Republic of the Philippines RECEIVED -
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DATE 03 JUL 205
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 12 6 0

Introduced by Representative MARCELINO R. TEODORO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippine Psychology Act of 2009 (RA 10029) significantly advanced the practice
of psychology in the country. However, the Philippines continues to face a severe shortage of
mental health professionals. As of August 2023, there are only 2,030 licensed psychologists
and 31,433 psychometricians'—equating to just 0.69 psychologists per 100,000 Filipinos.

Mental health challenges remain widespread. A 2018 UNICEF report showed that 10—
15% of Filipino children aged 5 to 15 suffer from mental health issues.” In 2022, the WHO
reported that 16.8% of Filipino adolescents aged 13 to 17 had attempted suicide.’ The
Department of Health estimates that around 3.6 million Filipinos experienced mental health
issues during the pandemic.‘

The enactment of the Philippine Mental Health Act of 2018 (RA 11036), along with
the DOH’s 8-Point Agenda and the Philippine Council for Mental Health Strategy Map (2023-
2028), emphasizes the government's commitment to expanding access to integrated,
community-based mental health services.

This bill proposes amendments to RA 10029 to align it with RA 11036, international
standards, and evolving national priorities. It introduces the term “registered associate
psychologists” in place of “psychometricians,” reflecting their expanded roles under proper
regulation. It also updates training requirements, internship hours, and licensure exam content
to ensure that professional competencies meet actual practice demands.

These amendments are essential to strengthen the delivery of mental health care and
ensure the psychology profession remains responsive to the growing needs of the Filipino
people.

+ PRC Professional Registry Division

? https://www,uniceforg/philippines/media/S56/file

3 https://www.who.int.neds/surveillance/gshs/PIH2015_fact_sheet.pdf

“ https://news.abs.cbn.com/spotlight/05/19/21/at-least-36-million-flipinos-b attlig-mental health-issues-amid-
pandemic-doh



The immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

/ ‘
MARCELINO R. TEODORO

Representative
First District, Marikina City


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1260

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. MARCELINO R. TEODORO

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A PHILIPPINE PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSIONALIZATION
ACT, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10029,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “PHILIPPINE PSYCHOLOGY ACT OF
2009”, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled.
ARTICLE |
TITLE

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Psychology
Professionalization Act."
ARTICLE I
STATEMENT OF POLICY

SEC. 2. Statement of Policy. The State recognizes that psychologists have an
important role in nation-building and development. It also acknowledges the diverse
specializations of psychologists and the distinct functions specific to the varied
specializations, including those that do not involve the professional practice of psychology
or the delivery of psychological services. It further acknowledges the need to protect the
public by preventing unqualified individuals from engaging in psychological practice or
offering psychological services. Hence, it shall nurture competent, upright, and diligent
registered professional psychologists whose standards of practice and service shall be


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excellent and globally competitive through the administration of inviolable, effective,
and credible licensure examinations and the imposition and promotion of regulatory
measures, programs, and activities that enhance their professional growth and well-
being.
ARTICLE Ill
DEFINITION OF TERMS.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act:

a) Practice of Psychology refers to the delivery of psychological services that involve
the application of psychological principles and procedures to describe, understand,
and influence the behavior of individuals or groups to assist in the attainment of
optimal human growth and functioning. The delivery of psychological services
includes:

1) Psychological Assessment.  - A systematic process that uses a
combination of techniques and methods, such as tests, inventories,
interviews, and observations, to evaluate various psychological and
behavioral characteristics, such as traits and capabilities of an individual
or group of individuals; and

2) Psychological Interventions. A deliberate and structured process with an
expected outcome based on psychological theories or models to facilitate
psychological changes in an individual, group, community, organization, or
system. These psychological services may be provided through
telecommunication technologies: Provided, That service providers comply
with all legal requirements and ethical standards and regulations when
providing telepsychology services to patients across jurisdictional and
international borders.

b) Psychologist refers to a person with postgraduate training in psychology who
engages in teaching, research, and professional practice of psychology. A
psychologist may not be a registered psychologist.

c) Psychology refers to the scientific study of human behavior. It involves
applying scientific methods to inquire into the biological, cognitive, affective,
developmental, personality, social, cultural, and individual dimensions of
human behavior.

d) Registered Psychologist refers to a natural person duly registered and holds a
valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card as a
professional registered psychologist issued by the Professional Regulatory Board
of Psychology and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) pursuant to
this Act to deliver the following psychological services:

1) Psychological assessment for diagnosis, providing mental health status
clearance, developing psychological interventions, aiding in decision- making
for court cases, hiring and promotion, and licensing of firearms, among others;

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2) Psychological interventions such as psychological counseling,
psychotherapy, psychosocial support, psychological coaching, psychological
debriefing, group therapy, and all other psychological interventions for
clinical populations involving the application of psychological principles to
improve the psychological functioning of individuals, families, groups, and
organizations. These interventions also develop, plan, implement, monitor, and
evaluate the psychological programs for individuals or groups;

3) Supervision of the practices mentioned above;

4) Teaching of subjects covered in the licensure examination for registered
psychologists, as well as equivalent course titles: Provided, That they have
met the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) requirements;

5) All services and activities that registered psychology associates can do; and

6) All psychological services and functions that mental health associates or
professionals can do.

e) Registered Psychology Associate refers to a natural person who holds a valid
certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card as a
registered psychology associate issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of
Psychologists and the PRC pursuant to this Act. As such, they shall be
authorized to do any of the following:

1) Psychological screening on risk assessment and behavioral assessment;

2) Psychological evaluation of non-clinical populations for hiring, school
admission, and among others;

3) Intake interviews for non-clinical populations;
4) Needs assessment for groups, organizations, or communities;

5) Psychosocial support for which they have the appropriate training, not
requiring graduate or specialist training;

6) Training, learning, and development programs for which they have the
appropriate training;

7) Psychoeducation for mental health literacy;

8) Provision of human resource management services in organizations and
communities;

9) Development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of
wellness programs for organizations and communities;

10) Teaching of subjects covered in the licensure examination for registered
psychology associates, as well as equivalent course titles: Provided, That
they have met the CHED requirements;

11) Assistance for the registered psychologist in psychological assessment

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and interventions for clinical populations; and

12) All psychological services and functions that mental health associates or
professionals can perform for non-clinical populations except counseling
and psychotherapy.

f) Clinical populations refer to individuals who exhibit psychological symptoms
,cognitive impairments, neurologic conditions, traumatic stress
reactions, significant distress and impaired functioning, and chronic
problem behaviors that require specialized assessment and interventions by a
registered psychologist.

ARTICLE IV
PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY

SEC. 4. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board of
Psychology. There is hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board of
Psychology, hereinafter called the Board, a collegial body under the administrative
control and supervision of the PRC, which shall be composed of a Chairperson and four
(4) members.

appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list of three (3) nominees for
each

position. The accredited integrated professional organization (AIPO) of
psychologists

shall submit nominees to the PRC. The Board shall be organized not later than sixty
(60)

days from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 5. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Professional
Regulatory Board of Psychology. The chairperson and members of the Board shall,
at the time of their appointment, possess the following qualifications:

a) Anatural-born citizen and resident of the Philippines;

b) At least thirty-five (35) years of age:

c) Of good moral character;

d) A holder of a doctorate in psychology conferred by a university, college, or
school in the Philippines or abroad duly recognized or accredited by the CHED;

e) Have at least ten (10) years of practice in psychology in a duly recognized

institution, clinic, or center, as well as at least five (5) years of teaching

experience in the field of psychology;

f) A registered psychologist, without the requirement of separate registration
as registered psychology associate, except in the case of the first members
of the Board who shall automatically be conferred a valid certificate of

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registration and a valid professional identification card as a Registered
Psychologist and Registered Psychology Associate upon appointment of the
Board;

9) Neither an officer, trustee, nor member of the faculty of any university,
college, institute, or school where a regular course in psychology is offered or
taught or review classes conducted and shall not have any pecuniary interest,
direct or indirect, in any such institution;

h) Not an officer nor hold any position other than being a member of the AIPO
of psychologists; and

i) Shall not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.

SEC. 6. Term of Office. The chairperson and the members of the Board shall have
a term of three (3) years or until their successors shall have been appointed and duly
qualified: Provided, That the Board to be appointed after the approval of this Act shall
hold office for the following terms: the chairperson for three (3) years; one (1) member
for two (2) years; and the other member for one (1) year, which shall be specified in
their respective appointments.

Each member of the Board may be reappointed for one (1) full term of three (3) years
only. The member serving the last year of their term shall automatically become the
chairperson of the Board and shall not be able to succeed themselves immediately
after the expiration of the term of office so that the term of one member shall be due to
expire every year: Provided, however, That all appointments for chairperson shall be
approved by the President of the Philippines: Provided further, That an appointment for
any existing vacancy or vacancies shall be made within one month from the time the
vacancy occurred and shall be for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each member
of the Board shall qualify by taking the proper oath of office before the performance of
duties.

SEC. 7. Powers and Duties. The Board shall have the following powers and
duties:

a) Administer and implement the provisions of this Act and promulgate, revise,
or update the rules and regulations, resolutions, and guidelines as
necessary: Provided, That the policies, resolutions, rules and regulations
issued or promulgated by the Board shall subject to review and approval of
the PRC;

b) Supervise and monitor the registration, licensure, and practice of
tegistered psychologists and registered psychology associates in the
Philippines;

c) Administer oaths of profession in connection with the administration of this
Act;

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d) Issue, suspend, revoke, or reinstate, upon compliance with due process
and requirements, the certificate of registration and professional identification
card for registered psychologist and registered psychology associate;

e) Adopt an official seal of the Board;

f) Monitor the conditions and circumstances affecting the practice of
psychology in the Philippines and adopt such measures as may be deemed
lawful and proper for the enhancement and maintenance of high
professional, ethical, and technical standards of the profession after
thorough and extensive consultations with stakeholders, such as the
AIPO and its practice divisions, CHED, higher educational institutions
(HEIs), chartered and autonomous from CHED, and among others;

g) Issue permits and exercise visitorial powers over institutions,
associations, corporations, and partnerships to verify that the persons
Practicing psychology therein are registered psychologists and registered
psychology associates with valid certificates of registration and valid
professional identification cards;

h) Assist the PRC in the formulation and implementation of the guidelines
on continuing professional education for registered psychologists and
registered psychology associates;

i) Ensure that all educational institutions under CHED's purview that offer the
course or program in psychology comply with the policies, standards, and
requirements strictly prescribed by the CHED for such course or program,
especially in the areas of administration, curriculum, faculty, library, and
facilities;

j) Prepare, adopt, issue, and amend the syllabi for the licensure
examination subjects after thorough consultations with stakeholders, such as
the AIPO, CHED, and HEIs classified as autonomous by CHED and by
charter. This function does not extend to any curricular matters beyond
the syllabi for the licensure examination subjects;

k) Investigate and, when warranted, hear administrative cases involving
violations of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations as hereinafter
promulgated, and any applicable code of ethics or code of professional
standards. For this purpose, it may issue subpoena ad testificandum and
subpoena duces tecum to secure the appearances of witnesses and the
production of documents in connection therewith: Provided, That the
Board's decision, resolution, or orders rendered in administrative cases shall
be subject to review only on appeal; and

1) Perform such other functions and duties as may be lawfully delegated, or as it
may deem necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act, and going through
extensive consultation with various stakeholders, such as the AIPO,

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CHED, other HEls classified as autonomous by CHED and by charter.

SEC. 8. Compensation and Allowances. The chairperson and members of the
Board shall receive compensation or honorarium similar to those obtained by
the chairperson and members of the existing regulatory boards, subject to the
prevailing government issuances and rules and regulations on the matter.

SEC. 9. Removal or Suspension of Members of the Professional Regulatory
Board of Psychology. Any member of the Board in observance of due process
and completion of the proper investigation may be suspended or removed by the
President from office upon the recommendation of the PRC for causes such as gross.
neglect of duty, incompetence, malpractice, behavior unbecoming of a psychology
professional, immorality, unethical or dishonorable conduct, final conviction of any
crime involving moral turpitude, any act of graft and corruption, and participation in the
manipulation of or any dishonesty relative to the licensure examinations or the
registration process.

SEC.10. Administrative Supervision over the Board, Custodian of its
Records, Secretariat, and Support Services. The Board shall be under the
administrative supervision and control of the PRC. All records of the Board,
including documents relative to the licensure examinations as well as administrative
and other investigative cases conducted by the Board, shall be kept in the custody of
the PRC. The PRC shall designate the secretary of the Board and provide the secretariat
with necessary support services to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

ARTICLE V
LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS.

SEC. 11. Examinations Required. All applicants for registration to practice
psychology must pass the licensure examination for registered psychologists
and registered psychology associates, which the Board shall conduct at such places
and dates and subject to such requirements prescribed by the PRC.

SEC.12. Qualifications of Applicants for the Licensure Examination for
Registered Psychologists. An applicant for the licensure examination for
registered psychologist shall meet the following qualifications:

a) Must be a Filipino citizen, a permanent resident, or a citizen of a foreign State,
which extends reciprocity to the Philippines relative to the practice of the
profession;

b) Must be at least a master’s degree holder in psychology conferred by a
university, college, or school in the Philippines or abroad accredited by the
CHED and has obtained sufficient credits for the subjects covered in the
examinations;

cc) Must have undergone a minimum of two hundred (200) hours of
supervised practicum or clinical experience pertinent to the services delineated

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in Section 3(d) of this Act, which shall be conducted under the supervision
and guidance of a registered psychologist or another duly licensed mental
health professional;

d) Must be of good moral character; and

e) Must not have been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a
court of competent jurisdiction.

SEC.13. Qualifications of Applicants for the Licensure Examination for
Registered Psychology Associates. An applicant for the licensure as a
registered psychology associate shall meet the following qualifications:

a) Must be a Filipino citizen, a permanent resident, or a citizen of a foreign State
which extends reciprocity to the Philippines relative to the practice of the
profession;

b) Must have at least a bachelor's degree holder in psychology conferred
by a university, college, or school in the Philippines or abroad accredited
by the CHED and has obtained sufficient credits for the subjects covered in
the examinations;

c) Must have undergone a minimum of fifty (50) hours to no more than one
hundred (100) hours of supervised practicum or internship experience
related to services enumerated in Section 3 (e) of this Act and under the
auspices of a registered psychologist or other licensed mental health
professional. The number of hours applies until CHED increases this
number based on their guidelines and after thorough consultation with
relevant stakeholders such as HEls, autonomous or chartered HEIs, and
the AIPO and its practice divisions;

) Must be of good moral character; and

) Must not have been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a
court of competent jurisdiction.

SEC. 14, Examination Subjects for Registered Psychologists. The licensure
examination for registered psychologist shall cover the following subjects or
their respective equivalent course titles:

a) Advanced Theories of Personality

b) Advanced Abnormal Psychology

c) Advanced Psychological Assessment
d) Counseling and Psychotherapy

SEC. 15. Examination Subjects for Registered Psychology Associates. The

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licensure examinations for registered associate psychologists shall cover the
following subjects or their respective equivalent course titles:

a) Developmental Psychology

b) Abnormal Psychology
c) Work and Organizational Psychology

d) Psychological Assessment

The Board may recluster, rearrange, modify, add or exclude and prescribe subjects
for registered psychologists and registered psychology associates as the need arises,
but only after extensive consultation with various stakeholders such as the AIPO,
CHED, and HEIs classified as autonomous by CHED and by charter.

SEC. 16. Registration Without Examination for Registered Psychologists. A
person who possesses the qualifications required to take the examination for
registration as a psychologist pursuant to the provisions of this Act may be
registered without examination: Provided, That an applicant files with the Board within
three (3) years after the effectivity of this Act, an application for registration and
issuance of certificate of registration and professional identification card by
submitting credentials satisfactory to the Board that the applicant had, on or before
the first Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists and Psychometricians
(BLEPP) in 2014, fulfilled the requirements under either subparagraphs a) or b)
herein:

a) Obtained a doctoral degree in psychology and had accumulated three (3) years
of work experience in the practice of psychology; or

b) Obtained a master’s degree in psychology and accumulated a minimum of five
(5) years of work experience in the practice of psychology.

SEC.17. Registration Without Examination for Registered Psychology
Associates. A person who possesses the qualifications required to take the
examination for registration as a registered associate psychologist may be
registered without examination: Provided, That an applicant files with the Board within
three (3) years after the effectivity of this Act an application for registration and
issuance of a certificate of registration and professional identification card by
submitting credentials satisfactory to the Board that the applicant had, or before the
effectivity of this Act obtained a bachelor's degree in psychology and accumulated
at least seven (7) years of full-time work experience in any functions attributed to
a registered psychology associate as defined in Art Ill Sec. 3 (e) of this Act.

SEC.18. Ratings in the Examination. To qualify as having passed the licensure
examination for registered psychologists and registered psychology associates,
a candidate must have obtained a weighted general average of at least seventy-five
percent (75%) for all subjects, with no grade lower than sixty percent (60%) in any
given subject.

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‘An examinee who obtains a weighted general average of 75% or higher but obtains
a rating below 60% in any given subject may retake such subjects within the next
two (2) years, and upon obtaining a rating of at least 75% in each such subject,
shall then be deemed to have passed the licensure examination.

SEC. 19. Report of Ratings. The Board shall submit to the PRC an official report of
the ratings obtained by each examinee within ten (10) calendar days after the
examination unless such period is extended for just cause.

ARTICLE VI
REGISTRATION

SEC. 20. Oath of Profession for Registered Psychologists and Registered
Psychology Associates. All successful examinees and qualified applicants for
registration without examination shall be required to take an oath to uphold the
profession before any member of the Board or any officer of the PRC authorized to
administer oaths before entering into the practice of psychology in the Philippines.

SEC. 21. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification
Card. A certificate of registration and professional identification card shall be issued
to all successful examinees and registrants without examination upon compliance
with all the legal requirements, including payment of fees prescribed by the PRC. The
certificate of registration shall bear the signature of the Chairperson of the PRC and
members of the Board, indicating that the person named therein is entitled to practice
the profession with all the privileges and responsibilities appurtenant thereto.
The certificate shall remain in full force and effect until suspended in accordance with
this Act.

A professional identification card bearing the registration number, date of issuance,
and validity term of three (3) years, duly signed by the Chairperson of the PRC, shall
likewise be issued to every registrant who has paid the prescribed registration fee. Upon
expiration of the professional identification card, the registered psychologist and
registered psychology associate may renew the same upon proof of compliance
with continuing education requirements prescribed by the Board or PRC.

SEC. 22. Disclosure of Registration Information. The registered psychologist or
registered psychology associate shall indicate the registration and professional
identification card number, date of issuance, duration of validity, and professional
tax receipt number on each document signed, used, or issued in connection with the
practice of the profession.

SEC. 23. Non-issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional

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Identification Card. The Board shall not register nor issue a certificate of registration
or professional identification card to any person convicted of a criminal offense
involving moral turpitude, has been found guilty by a judicial or other duly constituted
tribunal of immoral or dishonorable conduct, or has been medically diagnosed to be
of unsound mind. In the event of non-issuance of the certificate for any reason, the
Board shall furnish the applicant a written statement stating the reasons for such
denial, which shall be incorporated into the records of the Board.

SEC. 24. Foreign Reciprocity. No foreigner shall be admitted to the licensure
examination for registered psychologists or registered psychology associates unless
they prove that the State of which they are a citizen either:

a) Admits Filipino citizens to the practice of psychology without the need
for registration and issuance of a certificate of registration and professional
identification card;

b) Allows Filipino citizens to practice psychology without restriction; or

c) Allows Filipino citizens to practice after an examination on strict and absolute
equality with nationals of said State.

SEC. 25. Practice through a Special Temporary Permit. The Board may issue,
subject to the approval of the PRC and payment of appropriate fees, a special
temporary permit to the following persons:

a) Registered psychologists or registered psychology associates from foreign
States are internationally acknowledged specialists or outstanding experts in
psychology: Provided, That their services are essential and necessary either
due to the lack or inadequacy of available local specialists or experts or in
recognition of their potential contribution to the promotion and advancement
of the practice of psychology through transfer of technology;

b) Registered psychologists or registered psychology associates from foreign
States whose services shall be free and offered exclusively to indigent
patients in a particular hospital, center, or clinic; and

c) Registered psychologists or registered psychology associates from foreign
States are employed as exchange professors to teach psychology in schools,
colleges, and universities offering psychology courses or programs. The special
temporary permit shall detail its conditions, which include an effectivity period of
not more than one (1) year, subject to renewal, and the specific place of practice,
such as a Clinic, hospital, center, school, college, or university offering
psychology. The Board shall prescribe rules and regulations on the
implementation of this particular section, subject to the approval of the PRC.

SEC. 26. Suspension or Revocation of Certificate of Registration and

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Professional Identification Card or Cancellation of a Special or Temporary
Permit. The Board shall have the power, after notice and hearing, to suspend or
revoke the certificate of registration and professional identification card or to cancel
the special temporary permit granted under this Act on any ground provided in Section
34 of this Act or any of the instances hereunder:

a) Procurement of a certificate of registration or professional identification card
and special temporary permit by fraud or deceit;

b) Allowing an unqualified person to advertise or to practice the profession by
using one’s certificate of registration or professional identification card and
‘special temporary permit;

¢) Violating or conspiring to violate any of the provisions of this Act, its
implementing rules and regulations, the code of ethics or code of
professional standards promulgated hereinafter by the Board;

d) Manifest physical or mental incompetence to render psychological services
with reasonable skill and safety to the clients or patients;

) Professional misconduct or negligence in the performance of duties as a
registered psychologist or a registered psychology associate; and

f) Engaging in the practice of the profession during the period of the suspension.

SEC. 27. Reinstatement. A registered psychologist or registered psychology
associate whose certificate of registration has been revoked may apply to the Board
for reinstatement at any time after two (2) years from the date of revocation of said
certificate.

The application shall be in writing and conform to the Board’s requirements. No
certificate of registration, professional identification card, or special temporary
permit shall be reinstated unless the Board is satisfied that a good cause exists
to warrant such reinstatement. Issuance of a new certificate of registration,
professional identification card, and special temporary permit in lieu of the one lost,
destroyed, or mutilated shall be subject to applicable rules prescribed by the PRC.

SEC. 28. Appeal from Judgement. The decision of the Board shall jpso facto
become final fifteen (15) days from receipt of the decision by the respondent unless an
appeal has been filed with the PRC within the same period. The PRC's decision on
appeal may be further appealed before the Court of Appeals within fifteen (15) days
from receipt thereof.

SEC. 29. Rights of the Respondent. The respondent, a registered
psychologist or registered psychology associate, shall have the right to be represented
by counsel at all stages of the proceedings and to the speedy disposition of their case.

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They shall have the right to confront witnesses against them and other rights
guaranteed by the Constitution.
ARTICLE Vil
PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSIONALS IN GOVERNMENT

SEC. 30. Creation of Plantilla Positions for Registered Psychology
Associates and Registered Psychologists. The Civil Service Commission (CSC)
is mandated to create the position of registered psychologists and registered
psychology associates in the Index of Occupational Services, Occupational Groups,
Classes, and Salary Grades under the Medicine and Health Services Occupational
Group.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall determine the appropriate
salary grade based on the requirements of RA No. 6758 and Joint Congress
Resolution No. 4, s. 2029. The CSC and DBM shall consult with stakeholders in
psychology practice, including the AIPO and its practice divisions, to understand the
nature and complexity of psychological practice and to be guided in determining
appropriate job descriptions, ranks and salary grades that represent fair and just
compensation. Pursuant to Chapters 4 and 5 of RA 11036, otherwise known
as the “Mental Health Act,” the following are mandated to create plantilla positions for
registered psychology associates and registered psychologists based on a thorough
assessment of workload demands, service requirements, and organizational
objectives:

a) Local government units (LGU) at the city, municipal, and barangay levels;

b) Regional, provincial, and tertiary hospitals, including private hospitals
rendering service to paying patients;

) Alll public and private educational institutions, such as schools, colleges,
universities, and technical schools; and

4d) All workplaces.

ARTICLE VII
PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION AND PROFESSIONAL INTEGRATION

SEC. 31. Rights to Privileged Communication for Registered Psychologists and
Registered Psychology Associates. A registered psychologist or registered
psychology associate, without the consent of the client or patient, cannot be
examined on any communication or information disclosed in the course of giving
psychological or mental health services to such client. The protection accorded herein
‘shall extend to all pertinent records and be available to the secretary, clerk, or other
staff of the registered psychologist or registered psychology associate. Any evidence
obtained violating this provision shall be inadmissible of any purpose in any proceeding

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SEC. 32. Integration of the Profession. The profession shall hereinafter be
integrated into one national organization of registered psychologists and registered
psychology associates, which shall be recognized and accredited by the Board,
subject to the approval of the PRC. A registered psychologist or registered psychology
associate shall automatically become a member of said organization, receive the
benefits and privileges, and perform all responsibilities and obligations appurtenant
upon payment of the required fees and dues. Membership in the AIPO shall not be a
bar to membership in any other association of registered psychologists or registered
psychology associates.

SEC. 33. Code of Ethics and Code of Practice for Registered Psychologists and
Registered Psychology Associates. The Board shall adopt and promulgate the
Code of Ethics and Code of Practice for registered psychologists and registered
psychology associates prescribed and issued by the AIPO of psychologists.

ARTICLE IX
PROHIBITED ACTS, PENALTIES, AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS ACT
SEC. 34, Prohibited Acts.
a) No person shall:

1) Engage in the professional practice of psychology nor represent themselves as a
registered psychologist or registered psychology associate without a valid
certificate of, registration, valid professional identification card, and a valid
special temporary permit granted by the Board under this Act;

2) Represent oneself to be a licensed and authorized registered psychologist or
registered psychology associate during the time that the certificate of
registration or special temporary permit has been suspended or revoked or the
professional identification card expired;

3) Allow any other person to use the certificate of registration and professional
identification card and special temporary permit for any purpose, regardless of
whether such enables the unqualified individual to engage in the practice of
psychology;

4) Use, exhibit, or misrepresent as the owner of the certificate of registration or
professional identification card or special temporary permit of another; and

5) Give any false, inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete information to the Board
to obtain a certificate of registration, professional identification card, and special
temporary permit.

6) No corporation, partnership, association, or entity shall operate a psychology
Office, center or clinic, or otherwise engage in the practice of psychology
that involves clinical populations within its premises without being headed by
a registered psychologist with at least three (3) years of clinical experience.

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b)A violation of any provision of this Act or its implementing rules and regulations
shall be penalized accordingly.

SEC. 35. Penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this Act and its
implementing rules and regulations shall be punished with imprisonment of not less
than six (6) months but not more than three (3) years or a fine of not less than Ten
thousand pesos (P10,000.00) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos
(P100,000.00) at the discretion of the court.

SEC. 36. Injunction. The Board may initiate action to enjoin, restrain, or prosecute any
individual, corporation, association, partnership, or entity engaging in the practice of
psychology in violation of this Act.

SEC. 37. Enforcement. It shall be the duty of all duly constituted law enforcement
agencies and officers of national, provincial, city, or municipal governments to uphold
and enforce the provisions of this Act and to investigate and prosecute or cause
the investigation and prosecution of any person violating the same.

ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 38. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act
shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 39. Transitory Provisions. (a) A Salary Grade and Item Allocation Review
Committee in coordination with relevant government agencies and institutions shall
be established. This committee will determine the salary grade and qualifications
of the registered psychology associate and registered psychologist; (b) The current
PRB shall remain as interim members no later than sixty (60) days from the effectivity
of this Act, or until a new set of members is organized; (c) Existing licenses and
registrations as Registered Psychologist and Registered Psychometrician under RA
10029 shall remain in force until their respective expiration dates, at which point they
may be renewed in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and (d) in all statutes ,
regulations , and legal documents where the term ‘registered psychometrician’ is
used, such term shall be construed to refer to ‘registered psychology associate’ for
the purposes of this legislation.

This interpretation shall apply retroactively to all relevant contexts in which the
term ‘psychometrician’ appears.

SEC. 40. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Subject to the approval of the PRC
and within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act, the Board shall adopt and
promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations to implement
the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 41. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is found to be
unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder thereof not affected by such declaration

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shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 42. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, rules and regulations inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 43. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
Publication in the Official Gazette and in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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