Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City a
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session Sos

House Siu. no,__5370

Introduced by Honorable Anthony Rolando T. Golez, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The State recognizes the right of the people to health. Assuring the delivery of the
right of the people to health necessarily includes the proper dispensation of medicines. In this
regard, the practice of the profession of pharmacy comes in. Said profession plays a very
important role in ensuring that Filipinos will be given the proper health care. Ironically, even
with such a significant role, the practice of the profession of pharmacy has been neglected;
the laws governing it have not been updated.

The existing Pharmacy Law, R.A. No. 5921, is no longer responsive to the requirements
of pharmacists and the needs of the general public. The foregoing proposed measure aims to
enable Filipino pharmacists to catch-up in the world arena in the practice of the profession of
pharmacy. It likewise ensures the proper dispensation of medicines to Filipinos; making sure
‘that our countrymen will have proper health care in all related aspects.

The foregoing bill promotes the professional services rendered by pharmacists as a
Vital part of the entire healthcare system in the Philippines. It provides the development and
promotion of a competent and productive practice of the profession of pharmacy through the
adoption of measures, programs, and activities that foster the pharmacists’ continuing
professional growth.

Approval of the bill is earnestly sought.

ed



Republic of the Phifippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._ 5370

Introduced by Honorable Anthony Rolando T. Golez, Jr.

“AN ACT REGULATING THE PRACTICE
OF PHARMACY IN THE PHILIPPINES,
REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 5921, THE PHARMACY LAW,
AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.”

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title, This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Pharmacy Act of
2011".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is a State policy to protect and promote the right
to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. The state recognizes the
important role of pharmacists in providing quality heaithcare. The professional service
rendered by pharmacists shall be promoted as a vital part of the entire healthcare system in
the Philippines. The state shall develop and promote a competent and productive practice of
the profession of pharmacy through the adoption of measures, programs, and activities that
foster the pharmacists' continuing professional growth.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. The following terms, as used in this Act, shall mean:

(a) Biologic Products - microorganisms, sera, toxins and similar products used for
the prevention or cure of human diseases.

(b) Brand Name - the proprietary or trade name given by the manufacturer to
distinguish its product from those of the competitors.

(c) Gpher - a method of secret writing that substitutes other letters or characters
for the letter intended or transpose the letter after arranging them in blocks or


squares.
(d) Code -a system of words or other symbols arbitrarily used to represent words.

(@) Compounding - the preparation, mixing, assembling, packaging, or labeling of
a drug (i) as the result of a prescription or drug order by a physician, dentist,
optometrist, or veterinarian, based on the said practitioner-patient-pharmacist
relationship in the course of professional practice, or (ii) for the purpose of, or in
relation to, research, teaching, or chemical analysis and not for sale or
dispensing.

(f) Cosmetics - shall refer to (i) products intended to be applied, poured, sprinkled,
or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body, or any
part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or improving
the appearance, or (ii) ingredients or other substances intended for use as a
component of any such product.

(9) Counterfeit drug, medicine, pharmaceutical — shall refer to medicinal products
with the correct ingredients but not in the amounts as provided, wrong
ingredient, without active ingredient/s, with insufficient quantity of active
ingredient, which result in the reduction of the drug's safety, efficacy, quality,
strength or purity. It is a drug that is deliberately and fraudulently mislabeled
with respect to identity and/or source or with fake packaging, and can apply to
both branded and generic products. It shall also refer to;

(i) the drug itself or the container or labeling thereof or any part of
such drug, container, or labeling bearing without authorization the
trademark, trade name or other identification mark or imprint or
any likeness to that which is owned or registered in the Bureau of
Patent, Trademark and Technology Transfer (BPTIT) in the name
of another natural or juridical person;

(i) a drug product refilled in containers by unauthorized persons if the
tegitimate labels or marks are used;

(ii) an imported drug product not registered with the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), except drugs brought in the country for
personal use as confirmed and justified by accompanying medical
records; and

(iv) a drug which contains no amount of a different active ingredient or
less than eighty percent (80%) of the active ingredient it purports
to possess as distinguished from an adulterated drug including
reduction or loss or efficacy due to expiration.

(h) Dangerous drugs - shall refer to those listed in the Schedules annexed to the
1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs as amended by the 197 Protocol, and
in the Schedules annexed to the 1971 Single Convention on Psychotropic


Substances as enumerated in the attached annex in Republic Act No. 9165,
which is an integral part of the Act.

(i) Devices - any instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, implant, in vitro
reagent or calibrator, software, material or other similar or related article:

(a) intended by the manufacturer to be used, along or in combination, for
human beings for one or more of the specific purpose(s) of:

(i) diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment, alleviation of
diseases of diseases,

(ii) diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, alleviation of or
compensation for an injury

(iii) investigation, replacement or modification or support of
the anatomy of a physiological process,

{iv) supporting or sustaining life,
(v) control of conception,
(vi) disinfection of medical devices,

(vii) providing information for medical or diagnostic purposes
by means of an in vitro examination of specimen derived from the
human body; and

(b) which does not achieve its primary intended action in or on the
human body by pharmacological, immunological or metabolic means, but
which may be assisted in their intended function by such means.

(j) Dispensing - a process whereby a pharmacist receives and checks a valid
prescriber’s medication order or prescription, and makes available drugs and
medicines, with advice on their proper use and other relevant information.

(k) Drugs and Medicines - chemical compounds or biological substances, other than
food, intended for use in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of disease in
humans or animals, including but not limited to:

(i) any article recognized in the official United States Pharmacopoeia,-
National Formulary, official Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the
United States, Philippine Pharmacopoeia, Philippine National Drug
Formulary, British Pharmacopoeia, European Pharmacopoeia,
Japanese Pharmacopoeia, and any official compendium or any
supplement to them;

(ii) any article intended for use in diagnosis, cure, mitigation,
treatment, or prevention of disease of man and animals;


(iii) any article other than food intended to affect the structure or any
function of the human body or animals;

(iv) _ any article intended for use as a component of articles specified in
clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) not including devices or their components,
parts, accessories; and

(¥) herbal and/or traditional drugs which are articles of plant or animal
origin used in folk medicine which are: (a) recognized in the
Philippine National Drug Formulary; (b) intended for use in the
treatment, or cure or mitigation of disease symptoms, injury or
body defects in humans; (c) other than food, intended to affect
the structure or any function of the human body; (d) in finished or
ready-to-use dosage form; and (e) intended for use as a
component of any of the articles specified in clauses (a), (b), (c} or
(d).

()) Brug or Pharmaceutical Laboratory ot Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Laboratory
- an establishment where pharmaceutical products, proprietary medicines, or
pharmaceutical specialties are formulated, prepared, compounded, and
standardized.

(m)Drug Establishments - FDA-registered companies involved in the manufacture,
importation, repacking, and/or distribution of drugs or medicines.

(n) Drug Qutfets - drugstores, pharmacies, and other business establishments
which are registered with the FDA and which legally sell drugs and medicines.

(0) Drugstore or Pharmacy - a place or establishment licensed by FDA where drugs,
chemicals, pharmaceutical products, specialties, and devices are legally sold at
retail or wholesale and where medical, dental, and veterinary prescriptions are
compounded and dispensed.

(p) Expiration Date - the date after which the product is not expected to possess its
claimed potency, efficacy, quality, and safety; and after which it is not legal to
sell or distribute or use the said product.

(q) Filling of 2 prescription - the act of dispensing or giving out of medicines in
accordance with the doctor's order.

() Household Remedies - any preparation containing pharmaceutical substances of
common or ordinary use to relieve common physical ailments which may be
dispensed without a medical prescription in original packages, bottles or
containers, the nomenclature of which has been duly approved by FDA in the
process of registration as defined in FOA AO No.115 s. 1991)

(s) Generic Name - the scientifically and internationally recognized name of the
active ingredient/s as approved by the Food and Drug Administration


(t) Labef- a display of written, printed or graphic information upon the immediate
container, or attached to or accompanying any pharmaceutical products.

(u) Labeling - all labels and other written, printed, or graphic matter (1) upon any
item or any of its containers or wrappers or (2) accompanying any such item.

(¥) Over-the- counter drugs - drugs used for symptomatic relief of minor ailments
which may be dispensed without a prescription.

(w) Pharmaceutical products or Pharmaceutical specialties - drugs, preparations, or
mixture of drugs under a brand or generic name and intended for the cure,
mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in man or animals.

(x) Pharmacist-only over-the-counter drugs - FDA-classified over-the-counter drugs
and/or substances which should only be obtained from the drugstore or
pharmacy with mandatory pharmacist’s advice on their selection and proper use.

(y) Person - includes an individual, partnership, corporation, or any juridical entity.

(2) Pharmaceutical marketing ~ any activity undertaken, organized or sponsored by
a drug establishment which is directed at promoting the prescription,
recommendation, supply, administration or consumption of its pharmaceutical
product(s) through direct personal contact and all media, including the internet.

(aa) Pharmacy Assistants - persons who assist pharmacists in dispensing medicines
in community, hospital, industrial settings and in other activities, such as, but
not limited to medical missions, under the supervision of the pharmacist and as
described in Sections 17 and 42 of this Act.

(bb) Physician's samples - medicines given to a physician for free for promotional
purposes,

(cc} Prescription drugs - drugs which can only be dispensed by a pharmacist
to a patient upon the presentation of a valid prescription from a physician,
dentist, optometrist or veterinarian and for which pharmacist's advice on their
proper use is necessary.

(dd) Refilling of a prescription - act of dispensing or giving out the remaining balance
of medicines ordered in the prescription when the whole quantity ordered is not
yet completely filled.

(ee) Secret Keys - characteristic style or symbo!s kept from the knowledge of
others or disclosed confidentially to a few individuals.

Section 4. Enforcement. The Professional Regulatory Board of Pharmacy, as hereby
created, and the Professional Regulation Commission are the bodies responsible for the
implementation of the provisions of this Act.

Section 5. The Board of Pharmacy and its Composition, The Professional Regulatory


Board of Pharmacy (hereinafter referred to as “Board”) is hereby created. The Board shall be
under the administration, control, and supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission
(hereinafter referred to as “Commission”), The Board shall be composed of @ Chairman and
four (4) Members. The Chairman and Members shall represent the areas of practice of
community, hospital, manufacturing, academe, and government service. Provided that, at any
given time, there is one (1) Member of the Board or the Chairman who is a lawyer, The
Chairman and Members shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon
recommendation from the list of nominees submitted by the Accredited Integrated National
Organization for Pharmacists, as hereby created.

Section 6. Qualifications of Board Members. To be appointed as Chairman and
Member of the Board of Pharmacy, he person must be:

(a) Acitizen of the Philippines and a resident for at least five (5) years.

(b) A duly registered pharmacist, preferably a holder of a Master of Science
in Pharmacy, or its equivalent degree and has been in the practice of pharmacy
for at least ten years, unless such Member is the member who is a lawyer as
provided for in the preceding Section.

(c) Of good moral character with a valid certificate of registration, valid
professicnal identification card and preferably with teaching experience; and
preferably representing each field of practice.

(d) At the time of appointment, not a member of the faculty or administrative
office of any school, college or university offering degree programs in pharmacy
nor connected in a review school or center; nor has any direct or indirect
pecuniary interests in any schooi, college, or any institution offering pharmacy.

(e) A member of good standing for at least five (5) years of the accredited
integrated national pharmacy association but, at the time of nomination, not an
officer or trustee thereof.

Section 7. Term of Office of Board Members. The Chairman and the Members of the
Board shall hold office for three (3) years after appointment or until their successors shall
have been appointed and duly qualified. Provided, that the Chairman or any Member may
only be re-appointed once and in no case shall he serve for more than six years.

Section 8. Compensation of the Board of Pharmacy. As provided for in R.A. No. 8981,
known as the “PRC Modernization Act of 2000", the Members of the Board shail receive
allowances and benefits equivalent to at least two salary grades lower than the salary grade
of a Commissioner in the Commission, while the Chairman of the Board shall receive a
monthly compensation equivalent to two steps higher than the Members of the Board. The
Chairman and Members of the Board shall be entitled to other allowances and benefits
provided under existing laws.

Section 9. Powers, Functions and Duties of the Board. The Board shall exercise the
following powers, functions, and duties:


(a) Conduct licensure examination for pharmacists.

(b) Approve the registration of pharmacists and the certification of drug
handlers.

(©) Prepare, adopt, and issue the Tabie of Specifications for the subjects in
the board licensure examination for pharmacists in consultation with the
academe; determine and prepare the questions therefor; score and rate the
examination papers with the name and signature of the Board member
concerned appearing thereon and submit the results in all subjects duly signed
by the members of the Board to the Commission no later than three (3) days
from the last day of examination unless extended by the Commission for
justifiable causes.

(d) Review or amend the scope of licensure examination.

(e)} Add, delete, modify the scope, definition and standards of practice of
pharmacy.

(f} — Reprimand any pharmacist, suspend, or revoke his/her certificate of
registration on the grounds as provided for in Sec. 46 hereof, after a formal
administrative investigation.

{g)  Promulgate from time to time the necessary rules and regulations for the
effective enforcement of this Act.

(h) Monitor the conditions affecting the practice of pharmacy in the
Philippines and adopt measures that may be deemed proper for the
enhancement of the profession and the maintenance of high professional,
academic, ethical and technical standards.

(i) Verify or confirm the qualifications and conditions of pharmacists
employed in drugstores, hospital pharmacies, drug or pharmaceutical
laboratories, drug traders, importers, cosmetics and medical device
establishments for which the Board may designate inspectors from the Food and
Drug Administration and other related institutions for such purpose.

Gj) Investigate cases arising from violations of this Act, the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder and the Pharmacist’s Code of Ethics,
technical standards, and other Board issuances and for this purpose, may issue
summons, subpoenas to respondents and witnesses to compel their attendance
‘in such investigations or hearings.

(k) Cite a person in contempt for failure or refusal to obey the lawful order of
the Board, subject to existing lews and rules.

(1) Delegate the hearing or investigation of administrative cases filed before
them whereat the hearing shall be presided over by at least one (1) member of


the Board concerned assisted by a Legal or Hearing Officer of the Commission,
provided that if the charge is not related to the technical practice of the
profession, the hearing may be conducted without a member of the Board.

({m) Conduct, through the Legal Officers of the Commission, summary
proceedings on minor violations of the respective regulatory laws, as determined
by the Board. Violations of the rules and regulations issued by the Board to
implement this Act, including violations of the general instructions to examinees
committed by examinees, and render summary judgment thereon which shalt,
unless appealed to the Commission, become final and executory after fifteen
(1S) days from receipt of notice of judgment or decision.

{n) Subject to the final approval by the Commission, recommend registration
without examination and the issuance of corresponding certificate of registration
and professional identification card to foreign pharmacists duly licensed in
countries with agreement of reciprocity with the Philippine government.

(0) Prepare an annual report of accomplishments on programs, projects, and
activities of the Board during the year for submission to the Commission after
the close of each calendar year including appropriate recommendations on
issues or problems affecting the practice of pharmacy.

(p) Issue and promuigate guidelines on continuing professional development
education in coordination with the accredited professional organization.

(q) Pass resolutions that will order the closure of the program or course of
pharmacy offered by a school or coilege.

(rf) Perform other incidental and necessary acts for the effective
implementation of this Act.

Section 10. Grounds for Suspension or Termination of Term of Office of the Chairman
or Member of the Board from Office, The President of the Philippines, upon the
recommendation of the Commission, after giving the Chairman or a Member of the Board an
opportunity to defend himself in an administrative investigation conducted by the
Commission, may remove or suspend him on any of the following grounds:

(a) Gross neglect, incompetence or dishonesty in the discharge of duty.

{b) Violation of any of the causes or grounds and the commission of
prohibited acts provided in this Act and offenses under the Revised Penal
Code, the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices and criminal laws.

(c) Involvement in the manipulation, tampering or rigging of the licensure
examination, its questions and its results and the disclosure of classified
and confidential information pertaining to the licensure examination.

(d) Conviction of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of


jurisdiction,

The Commission, in the conduct of investigation shall be guided by Section 7,
and Section 15 of R.A. No, 8981 and the rules on administrative investigation thereof,
and the applicable provisions of the New Rules of Court.

Section 11. Passing of Licensure Examination Requirement. Except as otherwise
specifically allowed under this Act, applicants for registration for the practice of pharmacy
shall be required to pass a licensure examination as provided for in this Act and in accordance
with Sec. 7 (d) of R.A. No. 8981.

Section 12. Qualifications of Applicants. An applicant for the licensure examination
for pharmacy shall satisfactorily show that he/she possesses the following qualifications:

(a) Citizen of the Philippines or a foreign citizen whose country/state has reciprocity
with the Philippines in the practice of pharmacy;

(b) Of good moral character and reputation;

(c) A holder of a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy duly recognized or accredited by
the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and conferred by a school/
college/university duly authorized by the government or its equivalent degree
obtained by either a Filipino or foreign citizen from an institution of learning in a
foreign country/state, provided it is duly recognized and/or accredited by CHED;

(d) Not convicted of an cffense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent
jurisdiction; and

(e)He must have completed an Intemship Program which shall consist of at least
nine hundred sixty hours (960 hours), six hundred hours (600 hours) of which
shall be spent equally distributed in a community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy,
‘or pharmaceutical industry - manufacturing, regulatory, marketing, or research
= and other related fields, while three hundred sixty hours (360 hours) of
internship shall be spent in any of the accredited pharmacy establishments or
entity chosen by the candidate.

For this purpose, the above-mentioned community pharmacy, pharmaceutical
company, and hospital pharmacy shall keep a separate record of pharmacy
students who underwent said internship program directly under their contro!
and as a result thereof, shall issue the proper certificate of said hours of
internship. It shall also be the duty of said establishments to submit semi-
annually a complete report of the names of those who have undergone training
under their supervision and the corresponding number of hours of internship
credit of each of the pharmacy students to their respective colleges or schools
and to the Board,

Section 13, Scope of Examination. The licensure examination for pharmacists shall be
divided into two major divisions: Pharmacy as Science and Pharmacy as Practice. Pharmacy


as Science shall consist of subjects in Group 1 (Public Health, Pharmaceutical Microbiology
and Parasitology), Group II (Drug Delivery Systems, Physical Pharmacy, Manufacturing
Pharmacy, Quality Control 1, Quality Control II), Group Itt (Pharmaceutical Biochemistry,
Pharmacognosy, Plant Chemistry, and Philippine Medicinal Plants, Pharmacy and Chemistry of
Medicinals I and Pharmacy and Chemistry of Medicinals I.

Pharmacy as Practice shall be made up of the following subjects: Group IV
(Pharmaceutical Caiculations, Hospital Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, Dispensing and
Medication Counseling), Group V (Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacckinetics, Pharmacology I,
Pharmacology Ii, Clinical Toxicology}, and Group VI {Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence and
Ethics, Pharmaceutical Marketing and Entrepreneurship and Pharmaceutical Administration

and Management).

The subjects shall be weighed as follows: Group 1, 10%; Group 1, 20%; Group HI,
20%; Group IV, 20%; Group V, 20%; and Group VI, 10 %.

The Board subject to the approval by the Commission may introduce relevant changes,
as the need arises, to the content of the examination and the relative weight attributed to
each subject in the examination may be made after consultation with the duly recognized
association of schools or colleges of pharmacy and the CHED.

Section 14, Hoiding of Exemination. Examination for registration to practice pharmacy
in the Philippines shall be given twice a year in such places and dates as the Commission may
designate in the Resolution thereof on the Master Schedules for ali licensure examinations in
accordance with Sec. 7 (d) of R.A. No. 8981. The said places and dates may be subject to
change under valid circumstances and reasons.

Section 15. Ratings in the Licensure Examination. In order to be registered and
licensed as a pharmacist, a candidate must obtain a general weighted average of seventy-five
per cent (75%) or over with no ratings of fifty percent (50%) in more than two (2) subjects.

Section 16. Registration and Licensure of Pharmacy Assistant. A general weighted
average below 75% but not lower than 70%, with no ratings of fifty percent (50%) in more
than two subjects, shall qualify an examinee to be registered and licensed by the Professional
Regulation Commission to practice as a pharmacy assistant who shail work under the
supervision of a registered pharmacist. To be licensed as a pharmacist, a pharmacy assistant
must pass succeeding board licensure examination for pharmacists with a general average
rating as provided in Section 16.

Section 17. Report of Rating. The Board shall submit to the Commission the ratings
obtained by each candidate within ten (10) calendar days after the examination, unless
extended for just cause. Upon the release of the results of the examination, the Commission
shall send by mail the rating received by each examinee at his/her given address using the
mailing envelope submitted during the examination.

Section 18. Oath of Profession. All successful candidates in the licensure examination
shall take their oath of profession before the Chairman or any member of the Board or any


authorized officer of the Commission to administer oaths, prior to entering the practice of
pharmacy.

Section 19. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification
Card. A certificate of registration shall be issued to those who are registered upon payment of
fees prescribed by the Commission. It shall bear the signatures of the Chairperson and the
Commissioners of the Commission and the Chairman and Members of the Board, stamped
with the official seal of the Commission and of the Board, certifying the person named therein
is entitled to the practice of the profession with ali the privileges appurtenant thereto. Untit
revoked or suspended in accordance with this Act, it shall remain in full force and effect.

A professional identification card bearing the registration number and date, its validity
and expiry duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission shall likewise be issued to every
registrant who has paid the prescribed fee. It shall be reissued upon compliance with the
continuing professional development education requirement as specified in Article IV, Sec. 27
(d) of this Act and upon payment of the prescribed three-year registration fees therefor.

Section 20. Affixing RPh after a Registered Pharmacists Name. Only pharmacists who
are duly registered and licensed by the Board and the Commission has the right to affix this
title, "Registered Pharmacist” or “R.Ph.” after his/her name.

Section 21. Grounds for Non-registration. The Board shail not register any successful
examinee for registration who has been:

{a) Convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent
jurisdiction,

(b) Found guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct by the Board,

(©) Summarily adjudged guilty for violation of the General Instructions to examinees
by the Board,

(d) Declared of unsound mind by the court of competent jurisdiction, and
{e) Found addicted to dangerous drugs.

In refusing such registration, the Board shall give the applicant a written statement
setting forth the reasons therefor and shalt file a copy in its records,

Section 22. Reissuance of Revoked Certificate of Registration, Replacement of Lost or
Damaged Certificate of Registration, Professional Identification Card or Temporary/Special
Permit. The Board may upon petition, reinstate or reissue a revoked certificate of registration
after two (2) years from the date of the revocation of the certificate of registration or the
surrender of the revoked certificate and/or the professional identification card if still valid, to
the Board and/or the Commission. The Board may or may not require the pharmacist whose
certificate had been revoked to take another licensure examination. The petitioner shall prove
to the Board that he/she has valid reason/s to be reinstated to the practice of pharmacy. For
‘the grant of his/ner petition, the Board shall issue a Board Resolution subject to the approval


of the Commission.

Duplicate copy of lost or damaged certificate of registration, professional identification
card or temporary/special permit may be reissued in accordance with rules thereon and upon
payment of the prescribed fee therefor.

Section 23. Non-payment of the PRC Registration Fees. The Board shall suspend a
registered pharmacist from the practice of his/her profession for non-payment of the PRC
registration fees for more than three (3) consecutive years from its last or previous year of
payment. The resumption of his/her practice shall take place only upon payment of
delinquency fees plus surcharges and interest and in accordance with the rules of the
Commission. The running of the three-year period may be interrupted upon written notice
about the discontinuance of his/her practice and surrender of his/her certificate of
registration with professional identification card to the Board and/or the Commission.

Section 24. Vested Rights: Automatic Registration. All pharmacists registered before
the effectivity of this Act shall automatically be registered hereunder, subject to the policy es
to future requirements.

Certificates of registration and professional identification cards or temporary/special
permits held by such persons in good standing at such effectivity shall have the same force
and effect as though they were issued on or after the said effectivity.

Section 25. The Accredited Integrated National Professional Organization (AINO) of
Pharmaasts. The pharmacists are integrated under one national accredited professional
organization that is duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The
Board subject to the approval by the Commission shall accredit the said organization as the
only integrated national organization for registered pharmacists (and pharmacy assistants).
All pharmacists (and pharmacy assistants) whose names appear in the registry shall ipso
facto or automatically become members thereof and shal! receive alt the benefits and
privileges accorded to its members upon payment of the required fees and dues. Membership
to the foregoing shall not be a bar to membership in any other association of pharmacists.

Section 26. Membership to the Accredited Integrated National Professional
Organization. A\\ registered pharmacists (and pharmacy assistants) must be members of the
AINO and must maintain membership throughout the duration of the practice of the
profession. Professional identification card shall not be renewed if the requirements for
membership with AINO are not met including credit units for attendance to duly accredited
continuing professional development (CPD) education activities.

Section 27. Specialty Boards in Various Areas of Pharmacy Practice. Specialty Boards
created within the affiliate organizations and societies for recognition of the AINO (1) for the
Board, subject to the approva! of the Commissioner shall accredit specialties in various areas
of practice, (2) setting standards of practice within different specialties, and (3) establishing
qualifications and requirements for certification of practitioners under each specialty.

Section 28. Scope of the Practice of Pharmacy. A person deemed to be practicing
pharmacy within the meaning of this Article is one who shall, with or without a fee, salary,


percentage or other rewards, paid or given directly to himself or indirectly through another -

(a) Prepare, compound or manufacture, analyze, assay, preserve, store, distribute,
sell and/or dispense any medicine, drug, chemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals,
devices or contrivances used in pursuance thereof;

{b)render services, such as but not limited to (i) regulatory services, (ii)
pharmaceutical marketing, (iii) drug information service and {iv) medication
management which covers the following: drug selection and procurement,
storage and distribution, dispensing, medication counseling and medication
therapy monitoring, whenever the expertise and the technical knowledge of the
pharmacist is required, in any drug establishment/outlet or healthcare institution
or

(c) provide other services where pharmaceutical knowledge is required; or

(d) engage in teaching scientific, technical or professional pharmacy courses ina
school or college of pharmacy; or

(@)conduct or undertake scientific research in all aspects involving drugs and
healthcare, or

{f} dispense drugs during medical missions and in other situations where
supervision of drugs is required.

All government and non-government agencies, establishments, institutions, and
regulatory body with functions that involve the practice of pharmacy shall be headed and
managed only by a qualified, duly registered and licensed pharmacist.

All pharmacists are expected to abide by current standards such as the Good Pharmacy
Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, Good Distribution Practice, Good Manufacturing Practice,
and Good Clinical Practice, which are deemed vital in the performance of one’s roles and
functions in different practice areas.

The Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, may add to, delete, or modify
the above acts, services, or activities as the need arises.

Section 29. Requirements for the Practice of Pharmacy. A person can practice
pharmacy in the Philippines upon compliance with the following requirements:

(a) _ has satisfactorily passed the licensure examination for pharmacists given
‘by the Board and the Commission,

(b) is duly registered with and licensed by the Board and the Commission,

(c)__ is an active member of the accredited integrated national professional
organization,

(d) has submitted continuing professional development education units as


required by the Continuing Professional Education Council for pharmacists or
pertinent laws and regulations for the renewal of his/her professional
identification card, and/or

(e) a hoider of a valid temporary/special permit issued by the Board and the
Commission to foreign licensed pharmacists pursuant to this Act.

Section 30. Foreign Reciprocity. No foreigner shall be allowed to take the licensure
examination for pharmacists, register, receive the certificate of registration and professional
identification card, and practice pharmacy in the Philippines unless the requirements for the
licensure examination and registration and practice of pharmacy imposed under the laws and
the regulations in his foreign country or state are substantially the same as those required
and contemplated by the Philippine laws and regulations, and unless the said foreign laws
and regulations allow Filipino citizens to practice pharmacy within the territory of the said
foreign state on the same basis and grant the same privileges as those enjoyed by the
citizens, subjects or nationals thereof.

Section 31. Practice through Temporary/Special Permit. A temporary/ special permit
may be issued by the Board subject to the approval of the Commission and payment of
applicable fees to the following:

(a)licensed pharmacists from foreign countries whose services whether for free or
afee

(1) if they are internationally renowned pharmacists or experts in any field or
specialty of pharmacy,

(2) if their services are deemed necessary for lack of specialists or experts in
a particular field,

(b) licensed pharmacists from foreign countries or states whose services shall be for
free and limited to indigent patients as beneficiaries; or

(c) licensed pharmacists from foreign countries or states employed as visiting
faculty in a field or specialty of pharmacy.

The permit shalf, among other things, contain these limitations and conditions for a
period of no more than one year, subject to renewal, the field or specialty of pharmacy, and
the specific place of practice including clinics, hospitals, and schools of pharmacy. The Board
subject to the approval by the Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations on the
implementation of this particular Section,

Section 32. Indication of Numbers: Certificate of Registration, Professional Tax
Receipt and Accredited integrated National Organization (AINO) Membership. The oharmacist
shall be required to indicate on any document he/she signs, uses or issues in connection with
the practice of pharmacy the following information:

(a) his/her registration number and date of issuance,


(b) the expiration date of his/her professional identification card,
(c) the Professional Tax Receipt (PTR) Number and date of issuance, and

(d) the certificate of AINO membership (annuai/lifetime), number and the official
receipt of payment, number and date.

Section 33. Registry of Pharmacists. The Board shall prepare and maintain a registry
of the names, residences and/or office addresses of all registered pharmacists which shall be
updated annually in cooperation with the Accredited Integrated National Organization (AINO),
indicating therein the status of the certificate of registration, professional identification card
and Accredited Integrated National Organization (AINO) membership, whether valid or
inactive due to death, or other reasons, delinquent, suspended or with revoked certificate of
registration. The said registry of pharmacists shall be conspicuously posted within the
premises of the Commission and the information therein made available to the public upon
inquiry or request.

Section 34. Display of Certificate of Registration. It shall be the duty of every
pharmacist engaged in the practice of pharmacy either on his/her own account or under the
employ of another to display his/her original certificate of registration in a Prominent and
conspicuous place in a retail drug cutlet or drug establishment which he operates or in which
he/she is employed in his/her professionai capacity as pharmacist. No pharmacist shail, with
his/her knowledge, allow his/her certificate of registration to be displayed in such
establishment when he/she is not actually employed or operating therein in his/her
professional capacity.

Section 35. Compounding and Dispensing. No drug or pharmaceutical product of
whatever nature and kind shall be compounded, dispensed, sold or resold, or otherwise be
made available to the consuming public except through a FDA-licensed retail drug outlet or
other business establishments which are duly established in accordance with the provisions of
applicable laws.

Prescription drugs and pharmacist-only over-the-counter drugs shall be dispensed only
by registered pharmacists.

Prescription drugs shail be dispensed only upon presentation of a valid prescription,

Compounding and dispensing by duly registered and licensed pharmacists shail be in
accordance with current good manufacturing practice, good faboratory practice, and good
pharmacy practice, with the safety and protection of individual patients as ultimate objective.

Licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers, importers and wholesalers are authorized to
sell their products only to duly licensed drug outlets, wholesalers and other drug
establishments.

A registered and licensed pharmacist may refuse to compound, dispense or sell drugs
and pharmaceutical products, if not in accordance with this Act.


Section 36. Pharmacist Requirement and Compensation. Every drug
establishment/outlet selling prescription and pharmacist only over-the-counter drugs whether
owned by the government or a private person or firm shall at all times when open for
business be under the direct contro!, supervision, and responsibility of a registered and
licensed pharmacist. For retails outlets selling only over-the-counter drugs, they shalt be
under the supervision of a registered and licensed pharmacist.

Processes involving the preparation, quality control, or repacking of pharmaceutical
products in quantities greatly in excess of single therapeutic doses shall for each respective
operation be under the direct and immediate supervision of a registered and ficensed
pharmacist. In the sale of pharmaceutical products, medicines and drugs, at wholesale, such
business shall be conducted under the immediate supervision of a registered and ficensed
pharmacist.

All government and non-government agencies and units which handle the procurement
and distribution of drugs should have a supervising pharmacist. All rural health units
dispensing medicines should be supervised by a pharmacist or a pharmacy assistant as
defined in this Act.

Pharmacists in government service shall receive a starting salary equivalent to Salary
Grade 15 as provided in R.A. 6758 (Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989) and
its amendments. Those pharmacists in the private sector shall receive an entry-level salary in
peso equivalent of Salary Grade 15 being received by government pharmacists.

Section 37. Responsibility for Quality of Drugs, Cosmetics and Medical Devices. It
shal be the duty of the registered pharmacist of drug outlet/establishment to ensure that all
drug products, cosmetics and medical devices conform to standards of safety, quality and
efficacy and strictly adhere to the guidelines as provided for In this Act and other pertinent
rules and regulations and issuances. Owners, managers, and/or pharmacists In charge of the
operation of drug outlets and drug establishments shall be held responsible.

It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, prepare, sell or dispense any
prescription drug, pharmaceutical, medical devices, or cosmetics under any fraudulent name,
direction or pretense or to adulterate any drug, pharmaceutical, medical devices, or cosmetics
offered for sale. Any drug, pharmaceutical product, medical device/s or cosmetics shall be
held to be adulterated or deteriorated within the meaning of this section if it differs from the
standard or quality or purity given in the United States Pharmacopeia/National Formulary and
Philippine Pharmacopeia, in its latest edition, or any standard reference for drugs and
medicines given official recognition, and those which fall within the meaning as provided for
in the Food Drug, Cosmetic and Devices Act, R.A. No. 3720, as amended by pertinent laws
and the Food and Drug Administration Act, R.A. 0711.

Jn cases of drug products sold in their original packings, the sea! of which has not
been broken or tampered with, the liability that may arise because of their quality and purity,
rests upon the manufacturer or importer, the distributor, representative, or dealer who is
responsible for their distribution or sale.

Section 38. Filling and Partial Filling of Prescription. All prescriptions shall be filled or


compounded only by a registered and licensed pharmacist following the standards of purity,
safety and quality. Completely filled prescriptions should be surrendered to the pharmacist for
recording.

Partial filling of prescription is dispensing units less than the total quantity indicated in
the prescription. The prescription should contain information as to how many units were
served and shali be returned to the buyer after being recorded in the appropriate book or
equivalent system. The drugstore, which completes the filling of the prescription, shall keep
the prescription on file for a prescribed period of time.

Section 39. Physicians sample. Drugs, biologic products, devices or proprietary
medicines, given or intended to be given for free to the physician and other qualified person
by any manufacturer or distributor or its medical representative/detailman as part of its
program or promotion, should not be sold.

The statement “Sample, not for saie” shall appear conspicuously on the container,
package, or carton of the drug or device to be given. It shall be unlawful to remove, erase,
deface already marked original labels of samples.

Section 40. Prohibition against use of cipher or unusual terms in prescriptions and
prescription switching. Pharmacists should not compound or dispense prescriptions, recipes or
formulas which are written in ciphers, codes or secret keys or prescriptions of drugs using
unusual names which differ from those in standard pharmacopeias or formularies.

The pharmacist dispensing or compounding prescriptions should not substitute the drug or
drugs called for in the prescription with any other drug or substance or ingredient without.
prior consultation with, and a written consent of the person prescribing, except in accordance.
with RA 6675, known as the Generics Act of 1988, and other pertinent laws and regulations.

Section 41. Labe/ of Dispensed Medicines. Upon every box, bottle or package
containing medicine compounded or dispensed by a registered and licensed pharmacist based
on prescription, there shall be pasted, affixed or imprinted a seal or label bearing, among
others, name of patient, generic name of drug; brand name, if any, strength, expiry date,
directions for use, and name and address of drugstore and other requirements prescribed by
the Cheaper Medicines Act (RA 9502) and its implementing rules and regulations,

Every prescription which in its preparation contains any quantity of a drug, which is
habit-forming, or a derivative of such drug, shall have an auxiliary label or a notation,
“Warning - May be habit forming”. Such prescriptions should comply with the requirements of
the R. A. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and any future
amendments thereto.

Filled prescription for external use shall bear the auxiliary label, “For External Use”.

Section 42. Record Books for Prescription. All prescriptions dispensed in the drugstore
shall be recorded in the book or an equivalent recording system approved by FDA for this
purpose indicating therein, among others, the prescription number, name of prescriber,
generic name and brand, dosage strength, quantity of drug, name of the patient and address,


and initials of pharmacist. It shall be open to inspection by the proper authorities at any time
of the day when the pharmacy is open to the public and must be preserved for a period of
not less than two (2) years after the last entry in it has been made,

All prescriptions shall be attached to the prescription book or compiled (for equivalent
recording system) and numbered consecutively and shalt be preserved for the same period of
time as required.

All required information on dangerous drugs dispensed by a pharmacy shall be
recorded in the Dangerous Drugs book or an equivalent recording system as required by R.A.
9165.

Section 43. Requirements for the Opening and Operation of Retail Drug Outlet or
Establishment. The minimum requirements necessary for the opening of retail drug outlet or
establishment shall be in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Food
and Drug Administration in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

The application for the opening of a retail drug outlet or other business establishments
should not be approved unless applied for by a Filipino registered pharmacist either as owner
of as pharmacist-in-charge pursuant to the provisions of this Act.

Section 44, Handling of Drugs by Persons Other than a Pharmacist. Persons handling
drugs other than the pharmacist are: professional medical representatives, pharmacy
assistants, pharmacy aides/clerks, and other persons who assist pharmacists in dispensing
medicines or any other person performing functions involving the handling of drugs and drug
products. It is preferred that these positions are occupied by those who finished pharmacy
degree, not necessarily licensed as pharmacists and who has undergone the prescribed
training from a Board-accredited provider.

The professional medical representative one who represents any duly authorized
manufacturer, distributor, trader and wholesaler of drugs, pharmaceuticals, biologic products
and devices, whose primary duty is to introduce said products to legitimate prescribers and
which forms part of their program for promotion by describing its use, composition, action,
dosage, administration, contraindication, advantages and other relevant information about
the drugs being promoted.

The pharmacy assistant is one who helps the pharmacist in compounding, dispensing
‘of medicines and giving of information on proper use of medicines while the pharmacy
aide/clerk is involved in other aspects of operation assigned by the pharmacist.

Any person who shali be employed or engaged as professional medical representative
or pharmacy aide/clerk shall undergo comprehensive standardized training programs
approved by the Board with providers approved and/or accredited by the Board in accordance
with criteria established therefor.

Section 45. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration and


Cancellation of Temporary or Special Permit. The Board shall have the power, upon notice and
hearing to revoke or suspend the certificate of registration of a registered pharmacist or to
cancel a temporary or special permit granted to a foreign pharmacist on the basis of the

following:
{a)

(b)

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(d)

(e)

(9)

(h)

10)

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(ky

0)

Violation of this Act on unauthorized practice of pharmacy, violation of
any provision of this Act, the Rules and Regulations (RR) thereof, the
Code of Ethics for Pharmacists, Code of Good Governance, Code of
Technical Standards for the practice of pharmacy, policy, and measure of
the Board and/or the Commission;

Malpractice or gross incompetence; negligence, or imprudence resulting
to death or injury of the patient;

Dishonorable conduct and/or conviction by a competent court of any
criminal offense invaiving moral turpitude;

Fraud or deceit in the acquisition of the certificate of registration,
professional identification card or temporary/special permit or renewal of
license;

Display of certificate of registration of a pharmacist who is not actually
employed in such an establishment as required by law.

Addiction to alcoholic beverages or to any habit-forming drug rendering
him incompetent to practice his/her profession;

Aiding or abetting the illegal practice of a non-registered and licensed
person by allowing him/her the use of his/her certificate of registration
and/or professional identification card or his/her special/temporary
permit;

Acting as a dummy of an alien or a person who is not qualified to
establish and operate a retail drugstore;

Insanity or any mental disorder that would render the person
incompetent to practice his/her profession;

False, extravagant or unethical advertisements and product endorsements.
where the pharmacist’s name, professional organization he/she
represents, and similar information are used;

Manufacture, sale, offering for sale of counterfeit drugs and committing
other acts in violation of Sec. 4 of the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs,
R.A. No. 8203;

Tilegal manufacturing, sale, possession, dispensing of dangerous drugs
and other pertinent acts in violation of Dangerous Drugs Act, R.A. No.


9165;

(m) Committing acts in violation of Sec. 6 of P.D. No. 881 on Hazardous
Substances; and

(n) Practicing pharmacy while under suspension.

(0) Practicing with an expired professional identification card,

Section 46. Non-renewal of license. The following are the grounds for the non-
renewal of professional identification card:

(a) Refusal to join or to remain a member of good standing of the AINO;
(b) — Non-payment of annual registration fees for three (3) continuous years;

(c) Non-compliance with the continuing professional development
requirement, for the renewal of his/her professional identification card;
and

The Board shall periodically evatuate the aforementioned grounds and revise as the
need arises subject to the approval of the Commission,

Any person, entity or organization may file charges according to the provision of this
section against any registrant, or the Board may investigate violation of any of the
abovementioned causes. Affidavit of complaint under oath shall be filed together with the
affidavits of witnesses and other documentary evidence with the Board through the Legal and
Investigation Office. The move to conduct an investigation shall be embodied in a formal
charge to be signed by at least a majority of the members of the Board. The rules on
administrative investigation issued by the Commission shall govern the hearing or
Investigation subject to applicable provisions of this Act, R.A. No. 8981 and its rules and
regulations thereof, and Rules of Court.

Section 48. Administrative Investigation and Sanctions, Administrative investigations
shall be conducted by the Board assisted by the Legal or Hearing Officer of the Commission,
The existing rules of evidence shall also be observed and applied during administrative
investigations.

If the Board, by a majority vote of the members, shall find that the charges are
sustained by evidence adduced, it may, at its discretion reprimand the respondent or revoke
‘or suspend his certificate of registration.

Section 49. Procedure and Rules in Administrative Investigation, The Board upon
receipt of a forma! complaint under cath against any pharmacist shail furnish the latter a copy
of the complaint, which shall be answered in writing within ten (10) days from receipt
thereof. If the Board, after careful study of the records, finds that there is a vatid ground to
the charge, it shall conduct a formal investigation and set the dates of the hearing thereof.


For this purpose, subpoenas may be issued by the chairman of the Board or by the Chief,
Legal and Investigation Division. The investigation proceedings shall at all times be recorded.
The investigation shall have been terminated and resolved within ninety (90) days from the
time the first date of hearing shall be set and heard.

The respondent pharmacist is entitled to be heard or be represented by counsel; to
have speedy public hearing, to confront, and to cross-examine the witness or witnesses
against him; to summon and present witness or witnesses in his behalf; or to avail himself of
any other process for the protection of his/her constitutional rights.

An appeal and a motion for reconsideration may be filed within ten (10) days from
receipt of a resolution on the existence of the following grounds: (1) grave abuse of
discretion by the Board; (2) findings not supported by substantial evidence; and (3)
irregularity in the conduct of investigation.

Section 50. Appea//Finality of Decision. The decision of the Board shall automatically
become final and executory after the lapse of fifteen (15) days from the receipt of of the
resolution of a respondent, unless the latter has made an appeal or a motion for
reconsideration. The resolution of the Board maybe appealed to the Comission and the
decision of the Commission may then be appealed to the Office of the President.

Section 51, Penal Provisions. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of the
practice of pharmacy, as defined in this Act, shall be punished according to the following
rules:

(8) The following acts shall be punishable by a fine not less than Fifty Thousand
Pesos (P 50,000.00) but not exceeding One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P 100,000.00)
and be imprisoned for a period not less than three (3) months but not more than six
(6) months:

i Affixing of the title, R.Ph. by a person who is not a pharmacist and a
graduate of pharmacy degree who is not registered with PRC (Section 21)

ji, Practice of pharmacy in the Philippines by a foreigner without special
permit (Section 28)

Non-indication by a pharmacist of his/her registration number and
Professional Tax Receipt number in officia! documents requiring such
information (Section 30)

iv. Non-display of certificate of registration of a pharmacist in drug
establishment requiring such (Section 32)

v. Norrdisplay of cettificate of registration of a pharmacist by an
establishment/outlet (Section 32)

vi.

Non-compliance with this Act’s provision on the required salary for a
registered pharmacist (Section 34)


vil. Non-compliance by a pharmacist with the requirement on the filling of
prescription (Section 36}

vill. Non-compliance by a registered pharmacist on the requirement for
partially filled prescription (Section 36)

ix. Selling of physician’s samples (Section 37)

x. The removal, erasure and alteration of mark or label of physician's
sample (Section 37)

xi. Non-compliance with the filling up of Record Books by a drug outlet
(Section 40)

xii. Employment of persons in a pharmacy without the provision of the
required training (Section 42)

xiii, Rendering dispensing-related services by non-pharmacists in a drug
outlet without undergoing the required training

{b) The following acts shall be punishable by a fine not less than One Hundred
Thousand Pesos (P 100,000.00) but not exceeding Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos
(P 250,000.00) and be imprisoned for a period not fess than six (6) months but not
more than one (1) year:

i. Allowing the display of his/her registration certificate in an outlet or
establishment by a pharmacist where he/she is not employed

ti, Display of a pharmacist’s registration certificate by an outlet or
establishment when the pharmacist Is not employed

iii, Dispensing done in, or offering for sale of prescription drugs in a place

not licensed by FDA as drug outlet

iv. Dispensing of prescription of and pharmacist-only over-the-counter drugs
by a person other than a registered pharmacist

v. Dispensing of prescription drugs without presentation of a valid
prescription

vi. Compounding of prescription drugs and pharmacist-only over-the-counter

drugs done by a person other than a pharmacist

vii.

Selling of prescription and pharmacist-only over-the-counter drugs by
manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers to unlicensed drug outlets and
other drug establishments

viii. Substitution of prescription drugs which are not generically equivalent to
what was on the prescription without the consent of the prescriber


ix. Compounding not in accordance with the current Good Manufacturing
Practices and Good Pharmacy Practice

x. Forcing, coercing or intimidating a registered pharmacist to compound or
dispense drugs not in accordance with this Act

xi, Preparation and compounding of pharmaceutical products in quantities
greatly in excess of single therapeutic doses without a registered
pharmacist

xil. Non-compliance with the labeling requirement for dispensed medicines by
a drug outlet,

xiii. Allowing pharmacy assistants to dispense without the supervision of a
pharmacist.

xiv. Establishment/outlet selling prescription and pharmacist-only over-the-
counter drugs which opens for business without a licensed pharmacist.

xv. Compounding by a non-registered pharmacist or pharmacist with
expired/revoked/suspended license.

xvi.Filling of prescription py a non-pharmacist or by a non-registered
pharmacist or pharmacist with expired/revaked/suspended license.

xvii. Wholesale of pharmaceutical products withaut the direct and
immediate supervision of a registered pharmacist.

xviti. Rural Health Units dispensing prescription drugs and pharmacist-
only over-the-counter drugs without the supervision of a registered
pharmacist.

{b) The following shall be the acts punishable by a fine of not less than Two
Hundred Fifty Thousand (P 250,000.00) Pesos but not exceeding Five Hundred
Thousand (P 500,000.00) Pesos and be imprisoned for a period not less than one year
and one day but not more than six years. The following shall be the acts punishable
under this Section:

i. Manufacturing and selling of pharmaceutical products under fraudulent
name and address (Section 35)

ii. Adulteration and misbranding of drugs (Section 35)
iii, Manufacturing and selling of unsafe and substandard drugs
Any person, who is not a citizen of the Philippines, who shall be found guilty of any

violation as provided for in this Section shall, after having paid the fine or having served his
sentence, be also subject to immediate deportation.


Section 52. /mplementing Rules and Regulations. The Board, in consultation with the
Commission, Office of the President, Department of Health, and Civil Service Commission
shall issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations within sixty (60) days after the
effectivity of this Act.

Section 53. Agpropriations. The Commission shall immediately include in its programs
‘on the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be charged against their current
years’ appropriations and thereafter, in the annua! General Appropriations Act.

Section 54. Repeating Cause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, and
rules and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repeated or modified accordingly,

Section 55. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this
Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof shall not be
affected hereby.

Section 56. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after its complete publication
in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

APPROVED,