Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _37 44

Introduced by Rep. Anna York P. Bondoc

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Psychology Act of 2009 (RA 10029) played a pivotal role in advancing the
psychology practice in the Philippines, especially in the delivery of psychological
services. After the 8'" licensure examination in August 2023, there are 2,030
licensed psychologist (RPsy) and 31,433 licensed psychometricians (RPm) in the
country. However, several issues gaps in the implementation of the law have emerged
since its passing

First, the COVID-19 pandemic and other local and global crisis brought to the surface a
prevalence of mental health challenges among Filipinos and highlighted the limited
number of psychology professionals to address these issues. In 2021, the Department
of Health (DOH) estimates that there are at least 3.6 million Filipinos with mental health
issues.? In the 2018 report of UNICEF, 10% to 15% of Filipino children aged 5 to 15 are
affected by mental health problems.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2022 report, 16.8% of Filipino
students aged 13 to 17 have attempted suicide.’ Likewise, WHO estimates that low-

T prc Professional Registry Division
2 At least 36 millon Filipinos batting mental health issues amid pandemic:
‘abecbn.com/spotigh05/1 lipinos bat is

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and lower- middle-income countries, less than 25% of people depression receive formal
mental health care and minimaily-adequate treatment for depression.® Assuming all of
the registered psychologist (RPsy) are providing mental health services, this is still only
0.69 psychologist for every 100,000 Filipinos.

In light of this, WHO underscores the urgent need to transform mental health care by
moving away from custodial care in psychiatric hospitats to mental health services that
are integrated in general health care, community mental health services, and services
beyond the health sector. The enactment of the Philippine Mental Health Act of 2018
(RA 11036) embodies the country's recognition of the importance of providing mental
health services in health facilities, communities, educational facilities and workplaces.”
The 8-Point Agenda of the DOH ®, as well as the Philippine Council for Mental Health's
(PCMH) Strategy Map for 2023-2028, likewise back up the thrust of providing universal
and integrated mental health care and support.

The proposed amendments to RA 10029 (attached herewith) aim to align with these
national goals, guidelines, and standards. While licensed psychologists work in
specialized settings, there is also a need to ensure mental health service providers in
non-specialized settings. Graduates of a bachelor's degree in psychology possess
valuable skills to fill these needs but are underutilized because of limits in how the
current law defines the function to that of psychometricians. To address this, we mainly
propose expanding the functions of psychology professionals referred to as
“psychometricians" in RA 10029, with appropriate regulations, in order to maximize their
contributions to mental health. We further propose replacing the term
“psychometricians” with “registered associate psychologists" to reflect their expanded
functions.

Additionally, we advocate for the acknowledgement of a more inclusive definition of the
functions of registered psychologists, recognizing non-clinical practitioners’ vital
contributions in research, teaching, and consultancy services, among other areas of
practice. These recommended changes in definitions and terminologies are also in
keeping with the Intemational Declaration of Core Competencies in Professional
Psychology by the International Project on Competence in Psychology (IPCP).

Furthermore, we aim to inch closer to becoming at par with global standards in the
practice of psychology while still in compliance with the guidelines set by the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED). in light of this, we propose increasing the
required internship / practicum hours for both the registered associate psychologists
and registered psychologists, and changing some of the licensure examination subjects
to more adequately measure competencies relevant to actual practice.

In sum, it is imperative that RA 10029 be updated to be complementary with the
provisions and goals of the Philippine Mental Health Act of 2018 (RA 11036), other local
legislations, international standards, and the national thrust towards a more integrated
and comprehensive approach to mental health care in the Philippines. The proposed
amendments to RA 10029 seek to enhance the practice of psychology and improve the
effectiveness of psychology services in the country while balancing regulatory control.

T Situation Analysis of Chidren in the Philppives: A Summary Report [Internet], UNICEF Philippines; 2018. Available from:
www nice or medias
Global schoolbased student survey: Philippines 2015 fact sheet. World Health Organization. 2015. Available fom:
‘eww vino intineds/surveil nH2015
$word Heat Organization. Depression. Available om: iips/wwrw. who intheali-tpics/depression
Word mental heath | feparTransforing meni heath for” ay 2022, Avaliable fom

invpublication 1789240049:
Republic Ae No 11036, 2078 Avatabe om Shines tsa
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‘Amending the law will allow the Psychology profession to better serve the Filipino
people by ensuring that the practice of psychology remains relevant, effective, and
responsive to the evolving needs of our country.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is urgently sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._3741

Introduced by Rep. Anna York P. Bondoc

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 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 topatients across jurisdictional and
international borders.

b) Psycology 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 dimension of human behavior.

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

@) 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
egistered 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;

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. This
includes the development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
of 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) Allservices 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 for riskassessment 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)
5)

6)

7)
8)

9)

)

Needs assessment for groups, organizations, or communities;

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

Training, leaming, and development programs for which they have the
appropriate training;

Psychoeducation for mental health literacy;

Provision of human resource management services in organizations and
‘communities;

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 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, traumaticstress 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 shalll 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)
b)

°)

d)

e)

A natural-bom citizen and resident of the Philippines;
At least thirty-five (35) years of age;
Of good moral character;

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;

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;

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
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 five (5) years or until their successors shall have been appointed and duly
qualified. In its first year of implementation, two (2) members shall serve for five (5)
years, one of which shall be designated as the chairperson; two (2) members shall
serve for three (3) years, and one (1) other member shall serve 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 five
(5) 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 be subject to review and approval of
the PRC;

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

°)

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

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;

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;

e)

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;

hy

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;

i) Prepare, adopt, issue, and amend the syllabi for the licensure
examination subjects after thorough consultations with stakeholders, such as
the AIPO, CHED, and HEls 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, 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:

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;

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

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.13. Qualifications of Applicants for the Licensure Examination for
Registered Psychology Associates. An app!
psychology associate shall meet the following qualifications:

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;

a)

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;

©)

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
©) Advanced Psychological Assessment

d)
e)


d) Counseling and Psychotherapy

SEC. 15. Examination Subjects for Registered Psychology Associates. The
licensure examinations for registered associate psychologists shalll cover the following
subjects or their respective equivalent course titles:

a) Developmental Psychology

b) Abnormal Psychology

©) 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
HEls classified as autonomous by CHED and by charter.

SEC. 16. Registration Without Examination for Registered Psychologist. A person
who possesses the qualifications required to take the examination for registration as a
psychologist pursuant to the provisions 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 Psychologist and Psychometricians (BLEPP) in 2014, fulfilled
the requirements under either subparagraphs a) or b) herein:

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

b) Obtain 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 qualification 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 certificate of
tegistration 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 function attributed to a registered psychology associate as
defined in Art II! Sec. 3 (€) 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. 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
fegistered 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
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

©) 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


©) 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
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;

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

) 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 ipso 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. 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) shalll 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;

c) All public and private educational institutions, such as _ schools,
colleges, universities, and technical schools; and

d) — Allworkplaces.
ARTICLE Vill
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 for any purpose in any proceeding.

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) Noperson 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
Tegistered 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.

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 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,