FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.NO. 
289 
.~ 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. TriIIanes IV 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Chiropractic is a health care profession which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention 
of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system with special emphasis on the spine. It is 
hypothesized that the general health 0 f an individual is affected by these disorders via the 
nervous system l . Chiropractors also known as chiropractic physicians are individuals who 
specialize in the treatment of patients with health problems that involve the muscoloskeletal 
system. 
This method of health care is popular and well-established in USA, Canada and Australia. It is 
also present to a lesser extent in other countries, such as the Philippines. At present, there are 
individuals who are practicing chiropractics in the Philippines, however, we do not have any 
agency that regulates this practice. 
This proposed measure aims to professionalize the chiropractic profession by creating a 
Chiropractic Board of Examiners which would regulate the chiropractic profession to ensure the 
excellent, competitive, and accountable practice of chiropractic. The proposed measure seeks to 
protect not only the clients of chiropractic physicians but also the practitioners as well as 
maintain the credibility of their profession. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
d~I}"SO~~Y"~\~R[LLANES IV 
Senator 
1 Data retrieved from http:Uen.wikipedia.org!wiki!Chiropractic on Oct. 7, 2008 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
"'8° 
~)iJ 
S. NO. 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE IN THE PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled. 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Chiropractic Act of201 O. 
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. -
In recognition of the importance and role of 
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chiropractors in nation-building and development, it shall be the policy of the State to promote 
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and recognize the significance ofthe chiropractic profession . 
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SEC. 3. Creation and Composition of Board. - There is hereby created a Professional 
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Regulatory Board of Chiropractic Examiners, hereinafter called the Board, a collegial body 
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under the administrative control and supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission 
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(PRC), hereinafterreferred to as the Commission, which shall be composed offive (5) members, 
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four (4) of which are licensed chiropractic physicians who have met the requirements ofthis Act 
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and has practice chiropractic in the country for more than two (2) years. One member of the 
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board shall be a person with no direct financial interest in the health care industry. They shall be 
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appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list of three (3) enemies for each position. 
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The Board shall be organized not later than sixty (60) days from the effectivity ofthis Act. 
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SEC. 4. Qualifications of the Chairperson and the Members of the Professional 
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Regulatory Board of Chiropractic Examiners. - The Chairperson and Members of the Board 
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shall, at the time of their appointment and for the course of their term, possess the following 
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qualifications: 
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(a) A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines; 
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(b) At least thirty-five (35) years of age; 
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(c) Possess good moral character; 
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(d) Have at least five (5) years of practice in chiropractic care in a duly recognized 
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institution, clinic, or center, as well as at least two (2) years of teaching experience in 
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the field of chiropractic care; 
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(e) Be a registered and licensed chiropractor, except in the case of the first members of 
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the Board who shall automatically be conferred a valid certificate of registration and a 
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valid professional identification card in chiropractic upon appointment to the Board; 
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(f) Is not an officer, nor hold any position other than being a member, of the integrated 
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and accredited national organization of chiropractors; and 
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(g) Shall not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. 
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SEC. 5. Term of Office. - The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three 
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(3) years or until their successors shall have been appointed and duly qualified. Each member of 
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the Board may be reappointed for one (1) full term of three (3) years. The first members of the 
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Board shall hold office for the following terms: the Chairperson for three (3) years; one member 
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for two (2) years; and the other member for one (1) year, which shall be specified in their 
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respective appointments. Any vacancy occurring within the term of a member shall be filled for 
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the unexpired portion of the term only, Each member of the Board shall quality by taking the 
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proper oath prior to the performance of his/her duties. 
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SEC. 6. Powers and Duties. - The Board shall have the following powers and duties: 
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(a) Administer and implement the provisions of this Act and promulgate as well as revise 
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or update, as necessary, rules and regulations, resolutions and guidelines hereto: 
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provided, that the policies, resolutions, rules and regulations issued or promulgated by 
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the Board shall be subject to review and approval of the Commission; 
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(b) Supervise and monitor the registration, licensure and practice of chiropractors in the 
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Phili ppines; 
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( c) Administer oaths in connection with the. administration of this Act; 
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(d) Issue, and upon compliance with'due process requirements suspend or revoke, andlor 
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reinstate, the .Q(:!,rtificate of registration and professional identification card .for 
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chiropractors; 
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( e) Adopt an official seal of the Board; 
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(f) Monitor the conditions and circumstances affecting the practice of chiropractic care 
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in the Philippines and adopt such measures as may be deemed lawful and proper for 
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the enhancement and maintenance of high professional, ethical and technical 
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standards of the profession; 
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(g) Issue permits to and exerCIse visitorial powers over agencIes, institutions, 
associations, corporations and partnerships to verify that the persons practicing 
chiropractic care therein are chiropractors with valid certificates of registration and 
valid professional identification cards, and that they possess the necessary 
accreditation, skills and/or facilities to competently carrying out their functions; 
(h) Assist the Commission in the formulation and implementation of the guidelines on 
continuing professional education for chiropractors; 
(i) Ensure, in coordination with the CHED, that all educational institutions offering the 
course/program of chiropractic care strictly comply with the policies, standards and 
requirements prescribed by CHED for such course/program, especially in the areas of 
administration, curriculum, faculty, library and facilities; 
(j) Prepare, adopt, issue and amend, in consultation with CHED, 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 and/or code of professional standards. For this purpose, it 
may issue subpoena 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; 
(I) Perform such other functions and duties as may be lawfully delegated to it, or as it 
may deem necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act. 
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SEC. 7. Compensation and Allowances. - The Chairperson and Members of the Board 
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shall receive the same compensation and allowances as those received by the chairperson and 
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Members of the existing regulatory boards under the Commission, as provided in the charter of 
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the Commission and in the. General Appropriations Act. 
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SEC. 8. Removal or Suspension of Members of the Professional Regulatory Board of 
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Chiropractic Examiners. - Any member of the Board may, upon the recommendation of the 
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Commission upon observance of due process and completion of the proper investigation, be 
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suspended or removed by the President from office for cause, such as gross neglect of duty, 
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incompetence, malpractice, behavior unbecoming of a chiropractic professional, immorality, 
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unethical or dishonorable conduct, final conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude, any 
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act of graft and corruption, and participation in the manipulation of or any dishonesty relative to 
the licensure examinations and/or the registration process, 
SEC. 9. Administrative Supervision over the Board, Custodian 0/ its Records, 
Secretariat and Support Services, - The Board shall be under the administrative supervision and 
control of the Commission, 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 Commission. The Commission shall designate the 
Secretary of the Board and shall provide the Secretariat with necessary support services to 
effectively implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 10. Examinations Required. - All applicants for registration to practice 
chiropractic care shall be required to pass a licensure examination for chiropractors to be 
conducted by the Board in such places and dates, and subject to such requirements, prescribed by 
the Commission. 
SEC. 11. Qualifications 0/ Applicants/or Licensure Examination/or Chiropractors-
Any person may apply to take the examination for registration and licensure as a chiropractor 
after furnishing evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant: 
(a) is a Filipino citizen, a permanent resident, or a citizen of a foreign country which 
extends reciprocity to the Philippines relative to the practice of the profession; 
(b) has a high school education or its equivalent; 
(c) has successfully completed at least two academic years of study in a college of liberal 
arts or sciences or has engaged in the active licensed practice of chiropractic for three 
of the four years preceding the filing of the application; 
(d) is a graduate of a school or colle'ge of chiropractic that: 
(I) is accredited by or a candidate for accreditation by an accrediting agency 
recognized by the board; or 
(2) if an accrediting agency under (1) of this paragraph does not exist, requires the 
completion of a minimum of 4,000 hours of formal education and training in 
order to graduate, including 
(i) 
150 hours of chiropractic philosophy or principles; 
(ii) 1200 hours of basic sciences, including anatomy, chemistry, 
physiology, and pathology; 
(iii) 1400 hours of preclinical technique, including diagnosis, chiropractic 
technique, and x-rays; and 
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(iv) 700 hours of clinical training; 
(e) completes 120 hours of formal training in physiological therapeutics; 
(f) is of good moral character and 
(g) has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude. 
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SEC. 12. Licensure by credentials. - The board may issue a license by credentials to an 
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applicant who pays the appropriate fee and presents satisfactory proof that the applicant: 
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(a) is a graduate of a school or college of chiropractic that 
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(1) is accredited by or a candidate for accreditation by an accrediting agency 
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recognized by the hoard; or 
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(2) if an accrediting agency Nnder (a) of this paragraph does not exist, requires the 
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completion of a minimum of 4,000 hours of formal education and training in 
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order to graduate, including: 
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(i) 
150 hours of chiropractic philosophy or principles; 
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(ii) 1,200 hours of basic sciences, including anatomy, chemistry, physiology, 
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and pathology; 
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(iii) 1,400 hours of preclinical technique, including diagnosis, chiropractic 
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technique, and x-rays; and 
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(iv) 700 hours of clinical training; 
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(b) has passed an examination approved by the board that is designed to test the 
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applicant's knowledge of the laws governing the practice of chiropractic and the 
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regulations adopted under those laws; and 
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(c) has completed 120 hours offormal training in physiological therapeutics or has 
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passed, to the satisfaction of the board, a physiological therapeutics examination as 
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may be required by the board. 
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SEC. 13. Examination. -
(a) Examinations for a license to practice chiropractic may be held in the time and 
manner fixed b:,r the board. 
(b) The examination may include practical demonstration and oral and written 
examination in those subjects usually taught in accredited chiropractic schools. 
(c) A general average rating of75 percent is a passing grade on the examination. 
(d) An applicant may take a reexamination within one year after failing the examination. 
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The Board shall submit to the Commission an official report detailing the ratings 
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obtained by each examinee within ten (10) calendar days after the examination, unless such 
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period is extended for just cause. 
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SEC. 14. Oath of Chiropractors - All successful examinees qualified for registration and 
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all qualified applicants for registration without examination shall be required to take an oath to 
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uphold the profession before any member of the Board or any officer of the Commission 
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authorized to administer oaths, prior to entering into the practice of chiropractics in the 
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Philippines. 
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SEC. 15. Issuance of Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Card. 
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- A certificate of registration and professional identification card shall be issued to all successful 
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examinees and registrants without examination upon compliance with all the legal requirements, 
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including payment of fees, prescribed by the Commission. The certificate of registration shall 
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bear the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and Members of the Board, indicating 
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that the person named therein is entitled to practice the profession with all the privileges and 
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concomitant responsibilities appurtenant thereto. The said certificate shall remain in full force 
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and effect until suspended or revoked in accordance with this Act. A professional identification 
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card bearing the registration number, date of issuance and validity term of three years, duly 
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signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, shall likewise be issued to every registrant who 
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has paid the prescribed registration fee. Upon expiration of the professional identification card, 
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the chiropractors may renew the same. upon proof of compliance with continuing education 
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requirements prescribed by the Board andlor Commission. 
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SEC. 16. Disclosure of Registration Information. - The chiropractor shall be required to 
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indicate his/her registration and professional identification card number and date of issuance, the 
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duration of validity, including the professional tax receipt number on each document signed, 
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used or issued in connection with the practice of his/her profession. 
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SEC. 17. Non-issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification 
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Card. - The Board shall not register nor issue a certificate of registration or professional 
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identification card to any person convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude, has 
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been found guilty by a judicial or other duly constituted tribunal of immoral or dishonorable 
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conduct, or has been medically diagnosed to be of unsound mind. In the event of non-issuance of 
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the certificate for any reason, the Board shall furnish the applicant a written statement setting 
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forth the reasons for such denial, which statement shall be incorporated to the records of the 
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Board. 
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SEC. 18. Practice Through Special Temporary Permit. - Special temporary permits may 
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be issued by the Board, subj ect to the approval by the Commission and payment of appropriate 
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fees, to the following persons: 
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(1) Licensed chiropractors from. foreign countries who are internationally acknowledged 
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specialists or outstanding experts in chiropractic care, provided that their services are 
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important and necessary either due to the lack or inadequacy of available local 
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specialists/experts or in recognition of their potential contribution to the 
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promotion/advancement of chiropractic care through transfer of technology; 
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(2) Licensed chiropractors from foreign countries whose services shall be free and 
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offered exclusively to indigent patients in a particular hospital, center or clinic; and 
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(3) Licensed chiropractors from foreign countries employed as exchange professors to 
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teach chiropractic care in schools, colleges, universities offering chiropractic 
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programs. 
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The permit shall detail the conditions thereof which shall, among other things, include the 
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effectivity period of not more than one (1) year subject to renewal, and the specific place of 
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practice such as the clinic, hospital, center, school, college, university offering the course of 
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chiropractic care. The Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, shall prescribe rules 
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and regulations on the implementation of this particular section. 
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SEC. 19. Suspension or Revocation of Cettiflcate of Registration and Professional 
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Identification Card or Cancellation of a Special Temporary Permit. - The Board shall have the 
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power, after notice and hearing, to suspend or revoke the certificate of registration and 
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professional identification card or to cancel special temporary permits granted pursuant to this 
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Act on any ground set forth in the instances hereunder: 
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(a) Procurement of a certificate of registration andlor professional identification card, or 
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special tempo(ltlY permit by fraud or deceit; 
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(b) Allowing an unqualified person to advertise or to practice the profession by using 
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one's certificate of registration or professional identification card or special 
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temporary permit; 
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(c) Violating or conspiring to viplate any of the provisions of this Act, its implementing 
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rules and regulations, the code of ethics or code of professional standards 
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promulgated hereinafter by the Board; 
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(d) Manifest physical or mental incompetence to render chiropractic servIces with 
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reasonable skill and safety to his/ her clients/patients; 
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(e) Professional misconduct or negJigence in the performance of duties as a chiropractor; 
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and 
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(f) Engaging in the practice of the profession during the period of one's suspension. 
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SEC. 20. Reinstatement. - A chiropractor whose certificate of registration has been 
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revoked may apply to the Board for reinstatement at any time after two (2) years from the date of 
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revocation of smd certificate. The application shall be in writing and shall· conform to 
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requirements hereinafter prescribed by the Board. No certificate of registration or professional 
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identification card shall be reinstated unless the Board is satisfied that a good cause exists to 
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warrant such reinstatement 
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Issuance of a new certificate of registration or professional identification card, or special 
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temporary permit in lieu of one that has been lost, destroyed or mutilated shall be subject to 
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applicable rules prescribed by the Commission. 
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SEC. 21. Appeal from Judgment. - The decision of the Board shall ipso facto become 
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final fifteen (I5) days from receipt of the decision by the respondent unless an appeal has been 
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filed with the Commission within the same period. The Commission's decision on appeal may be 
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further appealed before the Court of Appeals within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof 
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SEC. 22. Rights of the Respondent. - The respondent chiropractor shall have the right to 
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be represented by counsel at all stages of the proceedings as well as to speedy disposition of 
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his/her case. He/she shall have the right to confront witnesses against him/her in addition to such 
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other rights guaranteed by the Constitution. 
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SEC. 23. Integration of the Profession. - The profession shall hereinafter be integrated 
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by consolidating all practitioners into one national organization of registered and licensed 
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chiropractors, which shall ke recognized and accredited by the Board, subject to approval of the 
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Commission. A chiropractor duly registered and licensed by the Board and the Commission shall 
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automatically become a member of said organization and shall receive the benefits and 
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privileges, as well as be subject to all responsibilities and obligations, appurtenant thereto upon 
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payment of the required fees and dues. Membership in the integrated organization shall not be a 
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bar to membership in any other association of chiropractors. 
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SEC. 24. Prohibited Acts. - No person shall: 
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(a) Engage in the professional practice of chiropractic care nor represent himself/ herself 
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a professional practicing chiropractor without a valid certificate of 
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registration/valid professional identification card, or a valid special temporary permit 
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granted by the Board pursuant to this Act; 
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(b) Represent himself/ herself to be a licensed and authorized practicing chiropractor 
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during the time that his/her certificate of registration has been suspended or revoked 
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or professional identification card without being renewed, or special temporary 
permit cancelled; 
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(c) Allow any other person to use his/her certificate of registration and professional 
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identification card or special temporary permit for any purpose, regardless of whether 
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such act actually enables the unqualified individual to engage in the practice of 
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chiropractic; 
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(d) Use, exhibit andlor misrepresent as his/her own the certificate of registration andlor 
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professional identification card or special temporary permit of another; and, 
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(e) Give any false, inaccurate, misleading or incomplete information to the Board in 
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order to obtain a certificate of registration or professional identification card or 
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special temporary permit 
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No corporation, partnership, association or entity shall operate a chiropractic office, 
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center, clinic, or otherwise engage in the practice or allow the practice of chiropractic within its 
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premises, without securing a permit therefore from the Board. Such permit shall be issued only 
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after the Board is satisfied that such establishment is competently staffed by a chiropractor and 
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equipped with sufficient and adequate chiropractic-related instruments and facilities. 
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A violation of any provision of this Act or its implementing rules and regulations shall be 
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penalized accordingly. 
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SEC. 25. Penalties. - Any person who violates any provISIon of this Act or its 
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implementing rules and regulations shall be punished with impri~onment of not less than six (6) 
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months but not more thlin three (3) years, or a fine of not less than Ten Thousand Pesos (PIO, 
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000.00) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PIOO,OOO.OO), or both, at the 
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discretion ofthe Court. 
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SEC. 26. Injunction. -
The Board may initiate action to enjom, restrain, andlor 
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prosecute any individual, corporation, association, partnership or entity engaging in the practice 
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of chiropractics in violation ofthis Act. 
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SEC. 27. Funding Provision. - The Chairperson of the Commission shall immediately 
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hereinafter include in the Commission's programs the prompt implementation of this Act, 
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funding of which shall be provided for in the Annual General Appropriations Act. 
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SEC. 28. Enforcement. - It shall be the duty of all duly constituted law enforcement 
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agencies and officers of national, provincial, city or municipal governments to uphold and 
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enforce the provisions of this Act and to investigate and prosecute or cause the investigation and 
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prosecution of any person violating the same. 
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SEC. 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -
Within ninety (90) days after the 
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constitution of the Board, it shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations, 
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subject to approval of the Commission, to implement the provisions of this Act. 
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SEC. 30. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid by a 
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competent court, any other provision not affected thereby shall continue to be valid and effective. 
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SEC. 31. Repealing Clause. - Any laws, presidential decrees, executive orders and 
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letters of instruction which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby 
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repealed or amended accordingly. 
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SEC. 32. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen days following its 
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publication in the Official Gazette or in any two newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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