Republic of the Philippines:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL nG403

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Speech-language pathology is a field of expertise practiced by a clinician
known as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), also called speech and language
therapist or speech therapist, who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and
treatment of communication disorders, cognition, voice disorders, and swallowing
disorders.’ Studies show that 1% of the estimated 2016 global population or 75
million individuals suffer from stuttering — a physical impairment often linked to
neurological and genetic causes and commonly present during the early
development years of children. Speech language pathologists also frequently treat
individuals who have suffered from stroke, especially when their speech has been
impaired.

In the Philippines, speech-language pathology is oriented to target individual
clients and their families.* However, this field of allied health remains beyond the
reach for most Filipinos. According to the Philippine Association of Speech
Pathologists, there are only 400 speech pathologists registered in the country today.
Only four (4) universities offer Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology
nationwide Producing around 100 SLP graduates annually. Research on the field is
also proven scarce.” Initiatives must be done to increase proficient graduates even
before the shortage of these practitioners arise.

Worse, pseudo academies with truncated programs are cropping up that do
not actually produce competent Speech Language Pathologists. They taint the
reputation of certified Filipino practitioners while recklessly undermining patients’
treatment and trust. The lack of regulation only encourages this manner of fraud and
curbs further development of this profession.

rian C.; Kelly, Helen; Godwin, Jon; Enderby, Pam, Campbell, Pauline (2016-06-01). “Speech and language therapy
following stroke". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (6): CD000425, ISSN 1469-493X. PMID
27245310. doi 10.1002/14851858.CD000425 pubs

* Philippine Association of Speech Pathologists, “Future Trends of Philippine Speech Language Pathology Practice: Expanded
Roles in Public heath and Inclusive Development,” (November, 2014), Retrieved From: hitp//pasp.org pWVArticles

doc, |P.,"Speech-language pathology research in the Philippines in retrospect: Perspectives from a developing country,”
{International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. (June, 2015)
Retrieved from: http swww.tandfonline.com/doV/full 0, 1080/17549507 2016, 1226954?scrollstop&needAccess=true



This is pertinent to the government as it is responsible for safeguarding the
people's health. Section 15, Article Il of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that
the State “shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them.” Under these guiding principles, the State has built and
maintained medical and educational institutions for that purpose. It has enabled and
incentivized professional development of medicine and its many branches except for
an unknown few such as Speech Language Pathology

The Philippine government's signing of the “United Nations Convention on the
Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ and the “Incheon Strategies to Make the
Right Real’, has made it responsible for the development of public policies and
programs that serve this marginalized group.‘ It recognizes people with these
disabilities and therefore is tasked and empowered to aid them.

In consideration of these points, there is a great necessity to pass a measure
that would establish mechanisms, safeguards, and procedures that culminate in an
enabling environment for the development of the Speech Language Pathology
profession in the Philippines.

Thus, this bill seeks to regulate and promote the practice of speech language
pathology through regulatory mechanisms, procedures, and activities that will foster
professional growth.

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

LUIS RA’ IND “LI F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

“ PASP, Future Trends, (November, 2014), Retrieved From: http:/pasp.org,ph/Articles


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL no.6403

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF SPEECH LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

ARTICLE |
TITLE AND DEFINITION OF TERMS:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Speech Language
Pathology Act of 2017 "

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State recognizes the important role of
speech language pathologists in nation building and promotes the sustained
development of a reservoir of speech language pathologists whose competence
have been determined by honest and credible licensure examinations whose
standards of professional practice and service are world-class and
internationally-recognized, globally competitive through preventive regulatory
measures, programs, and activities that foster their continuing, professional
growth

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:

a) "Speech Language Pathology" shall mean an allied medical profession
devoted to the evaluation, diagnosis, management and prevention of
human communication disorder;

b) "Speech Language Pathologist" shall mean a person who is registered
and licensed to practice speech language pathology and who holds a
valid certificate of registration/professional license and professional


identification card issued by the Professional Regulation Commission
under the provisions of this Act;

c) “Communication Disorder” shall mean impairment in the ability to (1)
receive and/or process symbol systems; (2) represent concepts in
systems; (3) transmit and use symbol systems. The impairment may
be observed in the disorders of hearing, language and/or speech
processes;

d

"Evaluation" shall mean the global appraisal of the significance and
implications of a diagnostic assessment that shall include formal and
informal assessment;

e)

"Diagnosis" shall mean the act of identifying a human communication
or swallowing abnormality or disorder by analyzing the symptoms
presented. It may also include a study of the origin and development of
the symptoms;

f) "Language" is any socially and culturally accepted, structured,
symbolic system for interpersonal communication composed of
sounds, letters, manual sign or other symbols arranged in ordered
sequences or strings that express thoughts, intentions, experiences
feelings comprised of orthographic, phonological, syntactical, semantic
and pragmatic components; and

g) "Speech" shall mean the medium of oral communication that employs
a linguistic code (language); through this medium, one can express
thoughts and feelings and understand those of others who employ the
same code.

ARTICLE II
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF SPEECH PATHOLOGY

SECTION 4. Creation and Composition of the Board. — Within ninety (90)
days after the effectivity of this Act, there shall be created the Professional
Regulatory Board of Speech Language Pathology, hereinafter referred to as the
Board under the administrative control and supervision of the Professional
Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, to be
composed of a Chairperson and two members who shall be appointed by the
President of the Philippines from the three (3) recommended individuals for each
vacant position chosen from the five nominees of the integrated and accredited
national organization of speech language pathologist.


SECTION 5. Qualifications of the Members of the Board. — To be the
Chairperson or a member of the Board, one must at the time of higher
appointment be:

a) A natural born citizen of the Philippines and an actual resident thereof
for at least five (5) years before his/her appointment;

b) A duly registered and licensed speech language pathologist holding a
valid certificate of registration/professional license and professional
identification card, in active practice for the past five (5) years and a
member in good standing of the accredited integrated national
organization of speech language pathologists prior to his/her
appointment, except if appointed the first Chairperson/member;

¢) Of good moral character and must not have been convicted of any
offense involving moral turpitude; and

d) Must not have pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in any school,
academy, college, university or institution conferring an academic
degree necessary for administration to the practice of speech language
pathology or where review classes in preparation for the licensure
examination are being offered or conducted, nor shall he/she be a
member of the faculty or of the administration thereof at the time of
his/her appointment to the Board

SECTION 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. — The Board shall have the
authority to:

a) Promulgate, administer and enforce rules and regulation necessary for
carrying out the provisions of this Act;

b)

Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;

c) Supervise and regulate the registration, licensure and practice of
speech language pathology in the Philippines;

d

Adopt an official seal of the Board;

e)

Maintain a roster of speech language pathologists indicating therein
the basic information about the registered professionals;

f) Study the conditions affecting the practice of speech language
pathology in the Philippines and adopt measures for the enhancement
of the professional, ethical and technical standards therein;


Ensure, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED), that all educational institutions offering speech language
pathology education comply with the policies, standards and
Tequirements of the course prescribed by the CHED in the areas of
curriculum, faculty, library and facilities;

g

hy

Prescribe and/or adopt a Code of Ethics and Code of Technical
Standards for the practice of speech language pathology; Standards
for the practice of speech language pathology;

i) Issue, reinstate, suspend, revoke certificate of registration and/or
professional license or cancel special permits for the practice of
speech language pathology;

j) Prescribe guidelines and criteria in the Continuing Professional
Education (CPE) program for speech language pathologists;

k)

In consultation with the duly accredited organization of speech
language pathologist and the duly recognized association of schools
conferring a Bachelor's or other entry level degree in Speech
Language Pathology, prescribe the area of competence to be included
in the computerized licensure examination and their relative weights,
determine the syllabi of the subjects, construct the test questions in
licensure examination, score and rate examination papers;

|) Hear or investigate any violations of this Act, its implementing rules
and regulations and the Code of Ethics for speech language
pathologists, and for this purpose, to issue subpoena duces tecum
and/or ad testificandum to secure the appearance of the witnesses and
the production of documents in connection therewith: Provided, that
the decision of the Board shall, unless appealed to the Commission,
become final and 38 executory after fifteen (15) days from receipt of
the judgment or decision;

m) Adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure
examination;

n) Grant registration without examination subject to the approval by the
Commission;

0)

Issue and/or cancel special permits to persons admitted to the practice
of speech language pathology for a specific duration of time, and
certificates of recognition for advanced studies, researches and
accomplishments that contribute to the enrichment of the profession;
and


p) Perform such other powers and functions as it may deem necessary to
13 carry out the objectives of this Act

The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations issued or promulgated by
the Board shall be subject to the review and approval of the Commission.

SECTION 7. Term of Office. — The Chairperson and 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 members of the first
Board to be appointed after the approval of this Act shall hold office for the
following terms: Chairperson for three (3) years, one member for two (2) years,
and the other member for one (1) year: Provided, further, that the Chairperson or
any member may be re-appointed for another term of three (3) years but in no
case shall he/she serve continuously for more than six (6) years. Vacancy in the
Board shall be filled for the unexpired term only. Each member of the Board shall
automatically be registered as speech language pathologists and issued
certificate of registration/professional license and professional identification card
and shall take the proper oath of office prior to assumption.

SECTION 8. Compensation of the Members of the Professional Regulatory
Boards. —- The chairperson and members of the Board shall receive
compensation and allowances comparable to that being received by the
Chairpersons and members of existing regulatory boards under the Commission
as provided for in the annual General Appropriations Act

SECTION 9. Suspension and/or Removal of Board Members. — Any member
of the Board may be suspended or removed from office for gross neglect of duty,
incompetence, malpractice, unprofessionalism, immorality, unethical or
dishonorable conduct, final judgment of crimes involving moral turpitude, and
manipulation or rigging of the licensure examination results, disclosure of secret
and confidential information in the examination questions prior to the conduct of
the said examination or tampering of grades.

The administrative proceedings shall be heard by the Commission, whose
recommendation shall be submitted to the Office of the President. During the
investigation, the respondent shall be placed under preventive suspension by the
Commission and another designated to fill the temporary vacancy in the Board.

SECTION 10. Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records,
Secretariat and Support Services. — The Board shall be under the
administrative supervision of the Commission. All records of the Board, including
applications for examination, and administrative and other investigative cases
conducted by the Board shall be under the custody of the Commission.


The Commission shall designate the secretary of the Board and shall
provide 22 the secretariat and other support services to implement the provision
of this Act.

SECTION 11. Annual Report. — The Board shall submit an annual report to the
Commission after the close of each calendar year, giving a detailed account of
the proceedings of the Board during the year and recommending measures to be
adopted, with the end in view of upgrading and improving the conditions affecting
the practice of speech language pathology in the Philippines.

ARTICLE III
LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION

SECTION 12. Examination Required. — All applicants for registration for the
practice of speech language pathology shall be required to undergo a licensure
examination to be given by the Board in such places and dates as the
Commission may designate subject to compliance with the requirements
prescribed by the Commission

SECTION 13. Qualification for Examination. — \n order to be allowed to take
part in the licensure examination, an applicant must, at the time of filing of higher
application, establish to the satisfaction of the Board that he/she has met the
following qualifications:

a) A Filipino citizen or a foreign citizen whose state/country has
reciprocity agreement with the Philippines in the practice of speech
language pathology;

b) Good moral character;
c) Has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; and

d) A graduate of a Bachelor's degree in speech language pathology from
a duly recognized school, college or university in the Philippines or
abroad and recognized/accredited by the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED).

SECTION 14. Scope of Examination. — The subjects in the licensure
examination for Speech Language Pathologists shall cover the following:

a) Anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanism;
b) Neurological bases of speech and hearing disorders;

c) Articulation and phonological disorders;

d) Hearing impairment and aural habilitation;

e) Language disorders;


f) Fluency disorders;

g) Voice disorders;

h) Dysphagia;

i) Medical and neurological disorders that may cause communication and
swallowing disorders ;

j) Normal development and function of speech, language, hearing and

swallowing;

Principles of assessment and intervention for speech, language,

hearing and/or swallowing conditions; and

|) Research, Professional Ethics and Community Development.

=

The Board may re-cluster, rearrange, modify, add or exclude any subject
or change the percentage or weight given to said subjects, as the need arises so
as to inform to technological changes.

SECTION 15. Registration Without Examination as Speech Language
Pathologist. — A person who possesses the pertinent qualifications required for
admission in the examination for registration as a speech language pathologist
pursuant to the provisions of this Act may be registered without examination,
Provided, that the APPLICANT FILES WITH THE Board, within six (6) months
after the effectivity of the Implementing Rules and Regulations, an application for
registration and issuance of a certificate of registration/professional license and
professional identification card by submitting credentials showing that the
applicant before the effectivity of this Act is a bachelor's degree holder of speech
language pathology from a college or university accredited by the CHED.
Provided further that the applicant is a member of the Accredited Integrated
Professional Organization of speech language pathologists.

SECTION 16. Ratings in the Examination. — To be qualified as having passed
the licensure examination for speech language pathologists, a candidate must
have obtained a weighted general average of seventy-five (75%), with no grade
lower than fifty (50%) in any given subject. A candidate who obtained grade/s
below fifty percent (50%) must take the examination in the subject or subjects
where he/she obtained a grade below fifty percent (50%) within two (2) years
from the date of his/her last examination. The topic or subjects retaken must
have each a rating of no less than seventy-five percent (75%) in order to qualify
as having passed the examination.

SECTION 17. Report Ratings. — 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.

SECTION 18. Oath of Speech Language Pathologist. — All successful
examinees qualified for registration and all qualified applicants for registration
without examination shall be required to take an oath of profession before any
member of the | Board or any authorized officer of the Commission to administer


oaths, prior to 2 entering into the practice of speech language pathology in the
Philippines.

SECTION 19. Issuance of Certificate of Registration/Professional License
and Professional Identification Card. — A certificate of registration/professional
license and professional identification card shall be issued to all successful
examinees and registrants either with or without examination upon compliance
with all the legal requirements including payment of fees prescribed by the
Commission. The certificate of registration/professional license shall bear the
signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and the Chairperson and
members of the Board, indicating that the person named therein is entitled to the
practice of the profession with all the privileges appurtenant thereto. The said
certificate shall remain in full force and effect until withdrawn, suspended or
revoked in accordance with this Act

A professional identification card bearing the registration number, date of
issuance, and expiry date, and duly signed by the chairperson of the
Commission, shall likewise be issued to every registrant who has paid the
prescribed fee.

SECTION 20. Indication of Certificate of Registration/Professional Tax
Receipt. — The speech language pathologist shall be required to indicate his/her
certificate of registration/professional license number and date of issuance,
including the professional tax receipt number on the documents he/she signs,
uses or issues in connection with the practice of his/her profession.

SECTION 21. Refusal to Register. — The Board shall refuse to register and shall
not issue a certificate of registration/professional license and professional
identification card to any person convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction a
criminal offense involving moral turpitude or guilty of immoral or dishonorable
conduct or to any person of unsound mind. In the event of refusal to issue the
certificate for any reason, the Board shall give the applicant a written statement
setting forth the reason for such action, which statement shall be incorporated in
the record of the Board.

SECTION 22. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of
Registration/Professional License and Professional Identification Card and
Cancellation of Special Permit. - The Board may, after giving proper notice of
hearing to the party concerned, revoke the practitioner's certificate of
registration/professional license or suspend him/her from the practice of his/her
profession or cancel his/her permit for any of the causes or grounds mentioned in
Section 21 of this Act or for any unprofessional or unethical conduct, malpractice,
violation of any of the provisions of this Act, its rules and regulations, the Code of
Ethics and the Standards for speech language pathologists


SECTION 23. Reinstatement, Re-issuance or Replacement of Certificate of!
Registration/Professional License. — A person may apply to the Board for
reinstatement of a certificate of registration/professional license at any time after
two (2) years from the date of revocation of said certificate. The application shall
be in writing and shall conform with the requirements as provided by the Board.
No certificate/license shall be reinstated unless the Board is satisfied that a good
cause exists to warrant such reinstatement

SECTION 24. Roster of Speech Language Pathologists. — The Board shall
prepare, update and maintain a roster of speech language pathologists in
coordination with the integrated and accredited professional organization, which
shall contain the name of each registration and issuance of certificates, and other
data which the Board may deem pertinent. The roster shall be open to the public,
copies of which shall be mailed to each person listed therein.

SECTION 25. Issuance of Special/Temporary Permit. — Special/Temporary
permit may be issued by the Board subject to the approval by the Commission
and payment of the fees the latter has prescribed and charged thereof to the
following persons:

a) a foreign speech language pathologist called for consultation for a
specific purpose which, in the judgment of the Board, is essential for
the growth of the profession: Provided, however, that his/her activities
shall be limited only to the particular work, for which he/she is being
engaged; Provided, further, that he/she is qualified to practice his/her
profession in his/her state or country. Provided, finally, that there is no
Filipino speech language pathologist qualified for such consultation or
specific purpose;

b)

a foreign speech language pathologist who is an internationally
recognized expert or specialist in any branch of speech language
pathology and his/her service is essential for the advancement of
speech language pathology in the Philippines; and

¢)

a foreign speech language pathologist to be engaged as professor,
lecturer, or critic in fields essential to speech language pathology
education in the Philippines is confined to teaching only.

The permit shall, among other things, include these limitations and
conditions: the same shall be valid for a period of not more than one (I) year
subject to renewal; the branch or specialty of speech language pathology which
permit holder can practice in; and the specific place of practice such as clinic,
hospital, center, school/college/university offering the course of speech language
pathology. The Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, shall prescribe
rules and regulations for the implementation of this particular section


ARTICLE IV
PRACTICE OF SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

SECTION 26. Scope of the Practice of Speech Language Pathology. — The
Scope of the Practice of Speech Language Pathology shall embrace, but shall
not be limited to the performance, in collaboration with other professionals,
families and the community of any of the following

a) Screen, identify, assess, diagnose, manage and prevent disorders of

b)

°)

d)

e)

9)

hy

k)

)

‘speech such as, but not limited to articulation, fluency, voice, hearing
and language;

Screen, identify, assess, diagnose, manage and prevent disorders of
oral pharyngeal functions such as, but not limited to dysphagia and
related disorders;

Screen, identify, assess, diagnose and manage cognitive
communication systems and provide training in their use;

Assess, select and develop augmentative and alternative
communication systems and provide training in their use;

Screen hearing acuity for the purpose of speech language evaluation
and aural rehabilitation;

Plan, teach and carry out home programs and training for patients and
their families;

Plan, conduct and evaluate teaching-learning activities for students of
speech language pathology and other related courses; for other health
professionals, patients and their families;

Plan, conduct and evaluate researches in pursuit of new knowledge for
the growth of speech language pathology in the Philippines;

Provide consultancy to government and non-government organization
regarding the field of speech language pathology;

Perform administrative duties in speech language pathology
clinics/units in hospitals, schools and other rehabilitation centers; and

Teaching, lecturing and reviewing subjects given in the licensure
examination.


SECTION 27. Prohibition on the Practice of Speech Language Pathology. —
No person shall practice or offer to practice speech language pathology in the
Philippines or offer himself/herself as speech language pathologist, or use the
title, word, letter figure, or a sign tending to convey the impression that he/she is
a speech language pathologist, or advertise or indicate in any manner
whatsoever that he/she is qualified to perform the work of a speech language
pathologist unless he/she has satisfactorily passed the licensure examination
given by the Board, except as otherwise provided in this Act, and he/she is a
holder of a valid certificate of registration/professional license and professional
identification card or a valid temporary/special permit duly issued to him/her by
the Board and the Commission.

SECTION 28. Prohibited Acts. — No person shall

a) Engage in the practice of speech language pathology by representing
himselffherself as a speech language pathologist without a valid
certificate of registration/professional license or a valid
temporary/special permit granted by the Board pursuant to this Act;

b) Practice his/her profession during the period of his/her suspension
from the practice thereof,

c) Allow an unqualified person to advertise or to practice the profession
by using his/her certificate of registration/professional license or
temporary/special permit; and

d)

Use as his/her own the certificate of registration/professional license or
temporary/special permit of another.

SECTION 29. Code of Ethics and Code of Technical Standards for Speech
Language Pathologist. - The Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of
Ethics and Code of Technical Standards for speech language pathologists
prescribed and issued by the Accredited and Integrated Professional
Organization (AIPO) of speech language pathologists.

SECTION 30. Continuing Professional Development (CPD). — All speech
language pathologists shall abide by the requirements, rules, and regulation on
continuing professional education to be promulgated by the PRC Regulatory
Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, in coordination with the AIPO
for speech language pathology and the representative of duly accredited
education institutions. For this purpose, the Board may create a CPD Council to
implement the CPD program subject to the guidelines as may be issued by the
Commission

SECTION 31. Integration of Speech Language Pathologist. - The speech
language pathology profession shall be integrated into one (1) national


professional organization of speech language pathologists who shall be duly
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Board,
subject to approval by the Commission, shall accredit the said organization as
the one and only Accredited and Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) of
registered speech language pathologists. All speech language pathologists
whose names appear in the Registry Book of Speech Language Pathologists
shall ipso facto or automatically become members thereof and shall receive all
the benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto upon payment of AIPO
membership fees and dues

Membership in the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization
(AIPO) shall not be a bar to membership in other organizations of speech
language pathologists.

SECTION 32. Foreign Reciprocity. — No foreign speech language pathologist
shall be given a certificate of registration/professional license and professional
identification card or be entitled to any of the privileges under this Act unless the
country of which the foreign speech language pathologist is a subject or citizen
specifically permits Filipino speech language pathologists to practice within its
territorial limits on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of said country or
state.

ARTICLE V
FINAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 33. Funding Provision. — The Chairman of the Professional
Regulation Commission shall immediately include in the Commission's programs
the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the
annual General Appropriations Acts and thereafter.

SECTION 34. Penal Provision. - Any person who shall violate any of the
provisions of this Act or any of its implementing rules and regulations as
promulgated by the Board subject to the approval of the Commission shall upon
conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Twenty Thousand Pesos (Php
20,000.00) nor more than Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php 50,000.00) or by
imprisonment of not less than two (2) years nor more than five (5) years, or both,
at the discretion of the court.

SECTION 35. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - To implement the
provisions of this Act, the Board, shall, subject to the approval of the
Commission, promulgate the rules and regulations and the Code of Ethics for
speech language pathologists within sixty (60) days after the constitution of the
first Board


SECTION 36. Separability Clause. — \f any section or provision of this Act shall
be declared invalid or unconstitutional, such shall not invalidate any other section
or provision of this Act.

SECTION 37. Repealing Clause. — Alll laws, decrees, orders, issuances or parts
thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed
or modified accordingly

SECTION 38. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15)

days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) major newspaper
of national circulation whichever comes earlier.

Approved,