Republic of the Philippines
HOUSH 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HousE BliJi No. 6 1 1 2
Introduced by Representative CIRIAC0 8. GATO, JR. MD. FPSO-HNS
AN ACT pRovlDING FOR A pll¥SICIAI`rs ACT REPEALING FOR Tlm puRposE
REPUBLIC 2382, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS TIIE `REDICAL ACT 0F
1959,
EXPLANATORY NOTE
A responsive  and competent healthcare  system  sufficiently  invests  in  its human  health  resource.  It
creates  an  environment  where  health  workers  can  further  enhance  their  skills  and  expertise  while
ensuring that their welfare is protected, thus contributing to the achievement of quality and accessible
health care for all.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need to undertake structural reforms to improve our
country's health care system. The challenge is to continuously innovate through fundamental changes
in  healthcare  policies  to  make  them  more  responsive  to  the  ever-changing  disease  patterns  and
pressing needs of the healthcare system, especially during public health emergencies.
The Republic Act No. 2382 or "The Medical Act of 1959" as amended by Republic Act Nos. 4224
and  5946  has  been the  foundation of the  medical profession  in the  country  for the  longest tine.
However, with the various advances in science and technology of medicine throuch the decades, and
the innovations  in the practice of the medical profession,  it can no  longer address the current and
emerging concerns of our physicians, especially their welfare and protection.
The  migration  of health  professionals,  including  Filipino  physicians  abroad  and  its  effects  on  the
delivery of healthcare services in the country has been a long-standing problem but it has never been
as  highlighted  as  it  was  during  the  onslaught  of the  pandemic,    This  medical  diaspora  has  been
1


attributed to  push  factors  such  as  poor working  conditions  in the  Philippines  which  include  low
salaries,  insecure  jobs  without  tenured  positions,  unsafe  and  inadequate  working  environments,
outdated healthcare technologies, and lack of employment and career opportunities. I
Thus, in the view of the foregoing, it is imperative that we enact a new Physicians Act not only to
address their economic  concerns  but to provide them  stronger protection  under the  law,  especially
those who are serving in remote communities in the country and ensure opportunities for continuous
professional growth. This proposed measure which was approved by the House and transmitted to the
Senate  during  the  18th  Congress,  seeks  to  promote  our  physicians'  professional  services  to  the
efficiency and responsiveness of the different aspects of the medical profession:  medical  education
including  internship  training  and  residency,  licensure  examination  and  registration  of physicians,
practice  of medicine,  integration  in  one  Accredited  Professional  Organization,  and  promotion  of
competence, moral values, and professional standards.
CIRIACO 8. GATO, JR. MD. FPSO-HNS
1 Policy Brief:  Human Resources for Health Misration, httDs://hrh2030Droaram.ora/wD-
content/uDloads/2020/08/xl2.8  H RH 2030PH   Miaration-Doliev-briof. Ddf
2


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOusEiinNO.6112
Introduced by Representative CIRIAC0 8. GATO, JR. MD. FPSO-HNS
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A PHYSICIAN'S ACT REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE
REPUBLIC 2382, AS ARENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS TIIE 6MEDICAL ACT 0F
1959,
ARTICLE I
POLICY, OBJHCTIVES, AND ENFORCHRENT
SECTION 1. Sfro# ZElle _This Act sinall be knoun as the 'Thysicians Act".
SEC.  2.  Dec/arndon a/Po/dy.  _ The State recognizes the vital role of physicians in the presenndon,
maintenance, safeguarding, tranent and enhancement of the life, health, and general welfare of the citizeny. The
professional services of physicians shall, therefore, be promoted as a regular component Of the tcfal heath care
ayth.
SEC. 3. Objcarfe¢EEL _This Act provides for and shall grivem the:
a)                    Standardizalon, upgrading, and regulalon of the basic medical education, medical intrmchdy, and
post-gnduifemedicaleducndonandtrining
b)
c)
d)
nd
Conductofthephysieiah'sLicensLneErminalon,andthelicensureandrectstralonofdrricians;
Supervisionandregulalonoftheprachceofnedicine;
Integration of the profession under one national professional organization of rfuricians;
3


e)                  Upholding of patient welfare and patent safety as the primary consideration in the     practice of
medcheandprunctingconxpefuoe,moralvalues,andprofessionalchiesofmembusofthemedicalprofession.
SEC. 4. E«/z]rae"E"f -For purposes Of inplemendng the provisious of this Act, there shall be created the
followhg: Medical Educalon Council, hereinafter refend to as the MEC; Professional Regu)atory Board Of
Medicine,hereinaflerrefendtoasthePRBM;Post€InduateMedicalEducarionCouncil,hereinafterrefenedto
as the PGMEC; and the Integrated Nat.onal Professional Chgrnizalon of Physicians (INPOP). They shall call
upon or request any  daparfuent,  insrfumentality,  office,  bureau,  institLrfuon  or agrncy of the government,
including lcoal govrmment units quus) to render such assistance as they may requhe or to coordinate or
capperateinordertocarryoirtyenforceorinplenatthep[ofessionalregulatorypoliciesOfthegovcmmemorany
progranoractivftytheymayundertakepursuauttotheprovisionsofthisAct
4


ARTICLE 11
DEFINrlTON oF TERMs
SEC.5.I)givife»a/Tty7m-AsusedinthisAct
a)                    4aenedfro" refers to an evalualon mechanism of the professional Regulatory Board of Medicine
(PREN0 of the Professional Regulafron Commission aRC) throuch the Post Graduate Medical Educalon
Council (PGMEC) that assesses the capabilfty of a hcaThcare  instituton to conduct a  post-graduate  medical
education or haining program in a pardcular specialty or subspecialty of medicine throuch compliance widi a
schesofpre-defued,explicitly\hrfurfudnds;
b)Basfo medEnd edzAcndow refers to a four (4}year post-baccalaureate program oflked by a medical college
lcoogrizedbytheCommissiononHicherEducation(CHED)composedofcorecuricularandclinicalsubjeets,the
compledon of which leads to the confrment of the degree of Doctor Of Medicine and grants the holder the
eligibilfty to take the Physician Licensure Examination after a one ( 1 }year medical intrmship; or a five (5}year
post-baccalantat prog[ani inclusive of a one (I }year medical inleniship oflked dy a medical college reoQgivzed
by CHED composed of core curricular and clinical subjects, the completion of which leads to the conferment
ofthedegreeoffroctorofMedicineandgivtheholdertheeligLbilitytotrfethephysicianLicensueJinirrdon;
c)CELfomJ ckydrAfty refers to a corse oflked in the furfu (4th) year of a basic medical educalon pr\ngram that
consists of supervised, time-hound rfuons and application of patient and community care in diflkent medical
discinlinesinhoapifal,conmunfty,classroonandotherteaching-leaningsctfugrinvolvingbcthdidacticandpradical
sturfies;
d)Zzisftcr  f!dreandow  hastfrzfzfo"  qEP  refers  to  an  educational  institution,  private  or  public,  undertaking
operations ofhicher education programs with an organized group of students   pursuing defined studies in
higher  education,  receiving  instruction  from  teachers,  usually  located  in  a  building  or  group  of
buildings in a particular site specifically intended for educational purposes;
5


e)Jngdrpmarfue a/mf2rfue refers to the practice of the medical profession without the required
valid certificate of registration for physicians and valid professional identification card issued by
the PRC;
DJ#rotlrfue ourricndiim refers to  a curriculum  that applies  non-traditional,  flexible, creative,  and
open curricular frameworks, teaching-leaming models, and methods of evaluation and assessment
applied to basic medical education in real world situations as defined by the Commission on Higher
Education (C HED);
orerfum/  caAlge  refers  to  a  leaning  institution  which  has  complied  with  the   standards  and
requirements  set forth  and  duly recognized  by the  CHED to  offer a complete  basic  medical
education program leading to a degree of Doctor of Medicine.  It may also be known as College
of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medicine,  School of Medicine, Medical Schools
or other similar names;
rpredi.co/ i.#/erusAi.p refers  to  a  one  (1)-year  post  graduate  internship  training program after
completion of four (4) years of basic medical  education from a medical college or the fifth (5th)
year of a five (5)-year basic medical education program that is supervised and monitored by the
Medical Education Council (MEC)  in which a Doctor of Medicine undergoes a supervised, time-
bound   rotation   and   application   of  patient   and   community   care   in   different   medical
disciplines  in  accredited  hospitals  and  other  settings  as  a  requisite  for  the  Physician  Licensure
Examination;
)                     nfcdicnd xpecinfty7 refers  to  a  major branch  or  discipline  of medicine  under  which  a
physician has special knowledge and skill acquired after residency or specialized training in
an accredited specialty training institution;
j)                    Pfojrirfuro  ffoensure  E]aanrfuofo#  refers  to  an  evaluative  process  conducted  by  the
Professional  Regulatory  Board  of Medicine  (PRBM) to  eligible  candidates  in  order to  obtain  a
license to practice medicine;
k)                    Post[grmdliflte  meifedr  cdriarfum  refers  to  an  educational  program  either  through  a
clinical  or  non-clinical  track  or  alternative  track,  pursued  after  conferment  of  a  Doctor  of
Medicine degree, and referring to any type of formal  medical  education/training in a hospital,
community,  facility,  institute,  or  higher  education  institution  (HEI)  or  any  combination
thereof leading to specialization;
|                        Post-graduate medical education -clinical track refers to aL post-graldrate mod.-c;al
education/  training  program  for  licensed  physicians  in  a  particular  specialty  or  subspecialty  of
medicine in a PRBM accredited training program in a hospital/ AND community setting involving
6


directprrieutcaeandmayinchderesideneyorschapecialtyfellowrtyhaining;
")                   Postgraduate  medical  educdian  -  nanrfucal  track  ndas  to  al post=grach]ate  medirmA
education and rfuning progrmn for medical graduates or ticensed physicians in a hither education institution
Q]ED confulng a post-graduate academic degree involving basic medical sciences or other heath-related
fieldsordiscir>lineswhoutdhectpalentcareandincludes,reseach,medicaleducafion,pthJiehealdLhealthSqstems
andhcaRAielafedadministralon;
n)                 Postquduate medical educedon -diernadre track refiers to a, post gradi\ate nnedeal ed\\cahon
and haining program of ]ioensed physicians for a particular speeiaky of medicine in a Department of Heath
(IroH)  accledifed  athative  hack  consisting  of  preeeptorship,  modular,  (I)  mentorship,  or  clinical
fellowship training of not less than two (2) years of clinical practicum and comprehensive dfroct apeciafty
qu Can;
o)                  Z7Z.ny are refers to initial contact accessible, continuous, comprehensive and coordinated
caethatisacoessibleatthetimeofneedincludingarmgeofsewioesforal]pesedngconditions,andtheability
tocoordinaterefinalstootherhealthcareprovidersinthehealthcaredeliveryfyrstapwhenncoessary;
p)                      jResifeim847lz2ifew  rfuhaee  refers  to  a  licensed  physician  undergoing  post-graduate  medical
education and training in a particular specialty for resident or subspecialty for fellow of medicine in a DOH-
Retained   Hospital   or  Professional   Regulatory   Board  of  Medicine  (PRBM)   and   lutegrand  Nalonal
ProfessionalsofphysiciansaNrop)accreditedhaininginsth]tion;
q)                     ftyachfty7 Board c"irfug E]afzmharfu» refers to the evaluative process conducted by the PRBM
and INPOP;
D              ftyech/ permfr refers to the donment secured by a foreign  medical  professional  in  absence of a
leeiFrocftyagreenent,executveagreenentorteaty,tobealtowhtopraedcemedicineinthephilippines;
s)                    reJe"edi.ci.#e   refers   to   the   practice   of  medicine   by   means   of  electronic   and
teleeommunicatious teehnolQgies such as dy telephone, intemctrmabled messachg, short messagivg service (SMS)
or andicL and videcoonferencing to deliver heath can that cannot otherwise be done face-to-face due to certain
conditions such as the physical distance between the patient and the dydeian, and;
t)                    renapomry thnhaing pert refers to the dcoument secured by a foreign medical professional
after compliance with the requirements for medical residency training or post gleduate medical education haining
which shall be valid for a period co-trminus with the medical residency or postgrduate medical edueation haining,
unless sooner revcked for cause.
7


ARTICLE Ill
TlmnrmlcAIEDucATroNCoUNCELANDTIIEnrmICALDEGREEpROGRAn4
SEC.  6.  Chandm - The Medical Educalon Cormcil OVIEC) cha]l be created under the CID and cha]l be
amxpoedofthefollowing:
a)                  Chairperson of the CHED or the chairperson's duly authorized representative as chaiperson
OftlreMEC;
b)                 Setry/ ofthe lroH or the seChchlys duly aLdhorized xpresrfure as member,
a                   Chairperson of the PRC-PRBM or the chairperson's duly authorized representative as member;
d)                      President ofthe INPOp or the presiderfs duly ailthorized repeserfufive as member,
e)The president of the national association of medical schools duly recognized by the CITED or the presidrifs
dulyailthorizedrepesrfuveasmeinher,and
S  The president of the nalonal association of hoapitals duly recognized ty the IroH or the presiderfs duly
aLdhcrized ±rfure as mcher. The Chairperson and meinbers of the REC shall hold office during their
incumbencyinthexpctiveinrfudionsorassociationsthattheylapsenL
The MEC, within sixty (60) days after the erfeedvdy of this Act, shall appoint a techical panel on the
medical degree prpgran coniposed of at least seven (7) ordsinding members of the academe or the prrfessiqu or
both, whose responsibilfty is to assist the MEC in can3ring out its functions and powers. The memhauliiri of the
technical panel shall frolude experts fiun the following: two (2) from the acadrme, tiro (2) from the indListy sector,
two (2) firm the roH, and one (I ) from the INPOP. The public oflieials shall perform their duties as such without
compensation or remuneration, subject to reasonal)lepEp. cHav7 allowances as approved by the MEC and subject to
existing rules and regulations of the Deparrfuent of Budget and Management (DBM). Members thereof who are
not  government  officials  or  employees  shall  be  entitled  to  neoessaly  travelling  expenses,  pE7.  digr7g  and
rquesentalon allowances chargeable agrinst the finds of the CHED, as approved dy the MEC, subject to existhg
mlesandregulatousoftheDBM.
SEC.7.FlrmcrfnusndDzdEEEL-TheMECchallhavethefollowingfimchonsanddLrfues:
a                    Aithchze the opening of and roapgnize now medical schools apedally in arcas of need ipri
conpharewhdemininuniquinGds;
t)                    Dctrmine the mininum requirements for physical facilities of medical colleges such as buildings,
hoapifals, equipment and sLrmlies, apparfu]s, insthments, appliances, labcrfues and bed capacity for insthichon
8


purposes, operating and delivery rooms,  facilities for out-patient services,  community health services and
others         that         are         necessary         for         didactic         and         prachcal         insfroction         in
9


accordance with modem trends;
c)                    Determine the minimum number and the standard qualifications of administrative and
teaching personnel including student-teacher ratio;
d)                  Determine the  minimum  required  curriculum  leading to the  degree  of Doctor
of Medicine, including internship;
e)                 Authorize the  implementation of an acceptable  innovative medical curriculum
or strategy in a medical college that has exceptional faculty,  equipment and facilities.  Such
medical  college  with  an  innovative  curriculum  may  prescribe  admission  and  graduation
requirements other than those prescribed in this Act;
S                   Determine the minimum requirements  for admission  into a recognized college
of medicine;
®                    Develop  and  put  into  place  programs  as  well  as  adopt  and  implement  policies
which will encourage and allow applicants from  marginalized areas or groups,  or both,  as well as
financially-challenged  families  to  be  admitted  into  medical  colleges  and  complete  their  medical
education;
h)                   Keep  a  registry  of  medical  students  enrolled  in  medical  colleges,  and  conduct
tracer studies for medical graduates for up to five (5) years from graduation;
)                   Recommend  to  the  CHED  the  closure  or  suspension  of the  degree  program  for
Doctor of Medicine of a medical college by reason of poor performance in the physicians licensure
examination over a given period of time based on statistical data furnished by the PRBM, or upon
inspection of the medical school by the MEC for reasons of various deficiencies or violations;
j)                      Promulgate, prescribe, and enforce policies and programs which will ensure the proper
and  orderly  operations  and  upkeep  of medical  colleges  in  order  to  ensure  that  basic  medical
education is not treated merely as a business enterprise but one with a social dimension;
k)                    Regulate, supervise and monitor the medical internship program; and
fy                    Promulgate, prescribe and enforce the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
implementation of the foregoing functions.
SEC.  8.  44frochzffm iRaqidred Cozirstz  - The  medical  coLirse  leading  to  the  degree  of Doctor of
Medicine shall be undertaken for a period of four (4) years, inclusive of clinical clerkship; or for five
(5) years, inclusive of clinical clerkship and medical internship: J}ovfdecz77atthere shall be no tuition
or miscellaneous fees charged for internship that shall cover the following subjects:
10


(a) Human Anatomy including Gross, Microscopic and Developmental Anatomy;
(b) Human Physiology;
(c) Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Clinical Nutrition;
(d)   Pharmacology  and  Non-pharmacological   interventions  and  Therapeutics   including
Alternative medicine, Traditional and Complementary medicine and Philippine Traditional Medicine
11


(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(w)
Microbiology, Parasitology and lmmunology;
Internal Medicine, including Geriatrics and Dermatology;
General and Clinical Pathology, Surgical Pathology and Oncology;
Obstetrics and Gynecology including Women's Health;
Pediatrics and Nutrition including Child Protection;
General Surgery, and its divisions;
Anesthesiology and Pain Management;
Othopedics;
Otorhinolaryngology;
Ophthalmology;
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences;
Basic and Clinical Neurosciences;
Family and community Medicine including            Pulie     HeardL      HevrfueMedicine
Health Economics, Primary Health Care;
Medical Infomation technology and Telemedicine
Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine;
History and Perspectives in Medicine;
Research, Evidence-based Medicine and Medical lnformatics, and Epidemiology;
Health Rights, Legal Medicine, Medical Jurisprudence and Forensic Medicine; and
Radiology and other diagnostic imaging.
The minimum curricular content regardless of the curriculum design shall include the following
topics that should be integrated in all medical courses:
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
Bioethics, Professionalism and Good Clinical Practice;
Patient Safety and Quality Assurance;
Consultation Skills, Physical Diagnosis and Communication Skills;
Andragogy, Trauma-Informed Pedagogy;
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Emergency Medicine;
Leadership and Management and Technical Fluency;
Inter-professional Education;
Coaching and Mentoring; and
Medical Certification on the Cause of Death.
The MEC may, however, recommend to the CHED the re-clustering or integration of subjects as
may be necessary to fit into the four (4) or five (5)-year program for the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
12


Srmc. 9. Adndssion Reqilinemewh and Publication Of Aundende Caha]ogun - AL medic;al coxhegf3 may
admit any student who presents all of the following:
a)                   Diploma  or  Certificate  of  completion  of  Bachelor's  Degree  in   Science  or
Arts   or  completion   of  secondary   education   for   medical   colleges   offering   CHED
approved innovative curriculum;
b)                  Certificate  of good  moral  character  issued  by  two  (2)  former  professors  in  the
college  where  a  bachelor's  degree  was  obtained,  or  by  two  (2)  former  teachers  in  high
school  for those entering  in  a  CHED-approved  innovative  curriculum,  or by the  head  of
the indigenous peoples community;
c)                  Birth certificate duly authenticated by the philippine statistics Authority (PSA); and
d)                     Certificate   of   passing   marks   of   the   national   medical    admission   test   and
psychometric test prescribed or conducted by the CHED not more than two (2) years  from the
time of admission; and
13


e)                    For  foreign  students,  a  certificate  of eligibility  from  the  MEC  for  admission  to
medical school.
Only medical colleges extemally accredited by agencies recognized by the MEC may accept
foreign medical students.
A  medical  college may admit any  student who  has not been  finally  convicted by a court of
competentjurisdiction of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude and able to present all of
the above requirements.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit any medical college from  imposing further
requirements relevant to the degree, in addition to the requirements set forth in this Section.
Every  medical  college  shall  keep  complete records  of enrollment,  grades,  and  graduates and
must publish each year a catalogue with the following information:
a)                     Date of publication;
b)                     Calendar of academic year;
c)                    Roll  of faculty members,  indicating whether on full-time  or part-time basis,  and
their qualifications;
d)                     Requirements for admission;
e)                    Grading system;
S                    Requirements for promotion;
g)                     Requirements for graduation;
h)                     Curriculum   and  description  of  course  by  department;   and  number  of  students
enrolled in each class in the preceding year.
14


SEC.  10.  McdirmJ Jriutemufedy Aognmm  - The  MEC  shall,  within  sixty  (60)  days  after  the
effectivity of this Act,  appoint a technical panel on medical  internship program  composed  of a
minimum  of seven  (7)  deans  of CHED-recognized  medical  colleges  or  their  representatives
whose responsibility is to assist the REC in canying out its functions and duties on the medical
internship program.
The members of this panel  shall  perform their duties without compensation or remuneration,
subject to reasonable fercfe#! allowances as approved by the MEC and subject to existing rules
and regulations of the DBM. Members thereof who are not government officials or employees
shall   be   entitled  to   necessary  travelling   expenses,  pr  diavc  and   representation   allowances
chargeable against the funds of the CHED, as approved by the MEC, subject to existing rules and
regulations of the DBM.
a)                    Functions and Duties:
1)                                     Formulate a one (1)-year standardized curriculum for medical internship
that   may   either   be   rotating   hospital-based   or  community-oriented,   including   accreditation
standards for health institutions;
2)                                     Review  the  cuniculum  and  accreditation  standards  at  least  every  four  (4)
years;
3)                                      Formulate  and  implement  regulations  and  procedures  for  accredited
health institutions including sanctions for non-compliance;
4)                                       Accredit  hospitals  and  other  health   facilities  or  settings  that  will   be
allowed to conduct a medical internship training program;
5)                                    Regularly   evaluate   and   monitor   the   compliance   of  accredited   health
institutions   with   the   prescribed   curriculum   and   accreditation   standards,   and   institute
mechanisms for program evaluation;
6)                                      Assess   a   reasonable   processing   fee   for   eligible   applicants   to   the
internship program and an administrative fee for accreditation for health institutions;
7)                                       In   coordination   with  their  medical   colleges,   assist  clinical   clerks   in
making   an   informed  choice   when   selecting  a  particular  health   institution   for  their  medical
internship;
8)                                      Formulate   and   implement   a   national   internship   matching   program
including mechanisms for transfers after having been matched;
15


9)                                    Develop  and  implement  a  system  for  accredited  health  institutions  to
monitor and evaluate the performance of their medical interns;
10)                                   Receive and resolve complaints from medical interns or host institutions; and
11)                                      Issue    a    certificate    of   completion    of   medical    internship
u p o n  th e recommendation of the accredited health institution.
ARTICLE IV
TIIE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD 0F REDICINE
SEC. 11. Crerfum a/the I+a/es§foroaJ jRegndctny iBourd -There is hereby created a Professional
Regulatory    Board   of   Medicine,   hereinafter   referred   to   as   the   PRBM,    under   the
administrative   control   and   supervision   of  the   PRC.   The   PRBM   shall   be   composed   of  a
Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and five (5) members.  Each vacant position of the PRBM  shall
be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines from a list of three (3) nominees
submitted exclusively by the INPOP,  as provided  under Section  51  of this  Act.  The  PRBM  shall
be organized not later than six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act.
16


SEC.  12. Powas and Didim - The PRBM  shall be vested with the following  specific powers,
functions, duties and responsibilities:
a)  Supervise, regulate and monitor the practice of medicine in the Philippines, including
telemedicine;
b)  Determine   and  evaluate   qualifications  of  the  applicants  for  the  physician's   licensure
examinations, foreign applicants for special permits to practice medicine in the Philippines, or
temporary training permits for medical residency;
c) Prepare  the test questions  for the  Physician's  Licensure  Examinations  in  accordance with
recognized  principles  of evaluation  and  of pertinent  provisions  of Section  21,  Article  IV  of
this                 Act;   prescribe  the   syllabi   of  the   subjects   and  their  relative  weights   for  the
licensure examinations; conduct the examination; correct and rate the examination papers;
The PRBM shall ensure that the test questions are  appropriately formulated to assess the
knowledge, skill, and attitude of the examinees;
d)Determine, amend, or revise the coverage of the subjects in the physician's licensure
examinations and their relative weights, and the manner of giving the examination, subject to
the approval of the PRC;
e)Explore and develop ways on how to measure and evaluate the clinical competence of
examinees, and integrate the same into the physician's licensure examination;
SRegister successful examinees in the physician licensure examinations in the roll of
physicians and issue the corresponding certificates of registration;
g)Issue  special  or  temporary  permits  to  foreign  physicians  to  practice  medicine  for  specific
projects, duration of time, and place of practice;
h)  Administer  the  qualifying  examinations  for  foreign  physicians  who  wish  to  train  in  the
Philippines for a specialty or field of practice;
Monitor the conditions affecting the practice of medical profession, respond to
emerging  needs  of the  profession,  adopt  measures  for  the  enhancement  of the  quality  of the
education and practice of medicine in coordination with the appropriate regulatory bodies;
j)  ln  coordination  with  the  CHED,  monitor  the  performance  of  medical  schools  and  their
compliance with the rules and regulations of the MEC;
k) In coordination with the INPOP, promulgate rules and regulations including a Code of Ethics for
17


Physicians, administrative policies, orders and issunnces to cany out the provisions of this Act;
I) Conduct regular quality assurance programs and activities to ensure quality medical
education;
in) Investigate meritorious cases of violations of this Act, Code of Ethics, and the pertinent rules and
regulations, administrative policies, orders and issuances which are recommended for decision by the
INPOP. The rules governing administrative investigations promulgated by the PRC shall govern the
conduct of such proceedings;
n) Issue subpoena ad testificandum or subpoena duces tecum to secure attendance of respondents or
witnesses  as  well  as the  production  of documents:  Provided,  That  failure  of the  party to  whom  a
subpoena has been issued to comply therewith shall be punishable by way of indirect contempt. For
this purpose, the  PRBM  is hereby vested the power to cite any party for contempt which  may be
exercised pursuant to the applicable provisions of Rule 71  of the Rules of court;
o) Conduct hearings on cases filed with the PRBM: Provided, That a majority of the members of the
PRBM with the assistance of the Legal Division of the PRC shall conduct the hearings.  A member of
the PRBM shall be assigned to preside over a hearing;
p)  After  due  notice  and  hearing,  cancel  examination  papers  or  bar  any  examinee  from  future
examination, or both; refuse or defer the registration of the examinee; reprimand the registrant with
stem waning;  suspend the registrant from the practice of the profession; revoke the certificate of
registration; cancel a special or temporary permit, or a temporary training permit; remove the name of
a physician from the roll of physicians on account of continuous non-payment of armual registration
fees  and  non-compliance  with  the  Continuing  Professional  Development  (CPD)  requirements;
reinstate  or  re-enroll  a  physician's  name  in  the  said  roll;  and  re-issue  or  return the  physician's
certificate of registration and professional identification card. A decision of suspension, revocation of
the  certificate  of registration,  or removal  from  the  roll  by  the  PRBM  as  provided  herein  may  be
appealed to the PRC within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof;
q) Administer the physician's oath:
r) Institute and prosecute or cause to be instituted and prosecuted any and all criminal action against
any violation of this Act or the rules and regulations of the Board, or both, subject to the provisions of
Section 5, Rule Ilo of the Rules of criminal Procedure, as anended;
s) Adopt an official seal;
t) Coordinate with the MEC and the INPOP in prescribing, amending or revising the courses in a
medical program, or both;
18


u) Asist the PRC  in the implementation of its prescribed guidelines and criteria on the Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) for registered licensed physicians;
v)  Set the  standards  and guidelines  for the  issunnce and re-issuance of certificates of registration
including compliance with the PRBM's CPD prograni; and
w)  Perform  such  other  functions  and  duties  as  may  be  necessary  to  efficiently  and  effectively
implement the provisions of this Act.
The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations issued or promulgated by the PRBM shall be subject
to the review, revision, and approval by the PRC.  The orders or decisions may be appealed to the
PRC, however,  in case of imminent and immediate danger to patients, the PRBM's final decisions,
resolutions or orders rendered in an administrative case shall be immediately executory.
SEC.  13. Qualif[cations of the Members of the Board. - Each  PRBM member at the time of
appointment must have the following qualifications:
(a) A natural  born Filipino citizen and has  been a resident of the Philippines for at least ten (10)
consecutive years;
(b) At least fifty (50) years old;
(c) A holder of a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card
as a physician;
(d) Has been a medical practitioner for at least ten ( 1 0) years;
(e) A continuing bonafide member of the INPOP;
(f) Has not been convicted by final judgment by a competent court of a criminal offense involving
moral turpitude;
(g) Has at least eicht (8) years experience as a faculty member of a college of medicine;
(h) Not a current member of the faculty of an institute, school or college of medicine;
(i)  Does not have a pecuniary  interest in any  institution  which  offers and operates the course or
degree of Doctor of Medicine; and
¢) Not connected with or has no pecuniary interest in a review center, school, group, or association
offering classes or lectures in preparation for the physicians' licensure examination.
SEC. 14. Term of Office. - The members of the PRBM shall hold office from the date of their
appointment for a term of three (3) years or until their successors shall have been appointed and
qualified.  They may,  however,  be reappointed  for another three (3) year term  but not for a third
19


three  (3)  year  term.  Appointments  to  flll  up  vacant  positions  for  reasons  other  than  through
expiration of regular terms, shall be for the unexpired period only. Each member shall take an oath
of office before the performance of the duties and responsibilities.  The incumbents whose terns
have not yet expired or who are merely on a holdover capacity, at the effectivity of this Act, shall be
allowed to serve the unexpired portion of their terms or may be re-appointed under this Act.
SEC.15. Compensation. -The Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and members of the PRBM
shall receive compensation and allowances or other benefits pursuant to the provisions of Republic
Act No. 8981  otherwise known as the "PRC Modemi2ation Act of 2000" and other pertinent laws
and comparable to the compensation and allowances received by the chairperson and members of
existing professional regulatory boards.
SIC.  16.  Suspension  or Removal.  - The  President,  upon  recommendation  of the  PRC  after
giving the member an opportunity to be heard by himself or by a counsel in a proper administrative
investigation to be conducted by the PRC, may suspend or remove any member of the PRBM on
any of the following grounds:
a) Neglect of duty or incompetence;
b) Unprofessional, unethical or dishonorable conduct;
c) Manipulation or rigging the results of any physician licensure examination, divulging of
secret information or disclosure of the said examination, or tampering of the grades therein ; and
d) Final conviction by the court of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude.
SEC.17. Administrative Mamgement, Custody of Records, Secretariat and Support
Services.  - The PRBM  shall  be under the  supervision  and  control  of the  PRC,  with the  PRC
chairperson  as  the chief executive  officer thereof.  All records  of the  PRBM  shall  be  under the
custody of the PRC.
The  PRC  shall  designate the  secretary  of the  PRBM  and  shall  provide  the  secretariat  and  other
support services to implement the provisions of this Act.
20


ARTICLE V
PHYSIC IAN LICENSURE HXAMINATI0N
SEC. 18. Prerequisites to the Practice of Medicine. -No person shall engage in the
practice of medicine in the Philippines unless the person:
a) Holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card issued by the
PRC;
b) Holds a valid special/temporary permit issued by the PRBM subject to approval by the
PRC, or unless exempted by this Act from holding any of the foregoing certificates of registration;
and
c) Is a member of good standing of the INPOP.
Any  foreign  doctor  who  intends  to  undergo  residence  or  fellowship  training  in  the  practice  of
medicine must pass the qualifying assessment given by the PRBM.
SEC.  19.  Hxamination  Required.  -  All  applicants  for  registration  prior  to  the  issuance  of
certificate of registration and a professional identification card as a physician, shall be required to
pass the licensure examination for physicians as provided for in this Act, and shall be subject to the
payment of the fees prescribed by the PRC.
SEC. 20. Qualifications of Applicants for the Physicians Licensure Examination. -
Applicants for the physicians' licensure examination must possess all qualifications and none of the
disqualifications hereunder set forth as follows:
a) A citizen and resident of the Philippines or a citizen of a foreign country or State that
observes reciprocity in the practice of medicine with the Philippines;
b) Is mentally, emotionally, and physically sound with a certificate of good moral character
signed by the Dean of the school where the applicant is a graduate;
c) Has not been convicted by final judgment by a court of any criminal offense; and
d) A holder of the degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or its equivalent for innovative curriculum
conferred  by  a  College  of Medicine  established  in  the  Philippines  and  duly  recognized  by  the
CHED,  or a degree  conferred by  a college  of medicine  abroad  and  accredited by the  CHED  as
substantially equivalent to the degree of Doctor Of Medicine conferred by medical schools  in the
Philippines; and
21


e) Has completed a one ()1-year post graduate medical internship.
SEC.  21.  Scope  of  Examination.  -  The  physicians  licensure  examination  shall  cover  the
following thirfeen ( 13) individual or combined subjects with the relative weights for each:
a) Anatomy and Histology;
b) Physiology;
c) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology;
d) Pharmacology and Therapeutics;
e) Microbiology and Parasitology;
I) Internal Medicine; Neurology, Dermatology, Geriatric; Psychiatry and Behavioral
Medicine
g) General and systemic pathology, and Clinical Pathology;
h) Obstetrics and Gynecology;
i) Pediatrics and Nutrition;
j) Surgery, Orthopedic, Anesthesiology;
k) Otorhinolaryngology, Ophthalmology;
I)   Family   and   Community   Medicine,   Preventive   Medicine   and   Public   Health   and   Health
Economics; and
in) Legal Medicine, Medical Jurisprudence, Medical Ethics, and Medical Informatics.
h  case  there  is  need  or  when  circumstances  require,  in  order  to  confom  to  technological
advancements  and  other  developments,  the  PRBM,  the  MEC,  and  the  INPOP  may  revise  the
substance, fomiat and the conduct of the examinations.
Each of the thirteen (13) subjects shall have its syllabus or table of specifications for purposes of the
physician licensure examinations. The PRBM shall apply the table of specifications after a lapse of
three (3) months reckoned from the concurrence of all the following requisites:
a) Consultation with the association of medical schools;
b) Approval by the PRC;
c) Publication of the PRBM resolution in a newspaper of general circulation; and
d) Dissemination to all medical schools.
22


SEC. 22. Venue and Schedule of Examinations. - The PRBM shall administer examinations for
the registration of physicians  at least twice a year in such places  as the PRC  may designate  in
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8981. However, in case of a pandemic, public
health  emergency,  disasters-  or  calamity,  whether  natural  or  human  induced,  the  PRBM  may
postpone such examinations to a later date. An applicant may be allowed to take the examinations
in  two  (2)  parts.  The  first  part  shall  consist  of questions  from  Basic  Medicine  which  are  from
subjects of the first and second year in medicine proper, and the rest may be taken up in the second
part: Provided however, That the two-part examinations must be taken in one (1 ) and the same year.
SEC. 23. Rating in the Examination. -To pass the physician licensure examination, an examinee
must obtain a general average rating of at least seventy-five percent (75%) in all thirteen subjects:
Provided, that there is no rating obtained in any subject below fifty pereent (50%).
SEC. 24. Report and Publication of the Results of Examination. - The PRBM shall report the
rating of each examinee to the PRC within ten (10) days from the last day of examination or any
other period  granted by the  PRC.  The  official  results  of the  examination containing the  list  of
topnotcher examinees indicating their respective schools or colleges and the names of the schools or
colleges obtaining top percentage of successful examinees shall be published by the PRC.
The report of rating of every examinee shall be mailed to the examinee's given address, using he
examinee' s mailing envelope submitted during the examination.
SEC. 25. Oath. -All successful examinees shall be required to take the physician's oath before
the  PRBM  or  any  person  authorized  by  the  PRC  to  administer  it  before  they  are  issued  their
certificates of registration and professional identification cards, or before they start the practice of
the medical profession.
SEC. 26. Registration, Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identirication
Card;  Integrated  National Professional  Organization  of Physicians  (INPOP)  Membership;
Non-registration and Grounds Thereof. - All successful examinees, upon compliance with all
legal  requirements  and  payment  of fees  prescribed  by  the  PRC,  shall  be  registered  and  issued
certificates of registration and professional identification cards.
They shall likewise be deemed members of the INPOP upon compliance with all requirements and
payment of compulsory dues. Upon presentation of their certificates of registration and professional
identification cards, they shall be issued a separate INPOP Membership card.
The  certificate  of registration  of a  physician  shall  bear the  registration  number  and  the  date  of
issuance and the signatures of the chairperson of the PRC and the members of the PRBM stamped
23


with the  seals  of the PRC  and the PRBM,  certifying that the name  of the person  stated therein
appears in the Roll of Physicians under the custody of the PRC; that the person has complied with
all the legal requirements for registration as a physician; and that the person is entitled to exercise
all the privileges appurtenant to the practice of medical profession: Provided, That the person does
not  violate  `this  Act,  the  rules  and  regulations  issued  to  inplement  it,  the  Code  of Ethics  for
Physicians, and other regulatory issuances and policies of the PRC and PRBM.
The professional  identification card  shall  bear the  name  of the registered  licensed physician, the
registration number, the date of issuance, and the date of the expiration of the license. Together with
the  membership  identification  card  issued  by  the  INPOP,  the  physician  is  deemed  qualified  to
practice medicine in the Philippines.
Updating   of  practice   information   such   as   location,   affiliation,   and   field   of  practice   and
specialization shall be required for renewal of the PRC-ID and INPOP-ID. A successful examinee
who has been finally convicted by a competent court of a criminal offense, or found guilty by the
PRBM of dishonorable or immoral conduct, or declared by a court to be of unsound mind, shall not
be registered. The decision of the PRBM finding the examinee guilty of dishonorable or immoral
conduct may be appealed to the PRC within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the PRBM's decision
or resolution, and to the Court of Appeals within the same period from the receipt of the decision or
resolution of the PRC.  The facts and the reasons for refusal to register shall  be clearly stated  in
whting, communicated to the examinee, and duly incorporated in the records of the PRC.
ARTICLE VI
TIIE POST-GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION COUNCIL
SEC. 27. Creation of the Post-Graduate Medical Education Council. ~ There is hereby created the
Post-Graduate  Medical  Education  Council,  hereinafter  referred  to  as  the  PGMEC,  under  the
Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine (PRBM).
The PGMEC shall consist of a core group and medical practice groups. The core group, which shall
be  headed  by  the  incumbent  chair  of the  PRBM  or  its  duly  authorized  representative  and  the
following as members:
(a) Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) or a duly authorized representative;
(b) secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) or a duly authorized representative:
(c)   secretary  of  the   Department  of  Labor  and   Employment  (DOLE)   or  a  duly  authorized
representative;
24


(d) Chairperson of the Medical Education Council or a duly authorized representative:
(e) A pemanent representative of the htegrated National Professional Organization of Physicians
(rmop);
(I) A permanent representative of the association of medical colleges;
(g) A permanent representative of public hospital association; and
(h) A permanent representative of private hospital association.
Permanent  representatives  of medical  schools  and  hospitals  associations  shall  be  nominated  by
representatives of government agencies in the PGMEC: Provided, That the CHED shall appoint the
permanent representative of medical schools, and the DOH for the hospital association: Provided,
further,  That  the  appointment  shall  be  for  a term  of three  (3)  years  and  may  be  renewed  upon
renomination  and  reappointment.  The  members  of the  PGMEC  may  designate  their  permanent
representatives to meetings who shall have a rank not lower than an undersecretary or its equivalent,
and shall  receive emoluments as may be determined by the PGMEC  in accordance with  existing
budget and accounting rules and regulations.
The medical  practice  groups  shall be constituted for each medical  field or discipline previously
identified by the PRBM throuch a resolution with a minimum of three (3) and maximum of six (6)
members. Each group shall be composed solely of physicians who are licensed to practice in the
Philippines and actively engaged in the practice of the same medical field or discipline.
The members of the medical practice groups shall be appointed by the INPOP for a term of three
(3) years: Provided, That, no member shall serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms. The
INPOP shall promulgate the nomination process for all members of the medical practice   groups
which  shall  indicate  a  clear  set  of qualifications  and  credentials  for  each  field  or  discipline  as
respectively  recommended  by  the  sectors  concerned.  A  total  of three  (3)  Committees  shall  be
created where the members of the core group shall permanently sit. The members appointed to the
medical  practice groups  in each medical  field or discipline shall  sit with the committees  in  equal
distribution  in order to assist the PGMEC in canying out its functions in their respective medical
fleld or discipline:
(a) Committee on Accreditation -It shall be responsible for accrediting post-graduate
medical education and training and developing standards for approval of the PGMEC;
(b) Committee on Training and Certification - It shall determine whether doctors and allied health
professionals have satisfactorily completed post-graduate medical education and training and shall
issue the certificate of completion of training to examinees who pass the certifying examination;
and
25


(c) Committee on Policies,  Standards and Ethics - It shall formulate standards of post-graduate
medical  education  and  training  programs,  policies  on  compensation  and  benefits  and  working
conditions  of medical  residents  and  other policies  related to  the  scope  and  practice  of medical
residency. It shall handle complaints of medical residents and patients and submit recoinmendations
to  the  PRBM  for  approval  and  action  regarding  complaints  filed.  It  shall  also  screen  foreign
graduates of medicine who would like to undergo residency training in the country. The PGMEC
shall   create   other   committees   and   sub-committees   as   may   be   deemed   necessary   in   the
accomplishment of its duties and functions.
The  PRC  shall  provide  a  Secretariat  for  the  PGMEC  to  be  composed  of  both  technical  and
administrative staff. The Secretariat shall coordinate the activities of the different committees and
provide technical and administrative support in the efficient and effective coordination of programs,
projects  and  activities  among  the  different  committees  of the  PGMEC.  The  members  of the
PGMEC shall perform their duties as such without compensation or remuneration but may receive
reasonable  per  diem  allowances  as  approved  by  the  PRBM  and  subject  to  existing  rules  and
regulations of the DBM. Members thereof who are not government officials or employees shall be
entitled to necessary travelling expenses, per diem and representation allowances chargeable against
the funds of the PRC, subject to existing rules and regulations of the DBM.
The members of the PGMEC shall receive an honoraria chargeable against the funds of the PRC,
and in accordance with existing policies.
SEC. 28. Powers and Functions. -The PGMEC shall ensure the quality of post graduate medical
education and training for all disciplines, specialties, and sub-specialties of medical residents and
provide policies that will promote humane working conditions and better compensation for medical
residents. Moreover, the PGREC shall be tasked to ensure that the post graduate medical education
and training of doctors shall be responsive to the current health service needs of the population. In
particular, it shall perform the following functions:
a) Set the standards of post graduate medical education and training;
b) Ensure that the standards set for post graduate medical education and training are at
par with international standards;
c) Accredit post graduate medical education or training programs;
d) Determine whether doctors and allied health professionals who have undergone post
graduate medical education and training have satisfactorily completed the training;
e)  Issue  the  corresponding certificates  to  residents  who  have  satisfactorily  completed  the     post
graduate medical education and training in either government or private hospitals and have passed the
26


certifying examinations conducted by the Committee on Training and Certification;
f)  Screen  foreign  graduates  of medicine  who  will  undergo  post  graduate  medical  education  and
training in the country and assess the equivalence of their basic medical education to the standard
curriculum prescribed in Philippine schools of medicines;
g)  In  consultation  with  appropriate  agencies,  work  for the  provision  of better  compensation  and
benefits and humane working conditions for residents;
h)  Receive and act on  complaints of residents against post-graduate training  institution  as well  as
complaints of patients against residents;
i) Ensure that post graduate medical education and training will always be responsive tothe health
needs of the population;
j) Maintain a registry or database of residents, including foreigners with temporary training permits
and Filipino doctors training or specializing overseas and accredited post graduate medical education
and training programs,
k) Monitor and evaluate post graduate medical education and training programs regularly;
1) Prescribe remedial measures to improve deficient post graduate medical education and training
programs; and
in) Seek or request the assistance and support of any government agency, ofrice or instrumentality
including  government-owned  or controlled  corporations,  local  government units  as  well  as non-
govemmental organizations or institutions in pursuance of its functions.
SEC.  29.  Accreditation  of post graduate  medical education  and  training  programs.  - Post
graduate  medical  education  and  training  programs  shall  only  be  conducted  in  accredited  post
graduate training institutions. The PGREC shall be the only recognized organization that shall have
full authority over post graduate medical education and training programs. Upon approval of the
implementing rules and regulations of this Act, a period of one year shall be given to allow time for
the  transfer  of  accreditation   from   the   different   specialty   and   sub-specialty   societies   to  the
Committee on Accreditation of the PGMEC.
Furthermore, certificates shall be issued by PGMEC to doctors who have obtained their training and
certification  prior to the  passage  of this  Act  upon  submission  of certificates  issued  by  different
specialty or sub-specialty societies.
SEC. 30. Training Curriculum of Post-graduate Medical Education Programs. - The training
officers or their equivalent shall prepare a training curriculum that shall meet the standards to be set
by the Committee on Policies, Standards and Ethics of the PGMEC. The training curriculum shall be
27


at par with international standards and shall be responsive to the health needs of the population. The
Committee on Policies, Standards and Ethics shall be given one (1) year from the time of its creation
to prepare unifom standards of post graduate medical education programs.
SEC. 31. Qualif]cations of Applicants to Post Graduate Medical Education and
Training Programs. - The following shall be the minimum qualifications of applicants to post-
graduate medical education programs:
a) Passing score in the licensure examination;
b) No previous criminal conviction or admfnistratr.ve liability, or both; and
c)  Clearance  by  the  Board  for  foreign  graduates  of medicine.    The  Board  shall  set  such  other
qualifications that it may deem necessary.
SEC.  32.  General  Conditions  for  the  Post-graduate  Medical  Education  and  Training  of
foreign  Medical  Graduates.  -  The  following  general  conditions  shall  be  applied  to  foreign
graduates of medicine who undergo medical residency training in the Philippines:
a) Accredited residency training programs shall be allowed to accept foreign medical graduates in
cases wherein no Filipino physicians are applying for the saine vacancy. Filipino physicians shall be
given the first priority in filling up vacancy for medical residents;
b) Foreign graduates of medicine shall secure a clearance from the PRBM before applying with any
accredited residency training program;  Foreign medical  graduates  shall  undergo  basic  language
course in Filipino or the dialect, or both, that is used in the locality where the accredited institution
is located before commencing medical residency. A certificate  of proficiency in Filipino and the
dialect  of the  locality  shall  be  obtained  by  the  foreign  graduate  of medicine  from  a  CHED-
accredited state university or tertiary education institution located in the locality where the foreign
graduate  in medicine  wishes to  undergo  post graduate  medical  education or training before the
PRBM may issue a clearance.  For accredited institutions  lcoated in  areas wherein  Filipino  is the
language used by the majority, proficiency in a dialect shall no longer be required;
c)  Foreign  graduates  of medicine  shall  be  required to  undergo  a  seminar on  Philippine  history,
culture  and  government  as  well   as  the   Philippine  health   care  delivery   system  prior  to  the
commencement  of  post  graduate  medical  education  or  training;  and  e)  Foreign  graduates  of
medicine must have no previous criminal conviction or   administrative  liability in the  Philippines
and their country of origin
SEC. 33. Working Conditions of Residents. - The following shall be  strictly observed by all
accredited post graduate medical education or training institutions:
28


a) No resident shall be allowed to go on duty for more than twenty-four (24) hours
straight, except in extraordinary cases to be determined by the hospital administrator;
b) Residents shall be entitled to at least one day off from hospital duty every week;
c) Residents shall be given standard quarters in the hospital where they can stay during
their tour of duty;
d)  Residents  shall  only  perform  those  functions  that  are  related  to  their  post  graduate  medical
education or training. Their superiors are hereby prohibited from issuing orders that are not related to
the training  of residents  or  are  demeaning  to  a  resident's  dignity  as  a  person.  The  PGMEC  shall
receive and investigate complaints of this nature from residents;
e) Residents are entitled to adequate periods for meal breaks and personal care during their tour of
duty;
D  Residents  shall  be  supervised  by their super].or at all  times  especially  when  performing critical
procedures on patients. In the case of junior residents, the senior resident or consultant shall always
be available for supervision and assistance, and in the case of senior residents, their consultants; and
g)  Residents  shall  be treated  equally.  No  resident  shall be  discriminated  because  of gender,  race,
ethnicity or religion.
SEC. 34. Salary and Other Benefits. - The salary grade of all doctors in government hospitals
and clinics shall not be lower than Salary Grade 22 in the position classification and compensation
system  under  Republic  Act  No  6758,  entitled  "An  Act  Prescribing  a  Revised  Compensation
Position Classification System in the Government and for Other Purposes, as Amended". They shall
be entitled to overtime pay and night differential pay for services rendered beyond eight (8) hours or
for services rendered beyond ten o'clock in the evening to six o'clock in the moming. Hazard pay
shall be given as stipulated in Republic Act No.  7305, otherwise known as the  "Magma Carta for
Public Health Workers", for residents of public hospitals.
SEC. 3S. Professional Conduct of Residents. -A resident shall observe the following
professional conduct at all times:
a) Uphold the dignity, pn.vacy, and rights of the patient;
b) Perform assigned functions with utmost diligence especially those related to care of
patients so as not to inflict any harm on the patient;
c)Refrain from engaging in unacceptable practices such as:
29


1 ) Receiving any form of payment from their patients;
2) Accepting commission from laboratories, diagnostic facilities, phamacies for referring patients to
these facilities;
3) Obtaining excess and unused medicines, drugs and other materials from patients or
the supply source, without proper permission;
4) Selling medicines, drugs and other materials to patients or their relatives:
5) Selling free samples of drugs or other medicines; and
6)  Receiving money  or any  form  of incentives  from  any pharmaceutical  company  for prescribing
their brand of drugs, medicines and other materials;
d) Treat superiors, subordinates, co-workers and patient's relatives with utmost respect;
e) Observe the provisions of Republic Act 6675, othelwise known as the Generics Act of
1988 and Republic Act 9502, otherwise known as the Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008;
and
f) Render full time service to the hospital where the resident is employed. The resident
shall not engage in any part-time job outside the hospital.
SEC.    36.    Responsibilities    of   Accredited    Post    Graduate    Medical    Education/Training
Institutions. -In addition to the enforcement of the provisions of Section 33 of this Act, accredited
post graduate medical education and training institutions shall have the following responsibilities:
a) Regularly submit the names of residents undergoing training in their institution and
such other relevant information to the PRBM
b)  Provide  the  necessary  logistics,  equipment,  and  other  medical  supplies  to  residents  while
undergoing post graduate medical education and training; and
c) Conduct of periodic evaluation of competencies acquired by residents per year level.
SHC. 37. Grievance System. - A grievance system is hereby established wherein any
aggrieved party may seek redress in accordance with the following rules and procedures:
a)  A  complaint  must  be  filed  with  the  Committee  on  Policies,  Standards  and  Ethics,  hereinafter
referred  to  as  the  "Committee".  The  Committee  shall  rule  on  the  complaint through  a  notice  of
resolution within sixty (60) calendar days from receipt thereof;
b) An appeal from the decision of the Committee must be filed with the PGMEC within thirty (30)
30


calendar days from receipt of the notice of resolution:
c) The PGMEC  shall promptly and expeditiously issue its decision or resolution on each appeal or
grievance within sixty (60) days from the date it is submitted to it for determination;
d) Non-observance of the periods  set forth in this  Section shall subject the responsible  officer or
employee to the penalties prescribed under Section 39 of this Act.
All  parties  shall  keep  the  proceedings  confidential  during  the  pendency  of the  case  before  the
Committee.
SEC. 38. Hearing Procedures of the Committee_ Upon the filing of the complaint, the
Committee, after consideration of the allegations thereof, may dismiss the case outrightly due to lack
of verification, or for failure to state the cause of action, or any other valid ground for the dismissal of
the complaint after consultation with the PGMEC, or require the respondent to file a verified answer
within five (5) days from service of summons.
In case the respondent fails to answer the complaint within the reglementary five-day period herein
provided, the Committee, motu proprio or upon motion of the complainant, render judgment as may
be warranted by the facts alleged in the complaint and limited to what is prayed for therein.
After an answer is filed and the issues are joined, the Committee shall require the parties to submit,
within ten (10) days from receipt of the order, the afflidavits of witnesses and other evidence on the
factual issues defined therein, together with a brief statement of their positions setting forth the law
and the facts relied upon by them.  In the event that the Committee finds, upon consideration of the
pleadings, the affidavits and other evidence, and position statements submitted by the parties, that a
judgment  may  be  rendered  thereon  without  need  of a  formal  hearing,  it  may  proceed  to  render
judgment not later than ten (10) days from the submission of the position statements of the parties.
In cases where the Committee deems it necessary to hold a hearing to clarify specific factual matters
before  rendering judgment,  it  shall  set the  case  for hearing.  At  such  hearing,  the  proponent  may
conduct a direct examination of witnesses on the basis of their affidavits and may be cross-examined
by the adverse party. The order setting the case for hearing shall specify the witnesses who will be
called  to  testify,  and  the  matters  which  their  examination  will  pertain  to.  The  hearing  shall  be
terminated  within  fifteen  (15)  days,  and  the  case  decided  upon  by  the  Committee  within  fifteen
(15)days from such termination.
The  decision  of the  Committee  shall  become  final  and  executory  fifteen  (15)  days  after  notice
thereof:  Provided,  That the  same  may  be  appealable to the  PGMEC  within thirty  (30)  days  from
receipt of the copy of the judgment appealed from. An appellee shall be given fifteen (15) days from
notice to file a memorandum after which the PGREC  shall decide on the appeal within sixty (60)
31


days from the submittal of the said pleadings.
The decision of the PGREC  shall  also become  fmal and executory fifteen (15)  days after notice
thereof:  Provided,  however,  That  the  same  may  be  reviewed  by  the  Supreme  Court  on  purely
questions of law in accordance with the Rules of Court.
The  Committee  and the  PGMEC,  in  the  exercise  of their quasi-judicial  functions  can  administer
oaths, certify to official acts and issue subpoena to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses,
and subpoena duces tecum and ad testificandum to enjoin the production of books, papers and other
records and to testify therein on any question arising out of this Act. Any case of contumacy shall be
dealt with  in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Administrative Code and the Rules of
Court. The PGMEC or the Committee on  Ethics, as the case may be,  shall  prescribe the necessary
administrative sanctions.
In  all  its proceedings, the  PGMEC  or the Committee shall  not be bound by the technical  rules of
evidence: Provided, finally, That the Rules of court shall apply with suppletory effect.
SEC. 39. Violations. - Any accredited residency training institution or any of its resident, or both that
have been found violating any provisions of this Act shall have the following penalties:
First Offense - reprinand;
Second Offense - suspension with duration depending on the gravity of the offense but not exceeding
six (6) months;
Third Offense -revocation of the accreditation of the training institution, and in the case of a resident
on  post-graduate  training,  non-issuance  of a  certificate  of completion  of post  graduate  medical
education or training by the PGMEC and removal from the residency training program.
ARTICLE VII
REGULATION 0F TIIE PRACTICE 0F THE REDICAL PROFHSSION
SEC. 40. Acts Constituting the Practice of Medicine. - The following are acts constituting the
practice of medicine:
a)  History  taking  and  physically  examining  any  person  for  any  disease,  injury  and  deformity,  or
diagnosing, treating, operating, prescribing, or dispensing any remedy therefor;
b)  History taking and physical  examination through  submission  of photographs and videos or any
communication   through   telecommunication   or   electronic   means   for   any   disease,   injury   and
deformity; diagnosing and prescribing or dispensing any remedy therefor through electronic means or
telemedjcine;
32


c) Examining a person's mental condition for any ailment, real or imaginary, regardless of the nature
of the remedy or treatment administered, prescribed, or recommended;
d) Offering or undertaking to diagnose, treat, operate or prescribe, and administer any remedy for any
human  disease,  injury,  deformity,  physical or mental condition,  either personally or by means of
signs, cards or advertisements by way of mass media or any other means of communication;
e)  Using  or  affixing  "M.D."  to  the  physician's  name  in  written  or  oral  communications.  Unless
specified,  the  letters  "M.D."  shall  mean  Doctor  of Medicine,  provided  that  only  those  who  have
passed the physician's licensure examination are allowed to use the title "M.D."; and
I) Conducting formal medical classes in medical schools, seminars, lectures, symposia and the like.
Snc. 41. Scope of Medical Practice. - The scope of the practice of medicine is the application of
medical  knowledge,  skill,  and judgment  for  the  promotion  of good  health;  the  prevention  and
treatment  of physical,  mental,  or  psycho-social  diseases,  disorders,  injuries,  and  conditions;  the
assessment  and  management  of a  physical,  mental,  or  psycho-social  disease,  disorder,  injury  or
condition of an individual or group of individuals at any stage of the biological life cycle, including
the prenatal and postmortem periods delivered either in clinical or non-clinical settings.
a) Clinical Practice of Medicine
1 ) General Medical Practice refers to the professional practice of a General Physician who
has completed basic medical education and medical internship, has obtained a PRC  license, and is
without or has not completed any fomal post-graduate medical education and training as defined in
this Act.
A  General  Physician  or  a  Specialist  may  be  a  Primary  Care  Provider  as  long  as  the  defined
competencies  in  Primary  Care  as  certified  by  the  DOH  as  provided  for  in  Republic  Act  11223,
otherwise known as the Universal Health Care Act, are obtained.
Limited Specialty Care Practice refers to the clinical practice of a General Physician with additional
credentials  to   independently  provide  particular  emergency  and  essential  healthcare  services  in
locations where  specialist physicians are unavailable or inaccessible, obtained after undergoing the
necessary  qualifications  and  training  as  may  be  determined  by  the  respective  PRBM-recognized
professional specialty organization or board and monitored regularly by the same.
2) Specialty Medical  Practice refers to the professional  practice of a  Specialist Physician  who is a
licensed physician and has completed additional formal post-graduate medical education or training
in  a distinct clinical  medical  discipline  focused  on  a defined  group  of patients,  diseases,  skills,  or
33


philosophy and has  been certified by the PGREC  Committee  on Training and Certification.  The
scope of specialty medical practice refers to the diagnosis and management of specific conditions as
defined by the PGMEC.
b) Non-Clinical Practice of Medicine
This refers to the practice of the profession wherein the physician is engaged in the application of
medical knowledge in the fields of health research, basic medical education, public health and health
systems, health communications, healthcare industry and administration among others.
SHC. 42. Exceptions. -For purposes of this Act, the following shall not be considered as engaging
in the practice of medicine: Provided, That they are attending to patients under the direct supervision
and control and under presence of a duly licensed physician.
a) Medical students and clinical clerks, and interns attending to patients;
b) Foreigners who intend to undergo or are undergoing post graduate medical education and training
or otherwise under training sha]] obtain the required special permit from the PRC;
c)  Any  non-medical  person  trained,   certified,   licensed  to  cany  out  specific   interventions   in
emergency  situations  to  save  lives  and  prevent  injury  according  to  the  level  of  competence
determined by their training and certifying examinations;
d) Non-medical educators who have attained a master's or a doctoral degree on a specific field in the
basic sciences in the medical field; and
e) Practitioners of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Modalities or systems who are regulated
by the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Altemative Health Care (PITAHC).
SEC. 43. Reciprocity. - A foreigner may be allowed to practice medicine in the Philippines without
having to  undergo  the  physicians'  licensure  examination,  if and when,  the  country  of which  the
foreigner is a citizen allows Filipino citizens to practice medicine under the same conditions such as
the following:
a)  The  country  of  which  the  foreigner  is  a  citizen,   imposes  the  same  academic  and  training
requirements for its citizens to be able to practice medicine;
b) There is a reciprocity agreement, executive agreement or international agreement, or treaty to this
effect, signed by both the government of the Philippines and the country of which the foreigner is a
citizen, and
c)  The  foreigner  must  show  documents  equivalent  to  the  PRC  ID  or  Certificate  of Registration
attesting  that  the  foreign  country's  regulatory  boards  of medicine  have  allowed  the  foreigner  to
34


practice the medical profession.
SEC.  44.  Special  Permits  to  Practice  Medicine  in  the  Philippines.  -  In  the  absence  of a
reciprocity agreement, executive agreement, international agreement,  or treaty, a foreigner may be
allowed to practice medicine in the Philippines subject to the following conditions:
a) The foreigner must obtain a special permit from the PRC;
b)  The  special  permit  shall  specify  the  purpose,  limitations,  place  of  practice,  and  such  other
conditions as may be imposed by the PRC such as:
I)  A  period  of not  more  than  one  (I)  year,  subject  to  renewal  or  extension:  Provided,  That  the
renewal or extension shall be under the same process and requirements as hereinabove described;
2) The specific area of medical specialization;
3) The specific place of practice, such as clinic, hospital, center, medical school as the case may be;
c) Payment of the required fees; and
d) Undertaking that the foreigner shall conduct oneself according to the Code of Ethics of Medical
Practice in the Philippines.
I
The PRC may issue a special permit to a foreigner not covered by any reciprocity agreement or treaty
required under Section 43 hereof under the following guidelines:
1)  Physicians  who  are  citizens  of and  licensed  in  foreign  countries  whose  services  are  for  free:
Provided,  That a reasonable honorarium may be  allowed  for daily  subsistence during the  stay  or
service in the Philippines:
2) Physicians who are internationally well-known specialists or publicly acknowledged as
experts in any area of medical specialization; and
3)  Physicians  of foreign  countries  whose  services  are  urgently  necessary,  owing  to  the  lack  of
available local specialists or experts, or for the promotion or advancement of the practice of medicine
including,  the  conduct  of formal  classes  or  training,  and  acting  as  resource  persons  in  medical
seminars, fora, and symposia;
4)  Physicians  licensed  in  foreign  countries  who  intend to  render  free  medical  services to  indigent
patients in a paticular Philippine hospital, center or clinic: Provided, That they render such services
under the direct supervision and control of a duly licensed Filipino physician; and
5) Physicians licensed in foreign countries employed as exchange professors in any area of medical
specialization.
35


SEC. 45. Administrative Investigation and Disciplimry Actions. - The PRBM shall have the
power,  upon  proper  notice  and  hearing,  after  fmding  of guilt,  to  suspend  from  the  practice  of
profession or revoke the certificate of registration of a physician, or issue a reprimand or cancel the
special or temporary permit or temporary training pemit issued to a foreign physician for any of the
following grounds or causes:
a) Final conviction by a court of competentjurisdiction of any criminal offense involving
moral turpitude;
b) Immoral or dishonorable conduct;
c) Mental incapacity;
d) Fraud in the acquisition of the certificate of registration and the professional identification card or
temporary or special permit or temporary training permit;
e)  Gross  negligence,  ignorance  or  incompetence  in  the  practice  of the  profession,  resulting  in  an
injury to or death of the patient;
I)  Addiction  to  alcoholic  beverages,  any  habit-forming  ding,  or  any  forin  of  illegal  gambling,
rendering the foreigner incompetent to practice the profession;
g)  Making  or  causing  to  be  made  false,  misleading,  extravagant  or  unethical  advertisements  or
making  or  causing  to  be  made  advertisements  wherein  things  other  than  the  name,  profession,
limitation of practice, clinic hours, office and home address are mentioned;
h) Issuance of any false statement or spreading any false news or rumor which is derogatory to the
character and reputation of another physician without justifiable motive;
i) Knowingly issuing any false medical certificates or findings or making any fraudulent clains with
government or private health insurance;
j) Performance of, or aiding in, any criminal abortion;
k)  Allowing  one's  self as  the  dummy  physician  or  as  tool  of any  person  who  is  unqualified  or
unlicensed to practice general or specialty medicine, except in aid of training of a medical student or
resident physician:  Provided however, That this provision  shall not apply when an  act constituting
`the  practice  of general  or  specialty  medicine  is  performed  in  an  accredited  hospital,  clinic,  or
medical center or by an accredited practitioner. A dummy physician is one who makes it appear to be
the person who has actually treated a patient when in fact it was another person, and on the basis of
which, accepted a professional fee;
I) Abetting or assisting in the illegal practice by a person who is not lawfully qualified to practice
medicine, either general or specialty medicine;
36


in) Using or advertising any title or description tending to convey the impression to the general public
that one is a specialist in a medical field when in fact one is not.
n) Practicing the profession during the period of one's suspension or during the period one's license
is revoked;
o) Willful failure or refusal to be a member of good standing of the INPOP; and
p)  Violation  of any  provision  of the  Code  of Ethics  for  Physicians  as  prescribed  by  the  INPOP,
subject to approval by the PRC;
SEC. 46. Rights of the Parties. - The private complainant and the respondent physician shall be
entitled  the  right to  be  heard  and the  assistance  of a  counsel,  to  have  a  speedy,  impartial  public
hearing, to confront and to meet the witnesses, to compulsory processes to secure the attendance of
witnesses, the production of evidence, and to all other rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the
Rules of Court. All cases filed or pending under this Act, except those filed or pending in courts and
other quasi-judicial and investigative bodies, shall not be discussed or taken up in any other forum
until after the same shall have been decided with finality.
SEC. 47. Appeal from Judgment. -The decision of the PRC shall become final fifteen (15) days
from the date of receipt of such decision by the parties or their counsel. Within the same period, the
aggrieved  party  may  ask  for  a  reconsideration  of the  decision  for  being  contrary  to  law  or  for
insufficiency of evidence. No second motion for reconsideration to the PRBM shall be allowed. A
decision  of suspension,  revocation  of the  certificate  of registration  or  removal  from  the  roll  of
physicians by the PRBM  as provided herein may be appealed to the PRC within fifteen (15) days
from receipt thereof.
SEC.  48. Re-issuance  of Revoked  Certir]cate  of Registration  and Professional  Identirlcation
Card, and Replacement of Lost Certificate of Registration and Identification Card. - After two
(2) years, the PRBM may order the reinstatement of any physician whose certificate of registration
has  been  revoked  if  the  respondent  has  shown  or  has  acted  in  an  exemplary  manner  in  the
community.
A new certificate of registration or professional identification card may then be issued, subject to the
rules imposed by the PRC.
SEC. 49. Mandatory Use of Certificate of Registration, Professional and Integrated National
Professional  Organization  of Physicians  QNPOP)  Membership  Card  and  Professional  Tax
Receipt Number. - A registered physician shall indicate the certificate of registration number, the
number and the expiry date of the professional identiflcation card and INPOP membership card, and
the  Professional  Tar Receipt number  on the  prescription  and  other documents  used or  issued  in
37


cormection with the practice of profession.
SEC.  50.  Vested  RIghts. - All  physicians  registered  at the  time  this Act takes  effect  shall  be
automatically registered under the provisions hereof, without prejudice to their compliance with other
requirements herein set forth.
All physicians whose names appear at the roll of physicians at the time of the effectivity of this act
shall  automatically be registered by the  PRBM  and the  PRC  as  physicians  and,  thereafter,  by the
INPOP as its bona fide members pursuant to Section 26 of this Act.
ARTICLE VIII
II`ITEGRATED PIIYSICIANS ASSOCIATION 0F THE PHILIPPINES
SEC. 51. Integration of the Profession. -The profession shall be integrated into one ( I )
Integrated National  Professional Organization of Physicians (INPOP) to be duly recognized by the
PRBM  and  the  PRC.  A  physician  duly  registered  and  licensed  by  the  PRBM  and  the  PRC  shall
automatically  become  a  member  of  the   INPOP  and  shall   receive  the  benefits  and  privileges
appurtenant  thereto  upon  payment  of the  required  reasonable  fees  and  dues.  Membership  in  the
INPOP shall not be a bar to membership in any other association of physicians.
Within  six  (6)  months  from  the  enactment  of this  law,  there  shall  be  created  a  Commission  on
Medical Profession Integration headed by the PRC Chairperson or a duly authorized representative,
and  representatives  from  existing  medical  associations  as  members,  which  shall  supervise  and
oversee  the  integration  of the  medical  profession  into  one  national  professional  organization  of
Physicians,  the  creation  of its  constitution  and  by-laws  and election  of officers.  The  Commission
shall cease to exist upon the establishment of the INPOP.
SEC.  52.  Investigative and  recommendatory power of the Integrated  National Professional
Organization  of Physicians. - The  INPOP,  herein  created,  shall have  the power to  investigate
violations of this Act, Code of Ethics, and the pertinent rules and regulations, administrative policies,
orders  and  issuances.  The  rules  on  administrative  investigation  promulgated  by  the  INPOP  shall
govern in such proceeding.
If the complaint appears to be meritorious, the organization shall issue a recommendation and initiate
proper charges against erring physicians before the PRBM. If the complaint does not merit action, or
if the answer shows to the satisfaction of the organization that the complaint is not meritorious, the
same may be dismissed upon their recommendation. The PRBM may review the case motu proprio or
upon  timely  appeal  of the  complainant  flled  within  15  days  from  notice  of the  dismissal  of the
complainant.
SEC.  53.  Mandatory  Continuing Professional Development. - The  PRBM  shall  implement a
38


mandatory continuing professional development for physicians consistent with the guidelines of the
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as shall hereafter be promulgated by the PRC.
ARTICLE K
PENAL PROVISIONS
SEC.  54.  Penalties.  -  The  penalty  of imprisonment  of not  less  than  one  (1)  year  but  not  21
exceeding five (5) years, or a fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) but not
exceeding Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00), or both, upon the discretion of the court, shall
be imposed upon:
a)  Any  person  who  practices  or  offers  to  practice  medicine  in  the  Philippines  without  a  valid
certificate  of registration  and  a valid professional  identification  card,  or a valid  temporary/special
permit or temporary training permit in accordance with the provisions of this Act;
b) Any person using or attempting to use as one's own the certificate of registration or professional
identification card or temporary/special permit or temporary training permit duly issued to another;
c) Any person who shall give any false or forged documents, credentials and any other proof of any
kind to the PRBM or PRC in order to obtain a certificate of registration or professional identification
card or temporary/special pemit or temporary training pemit;
d) Any person who shall falsely present oneself as a bona fide registrant with like or different name;
e)  Any  person  who  shall  attempt  to  use  a  revoked  or  suspended  certificate  of registration  or  a
cancelled or expired temporary/special permit;
I) Any person who shall use or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression to
the general public that one is a registered and licensed physician or specialist when in fact one is not;
and
g)  When  any  of the  acts  defined  in  paragraphs  1  and  5  of this  section  is  committed  by  a person
against three (3) or more persons, or when any of such acts is committed by at least three (3) persons
who conspire with one another, or when death occurs as result of the commission of the prohibited
act mentioned in paragraph (k) of Section 45 of this Act, the offense shall be considered as a qualified
offense  and  shall  be  punished  by  life  imprisonment  and  a  fine  of not  less  than  Five  Hundred
Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) but not more than two (2) Million pesos (P2,000,000.00).
Prosecution of offense under this Act shall be without prejudice to a separate prosecution under the
provisions of the Revised Penal Code and other laws.
SEC.  55.  Medical  mal|]ractice.  -  Any  physician  who  recklessly  fails  to  meet  the  standards
39


demanded by the profession, or grossly deviates from the standard of care, and causes injury to the
patient,  which  would  have  been  a  felony  had  it  been  intentional,  shall  be  guilty  of  medical
malpractice and be punishable by a fine ranging from One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) to
Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or inprisonment of three (3) months to six (6) months
upon the discretion of the court, or both. If malpractice results in permanent disability or irreversible
injury,   the   violators   shall   be   liable  with   a   fine  ranging   from   Two   hundred  thousand   pesos
(P200,000.00)  to  Five  hundred  thousand  pesos  (P500,000.00)  or  six  (6)  months  to  one  (1)-year
imprisonment, or both, upon the discretion of the court.
If the malpractice results in death, the penalty shall be a fine ranging from Five hundred thousand
pesos (P500,000.00) to Two million pesos (P2,000,000.00) or two (2) to five (5) years imprisonment,
or both, and revocation of license upon the discretion of the court.
This is without prejudice to the filing of appropriate civil action for damages by the offended party
before the courts of competent jurisdiction.
SEC. 56. Cease and Desist Order. - Upon written motion by any interested party and after notice
and hearing, the PRBM may issue a cease and desist order to a person not authorized to practice
medicine. However,  if it is shown in the affidavit/s attached to the motion that the movant or the
general public will suffer grave injustice or irreparable injury, the Chai]person of the PRBM, or upon
the  Chaixperson's  absence,  any  PRBM  member  holding  office,  holding  office  may  issue  within
seventy- two (72) hours the cease and desist order.  The Rules of the Court is  suppletory for this
Purpose.
The PRBM and PRC shall file an appropriate case for contempt of cout against any person who fails
or refuses to obey the cease and desist order.
ARTICLE X
NISCELLANE OUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 57. Annual Report. -The PRBM shall, on or before the end of January of the year following
the  enactment  of this  Act,  and  every  year  thereafter,  submit  to  the  PRC  its  annual  report  of
accomplishments  on  programs,   projects  and  activities  for  the  calendar  year  together  with   its
appropriate recommendations on issues or problems affecting the practice of medicine.
SEC. 58. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to cany out the provisions of this Act shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
40


'   i'",nI' ..,. „   .
SEC. 59. Imp]ementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days after the approval of
this  Act,  the  CRED  and  PRC,  in  consultation  and  coordination  with  appropriate  government
agencies,  representatives  from  the  private  sector,  and  other  stakeholders,  shall  promulgate  the
necessary implementing rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 60. Transitory Provisions. - The incumbent Board of Medicine shall continue to function in
the interim until such time as the PRBM shall have been constituted pursuant to this Act.
SEC.   61.   Separability  clause.  -  If  any  part  or  provision   of  this   Act  is  held   invalid  or
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 62. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No.  2382,  otherwise known as the  Medical  Act of
1959,  Republic  Act No.  1243,  otherwise  known  as  the  law  on  the  Tenure  of Office  of Hospital.
Residents in Government Training Hospitals under DOH, Republic Act No. 2251, amending Section
I  of Republic  Act no.  1243, the Act  Providing for the  Tenure  of Offlce  of Hospital  Residents  in
Government Training Hospitals under the DOH, Republic Act No. 5901, otherwise known as Forty
Hours  a  Week  of Labor  for  Government  and  Private  Hospitals  or  Clinic  Personnel,  Presidential
Decree No.  1424,  otherwise  known  as the  Hospital  Residency Law,  and  all other  laws,  decrees,
executive orders and other administrative issuances and parts thereof which are inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby modified, superseded, or repealed accordingly.
SEC.  63.  Effectivity  .  -This Act  shall take  effect fifteen (15)  days  after its publication  in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.
Approved,
41