SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 
1 C 3 0
' .,’r  
1" ■
•',7 
DEC- 6
Introduced by Honorable Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF MICROBIOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Society benefits from microorganisms in various ways. These microorganisms 
are employed in the production of foods and condiments such as bread, cheese, 
beer, soy sauce and pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics, vaccines, and hormones 
like insulin and vitamins. They are also employed in environmental clean-up and in 
the production of biogas and bioethanol. Life on earth is preserved with the action 
of microorganisms in the cycling of major elements such as carbon, oxygen, 
nitrogen, 
phosphorus and sulfur both in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. 
Furthermore, microorganisms are the source of nutrients at the base of ecological 
food chains and food webs. Microorganisms are employed in scientific research and 
technology.
The principles of microbiology form the foundation of modern biotechnology 
such 
as genetic 
engineering 
and 
cell 
and 
tissue 
culture. 
Conversely, 
microorganisms are responsible for the spoilage of food and manufactured goods 
and for post harvest losses in agricultural crops; food poisoning and many diseases 
in humans such as HIV, pneumonia, typhoid, and cholera; in livestock such as foot 
and mouth disease; and in crops such as bacterial leaf blight in rice, Sigatoka 
disease in bananas, abaca bunchy top and damping off in vegetables.
The handling of microorganisms requires special skills and knowledge. Such 
skills and knowledge are essential in the quality control of processed foods and 
manufactured goods, in managing environmental pollution, in remediating degraded 
soils, managing/preventing epidemics in human, animal and crop populations and in


efficiently producing microbial-based goods and services. The academic preparation 
and manpower training of microbiologists can be provided by universities and 
colleges. The practice of microbiology as a profession has started more than five 
decades ago. 
Inevitably due to differences in philosophy, facilities and resources, 
the content and emphasis of the curriculum and training modules in various 
institutions differ. Given the important role of microbiologists as stated above, it is 
imperative that the profession of microbiology be regulated.
Other professionals registered with the Philippine Regulatory Commission 
where microbiology is an essential component of their practice such as Doctor of 
Medicine, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Medical Technologist may continue to 
practice microbiology without registering under this Act.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
JUAfTMIGUEL F. ZUBIRI


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.B. No. 
1 Ran
•17 
DEC- 6  
° '5  -11
Introduced by Honorable Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF MICROBIOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be enacted by the Senate and the House o f Representatives o f the Philippines in 
Congress Assembled:
ARTICLE I
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TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY AND OBJECTIVES
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SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Microbiology Act
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of 2017."
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SEC. 2. Statem ent o f Policy and Objective. -  The State recognizes the
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important role of microbiologists in national development. It is the object of this Act to
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institute a regulatory system that guarantees the delivery of technical services in a
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manner that ensures food safety, quality of manufactured goods and responsive health
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and environmental care and prevents the rapid spread of microbially-caused diseases in
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human and animal populations.
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ARTICLE I I
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DEFINITION OF TERMS
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SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. -  For purposes of this Act:
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a. Microbiology -  shall refer to a multi-disciplinary study of the diversity,
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evolution, and ecology of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, archaea,
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viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa. It covers several branches of specialization
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such as biochemistry, 
physiology, cell 
and 
molecular biology, 
genetics,
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evolutionary biology, and many others in order to study the nature and function
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of these microorganisms and how they affect Earth's processes and other
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organisms.


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b. Practice o f the m icrobiology profession - shall refer to the profession
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requiring 
the application 
of the fundamental 
and 
known 
principles of
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microbiology pertinent to the conditions and requirements of food safety and
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manufacturing standards, responsive healthcare and disease prevention, and
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environmental protection and quality management and shall include, but will not
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be limited to the following:
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(1) Consultation, valuation, investigation and management services on
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the identification of microbial agents in food, feed, human, plant and animal
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diseases and in environmental impact assessments;
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(2) Management or supervision and the preparation of designs, plans,
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specifications, project studies and estimates for microbial-based processes and
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related manufacturing and waste management facilities;
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(3) Conduct of research and development, training and extension work,
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and consultancy services on the various areas of microbiology such as general
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microbiology, food microbiology, agricultural microbiology, industrial, veterinary,
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medical, 
aquatic 
and 
environmental 
microbiology 
and 
on 
microbiological
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facilities/services, systems and technologies;
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(4) Microbiological testing and inspection of food, pharmaceutical,
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agricultural, fishery and forest products;
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(5) Management, manufacturing and/or marketing of microbial and
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microbial-based products;
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(6) Quality control in the manufacture of foods, food additives, flavors,
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feeds, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biofuels and biofertilizers;
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(7) Teaching microbiology subjects and offering microbiology degrees and
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training courses in institutions of higher learning in the Philippines; and
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(8) Employment with the government or private institution/agency,
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provided such item or position requires the knowledge and expertise of a
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microbiologist.
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c. C ertified M icrobiologist -  shall refer to a natural person who has been
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issued a Certificate of Registration by the Board of Microbiology and has taken
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the oath of profession of microbiologists.
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d. Fields in M icrobiology -  shall include Bacteriology, Virology, Protozoology,
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Phycology, and Mycology.


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e. B acteriology -  shall refer to the branch of microbiology that specifically deals 
with the biochemistry, physiology, morphology, evolution, genetics, and ecology 
of bacteria—a 
large domain of single-celled 
prokaryotic microorganisms. 
Bacteriology also deals with the study of medically- and industrially-significant 
bacteria, such as those which cause major infectious diseases, food spoilage, and 
those which are able to ferment food or produce valuable antibiotics and 
enzymes.
f. Virology -  refers to the branch of microbiology that specifically deals with 
viruses—sub-microscopic obligate intracellular parasites—and virus-like particles, 
and subviral particles such as prions and viroids, which usually cause disease in 
animals, plants, and humans. Virology studies the taxonomic classification and 
ultrastructure of these agents, their genetic make-up, mode of infection, as well 
as their interactions with their respective hosts.
g. P rotozoology -  shall refer to the branch of microbiology that studies protozoa, 
a diverse group of eukaryotic, heterotrophic microorganisms. It is concerned with 
the 
taxonomy, 
physiology, 
evolution, 
biochemistry, 
and 
metabolism 
of 
protozoans. As several protozoans are disease-causing, protozoology is also 
concerned with studying their modes of infection, transmission, life cycles, as 
well as their interaction with their host organisms.
h. Phycology -  shall refer to the branch of microbiology that studies algae, which 
is a large group of chiefly aquatic macroscopic and microscopic unicellular 
organisms similar to plants in terms of metabolism and structure. Phycology 
studies the ultrastructure, biochemistry, metabolism, and ecology of these algae, 
such as different species of seaweeds, phytoplankton, and a vast number of 
others.
i. Mycology -  shall refer to the branch of microbiology that studies yeast, molds, 
and mushrooms, which are collectively referred to as fungi. It is concerned with 
the physiology, taxonomy, biochemistry, ecology, and genetic properties of fungi. 
Mycology also deals with the significance and application of fungal species in 
medicine and industry, as several species could cause disease and can produce 
antibiotics as well as other valuable secondary metabolites.


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j. Related Helds in M icrobiology -  shall include cell biology, helminthology, 
immunology, molecular microbiology, parasitology, and plant pathology.
ARTICLE I I I
BOARD OF MICROBIOLOGY
SEC. 4. Creation and Composition o f the Board. - A Board of Microbiology 
is hereby created, hereinafter referred to as the Board, composed of a Chairman and 
two (2) Members, two of whom with at least five (5) years of teaching experience in 
microbiology, who shall be appointed by the President of the Republic from 
recommendees of the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as 
the Commission, from five 
(5) nominees recommended and endorsed from the 
Philippine Academy of Microbiology of the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. The 
Board shall be organized not later than six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act.
SEC. 
5. Powers and Functions o f the Board. -  The Board shall be 
vested with the following powers and functions:
a. Adopt and enforce a Code of Ethics for the practice of microbiology;
b. Promulgate, administer and enforce rules and regulations necessary to 
carry out the provisions of this Act, in accordance with the Charter of the 
Commission;
c. Prepare the contents of licensure examinations;
d. Supervise and regulate the registration, licensure, and practice of 
microbiology in the Philippines;
e. 
Administer oaths and issue Certificate of Registration;
f. 
Maintain a roster of microbiologists indicating therein the basic 
information about the registered professionals;
g. 
Recommend measures necessary for the upgrading, enhancement, 
development and growth of Microbiology in the Philippines;
h. 
Monitor the conditions affecting the practice of microbiology and adopt
such measures as may be deemed necessary for the enhancement of the
profession and/or maintenance of high professional, ethical and technical
standards;


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i. 
Investigate 
violations 
of 
set 
professional 
standards 
and 
adjudicate
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administrative and other cases against erring registrants;
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j. 
Issue, reinstate, suspend or revoke the Certificate of Registration for the
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Practice of Microbiology;
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k. 
Approve registration of microbiologists without examination, subject to
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review by the Commission;
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I. Issue special permits to persons admitted to the practice of microbiology for a
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specific duration, and certification of recognition to Microbiologist for graduate
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degree, 
outstanding 
researches, 
highly specialized 
training 
courses 
and
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accomplishments that contribute to the enrichment of the profession;
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m. Submit an annual report at the close of each fiscal year on the proceedings
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and 
accomplishments 
of the 
Board 
during 
the year 
as well 
as any
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recommendations of the same Commission with the end of upgrading and
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improving the conditions affecting the practice of Microbiology in the
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Philippines.
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The policies and resolutions, rules and regulations, orders, or decisions issued
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or promulgated by the Board shall be subject to the review and approval of the
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Commission; Provided, That the decisions, resolutions, and orders rendered by the
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Board which are interlocutory in an administrative case shall be subject to review on
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appeal.
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SEC. 6. Q ualifications o f the Chairman and Members o f the Board. -
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The Chairman and Members of the Board shall at the time of appointment, possess
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the following qualifications:
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a. Must be a Filipino citizen and resident of the Philippines;
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b. Must be of proven integrity and with high moral values as evidenced by
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his/her past professional conduct and must not have been convicted of
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any offense;
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c. Must be a holder of a bachelor's degree, preferably advanced degrees in
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Microbiology or any related field with at least 24 units in Microbiology;
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d. 
Must be a Diplomat or Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Microbiology
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and a member of good standing of the Philippine Society for Microbiology,
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Inc., who has at least ten (10) years of practice in microbiology either in
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government or in any private institution;


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e. 
Not an investor, consultant or a person financially involved directly or 
indirectly in any school, college, university or institution conferring an academic 
degree for admission to the practice of microbiology or where review classes in 
preparation for the licensure examination are being offered or conducted.
SEC. 7. Tenure o f Office. -  The Chairman and Members of the first appointed 
Board shall serve the following terms:
a. one (1) Member as Chairman for three (3) years;
b. one (1) Member for two (2) years; and
c. one (1) Member for one (1) year.
The Chairman and Members of the Board may be reappointed for another term 
but in no case shall he/she serve continuously for more than six (6) years. They 
shall take the proper oath of office prior to assumption of office.
SEC. 
8. M eetings o f the Board. -  The Board shall hold annual regular 
meetings and other such regular meetings at such times as the rules of the Board 
may provide but not less than four times a year. Special meetings may also be held 
upon the call of the Chairman or request by two of its Members. Reasonable notice 
of all meetings shall be given in the manner prescribed by the rules of the Board.
SEC. 9. 
C om pensation a n d  Allow ances o f the Board. -  The Chairman and 
Members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances equivalent to those 
being received by the Chairman and members of existing regulatory boards under the 
Commission as provided for in the General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 10. Vacancy and R em oval o f Board Members. - Any vacancy in the 
Board shall be filled only for the remaining unexpired portion of the term.
The Chairman or any member of the Board may be 
office by the President of the Republic of the Philippines 
the Commission for neglect of duty, incompetence, 
tolerance of irregularities in any examination given by 
unethical conduct, after due notice and hearing where 
defend him/herself and to be assisted by counsel 
administrative investigation; Provided, That during the
suspended or removed from 
upon the recommendation of 
malpractice, commission or 
the Board, unprofessional or 
his/her right to be heard, to 
is respected in a proper 
process of investigation the


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Commission shall have the power to suspend such member under investigation. The
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Commission shall appoint a temporary member to take his/her place. The
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Commission's decision may be appealed within fifteen (15) days to the President of
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the Republic of the Philippines whose decision shall be final and executory.
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SEC. 11. Supervision o f the Board, Custodian o f the Records, Secretariat
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and Support Services. -  The Board shall be under the general supervision and
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administrative control of the Commission. The Commission shall keep all records of
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the Board, including applications for examination papers and results, minutes of
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deliberations, 
administrative 
cases 
and 
other 
investigative 
cases 
involving
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microbiologists.
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The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide 
secretariat with support services to implement the provisions of this Act.
ARTICLE IV
EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION
SEC. 12. 
Licensure Exam ination. -  Every applicant seeking to be registered 
and licensed as Microbiologist shall undergo and pass a written technical examination 
to be given by the Board at least once a year in such places and dates as the 
Commission may designate.
SEC. 13. Q ualifications fo r Exam ination. - Any person applying for admission 
to the licensure examination for Microbiologist shall establish to the satisfaction of the 
Board that:
a. He/she is a citizen of the Philippines;
b. He/she is of good moral character;
c. He/she has not been convicted by a competent court of any offense involving 
moral turpitude;
d. He/she has earned at least 24 units in Microbiology and holds a baccalaureate 
or post graduate degree in Microbiology or any related field;
SEC. 
14. 
Scope o f Exam ination. -  The Board shall base the licensure 
examination on seven (7) subjects with the following weights:


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a. General microbiology
20%
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b. Microbial physiology
20%
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c. 
Microbial genetics
20%
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d. 
Microbial ecology
15%
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e. 
Applied microbiology
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(Food, Industrial, and Medical Microbiology)
15%
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f. 
Philippine Microbiology Act of 2017,
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Code of Ethics, and History of PSM
10%
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SEC. 
15. 
Release o f the Results o f Exam ination. -  The Board and the 
Commission shall correct and release the licensure examination results within fifteen 
(15) days after the said examination.
SEC. 
16. 
Rating in Exam ination. -  An examinee shall be deemed to have 
successfully passed the examination if he/she has obtained an average of at least 
seventy percent (70%); Provided, That in no case should the rating in any subject be 
less than fifty percent (50%); Provided further, That an examinee who fails to obtain 
at least 50% grade in any subject shall retake the subject for a maximum of three (3) 
times; Provided finally. That if the grade on the third retake is still below 50%, he/she 
will then be required to retake all six (6) subjects.
SEC. 
17. 
Issuance o f the C ertificate o f Registration. -  A Certificate of 
Registration shall be issued to examinees who pass the licensure examination for 
Microbiology. The Certificate of Registration shall have the signature of the Chairman 
of the Commission and the Members of the Board, stamped with the official seal, 
indicating that the person named therein is entitled to practice the profession with all 
the privileges appurtenant thereto.
This Certificate shall remain in full force and effect until withdrawn, suspended or 
revoked in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
A Certificate of Registration valid for three (3) years, duly signed by the Chairman 
of the Commission, bearing the registration number, date of issuance, and expiry 
date, shall likewise be issued to every registrant who has paid the required 
registration fee. This Certificate of Registration shall serve as evidence that the


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microbiologist can lawfully practice his/her profession until the expiration of its 
validity.
SEC. 18. C ertification W ithout Exam ination. - The Board shall issue a 
Certificate of Registration without the necessity of undergoing and passing the 
licensure examination for Microbiology, to any applicant who, together with his/her 
application for registration shall present evidence or proof satisfactory to the Board 
that:
a. He/she is a Filipino citizen;
b. He/she is a person of good moral character;
c. He/she is a member of good standing of the Philippine Society for Microbiology, 
Inc.; and
d. He/she is a Diplomat or Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Microbiology, or is 
accredited by the Philippine Academy of Microbiology as Registered or Specialist 
microbiologist; or
e. 
He/she has been granted a doctorate in Microbiology from a Philippine or 
foreign graduate institution.
SEC. 19. Refusal to  Register. -  The Board shall refuse to issue the Certificate of 
Registration to any person who has been convicted by a Court of competent 
jurisdiction of any crime involving moral turpitude, or has been found guilty of 
immoral or dishonorable conduct after due investigation by the Board, or has been 
declared to be of unsound mind. The record of refusal shall be set forth in writing and 
shall be incorporated with the records of the Board.
SEC. 20. 
Revocation or Suspension o f the C ertificate o f Registration. -
The Board may, after giving proper notice and hearing to the party concerned, 
suspend or permanently revoke the practitioner's Certificate of Registration, thereby 
inhibiting him/her from the practice of the profession for any unprofessional or 
unethical conduct, malpractice, violation of any of the provisions of this Act, its rules 
and regulations or upon conviction for the commission of any crime.
SEC. 21. 
Reinstatem ent, Reissuance or Replacement o f C ertificate o f
Registration. -  The Board may, upon application and for reasons deemed proper 
and sufficient, reinstate and reissue any suspended Certificate of Registration, or


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replace lost, destroyed or mutilated documents subject to the rules implemented by 
the Board.
SEC. 22. 
Renewal o f C e rtifica te  o f R egistration. 
-  The Certificate of 
Registration shall be renewed every three (3) years upon satisfying the requirements 
imposed by the Board, such as compliance with a continuing education program and 
payment of the corresponding fees as may be prescribed by the Board in accordance 
with the schedule of fees fixed by the Commission.
SEC. 23. 
R oster o f M icrobiologists. - The Board shall keep a roster of duly 
registered and licensed microbiologists, indicating their names, registration numbers, 
nature of work, and other pertinent information. The Board shall regularly update 
such roster and make it available to all interested parties.
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SEC. 24. Practice o f M icrobiology in O ther Professions Registered w ith
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the Professional Regulatory Commission. - Other professionals registered with
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the Philippine Regulatory Commission where microbiology is an essential component
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of their practice such as Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and
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Medical Technologist who have specialization in microbiology may continue to practice
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without registering under this Act.
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SEC. 25. Issuance o f Tem porary or Special Permits. -  Without prejudice to
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the existing laws on the practice of professions by foreigners in the Philippines, the
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following may be issued temporary or special permits to practice Microbiology in the
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Philippines:
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a. Foreign registered and/or licensed Microbiologist or recognized as experts in
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microbiology, called in by the Philippine government or private institutions for
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consultation or for any specific activity; and
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b. Foreign registered and/or licensed Microbiologist who have distinguished
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themselves in their respective fields of specialization and who are either directly hired
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or employed as professors/lecturers/instructors in Microbiology by Philippine schools,
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colleges, universities or research institutions; Provided, That their practice of the
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profession shall be limited to the particular work for which they have been
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commissioned; Provided further, That the said temporary or special permit shall be
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valid only for one (1) year subject to renewal every year.
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ARTICLE V
PRACTICE OF MICROBIOLOGY
SEC. 26. Prohibitions and Lim itations in the Practice o f M icrobiology. -  No
person shall offer him/herself in the Philippines as a microbiologist, or make use of 
any word, letter, figure or sign whatsoever, tending to convey the impression that 
he/she is a microbiologist, or advertise that he/she is qualified to perform the work as 
such, without holding a valid Certificate of Registration in accordance with the 
provisions of this Act, except as provided under Sections 24 and 25 hereof.
SEC. 27. Professional Oath. -  All successful candidates in the examination or 
registration shall be required to take a professional oath at such place and time as the 
Board may schedule or before any member of the Board or any person duly 
authorized by the Commission, prior to the practice of the profession.
SEC. 28. Code o f Ethics. - The Board shall adopt the Code of Ethics for 
Microbiology promulgated by the Philippine Academy of Microbiology of the Philippine 
Society for Microbiology, Inc.
SEC 29. Foreign Reciprocity. - No foreign Microbiologist shall be admitted to 
the examination and be entitled to any of the privileges under this Act unless the 
country in which he/she is a citizen specifically permits Filipino microbiologists to 
practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the citizens of such foreign 
state or country.
ARTICLE V I
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 30. 
Funding Provisions. -  The savings from any item of appropriations 
of the 
Professional 
Regulatory Commission shall 
be utilized for the initial 
implementation of this Act. Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary to carry out 
the provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
34 
SEC. 
31. Im plem enting Rules and Regulations. -  Subject to the approval
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of the Commission, the Board shall adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations,
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including the Code of Ethics for Microbiologist, to carry out the provisions of this Act,
11


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which shall be effective thirty (30) days following its publication in the Official
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Gazette or in two (2) major newspapers of general circulation.
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SEC. 32. Penal Provisions. -  Any person who shall violate any of the provisions 
of this Act or any of its implementing rules and regulations shall, upon conviction, be 
imposed with a fine of not less than Ten Thousand pesos (P10,000) but not more 
than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000), or with imprisonment of not less than six (6) 
months nor more than five (5) years, or both at the discretion of the Court.
SEC. 33. S eparability Clause. -  If any provision or part of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby shall 
remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 
34. 
Repealing Clause. -  All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof which are in conflict with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
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SEC. 35. 
E ffe c tiv ity .-T h is  Act shall take fifteen (15) days after its publication in
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the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.
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Approved,
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