
registrant with stern warning; suspend him/her from the practice of his/her profession; 
18 
revoke his/her certificate of registration; cancel special/temporary permit; remove his/her 
19 
name from the roll of physicians for continuous nonpayment of annual registration fees 
20 
and noncompliance with the CME requirement; reinstate or reenroll his/her name in the 
21 
said roll; and reissue or return his/her certificate of registration and professional 
I 
22 
identification card. A decision of suspension, revocation of the certificate of registration or 
23 
,removal from the roll by the Board as provided herein may be appealed initially to the 
24 
Commission within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof; 
25 
(p) 
Administer the physician's oath pursuant to Section. 26 herein; 
26 
(q) 
Institute and prosecute or cause to be instituted and prosecuted any and all 
27 
criminal action against any violation of this Act and~br the rules and regulations of the 
28 
Board, subject to the provisions of Section 5, Rule 110 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure, 
29 
as amended; 
30 
(r) 
Adopt an official seal; 
31 
(s) 
Coordinate with the Board of Medical Education and the integrated PMA in 
32 
prescribing, amending and/or revising the courses in a medical program; 
33 
(t) 
Assist the Commission in the implementation of its prescribed guidelines and 
, 
34 
criteria on the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for registeredllicensed physicians; 
35 
(u) 
Set the standards and guidelines for the issuance and re-issuance of certificates 
36 
of registration; and 
37 
(v) 
Perform such other functions and duties as may be necessary to efficiently and 
38 
effectively implement the provisions of this Act. 


7 
The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations, orders or decisions issued or promulgated 
2 
by the Board shall be subject to the review, revision and approval by the Commission. 
3 
However, the Board's final decisions, resolutions or <;Jrders rendered in an administrative 
4 
case shall be immediately executory. 
5 
SEC. 11. 
Qualifications of the Board Members. - Each Board member must, at the time 
6 
of his/her appointment: 
7 
(a) 
Be a natural born Filipino citizen and has been a resident of the Philippines for at 
8 
least ten (10) consecutive years; 
9 
(b) 
Be at least forty (40) years old; 
10 
(c) 
Be a holder of a valid certificate of re~istration and a valid profeSSional 
11 
identification card as a physician; 
12 
(d) 
Has been a practitioner for at least ten (10) years; 
13 
(e) 
Be a bona fide member of the integrated Philippine Medical Association; 
14 
(f) 
Has not been convicted by final judgment 'by a competent court of a criminal 
15 
offense involving moral turpitude; 
• 
16 
(g) 
Has an experience of at least two (2) years, as a faculty member of a college of 
17 
medicine; 
18 
(h) 
Not be a current member of the faculty of an institute, school or college of 
19 
medicine nor have any pecuniary interest in any institution which offers and operates the 
20 
course or degree of Doctor of Medicine; and 
21 
(i) 
Not be connected with a review center/school/group or association offering 
22 
classes or lectures in preparation for the physician licensure examination. 
, 
23 
SEC. 12. 
Term of Office. - The members of the Board shall hold office from the date of 
24 
their apPointment for a term of three (3) years or until their successors shall have been 
25 
appointed and qualified. They may, however, be reappointed for another term but not for 
26 
a third (3'd) term. Appointments to fill up positions c'reated by causes other than through 
27 
expiration of regular terms shall be for the unexpired period only. 
Each member shall 
28 
qualify by taking an oath of office before the performance of his/her duties. 
The 
29 
incumbents whose terms have not yet expired' or who are merely holding over, at the 
30 
effectivity of this Act, shall be allowed to serve the unexpired portion of their terms or may 
31 
be appointed under this Act. 
32 
SEC. 13. 
Compensation of the Board Members. - The Chairperson, Vice Chairperson 
33 
and members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances or other benefits 
34 
pursuant to the provisions of the "PRC Modernization Act of 2000" and other pertinent 
35 
laws and comparable to the compensation and allowances received by the Chairperson 
36 
and members of existing professional regulatory boarps. 
37 
SEC. 14. 
Suspension or Removal of Board Member. -
The President, upon 
38 
recommendation of the Commission after giving the member concerned an opportunity to 


8 
be heard by himself or counsel in a proper administrative investigation to be conducted by 
2 
the Commission, may suspend or remove any member of the Board on any the following 
3 
grounds: 
Neglect of duty or incompetence; 
(a) 
(b) 
Unprofessional, unethical or dishonorable c00duct; 
4 
(c) 
Manipulation or rigging of results of any physician licensure examination, divulging 
5 
of secret information or disclosure of the said examination, or tampering of the grades 
6 
therein; and 
7 
(d) 
Final conviction by the court of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude. 
8 
SEC. 15. 
Administrative Management, Custody of Records, Secretariat and Support 
9 
Services. - The Board shall be under the administrative and executive management of the 
, 
10 
Commission, with the Commission chairperson as the chief executive officer thereof. All 
11 
records of the Board shall be under the custody of the Commission. 
12 
The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide the 
13 
Secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions of this Act. 
14 
SEC. 16. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Board, with the approval of the 
15 
Commission, shall prescribe, issue and promulgate rules and regulations implementing 
16 
and carrying out the provisions of this Act, which shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
17 
following the completion of their publication in the Official Gazelle or in a major daily 
18 
newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. 
19 
SEC. 17. 
Annual Report. - The Board shall, on or before the end of January of the 
20 
following year, submit to the Commission its annual report of accomplishments on 
21 
programs, projects and activities for the calendar year together with its appropriate 
22 
recommendations on issues or problems affecting the practice of medicine. 
23 
ARTICLE IV 
I 
24 
PHYSICIAN LICENSURE EXAMINATION 
25 
SEC. 18. 
Prerequisites to the Practice of Medicirl~. - No person shall engage in the 
26 
practice of medicine in the Philippines unless he/she: 
27 
(a) 
Holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card 
28 
issued by the Commission; 
29 
(b) 
Holds a valid special/temporary permit issued by the Board of Medicine subject to 
30 
approval by the Commission, and upon coordination with the integrated PMA, or unless 
31 
he/she is exempted by this Act from holding a'ny of the foregoing certificates of 
32 
registration; and 
33 
(c) 
Is a member of the integrated PMA and its component society in good standing. 
34 
Any foreign doctor who intends to undergo specialty training in the practice of medicine 
35 
must pass the qualifying examination given by the Soard of Medicine and concurred by 
36 
the integrated PMA. 


9 
SEC. 19. 
Examination Required. - All applicants for registration, before they can be 
2 
issued a certificate of registration and a professional identification card as a physician 
3 
shall be required to pass a written licensure examination for physician as provided for in 
4 
this Act, subject to the payment of the fees prescribed by the Commission. 
5 
SEC. 20. 
Qualifications of Applicants for the Physician Licensure Examination. - All 
6 
applicants for the physician licensure examination must possess all qualifications and 
7 
none of the ·disqualifications hereunder set forth, as follows: 
8 
(a) 
He/she is a citizen and resident of the Philippines or a citizen of a foreign 
9 
countrylstate which observes reciprocity in the practice of medicine with the Philippines or 
10 
who has been a permanent resident of the Philippines for at least one (1) year prior to the 
11 
examination; 
12 
(b) 
He/she is mentally, emotionally and physically sound; 
13 
(c) 
He/she has not been convicted in a final judgment by a court of any criminal 
14 
offense involving moral turpitude; 
15 
(d) 
He/she is a holder of the degree of Doctor of Medicine conferred by a College of 
16 
Medicine established in the Philippines and duly re'?ognized by the CHED or a degree 
17 
conferred by a college of medicine abroad and accredited by the CHED as substantially 
18 
equivalent to the degree of Doctor of Medicine offered by a Philippine College of Medicine. 
19 
SEC. 21. Venues and Schedule of Examinations. - The Board shall give examinations for 
• 
20 
the registration of physicians at least twice a year in ,such places as the Commission may 
21 
designate in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8981, otherwise known as 
22 
the "PRC Modernization Act of 2000". 
23 
SEC. 22. 
Registration, 
Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional 
24 
Identification Card; PMA Membership Card; Non-registration; Grounds Therefor. - All 
25 
successful examinees, upon compliance with all legal requirements and payment of fees 
26 
prescribed by the Commission, shall be registered and issued certificates of registration 
27 
and professional identification cards. They shall likewise be deemed members of the duly 
28 
recognized integrated PMA upon compliance with all reqUirements and payment of 
29 
compulsory dues, and shall be issued the necessary identification cards proving such 
30 
membership therein, upon presentation of their certificates of registration and professional 
31 
identification card. 
32 
The certificate of registration of a phYSician shall bear the registration number and the 
33 
date of issuance and the signatures of the chairperson of the Commission and the 
34 
members of the Board stamped with the seals of the Commission and the Board, 
35 
certifying that the name of the person stated therein appears in the Registry/Roster/Roll of 
36 
Physicians under the custody of the Commission; that the person has met or complied 
37 
with all the legal requirements for registration as a physician; and that the person is 
38 
entitled to exercise all the privileges appurtenant to the practice of his/her profession; 


10 
Provided, That his/her or she does not violate this Act, the rules and regulations, Code of 
2 
Ethics for Physicians, and other regulatory policies of the Commission and the Board. 
3 
The professional identification card shall bear tl1ie name of the registeredllicensed 
4 
physician, the registration number and the date of issuance, and its date of expiry and, 
, 
5 
together with the membership identification card issued by the integrated PMA, shall be 
6 
sufficient evidence that the physician can lawfully praptice his/her profession. 
7 
A successful examinee who has been finally convicted by a competent court of a criminal 
8 
offense involving moral turpitude, or found guilty by fJ1e Board of dishonorable or immoral 
9 
conduct, or declared by the court to be of unsound mind shall not be registered. The 
10 
decision of the Board, finding the examinee guilty .of dishonorable or immoral conduct, 
11 
may be appealed by the examinee to the Commission within fifteen (15) days from receipt 
12 
of the Board's decision or resolution, and to the Court of Appeals within the same period 
I3 
from the receipt of the decision or resolution of the Commission. The facts and the 
14 
reasons for refusal to register shall be clearly stated in writing, communicated to the 
15 
examinee and duly incorporated in the records of the' Commission. 
16 
SEC. 23. 
Scope of Examination. - The physician licensure examination shall cover the 
17 
following thirteen (13) individual or combined/clustered subjects with relative weights for 
18 
each one final examination after completion of intern~hip: 
19 
(a) 
Anatomy and Histology; 
20 
(b) 
Physiology; 
21 
(c) 
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; 
22 
(d) 
Pharmacology and Therapeutics; 
23 
(e) 
24 
(f) 
25 
(g) 
26 
(h) 
27 
(i) 
28 
U) 
29 
(k) 
30 
(I) 
31 
(m) 
Microbiology and Parasitology; 
Internal Medicine, Radiology; 
General and Clinical Pathology and Oncology; 
Obstetrics and Gynecology; 
Pediatrics and Nutrition; 
Surgery, Preventive Medicine and Public Health; 
Otorhinolaryngology, Ophthalmology, Neurolbgy, Psychiatry; 
Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Public Health; and 
, 
Legal Medicine, Medical Jurisprudence, Medical Ethics and Economics. 
32 
When an urgent and important need arises in, order to conform to technological 
33 
advancements and other changes, the Board, in coordination with the integrated PMA and 
34 
the Council, may revise the substance and the conduct of such examinations. 
35 
Each of the thirteen (13) subjects shall have its sy'IIabus or table of specifications. The 
36 
Board shall apply each syllabus after a lapse of three (3) months reckoned from the 
37 
concurrence of all the following requisites: 
38 
(a) 
Consultation with the concerned academe; 


11 
(b) 
Approval by the Commission; 
2 
(c) 
3 
(c) 
Publication of the Board resolution in a newspaper of general circulation; and 
Dissemination to all Colleges of Medicine. 
4 
SEC. 24. 
Rating in the Examination. - To pass the physician licensure examination, an 
5 
examinee must obtain a general average rating of at least seventy-five percent (75%) in all 
6 
thirteen (13) subjects, with no rating in any subject below fifty percent (50%). 
7 
SEC. 25. 
Report and Publication of the Results of Examination. -
The Board shall 
8 
report the rating of each examinee to the Commission within ten (10) days from the last 
9 
day of examination. The official results of the examination containing the list of topnotcher 
10 
examinees without indication of their respective schools/colleges, the names of the 
, 
II 
schools/colleges obtaining top percentages of successful graduate-examinees shall be 
12 
published by the Commission in the major daily newspapers of general circulation. 
13 
The report of rating of every examinee shall bemailedtohis/hergivenaddress.using the 
14 
mailing envelope he/she submitted during the examination. 
15 
SEC. 26. 
Oath. - All successful examinees shall be required to take their oath before 
16 
the Board or any person authorized by the Commission to administer oath before they are 
17 
issued their certificates of registration and professional identification cards or before they 
18 
start the practice of the profession. 
19 
ARTICLE V 
20 
REGULATION OF THE PRACTICE OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 
21 
SEC. 27. 
Acts Constituting the Practice of Medicine. - (a) A person shall be considered 
22 
as engaged in the practice of medicine under any of the following circumstances: 
23 
(1) 
Physically examining any person for any· disease, injury or deformity, or 
24 
diagnosing, treating, operating, prescribing or dispensing any remedy therefor; 
25 
(2) 
Examining a person's mental condition for any ailment, real or imaginary, 
26 
regardless of the nature of the remedy or treatment administered, prescribed or 
27 
recommended; 
28 
(3) 
Offering or undertaking to diagnose, treat, operate or prescribe and administer 
29 
any remedy for any human disease, injury, deformity, physical or mental condition either 
, 
30 
personally or by means of signs, cards or advertisements by way of mass media or any 
31 
other means of communication; 
32 
(4) 
Using or affixing "MD" with his/her name in the practice of the medical 
33 
profession or in his/her written or oral communications; or 
34 
(5) 
Conducting formal medical classes in medical schools, seminars, lectures, 
35 
symposia and the like. 
36 
(b) 
Practice through SpeciallTemporary Permit -;- A special/temporary permit may be 
37 
issued by the Board in consultation with the PMA and the DOH, subject to approval by the 
38 
Commission and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) pursuant to its 


12 
mandate as provided for in Articles 40 to 42 of the Labor Code. Such permits shall likewise 
2 
be issued, only after payment of fees as prescribed by the Commission, to the following: 
3 
(1) 
Physicians licensed from foreign countries/states whose services are either for a 
4 
fee or free: 
S 
(i) 
If they are intemationally well-known specialists or publicly acknowledged as 
6 
experts in any area of medical specialization; and 
7 
(ii) 
If their services are urgently necessary, owing to the lack of available local 
8 
specialists/experts, or for the promotion or advancement of the practice of medicine 
, 
9 
10 
including, but not limited to, the conduct of formal classes, acting as resource persons in 
medical seminars, fora, symposia and the like; 
II 
12 
13 
14 
(2) 
Physicians licensed in foreign countries/states who intend to render services for 
free and limited only to indigent patients in a particular hospital, center or clinic: Provided, 
however, That they render such services under the di'rect supervision and control of a duly 
registered/licensed physician; and 
15 
(3) 
Physicians licensed in foreign countries/states employed as exchange professors 
16 
in any area of medical specialization. 
17 
(c) 
The permit shall, among others, provide for such limitations, specifications and 
18 
conditions hereunder cited, as follows: 
19 
(1) 
A period of not more than one (1) year subject to renewal or extension: Provided, 
20 
That such renewal or extension shall be under the same process and requirements 
21 
hereinabove provided; 
22 
(2) 
23 
(3) 
24 
(d) 
The specific area of medical specialization; and 
The specific place of practice, such as clinic, hospital, center, college of medicine. 
The Board, subject to approval by the Commission and the DOLE, shall prescribe 
2S 
rules and regulations for the implementation of this P1lrticular section. 
26 
SEC. 28. 
Disciplinary Sanctions. - The Board shall have the power, upon proper notice 
27 
and hearing, to suspend from the practice of profession or revoke the certificate of 
28 
registration of a physician, or issue a reprimand or cancel the special/temporary permit 
29 
issued to a foreign physician for any of the following grounds/causes: 
30 
(a) 
Final conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal offense 
31 
involving moral turpitude; 
32 
(b) 
33 
(c) 
34 
(d) 
Immoral or dishonorable conduct; 
Insanity; 
Fraud in the acquisition of the certificate .of registration and the professional 
3S 
identification card or special/temporary permit; 
36 
(e) 
Gross negligence, ignorance or incompetence in the practice of his/her 
37 
profession, resulting in an injury to or death of the patient; 


13 
(f) 
Addiction to alcoholic beverages, to any habit forming drug or to any form of 
, 
2 
illegal gambling, rendering him incompetent to practice his/her profession; 
3 
(g) 
Making or causing to be made false, misleading, extravagant or unethical 
4 
advertisements wherein things other than his name, profession, limitation of practice, clinic 
5 
hours, office and home address are mentioned; 
6 
(h) 
Issuance of any false statement or spreading any false news or rumor which is 
7 
derogatory to the character and reputation of another physician without justifiable motive; 
, 
8 
(i) 
Knowingly issuing any false medical certificates and/or findings, or making any 
9 
fraudulent claims with government or private health insurance; 
10 
U) 
II 
(k) 
Performance of, or aiding in, any criminal abortion; 
Performing any act constituting the practice -of an area of medical specialization 
12 
without fulfilling the specialization requirements prescribed by the integrated PMA and the 
13 
Board; 
14 
(I) 
Knowingly aiding or subjecting one's self to\ be a patient of any person who is 
15 
unqualified or unregistered to practice medicine or an area of medical specialization, 
16 
except in aid of training of a medical student, or 'performing any act constituting the 
17 
practice of medicine or an area of medical specialization in behalf of any such unlicensed 
18 
or unregistered person: Provided, however, That this provision shall not apply when an act 
19 
constituting the practice of medicine or an area of medical specialization is performed in a 
20 
hospital, clinic or medical center as an accredited practitioner of such hospital, clinic or 
21 
medical center. 
For this purpose, all hospitals, clinics and medical centers are hereby 
I 
22 
required to furnish the appropriate regional office' of the DOH a list of all medical 
23 
practitioners duly accredited to practice within their respective institutions every three (3) 
24 
months; 
25 
(m) Violation of any provision of the Code of Ethics' for Physicians as prescribed by the 
26 
integrated PMA and adopted and promulgated by the Board, subject to approval by the 
27 
Commission; 
28 
(n) 
29 
(0) 
Practice of profession during the period of his, suspension; and 
Willful failure or refusal to be a member of'the integrated PMA or expulsion or 
30 
termination of membership therefrom, 
31 
SEC. 29. 
Rights of the Parties. - The private complainant and the respondent physician 
32 
shall be entitled to counsel and to be heard in person, to have a speedy and public 
33 
hearing, to confront and to cross-examine witnesses, and to all other rights guaranteed by 
• 
34 
the Constitution and the Rules of Court. All cases filed or pending under this Act shall not 
35 
be discussed or taken in any forum until after the same shall have been decided with 
36 
finality. 
37 
SEC. 30. 
Appeal from Judgment. - The decision of the Board shall become final fifteen 
38 
(15) days from the date of receipt of such decision by the parties or their counsel. Within 


14 
the same period, the aggrieved party may ask for a reconsideration of the decision for 
2 
being contrary to law or for insufficiency of evidence. When such motion for 
3 
reconsideration is denied, the aggrieved party may appeal to the Court of Appeals under 
4 
Rule 43 of the Rules of Court. No second motion for reconsideration to the Board shall be 
5 
allowed. 
6 
A decision rendered by the Commission against the respondent shall be executory. 
7 
SEC. 31. 
Re-issuance of Revoked Certificate of Registration and Professional 
8 
Identification Card and Replacement of Lost Certificate of Registration and Identification 
9 
Card. - After two (2) years and after due consultation with the integrated PMA and the 
10 
accredited ilational organization of physicians, the Board may order the reinstatement of 
, 
11 
any physician whose certificate of registration has been revoked, if the respondent has 
12 
acted in an exemplary manner in the community. 
13 
A new certificate of registration or professional identification card that has been lost, 
14 
destroyed or mutilated may be issued, subject to the rules of the Commission. 
15 
SEC. 32. 
Mandatory Use of Certificate of Registration, Professional and PMA 
16 
Identification Cards and Professional Tax Receipt NI./mber. -
A registered physician 
17 
shall indicate hislher certificate of registration number, the number and the expiry date of 
18 
the professional identification card and the PMA membership card, and the professional 
19 
tax receipt number on the prescription and other documents helshe signs, uses or issues 
20 
in connection with the practice of his/her profession. 
21 
SEC. 33. 
. Vested Rights. - All physicians registered at the time this law takes effect 
22 
shall be automatically registered under the provisiSJns hereof, without prejudice to the 
23 
other requirements herein set forth. 
24 
SEC. 34. 
Exceptions. - For purposes of this Act, any medical student duly enrolled in 
25 
an accredited medical college or school, or any graduate of medicine undergoing post 
26 
graduate training, serving without any profeSSional fee in any government or private 
27 
hospital, shall not be considered as engaging in the practice of medicine: Provided, That 
28 
he/she renders such service under the direct supervision and control of a duly 
29 
registered/licensed physician. 
30 
SEC. 35. 
Integration of the Profession. - The profession shall be integrated into one (1) 
31 
organization, the Philippine Medical Association, to be duly recognized and accredited by 
32 
the Board and the Commission. A physician duly registered and licensed by the Board 
33 
and the Commission shall automatically become a member of the said organization and 
34 
shall receive the benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto upon payment of required 
35 
fees and dues. 
Membership in the integrated organization shall not be a bar to 
36 
membership in any other association of phYSicians. , 
37 
SEC. 36. 
Mandatory Continuing Medical Education. -
The Board shall implement 
38 
through the integrated PMA a mandatory continUing' medical education among practicing 
'. 


15 
physicians in consonance with the guidelines 
o~ the CPE as shall hereafter be 
2 
promulgated by the Commission. 
3 
SEC. 37. 
Automatic Registration of Physicians. - All physicians whose names appear 
4 
at the Registry/Roll/Roster of Physicians at the time of the effectivity of this Act shall 
• 
5 
automatically be registered by the Board and th,e Commission as physicians and, 
6 
thereafter, by the integrated PMA and the accredited national organization of registered 
7 
and licensed physicians as its bona fide members, pursuant to Section 22 of this Act. 
8 
SEC. 38. 
Foreign Reciprocity. -
Unless the country of which he/she is a subject or 
9 
citizen specifically permits Filipino physicians to practice within its territorial limits on the 
10 
same basis as the subject or citizen of the said foreign state or country under reciprocity 
11 
and under international agreements, no foreignerr shall be admitted to licensure 
12 
examinations, given a certificate of registration to practice as a physician nor be entitled to 
13 
any of the privileges under this Act. 
14 
ARTICLE VI 
15 
PENAL PROVISiONS 
16 
SEC. 39. 
Penalties. - (a) The penalty of imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but 
17 
not exceeding five (5) years or a fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos 
18 
(P200,OOO.OO) but not exceeding Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,OOO.OO), or both, 
19 
upon the discretion of the court, shall be suffered by: 
20 
(I) 
Any person who practices or offers to practic;e medicine in the Philippines without 
21 
a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card, or a valid 
22 
temporary/special permit in accordance with the provisions of this Act; 
23 
(2) 
Any person using or attempting to use as his/her own the certificate of registration 
24 
or professional identification card or temporary/special permit duly issued to another; 
25 
(3) 
Any person who shall give any false or forged documents, credentials and any 
26 
other proof of any kind to the Board or Commission in order to obtain a certificate of 
27 
registration or professional identification card or tempqrary/special permit; 
28 
(4) 
Any person who shall falsely impersonate any bona fide registrant with like or 
29 
different name; 
30 
(5) 
Any registered and licensed physician or medical specialist who shall abet or 
• 
31 
assist in the illegal practice by a person who is not lawfully qualified to practice medicine or 
32 
any area of medical specialization; 
33 
(6) 
Any person who actually engages in the practice of medicine as defined in 
34 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of Section 27 of this Act without any certificate of registration; 
35 
(7) 
Any person who shall attempt to use a revoked or suspended certificate of 
36 
registration or a cancelled temporary/special permit; 


16 
(8) 
Any person who shall use or advertise any title or description tending to convey 
2 
the impression to the general public that he/she is a registered and licensed physician 
3 
when in fact he/she is not; 
4 
(9) 
Any registered and licensed physician or medical specialist who shall use or 
5 
advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression to the general public 
6 
that he/she is a specialist in an area of medical specialization when in fact he/she is not; 
7 
and 
8 
(10) 
Any reg istered physician who shall commit any of the prohibited acts as 
9 
enumerated in paragraphs (i), U), (k) and (I) of Section 28 hereof. 
10 
(b) 
When any of the acts defined in paragraphs 5 and 6 of this section is committed 
11 
by a person against three (3) or more persons, or when any of such acts is committed by 
12 
at least three (3) persons who shall cooperate and confederate with one another, or when 
13 
death occurs as a result of the commission of the prohibited act mentioned in paragraph 
14 
(k) of Section 28 of this Act, the offense shall be con~idered as a qualified violation of this 
15 
Act and shall be punishable by life imprisonment and a fine of not less than Five hundred 
16 
thousand pesos (P500,000.00) but not more than Twq million pesos (P2,000,000.00). 
17 
Prosecution of offenses under this Act shall be witho~t prejudice to a separate prosecution 
18 
under the provisions of the Revised Penal Code and other laws. 
19 
SEC. 40. 
Injunctions. - Upon written motion by any interested party and after notice 
• 
20 
and hearing, the Board may issue an order enjoining any person illegally practicing 
21 
medicine from performing any act constituting the practice of medicine until the necessary 
'. 
22 
certificate therefor is secured. However, if it is shown in the affidavits attached to the 
23 
motion that the movant or the general public will suffer grave injustice or irreparable injury, 
24 
the chairperson of the Board, or, in his/her absence, any Board member holding office 
25 
may issue a temporary restraining order effective for seventy-two (72) hours. The 
26 
applicable provisions of Rule 58 of the Rules of Court shall govern the issuance of the writ 
27 
of injunction and lifting thereof, except that where after hearing it is shown that the movant 
28 
is entitled to the injunction prayed for, such writ of injunction shall be effective until there is 
29 
clear showing that the respondent is authorized to practice medicine in the Philippines. 
30 
Any such person who, after having been so enjoined, continues on the illegal practice of 
31 
medicine shall be punished for contempt of court. The issuance of the said injunction shall 
32 
not relieve the person from criminal prosecution and punishment as provided in the 
33 
preceding section. 
34 
ARTICLE VII 
35 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
36 
SEC. 41. 
Enforcement. -
The Commission shall be the enforcement agency of the 
37 
Board. As such, the Commission shall implement the provisions of this Act, enforce its 
38 
implementing rules and regulations as adopted by the Board, assist the Board in the 


17 
investigation of complaints against violators of this Act, its rules and regulations, the Code 
2 
of Ethics for Physicians and other policies of the Board. 
3 
The Commission or the Board shall call upon or req.uest any department, instrumentality, 
4 
office, bureau, institution or agency of the government including local government units 
5 
(LGUs) to render such assistance as it may require, qr to coordinate or cooperate in order 
6 
to carry out, enforce or implement the professional ~egulatory policies of the government 
7 
or any ptogram or activity it may undertake. 
s 
SEC. 42. 
Appropriations. - The Chairpersons of the Commission on Higher Education 
• 
9 
and the Professional Regulation Commission shall immediately include in their programs 
10 
the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be charged against their current 
" 
II 
years' appropriations and thereafter in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
12 
SEC. 43. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations. -
Within ninety (90) days after the 
13 
approval of this Act, the PRC, together with the Board, the PMA and the Council of 
14 
Medical Education of the CHED shall prepare and promulgate the implementing rules and 
15 
regulations (IRRs) to carry out the provisions of this Act and adopt the integrated PMA 
16 
Code of Ethics. The IRRs shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following their publication 
17 
in a major daily newspaper of general circulation. 
18 
SEC. 44. 
Transitory Provisions. - The incumbent Board shall continue to function in the 
19 
interior until such time as the new Board shall have been constituted pursuant to this Act. 
20 
SEC. 45. 
Separability Clause. - If any clause, provision, paragraph or part hereof be 
21 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect, invalidate or impair any 
22 
other part hereof, but such judgment shall be merely confined to the clause, provision, 
23 
paragraph or part directly involved in the controver~y in which such judgment has been 
24 
rendered. 
25 
SEC. 46. 
Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 2382 also known as "The Medical Act 
26 
of 1959", as amended by Republic Act Nos. 4224 and 5946; all laws amending the said 
27 
Act, all other laws, decrees, executive orders and other administrative issuances and parts 
28 
thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby modified, 
29 
amended, superseded or repealed accordingly. 
30 
SEC. 47. . 
Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following 
, 
31 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
32 
circulation in the Philippines. 
Approved,