NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
C --1 -
■ iRfficr of ii;.- ~
24 FEB 22 All :34
SENATE
S. No. 2564
RtCEiVF j B'.. y
Introduced by Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito
AN ACT
REGULATING THE REGISTRATION, LICENSURE, AND PRACTICE OF 
PHYSICAL THERAPY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
More than fifty (50) years had passed since Republic Act (R.A.) No. 5680 
otherwise known as "An Act Creating the Board of Examiners for Physical Therapists 
and Occupational Therapists" was enacted. Unlike other regulatory acts that enforce 
the laws on one profession, R.A. No. 5680 was created to regulate two different allied 
health professions, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. In 2019, R.A. No. 
11241, otherwise known as "The Philippine Occupational Therapy Law of 2018" was 
passed regulating the profession of occupational therapy and recognizing occupational 
therapy as a discipline separate and distinct from physical therapy. However, since 
the enactment of R.A. No. 5680 in 1969, it had never been amended to respond to 
current global trend and national development in the profession of physical therapy.
One of the features of this proposed measure is the creation of the professional 
Regulatory Board of Physical Therapy to provide for a more effective supervision, 
control and regulation of the practice of physical therapy in the country. Requirements 
will also be stipulated for allowing foreign physical therapists to practice in the country. 
Penalties will also be provided for violations of the proposed law.
This bill seeks to amend R.A. No. 5680 for the purpose of upgrading and 
updating the competence and skills and of the Filipino physical therapists to make 
them professionally competitive and nationally accessible to the disabled population


of the Philippines. This measure aims to develop and nurture competent, productive, 
and well-rounded physical therapists whose standards of practice and service shali be 
excelient and globally competitive. Once passed, this legisiation will benefit the 13,773 
physical therapists in the country with active professionai identification cards or 
licenses.1
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
1 RG Cruz (July 28, 2021). “House passes proposed ‘Philippine Physical Therapy Law. ” Information retrieved 
from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/28/21/house-passes-bill-seeking-to-standardize-licensure-of-physical- 
therapists#:~:text=5680%20or%20the%20“Philippine%20Physical,passage%20of%20Republic%20Act%20No.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
"'f'"
of l!;i‘
24 FEB 22 All 34
SENATE
S. No. ^564
RL:CEtVfsJ BV:
Introduced by Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito
AN ACT
REGULATING THE REGISTRATION, LICENSURE, AND PRACTICE OF 
PHYSICAL THERAPY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
1 
ARTICLE I
2 
TITLE AND DEFINITION OF TERMS
3
4 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Physical
5 
Therapy Law".
6 
Sec. 2. Statement of Policy. -The State recognizes the importance of physical
7 
therapists in nation building. Hence, it shall develop and nurture competent,
8 
productive, and well-rounded physical therapists whose standards of practice and
9 
service shall be excellent, and globally competitive, resulting not only from their
10 
education and training but through, honest, effective, and credible licensure
11 
examinations, regulatory measures, programs, and activities that foster their
12 
continuing professional growth.
13 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
14 
a. Physical Therapy refers to a health profession concerned with providing relevant
15 
services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain, and restore maximum
16 
movement and functional ability throughout the iifespan. Such services are provided
17 
in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, pain.


1 
diseases, disorders, conditions, or environmental factors, and with the understanding
2 
that functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy.
3 
Physical therapy is also known as physiotherapy in other parts of the world.
4 
b. Physical Therapist refers to a person who is a holder of a valid registration and
5 
professional license issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Physical Therapy
6 
and the Professional Regulation Commission, and who is legally qualified to practice
7 
physical therapy in the Philippines pursuant to this Act.
8 
Sec. 4. Scope and Nature of the Practice of Physical Therapy.- The practice of
9 
physical therapy shall include identifying and maximizing the quality of life and
10 
movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment,
11 
intervention, habilitation, and rehabilitation. These spheres encompass physical,
12 
psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Physical therapists are qualified and
13 
professionally required to:
14 
a. Undertake a comprehensive examination or assessment of patient or client or
15 
needs of a client group;
16 
b. Evaluate the findings from the examination or assessment to make clinical
17 
judgments regarding patients or clients;
18 
c. Formulate a physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, and plan;
19 
d. Provide consultation within their expertise and determine when patients or clients
20 
need to be referred to another professional;
21 
e. Implement a physical therapy intervention or treatment program;
22 
f. Determine the outcomes of any interventions or treatments; and
23 
g. Make recommendations for self-management.
24 
Physical therapists are guided by the universal principles of ethics and
25 
professional practice as expressed in their own code of ethics.
26 
The scope of physical therapy practice is not limited to direct patient or client
27 
care, but also includes: formulating and implementing responsive public health
28 
strategies; advocating for patients' or clients' health; supervising and delegating to
29 
others; leading; managing; teaching; researching and developing and implementing
30 
health policy at the local, national, and international levels.
31
32 
ARTICLE II


1 
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
2
3 
Sec. 5. Creation and Composition of the Members of the Board. - There is hereby
4 
created a Professional Regulatory Board of Physical Therapy, hereafter referred to as
5 
the Board, under the administrative supervision of the Professional Regulation
6 
Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, composed of a chairperson
7 
and four (4) members appointed by the President of the Philippines within six (6)
8 
months from the enactment of this Act and upon the recommendation of the
9 
Commission from among physical therapists recognized and nominated by the
10 
accredited integrated professional organization (AIPO) of physical therapists, academe
11 
and other professionai organizations.
12 
Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the Members of the Board. - The Board shall
13 
have the following powers and functions:
14 
a. Promulgate, administer, and enforce rules and regulations necessary for carrying
15 
out the provisions of this Act;
16 
b. Supervise and regulate the registration, licensure, and practice of physical therapy
17 
in the Philippines;
18 
c. Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;
19 
d. Adopt an official seal of the Board;
20 
e. Maintain a roster of physical therapists indicating therein the basic information
21 
about the registered professionals;
22 
f. Issue, reinstate, suspend or cancel the registration and license, or special permits
23 
for the practice of physical therapy in the Philippines;
24 
g. Study and monitor conditions affecting the practice of physical therapy and adopt
25 
such measures as may be deemed necessary for the enhancement of the profession
26 
and maintenance of high professional and ethical standards;
27 
h. Work in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or its
28 
equivalent, to ensure that all educational institutions offering education comply with
29 
the prescribed policies, standards, and guidelines;
30 
i. Prescribe the Code of Ethics and Ethical Standards of Practice for physical therapists
31 
as endorsed by the AIPO organization of physical therapists;


1 
j. Hear or investigate any violations of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations,
2 
code of ethics, and ethical standards of practice, and for this purpose,
3 
k. Issue subpoena duces tecum or subpoena ad testificandum, or both, to ensure the
4 
appearance of witnesses, and the production of documents in connection therewith:
5 
Provided, That the decision of the Board shall become final and executory after fifteen
6 
(15) days from receipt of judgment or decision unless appealed to the Commission;
7 
I. Prescribe guidelines and criteria for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
8 
program for physical therapists;
9 
m. Prescribe the subjects in the licensure examination and table specifications,
10 
determine the syllabi of the subjects and their relative weights, score, and rate the
11 
examination papers, and submit the results to the Commission within the period
12 
provided for in their rules;
13 
n. Administer the examinations to applicants for the practice of physical therapy in
14 
accordance with the provisions of this Act;
15 
0. Adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination;
16 
p. Grant an application for registration without examination subject to the approval of
17 
the Commission;
18 
q. Issue special permits to persons admitted to the practice of physical therapy for a
19 
specific duration of time, and certificates of recognition for advanced studies,
20 
researches, and accomplishments that contribute to the enrichment of the profession;
21 
and
22 
r. Perform such other powers and functions as deemed necessary to carry out the
23 
objectives of this Act.
24 
The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations, orders, or decisions issued or
25 
promulgated by the Board shall be subject to review and approval of the Commission.
26 
Sec. 7. Qualifications of the Members of the Board. - The members of the Board
27 
shall, at the time of their appointment, possess the following qualifications:
28 
a. Has resided in the Philippines for at least (5) years;
29 
b. Is a duly registered physical therapist under this Act, with a valid certificate of
30 
registration and professional license;
31 
c. Has engaged in the practice of physical therapy for at least ten (10) years, with the
32 
last five (5 years as a continuous period immediately preceding the appointment;


1 
d. Has demonstrated an exemplary degree of competence and ethics in one
2 
professional practice as a physicai therapist;
3 
e. Is a member of good standing of the AIPO of physical therapists, and not an officer
4 
thereof;
5 
f. Has no prior conviction by a competent court of an offense involving moral turpitude;
6 
and
7 
g. Has no direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any school, college, or university or
8 
institution conferring an academic degree for admission to the practice of physical
9 
therapy; or where review classes in preparation for licensure examination are offered
10 
or conducted; nor be a member of faculty or administration thereof.
11 
Sec. 8. Term of Office. -The Chairperson and Members of the Board shail hold
12 
office for a term of three (3) years: Provided, That members of the first Board to be
13 
appointed after the approval of this Act shall hold office for the following terms: the
14 
Chairperson for three (3) years, two (2) Members for two (2) years, and the other two
15 
(2) Members for one (1) year: Provided, further, that a Chairperson or Member may
16 
be appointed for a second term, but may not serve for more than two consecutive
17 
three year terms, or six (6) consecutive years. Interim vacancies shall be filled in for
18 
the unexpired term only, or until their successors have been appointed and duiy
19 
qualified.
20 
A successor to a member whose term of office has expired shall be appointed
21 
for the fuli term of three (3) years from the date of expiration of the term of office
22 
from which the predecessor was appointed.
23 
Sec. 9. Removai of the Members of the Board.-kxwj member of the Board may,
24 
upon the recommendation of the Commission, after due process of law and
25 
investigation conducted by the Commission, be suspended or removed by the
26 
President from office for cause such as gross neglect of duty, incompetence,
27 
malpractice, unprofessionalism, immorality, unethical or dishonorable conduct, final
28 
judgment of crimes involving moral turpitude, and manipulating or rigging of the
29 
licensure examination results, disclosure of secret and confidential information in the
30 
examination questions prior to the conduct of the said examination, or tampering of
31 
grades.


1 
Sec. 10. Compensation and Allowances of the Members of the Board. - The
2 
chairperson and members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances
3 
comparable to that being received by the chairpersons and members of existing
4 
regulatory boards under the Commission, as provided for in the annual General
5 
Appropriations Act.
6 
Sec. 11. Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of Records,
1 
Secretariat, and Support Services.- The Board shall be under the administrative
8 
supervision of the Commission. All records of the Board, including applications for
9 
examination, examination papers and results, minutes of deliberation, administrative
10 
cases, and other investigations involving physical therapists, shall be kept by the
11 
Commission. The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall
12 
provide the secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions of this
13 
Act.
14 
Sec. 12. Annual Report. - The Board shall, at the close of each calendar year,
15 
submit an annual report to the Commission, giving a detailed account of its
16 
proceedings and accomplishments during the year and recommending measures to
17 
be adopted, with the end in view of upgrading and improving conditions affecting the
18 
practice of physical therapy in the Philippines.
19
20 
ARTICLE III
21 
LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION
22
23 
Sec. 13. Examination Required. - All applicants for registration for the practice of
24 
physical therapy shall be required to undergo a licensure examination to be given by
25 
the Board in such places and dates as the Commission may designate, subject to
26 
compliance with the requirements prescribed by the same.
27 
Sec. 14. Qualifications for Examination.- An applicant for the licensure
28 
examination for physical therapists shall establish, to the satisfaction of the Board,
29 
that the following qualifications are met:
30 
a. A citizen of the Philippines or a foreigner whose country has a formal reciprocity
31 
agreement with the Philippines;
32 
b. Is of good moral character and has not been convicted of any crime involving
33 
moral turpitude; and


1 
c. A graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Physicai Therapy degree or its equivalent
2 
degree as determined by the Board from a school, college, or university in the
3 
Philippines or abroad whose physical therapy program is recognized by the CHED.
4 
Sec. 15. Scope of Examination. - The scope of examinations shall, after the
5 
necessary stakeholder consultation, be determined by the Board, subject to the
6 
approval of the Commission. The Board shall take into consideration the minimum
7 
curriculum standards for physical therapy, the current scope of practice, and the latest
8 
developments in the profession, locally and globally, that affect the practice
9 
And delivery of physical therapy services in the country.
10 
Sec. 16. Ratings in the Examination. - To be qualified as having passed the
11 
licensure examination for physical therapists, a candidate must have obtained a
12 
general average of seventy-five percent (75%), with no grade lower than sixty percent
13 
(60%) in any of the examination subjects.
14 
Sec. 17. Report of Ratings. - The Board shall submit to the Commission the
15 
ratings obtained by each candidate within ten (10) calendar days after the
16 
examination, unless extended for just cause.
17 
Sec. 18. Issuance of the Certificate of Registration, Professionai License, and
18 
Professionai Identification Card. - A certificate of registration and professional
19 
identification card shall be issued to examines who pass the licensure examination for
20 
physical therapist subject to payment of fees prescribed by the Commission. The
21 
certificate of registration shall bear the signature of the chairperson of the Commission
22 
and the chairperson and members of the Board, stamped with the official seal of the
23 
Commission and the Board respectively, indicating that the person named therein is
24 
entitled to practice the physical therapy profession, with all the benefits and privileges
25 
appurtenant thereto. The said certificate of registration shall remain in full force and
26 
effect until withdrawn, suspended or revoked in accordance with this Act.
27 
A professional identification card bearing the registration number, and dates of
28 
issuance and expiry date duly signed by the chairperson of the Commission, shall
29 
likewise be issued to every registrant upon payment of the prescribed fees.
30 
Sec. 19. InitiaisPTRP. -The initials PTRP, which stands for Physical Therapist


1 
Registered Philippines, shail be used following the name of the registered physical
2 
therapist, especially when signing documents pertinent to the practice of the
3 
profession.
4 
Sec. 20. Refusal to Register. - The Board shail refuse to register any successfui
5 
examine who has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminai
6 
offense invoiving morai turpitude, or has been found guiity of immoral or dishonorable
7 
conduct after investigation by the Board, or has been declared to be of unsound mind.
8 
The reason for the refusal shall be set forth in writing.
9 
Sec. 21. Cancellation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration and Special
10 
Permit -The Board may, after giving proper notice of hearing to the party concerned,
11 
cancel the practitioner's certificate of registration and professional identification card,
12 
or be suspended from the practice of the profession; or cancel the special permit for
13 
any of the causes or grounds mentioned in Section 29 of this Act or for any
14 
unprofessional or unethical conduct, malpractice, vioiation of any of the provisions of
15 
this Act, its rules and regulations, the Code of Ethics, and Ethicai Standards of Practice
16 
for physical therapists.
17 
Sec. 22. Reinstatement, Re-issuance or Replacement of Certificate of
18 
Registration and Professional Identification Card. - Two (2) years after the date of
19 
revocation, the Board may, upon appiication and for reasons deemed proper and
20 
sufficient, reinstate any revoked certificate of registration or professionai license. A
21 
new certificate of registration or professionai identification card, or speciai temporary
22 
permit may be issued to replace lost, destroyed, or mutilated ones, subject to the
23 
rules as implemented by the Board.
24 
Sec. 23. Oath of Physical Therapists. - Successful examines qualified for
25 
registration, and qualified appiicants for registration without examination, shali be
26 
required to take an oath of profession before any member of the Board or any
27 
government official authorized by the Commission to administer oaths, prior to
28 
entering into the practice of physical therapy in the Philippines.
29 
Sec. 24. Indication of Licensure and Privilege Tax Receipt - Aii physical
30 
therapists shaii be required to indicate on the documents they sign, use or issue in
31 
connection with the practice of their profession, their registration, or professionai
10


1 
license number and date of issuance thereof, the duration of validity of said license,
2 
and the professional tax receipt number issued to them.
3 
Sec. 25. Roster of Physical Therapists. - The Board shall prepare, update, and
4 
maintain a roster of physical therapists which shall contain the name of each registered
5 
physical therapist, their residence and office addresses, the date of registration and
6 
issuance of certificates, and other data which the board may deem pertinent.
7 
Sec. 26. Issuance of Special and Temporary Permit - A special temporary permit
8 
may be issued by the Board upon the recommendation of the AIPO of physical
9 
therapists, subject to the approval by the Commission and payment of the prescribed
10 
fee to the following persons:
11 
a. Foreign-licensed physical therapists called for consultation or a specified purpose
12 
that is deemed essential to national development, the practice shall be limited only for
13 
the particular work being: Provided That there is no Filipino physical therapist qualified
14 
for such consultation or purpose;
15 
b. Foreign-licensed physical therapists whose service shall be free of charge and who
16 
are highly needed under particular settings;
17 
c. Foreign-licensed physical therapists engaged as professors, lecturers, or critics in
18 
fields essential to physical therapy education in the Philippines, whose engagement is
19 
limited to teaching only; and
20 
d. Foreign-licensed physical therapists recognized as experts or specialists whose
21 
service is deemed essential to the advancement of the profession in the Philippines.
22 
The special temporary permit shall include these limitations and conditions:
23 
validity for a period of not more than one (1) year, subject to renewal; the branch or
24 
specialty of physical therapy which the permit holder can practice; and the specific
25 
place or places of practice such as clinic, hospital, therapy center, school, college, or
26 
university offering the course of physical therapy. The Board, subject to the approval
27 
by the Commission, shall prescribe rules and regulations for the implementation of
28 
this particular section.
29
30 
ARTICLE IV
31 
PRACTICE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
11


1 
Sec. 27. Delivery of Physical Therapy Service. - Physical therapists shail work in
2 
partnership with other health service providers or heaith professionals, patients or
3 
clients, families, and communities in the delivery of services in the most effective, cost
4 
efficient, and client-centered service.
5 
Sec. 28. Prohibition on the Practice of Physical Therapy. - No person shall practice
6 
or offer to practice physical therapy, nor offer to be a physical therapist, or use the
7 
title, word, letter, figure, or any sign tending to convey the impression of being a
8 
physical therapist, nor advertise or indicate in any manner whatsoever to be qualified
9 
to perform the work of a physical therapist without passing the licensure examination
10 
given by the Board, except as otherwise provided in this Act.
11 
Sec. 29. Prohibited Acts. - No person shall:
12 
a. Engage in the practice of physical therapy by representing oneself as a physical
13 
therapist without a valid certificate of registration, professional identification
14 
card, or a valid temporary or special permit granted by the Board pursuant to
15 
this Act;
16 
b. Represent oneself as a physical therapist during the time that the professional
17 
license is not valid or that the certificate of registration has been suspended or
18 
revoked, or that the special temporary permit has been cancelled;
19 
c. Allow anybody to use the certificate of registration or professional license, or
20 
both and special temporary permit as a physical therapist to enable such
21 
unqualified individual to engage in the practice of physical therapy;
22 
d. Use the certificate of registration, professional identification card, or special
23 
temporary permit of another person; and
24 
e. Violate the provision of the Code of Ethics and Ethical Standards of Practice as
25 
recommended by the AIPO of physical therapists.
26 
Sec. 30. Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Physical Therapists. - The
27 
Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics and Ethical Standards of Practice
28 
for physical therapists as prescribed and issued by the AIPO of physical therapists. All
29 
licensed physical therapist shall abide by the principles and standards embodied in the
30 
Code.
31 
Sec. 31. Continuing Professional Development Program. - All physical therapists
32 
shall abide with the requirements, rules and regulations on continuing professional
12


1 
development to be promulgated by the Board, subject to the approval of the
2 
Commission, in coordination with the AIPO of physical therapists or the recognized
3 
representative of duly accredited education institutions, or both. For this purpose, the
4 
Board shail create a CPD Council to implement a CPD program guided by qualifications
5 
framework and career progression principles, subject to the guidelines as may be
6 
prescribed by the Commission.
7 
Sec. 32. Integration of the Professional Organization. - The physical therapy
8 
profession shali be integrated into one (1) national professional organization of
9 
physicai therapists, which shall be duly registered with the Securities and Exchange
10 
Commission. The Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, shall accredit the
11 
said organization as the one and only accredited integrated professional organization
12 
of registered physical therapists. Ali physical therapists whose names appear in the
13 
current Roster of Physical Therapists shall ipso facto become members thereof and
14 
shail receive ali the benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto upon payment of the
15 
required membership fees and dues. Membership in the accredited integrated
16 
professional organization shail not be a bar to membership in other organizations of
17 
physicai therapists.
18 
Sec. 33. Foreign Reciprocity. - No foreign physical therapist shall be given a
19 
certificate of registration and professional identification card or be entitled to any of
20 
the privileges under this Act unless the country or state of which the foreign physicai
21 
therapist is a subject or citizen, permits Fiiipino physical therapists to practice within
22 
its territorial limits on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of said country or
23 
state.
24
25 
ARTICLE V
26 
PENAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
27
28 
Sec. 34. Pena!Provisions. - Any person who shail violate any of the provisions of
29 
this Act or any of its impiementing rules and regulations as promulgated by the Board,
30 
subject to the approval of the Commission, shall upon conviction, be punished with a
31 
fine of not less than Twenty thousand pesos (Php 20,000.00) nor more than Fifty
32 
thousand pesos (Php 50,000.00), or by imprisonment of not less than two years nor
33 
more than five years, or both, at the discretion of the court.
13


1 
Sec. 35. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this
2 
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
3 
Sec. 36. Impiementing Rules andReguiations. -To implement the provisions of
4 
this Act, the Board shall, subject to the approval of the Commission promulgate the
5 
rules and regulations, as well as the Code of Ethics and Ethical Standards of Practice
6 
for physical therapists, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act.
7 
Sec. 37. Transitory Provisions. -The existing Board of Physical and Occupational
8 
Therapy shall continue to function in the interim until such time that the new and
9 
separate Board for Physical Therapy shall be constituted pursuant to this Act.
10 
Sec. 38. Separability Clause. - If any part, portion, section, or provision of this
11 
Act shall be declared invalid or unconstitutional, such shall not invalidate any other
12 
part, portion, section, or provision of this Act and the same shall continue to be in
13 
force and effect.
14 
Sec 39. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 5680, otherwise known as the
15 
"Philippine Physical and Occupational Therapy Law" is hereby repealed. All other laws,
16 
decrees, orders, issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions
17 
of this Act are hereby modified, superseded, or repealed.
18 
Sec. 40. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
19 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
14