NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 1127
'22 AUG 11 A10:24
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL ACCREDITATION POLICY TO ENHANCE THE 
COMPETITIVENESS OF PHILIPPINE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, 
FACILITATE TRADE, AND PROTECT THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE 
OF CONSUMERS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Accreditation promotes free and fair trade, enabling the country to export its 
products and services throughout the world as it propels the growth of domestic 
market by improving the quality, competitiveness and international acceptance of 
products, minimize inefficiency and improve value for money.
The State recognizes that an effective and efficient accreditation system, in 
conformity with international agreements and practices, is crucial for the 
development and advancement of the Philippines and for the improvement of its 
trade performance.
This is consistent with the declared policy of the Philippines under Article XII 
of the 1987 Philippine Constitution that "the State shall pursue a trade policy that 
serves the general welfare and utilizes all forms and arrangements of exchange on 
the basis of equality and reciprocity".
As signatory of the World Trade Organization Agreement, and member of 
both the International Accreditation Forum and ASEAN Economic Community, the 
Philippines has to improve its technical competence by strengthening its 
accreditation activities to encourage trade relations with other countries, and 
increasing the competitiveness and export potential of the Philippine Economy.


Towards this end, this bill proposes the establishment of a national 
accreditation system by establishing a Philippine Accreditation Authority, thereby 
implementing a National Accreditation Strategy for local and foreign enterprises, 
institution and organizations involving products, services and systems relating to the 
Trade Industry.
MARK A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 1 127
cf riu' .Z'
'22 AUG 11 A10 *24
RliCcIVLD B'
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL ACCREDITATION POLICY TO ENHANCE THE 
COMPETITIVENESS OF PHILIPPINE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, 
FACILITATE TRADE, AND PROTECT THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE 
OF CONSUMERS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
ARTICLE I
2 
GENERAL PROVISIONS
3 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine
4 
Accreditation Act of 2022."
5 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy, under Section 13 of
6 
Article XII of the 1987 Constitution, that "The State shall pursue a trade policy that
7 
serves the general welfare and utilizes all forms and arrangements of exchange on
8 
the basis of equality and reciprocity."
9 
The State recognizes that an effective and efficient national accreditation
10 
system, in conformity with international agreements and practices. Is crucial for the
11 
development and advancement of the Philippines and for the improvement of Its
12 
international trade performance.
13 
In pursuance thereof, the State hereby adopts a national accreditation policy
14 
that enhances the competitiveness of Philippine products and services, facilitates
15 
trade particularly exports, and protect the health, safety and welfare of consumers


1 
through compliance with national standards, aligned with international requirements
2 
on accreditation.
3 
The State shall also establish a national accreditation body that facilitates
4 
compliance to technical regulations and harmonization with conformity assessment
5 
procedures, as envisioned in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), World Trade
6 
Organization (WTO) and other international agreements and covenants.
7 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall
8 
have the following definition:
9 
a. Accreditation refers to the process in which an authoritative body formally
10 
recognizes the competence, impartiality, capability and consistent operation of a
11 
conformity assessment body to carry out specific conformity assessment activities,
12 
such as certification, testing, calibration, inspection, and verification/validation;
13 
b. Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) refers to the grouping of
14 
national accreditation bodies from the Asia Pacific region that facilitates the
15 
acceptance of conformity assessment results across the region and other regions
16 
around the world through the expansion and management of mutual recognition
17 
arrangements among accreditation bodies;
18 
c. Assessment refers to an evaluation process of the competence of a
19 
conformity assessment body in a determined accreditation scope, carried out by the
20 
national accreditation body, based on defined standards and/or other normative
21 
documents;
22 
d. Caiibration refers to the operation that is applied to establish that the
23 
measuring instruments used remain accurate within specified parameters;
24 
e. Certification refers to a third-party attestation of conformance to standards,
25 
technical regulations, other specified requirements or guidelines related to products,
26 
processes, systems or persons. This can be accomplished by conducting inspection,
27 
verification, audit and/or testing;
28 
f. Conformity assessment body (CAB) refers to enterprises, institution,
29 
organization, or their units, which are conducting conformity assessment activities,
30 
including, but not limited to, calibration, testing, certification and inspection;


1 
g. Conformity assessment refers to the processes that show that products,
2 
services, or systems meet or have the capability to meet the requirements applicable
3 
to them;
4 
h. Consultancy refers to the rendering of consulting services and other
5 
assistance regarding development and implementation of management systems and
6 
procedures of conformity assessment bodies, and also compliance with other
7 
requirements necessary for their accreditation;
8 
I. Inspection refers to the examination of a product design, product, process
9 
or installation and determination of its conformity with specific requirements or, on
10 
the basis of professional judgment, with general requirements;
11 
j. International Accreditation Forum (lAF) refers to the worldwide association
12 
of accreditation bodies and other bodies interested with conformity assessment in
13 
the fields of management systems, products, processes, services, personnel,
14 
validation and verification and other similar programmes of conformity assessment;
15 
k. International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) refers to the
16 
international organization of accreditation bodies that are involved with the
17 
accreditation of calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, proficiency testing
18 
providers and reference materials producers and promotes the use and acceptance
19 
by governments and industry of results from accredited technical tests and
20 
calibration results;
21 
I. National accreditation body refers to the mandated Institution which
22 
recognizes and attests to the competence and impartiality of conformity assessment
23 
bodies according to national and international accreditation standards; and
24 
m. Testing refers to the determination of a product's characteristics against
25 
the requirements of the standard.
26 
ARTICLE II
27 
ACCREDITATION
28 
Sec. 4. Accreditation. - Accreditation shall be conferred by the Philippine
29 
Accreditation Authority, the national accreditation body created under Section 7 of
30 
this Act, to conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as certification bodies,
31 
calibration and testing laboratories, inspection bodies, validation and verification
32 
bodies, proficiency testing providers, and reference materials producers, which
3


1 
demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Authority that they have met a standard of
2 
competence to undertake the tasks for which they are seeking accreditation.
3 
Accreditation ensures compliance to requirements of standards through assessment
4 
of their knowledge, skills, abilities, systems and equipment as CABs.
5 
Accreditation shall be voluntary in nature except as otherwise required in a
6 
specific law. All sectors and industries, regulated and non-regulated, both in
7 
government and the private sector, shall be encouraged to obtain accreditation to
8 
increase confidence on their activities and trust in the certificates and marks that
9 
they issue as evidence of quality and standards compliance.
10 
The development and effective application of accreditation, including the
11 
harmonization of the definition and application of accreditation and conformity
12 
assessment activities by national regulatory agencies and the private sector, in the
13 
country shall be an on-going concern of the Authority. The Anti-Red Tape Authority,
14 
pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act No. 11032, otherwise known as the
15 
"Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018",
16 
shall assist the Authority in achieving this objective.
17 
The Authority, with the assistance of other concerned government agencies
18 
and private sector associations, shall pursue the recognition of accredited CABs and
19 
the results of their conformity assessment activities at the international level to help
20 
eliminate or minimize technical barriers to trade.
21 
Sec. 5. Principles of Accreditation. - Accreditation, as envisioned in Section 4
22 
of this Act, shall be anchored on the following principles:
23 
a. It is voluntary in nature unless required otherwise by specific legislation;
24 
b. It ensures the equal rights and lawful interests of all interested parties,
25 
particularly public interests;
26 
c. The accessibility, impartiality and transparency of accreditation activities
27 
are adhered to, while, at the same time, the confidentiality of information
28 
obtained during the accreditation process is upheld;
29 
d. The equal participation of, and collaboration among, government agencies
30 
and relevant private organizations Is observed; and


1 
e. The application of accreditation requirements, harmonized with
2 
international and regional standards, is performed by professionals and
3 
technically competent personnel.
4 
Sec. 6. Obligations Related to Accreditation Under International and Regional
5 
Agreements. -
6 
a. As a signatory to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on
7 
Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO-TBT), the Philippines must ensure adequate
8 
and enduring technical competence of the relevant CABs in the export of
9 
products and services from the country, so that confidence in the continued
10 
reliability of their conformity assessment results exists. In this regard, verified
11 
compliance, through accreditation, with relevant standards or
12 
recommendations issued by international standardization and accreditation
13 
bodies shall be taken into account as an indication of acceptable technical
14 
competence.
15 
b. As a member of the International Accreditation Forum (lAF), the International
16 
Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), and the Asia Pacific
17 
Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), the country, through the Authority, shall
18 
participate actively in the work of these organizations and shall take measures
19 
for signing relevant recognition arrangements/ agreements according to the
20 
rules of these organizations.
21 
c. With the Philippines being a member of the ASEAN Economic Community, the
22 
Authority shall perform its primary role of strengthening accreditation
23 
activities to encourage trade among ASEAN members, provide
24 
internationally/regionally recognized accreditation of CABs, and increasing the
25 
competitiveness and export potential of the Philippine economy.
26 
ARTICLE III
27 
PHILIPPINE ACCREDITATION AUTHORITY
28 
Sec. 7. Creation of the Authority. - There is hereby created an independent
29 
national accreditation body to be known as the Philippine Accreditation Authority. It
30 
shall be under the administrative supervision of the Department of Trade and
31 
Industry.


1 
As the national accreditation body, the Authority shall represent and defend
2 
the interests of the Philippines in all treaty and non-treaty international and regional
3 
accreditation organizations.
4 
Sec. 8. Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of the Philippine Accreditation
5 
Authority. - In pursuance of the policies enunciated in this Act, and to comply with
6 
Philippine obligations as prescribed in Section 6 hereof, the Authority shall have the
7 
following powers, functions and responsibilities:
8 
a. Implement, in collaboration other concerned government agencies, the
9 
private sector and other stakeholders, the National Accreditation Strategy;
10 
b. Promulgate policies for the accreditation of CABs, local or foreign, including
11 
the requirements of the different certification schemes to which a CAB may
12 
seek accreditation. For this purpose, prescribe the procedures and conditions
13 
for the grant, denial, renewal, extension, suspension or withdrawal of the
14 
accreditation of CABs;
15 
c. Issue criteria and procedures on the reception, handling and resolution of
16 
appeals on the decision of accreditation teams on the application for
17 
accreditation of CABs;
18 
d. Monitor the compliance of CABs to accreditation requirements throughout the
19 
duration of their accreditation;
20 
e. Issue criteria and procedures on the reception, handling and resolution of
21 
complaints on the conformity assessment activities of CABs;
22 
f. Conduct management and performance audits of its systems and personnel,
23 
and implement internal control measures to ensure strict compliance to
24 
policies and procedures and to ensure impartiality of actions;
25 
g. Impose and collect fees and charges for its services, and impose fines for
26 
violations of conditions in the grant of accreditation: Provided, That fifty
27 
percent (50%) of the collections from fees, charges and fines shall be
28 
retained by and released to the Authority, subject to circulars and guidelines
29 
issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), for the
30 
promotion of accreditation services and human resource development;
31 
h. Establish and maintain linkages and represent the Philippines' interests,
32 
including the harmonization of national standards and other accreditation
6


1 
documents with international rules and standards, in international and
2 
regional accreditation organizations, consultative committee meetings and
3 
working groups, including, but not limited to, the International Accreditation
4 
Forum (lAF), the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC),
5 
and the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC);
6 
i. Maintain a registry of accredited CABs and their personnel, and other relevant
7 
information related to the capability and activities of CABs;
8 
j. Create internal, inter-agency and/or inter-sectoral technical or appeals
9 
committees, working groups, task forces and audit teams necessary for the
10 
performance of its functions;
11 
k. Secure and contract the services and/or facilities of technical experts,
12 
educational and research institutions, laboratories, industry, and other
13 
professional groups, to assist in the conduct of accreditation of different types
14 
of conformity assessment bodies;
15 
I. For an efficient and effective accreditation system, seek the assistance or
16 
participation of any government department, agency or instrumentality, local
17 
government units, private sector organizations and entities, non-government
18 
organizations and other stakeholders, to provide scientific or technical advice,
19 
data, information, expertise, and recommendations in formulating and
20 
promulgating policies and guidelines, and in conducting accreditation
21 
activities;
22 
m. Obtain the advice and services of government lawyers in the filing of charges
23 
and complaints against CABs in the proper courts and other administrative
24 
agencies for non-compliance to accreditation policies and procedures,
25 
including non-payment of fees, charges and fines;
26 
n. Disburse funds to compensate the services and/or use of facilities of, or
27 
provide per diems, honoraria, allowances, and payment for transportation and
28 
other reimbursable expenses to, technical experts, educational and research
29 
institutions, laboratories, professional groups, and government lawyers, from
30 
the government and private sectors, in the performance of its functions under
31 
items j, k, I and m of this Section; and
7


1 
0. Perform such other functions as may be necessary for the attainment of its
2 
mandates.
3 
In 
the formulation and implementation of accreditation policies and
4 
guidelines, the Authority shall consult and, when necessary, collaborate with
5 
concerned government agencies and stakeholders.
6 
Sec. 9. The Director-General. - The Authority shall be headed by a Director-
7 
General, to be appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the
8 
Secretary of the DTI, for a term of seven (7) years, without reappointment, and shall
9 
receive the benefits, privileges and emoluments equivalent to the rank of
10 
Undersecretary. The Director-General must be a Filipino, at least thirty-five (35)
11 
years old at the time of appointment, with at least three (3) years of experience in
12 
the field of accreditation of CABs, and of proven competence, integrity and
13 
independence.
14 
As the chief executive officer, the Director-General shall be responsible for the
15 
promulgation and implementation of policies, rules and regulations, and in directing
16 
and controlling the activities of the different offices, bureaus, divisions and units of
17 
the Authority.
18 
The Director-General shall be assisted by two (2) Deputy Directors-General,
19 
who shall likewise be appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the
20 
Secretary of the DTI, for a term of seven (7) years, without reappointment, and shall
21 
receive the benefits, privileges and emoluments equivalent to the rank of an
22 
Assistant Secretary.
23 
Sec. 10. Organizational Structure. - The Authority, subject to the approval of
24 
the DBM, shall determine, in a continuing manner, its organizational structure and
25 
staffing pattern, including offices, divisions, or units that are deemed necessary to
26 
effectively implement its mandates. The continuing reorganization and expansion of
27 
the manpower complement of the Authority shall be based on the services needed
28 
by the Philippine economy, industries, and CABs.
29 
The Director-General shall appoint its officers and employees in accordance
30 
with civil service laws, rules and regulations. The remuneration structure of the
31 
Authority shall conform to Republic Act No. 6758, otherwise known as the
32 
"Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989", as amended.
8


1 
Sec. 11. Prohibited Acts. - All officials and personnel of the Authority are
2 
prohibited from holding any interest whatsoever, either as investor, stockholder,
3 
officer or director, or provide consultancy services in any CAB, or performing or
4 
offering activities, including services, being provided by CABs. Any violation of this
5 
Section shall subject the person concerned to removal from the Authority for cause
6 
as well as administrative, civil or criminal prosecution under applicable laws.
7 
ARTICLE IV
8 
ACCREDITATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
9 
Sec. 12. The Accreditation Advisory Councii, Creation and Purpose. - There is
10 
hereby created the Accreditation Advisory Council which shall provide policy
11 
recommendations and technical advice to the Authority to expand the use of
12 
accreditation and to preserve the independence and maintain the impartiality of the
13 
accreditation process.
14 
Sec. 13. Functions and Responsibiiities of the Advisory Councii. - The
15 
Advisory Councii shall have the following functions and responsibilities:
16 
a. Formulate a National Accreditation Strategy aimed at increasing awareness,
17 
acceptance, and trust on accreditation, and thereby expand utilization of
18 
conformity assessment activities;
19 
b. Monitor the performance of the Authority and recommend marketing
20 
programs to promote the value of accreditation and conformity assessment
21 
services;
22 
c. Monitor and assess the implementation of accreditation policies and
23 
procedures, including the handling and resolution of appeals on accreditation
24 
and complaints against 
CABs, and recommend improvements 
thereto to
25 
ensure transparency and impartiality;
26 
d. Recommend capacity and capability building programs to improve efficiency
27 
and effectiveness of the Authority's personnel;
28 
e. Provide advice on proposed international agreements of cooperation and
29 
mutual recognition of accreditation standards and 
conformity assessment
30 
bodies;


1 
f. Propose legislation, amendments or modifications to national laws related to
2 
accreditation, and provide technical assistance and opinions in the review of
3 
proposed national or local regulations affecting accreditation; and
4 
g. Perform such other functions as may be necessary for the attainment of its
5 
mandates.
6 
Sec. 14. Composition of the Advisory Councii. -The Advisory Council shall be
7 
composed of the following:
8 
a. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with the DTI Secretary as chair,
9 
or the DTI Undersecretary in charge of Competitiveness, International Trade
10 
Promotion, or Industry Development as alternate chair;
11 
b. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), with the DOST
12 
Undersecretary overseeing metrology, as vice-chair, or the Director in charge
13 
of metrology as alternate vice-chair;
14 
c. The Department of Health (DOH), to be represented by at least any of the
15 
Directors of any of the Centers for Regulation of the Food and Drug
16 
Administration;
17 
d. The Department of Agriculture, to be represented by the Undersecretary or
18 
Assistant Secretary for Regulations, or the Director of the Bureau of
19 
Agriculture and Fisheries Standards;
20 
e. The Department of Energy, to be represented by at least the Director of any
21 
of the Bureaus of the DOE;
22 
f. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to be
23 
represented by at least the Director of any of the Bureaus of the DENR;
24 
g. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to be represented by at least a
25 
Director from any of the DFA Offices concerned with the regular membership
26 
and full participation of the Philippines in the WTO, ASEAN Economic
27 
Community, other free trade agreements, or international organizations on
28 
accreditation and conformity assessment;
29 
h. The Anti-Red Tape Authority, to be represented by at least the Director from
30 
any of the Offices under the Office of the Deputy Director General for
31 
Operations; and
10


1 
i. Three (3) representatives of private sector associations or institutions utilizing
2 
and/or promoting conformity assessment activities, one each of three of the
3 
following:
4 
(i) National trade or industry associations;
5 
(ii) National confederation or association of exporters;
6 
(iii) National association of CABs;
7 
(iv) Foundations or non-government organizations;
8 
(v) Professional associations in science and engineering that are involved
9 
in conformity assessment and quality; and
10 
(vi) Academe or research institutions.
11 
The representatives from the private sector shall have a term of three (3)
12 
years and may be reappointed for another three-year term. They shall be appointed
13 
by the DTI Secretary from nominees submitted by their respective associations.
14 
The Authority shall be the secretariat of the Advisory Council.
15 
Sec. 15. Allowances and Per Diems. - The Chair, Vice-Chair and Members of
16 
the Advisory Council shall be entitled to per diems, allowances and payment of
17 
reimbursable expenses as prescribed by the DBM.
18 
ARTICLE V
19 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
20 
Sec. 16. Transitory Provisions. - All powers, functions, personnel,
21 
appropriations, funds, records, equipment, facilities, other assets, liabilities, and
22 
obligations in international and regional agreements of the Philippine Accreditation
23 
Bureau are hereby transferred to the Authority.
24 
The existing personnel of the Philippine Accreditation Bureau shall continue to
25 
assume their posts in holdover capacities until new appointments are issued:
26 
Provided, That there shall be no diminution of rank and salaries, allowances and
27 
benefits of transferred employees.
28 
The internal organic structure, staffing pattern, operating system, and revised
29 
budget of the Authority shall be put in place within six (6) months from the start of
30 
the effectivity of this Act.
11


1 
To ensure the smooth operation of the Authority, the Director of PAB shall
2 
serve as the interim Director-General of the Authority until such time that the full-
3 
time Director-General has been appointed by the President.
4 
Sec. 17. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions
5 
of this Act shall be initially charged against the current fiscal year appropriations of
6 
the Philippine Accreditation Bureau. Thereafter, the amount needed for the
7 
continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations
8 
Act.
9 
Sec. 18. Separabiiity Cause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is
10 
declared unconstitutional, the other sections or provisions hereof which are not
11 
affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.
12 
Sec. 19. Repeaiing Cause. - Executive Order No. 802, Series of 2009, and ail
13 
other laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or portions thereof that are
14 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
15 
The authority of BAFS to grant official accreditation to an organic certifying
16 
body or entity, through third-party certification or the Participatory Guarantee
17 
System, and to prescribe the rules and procedures for the grant of accreditation, are
18 
hereby transferred to the Authority. Section 13 of this Act, and all references to the
19 
authority of BAFS to grant accreditation under. Republic Act No. 10068, as amended,
20 
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. Nothing in this paragraph shall be
21 
construed as removing the authority of the DA to regulate organic certifying bodies.
22 
Sec. 20. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its
23 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
24 
circulation.
Approved,
12