THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
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First Regular Session 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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Introduced by Senator LUISA “LOP P. EJERCITO ESTRADA ’ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In this age of modern and complicated communication technology, the detection 
and prevention of various human communication disorders cannot be overly emphasized. 
Thus, the practice of speech pathology, or any allied medical profession devoted to the 
evaluation, diagnosis, management and cure of certain communication disorders, 
specifically in the hearing, language and/or speech 
processes, must be properly 
developed and, at the same time, regulated. 
This bill seeks to create a Professional Regulatory Board of Speech Pathology and 
defines its function and duties. It also aims to lay the standards for the examination, 
registration and licensing of speech pathologists. 
In a world which puts an optimum importance in a person’s ability to effectively 
communicate his thoughts and mental processes, the early passage of this bill is urgently 
sought. 
LUISA “LOI”$. EJERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIFPINES 
First Regular Session 
Introduced by Senator LUISA “LOI” P. EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF SPEECH PATHOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES, 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
ARTICLE 1 
TITLE AND DEFINITION OF TERMS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Speech Pathology 
Act of 2004.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the important role of 
speech pathologists in nation building and promotes the sustained development of a 
reservoir of speech pathologists whose competence have been determined by honest and 
credible licensure examinations and 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. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms.- As used in this Act: 
a) The term “speech pathology” shall mean an allied medical profession devoted 
to the evaluation, diagnosis, management and prevention of human 
communication disorder. 
b) The term “speech pathologist” shall mean a person who is registered and 
licensed to practice speech pathology and who holds a valid certificate of 


registratiodprofessional license and professional identification card issued by 
the Professional Regulation Commission under the provisions of this Act. 
c) The term “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 an 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 accepted, structured, symbolic system of disorder for 
interpersonal communication composed of sounds arranged in ordered 
sequences or strings that express thoughts, intentions, experiences and 
feelings comprised of phonological, syntactical, and semantic components. 
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 11 
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF SPEECH PATHOLOGY 
SEC. 4. Creation and Composition of the Board.- Within ninety days after the 
effectivity of this Act, there shall be created the Professional Regulatory Board of Speech 
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 recommendees for each vacant position 
chosen from the five nominees of the integrated and accredited national organization of 
speech pathologist . 
SEC. 5. Qualifications of the Members of the Board. - To be the Chairperson or 
a member of the Board, one must at the time of hidher appointment be: 
a) A natural born citizen of the Philippines and an actual resident thereof for at 
leas five ( 5 )  years before hidher appointment; 
b) A duly registered and licensed speech pathologist holding a valid certificate of 
registratiodprofessional license and professional identification card, in active 
clinical practice for the past five (5) years and a member in good standing of 
the accredited integrated national organization of speech pathologists prior to 
hidher appointment, except if appointed the first Chairpersordmember; 
c) 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 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. 
SEC. 6. Powers and Fuvtctiorzs of the Board. - The Board shall have the 
authority to: 
a) Promulgate, administer and enforce rules and regulations 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 
pathology in the Philippines; 


d) Adopt an official seal of the Board; 
e) Maintain a roster of speech pathologists indicating therein the basic 
information about the registered professionals; 
f) Study the conditions affecting the practice of speech pathology in the 
Philippines and adopt measures for the enhancement of the professional 
ethical and technical standards therein; 
g) Ensure, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), 
that all educational institutions offering speech pathology education comply 
with the policies, standards and requirements of the course prescribed by the 
CHED in the areas of curriculum, faculty, library and facilities; 
h) Prescribe and /or adopt a Code of Ethics and Code of Technical Standards for 
the practice of speech pathology; 
i) Issue, reinstate, suspend, revoke certificate of registration and / or professional 
license or cancel special permits for the practice of speech pathology; 
j) Prescribe guidelines and criteria in the Continuing Professional Education 
(CPE) program for speech pathologist; 
k) In consultation with the duly accredited organization of speech pathologist 
and the duly recognized association of schools conferring a Bachelor’s degree 
in Speech Pathology, prescribe the area of competence to be included in the 
computerized licensure examination and their relative weights, determined the 
syllabi of the subjects, construct the test questions in licensure examination, 
score and rate examination papers; 
1) Hear or investigate any violations of this act, its implementing rules and 
regulations and the Code of Ethics for speech pathologists, and for this 
purpose, to issue subpoena duces tecum 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 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 special permits to persons admitted to the practice of speech 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 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. 
SEC. 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 hehhe 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 pathologists and issued certificate 
of registration / professional license and professional identification card and shall take the 
proper oath of office prior to assumption of duty. 
SEC. 8. Compematiorz of the Members of the Professional Regdatory 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. 
SEC. 9. Suspension andlor 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. 
SEC. 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 the 
secretariat and other support services to implement the provision of this Act. 
SEC. 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 pathology in the Philippines. 


ICLE III 
LICENSURE EXANIINATIO 
SEC. 12. Examination Required. - All applicants for registration for the practice 
of speech 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. 
SEC. 13. Qualification for Examination. - In order to be allowed to take part in 
the licensure examination, an applicant must, at the time of filing of hidher 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 pathology; 
b) Of good moral character; 
c) Has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; 
d) A graduate of a Bachelor’s degree in speech pathology from a duly recognized 
school, college or university in the Philippines or abroad and recognized / 
accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). 
SEC. 14. Scope of Examination. - The subjects in the licensure examination for 
Speech pathologists shall cover the following: 
Anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanism 
Neurological bases of speech and hearing disorders 
Articulation and phonological disorders 
Hearing impairment and aural habilitation 
Language disorders 
Fluency disorders 
Voice disorders 
Dysphagia 


i) Medical and neurological disorders 
The Board may recluster, rearrange, modify, add or exclude any subject as the 
need arises so as to conform to technological changes. 
SEC. 15. Registration Without Examination as Speech Pathologist. - A person 
who possesses the pertinent qualifications required for admission in the examination for 
registration as a speech pathologist pursuant to the provisions of this Act may be 
registered without examination provided the applicant files with the Board, within three 
(3) days 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 pathology from a 
college or university accredited by the CHED, with at least five ( 5 )  years of full-time 
work experience in the practice of speech pathology. 
SEC. 16. Ratings in the Examination. - To be qualified as having passed the 
licensure examination for speech pathologists, a candidate must have obtained a weighted 
general average of seventy-five percent (75%), with no grade lower than fifty (50%) in 
any given subject. However, an examinee who obtains a weighted average of seventy- 
five percent (75%) or higher but obtains a rating below fifty percent (50%) in any given 
subject 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 subject of subjects retaken must have each a rating of no less than 
seventy-five percent (75%) in order to qualify as having passed the examination. 
SEC. 17. Report Ratings. - The Board shall submit to the Commission the 
ratings obtained by each candidate within ten (1 0) calendar days after the examination, 
unless extended for just cause. 


SEC, 18. Oath of Speech 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 entering into the practice of 
speech pathology in the Philippines. 
SEC. 19. Issuance of Certificate of Registration/Professional License and 
Professional Identification Card.- A certificate of registratiodprofessional 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, expiry date, duly signed by the chairperson of the Commission, shall likewise 
be issued to every registrant who has paid the prescribed fee. 
SEC. 20. Indication of Certificate of Registration/Professional Tax Receipt. - 
The speech pathologist 
shall be required to indicate hidher certificate of 
registratiodprofessional license number and date of issuance, including the professional 
tax receipt number on the document he/she signs, uses or issues in connection with the 
practice of hidher profession. 
SEC. 21. Refusal to Register. - The Board shall not register and issue a 
certificate of registration/professional license and professional identification card to any 
person convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction or 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. 
SEC. 
22. 
Revocation 
or 
Suspension 
of 
the 
Certificate 
of 
Registration/professional License and Professional Identification 
Card and 
Cancellation of Special Permit. a The Board may, after giving proper notice of hearing 
to the party concerned, revoke the practitioner’s certificate of registratiodprofessional 
license of suspend him/her from the practice of hidher profession or cancel hidher 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 
pathologists 
SEC. 23. 
Reinstatement, Re-issuance or Replacement of 
Certificate of 
Registration/Professiorzal License. - A person may apply to the Board for reinstatement 
of a certificate of registratiodprofessional 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 CertificateAicense shall be 
reinstated unless the Board is satisfied that a good cause exists to warrant such 
reinstatement. 
A new certificate of registratiodprofessional license or special permit to replace 
lost, destroyed or mutilated ones may be issued subject to the rules as implemented by the 
Board. 
SEC. 24. Roster of Speech Pathologist.- The Board shall prepare, update and 
maintain a roster of speech pathologist 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. 
SEC. 25. Issuance of Speciul/Temporury Permit.- Specialltemporary 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 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 hidher 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 hidher profession in hidher state or 
country. Provided, flfinally, That there is no Filipino speech pathologist 
qualified for such consultation or specific purpose; 
b) a foreign speech pathologist who is an internationally recognized expert or 
specialist in any branch of speech pathology and his/her service is essential for 
the advancement of speech pathology in the Philippines; and 
c) a foreign speech pathologist to be engaged as professor, lecturer, or critic in 
fields essential to speech pathology education in the Philippines is confined to 
teaching only. 
The permit shall, among other things, include these limitations and 
conditions: for a period of not more than one (1) year subject to renewal, the branch or 
specialty of speech pathology, and the specific place of practice such as clinic, hospital, 
center, school/ college/ university offering the course of speech pathology. The Board, 
subject to the approval by the Commission, shall prescribe rules and regulations on the 
implementation of this particular section. 
ARTICLE IV 
PRACTICE OF SPEECH PATHOLOGY 


SEC. 26. Scope of the Practice of Speech Pathology. - The Scope of the Practice 
of Speech Pathology shall embrace, but shall not be limited to the performance of any of 
the following: 
a) Screen, identify, assess, diagnose, rehabilitate and prevent disorders of speech 
such as, but not limited to articulation, fluency, voice and language; 
b) Screen, identify, assess, diagnose, rehabilitate and prevent disorders of oral- 
pharyngeal functions such as, but not limited to dysphagia and related 
disorders in collaboration with the rehabilitation team; 
c )  Screen, identify, assess, diagnose and rehabilitate cognitive communication 
disorders in collaboration with the rehabilitation team; 
d) Assess, select and develop augmentative and alternative communication 
systems and provide training in their use; 
e) Screen hearing acuity for the purpose of speech language-language evaluation 
and aural rehabilitation; 
f) Plan appropriate home programs for patients; 
g) Plan, conduct and evaluate teaching-learning activities for students of speech 
pathology and other related courses; for other health professionals, patients 
and their families; 
h) Plan, conduct and evaluate researches in pursuit of new knowledge for the 
growth of speech pathology in the Philippines; 
i) Provide consultancy to government and non-government organization 
regarding the field of speech pathology; and 
j) Perform administrative duties in speech pathology clinics / units in hospitals, 
schools and other rehabilitation centers; 
k) Teaching, lecturing, reviewing subjects given in the licensure examination. 
SEC. 27. Prohibition on the Practice of Speech Pathology. - No person shall 


practice or offer to practice speech pathology in the Philippines or offer himself/herself as 
speech pathologist, or use the title, word, letter figure, or any sign tending to convey the 
impression that he/she is a speech pathologist, or advertise or indicate in any manner 
whatsoever that he/she is qualified to perform the work of a speech pathologist unless 
he/she has satisfactorily passed the licensure examination given by the Board, except as 
otherwise provided in this Act, and is a holder of a valid certificate of 
registratiordprofessional license and professional identification card or a valid 
temporary/special permit duly issued to hindher by the Board and the Commission. 
SEC. 28. ProhibitedActs. - No person shall: 
a) Engage in the practice of speech pathology by representing 
himself/herself as a speech 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 hidher profession during the period of hidher suspension 
from the practice thereof; 
c) Allow an unqualified person to advertise or to practice the profession 
by using his/her certificate of registratiordprofessional license or 
temp or ar y/sp eci a1 permit ; and 
d) Use as hidher own the certificate of registratiordprofessional license or 
temporary/special permit of another. 
SEC.29. Code of Ethics and Code of Technical Standards for Speech 
Pathologist. - The Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics and Code of 
Technical Standards for speech pathologist prescribed and issued by the integrated and 
accredited national organization of speech pathologists. 
SEC. 30. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Program. - The CPE 
guidelines shall be prescribed by the Board and promulgated by the Commission upon 


consultation with the Board, which shall consult the integrated and accredited 
organization of speech pathologist, the affiliated association of speech pathologists and 
other concerned sectors. 
SEC. 31. Integration of Speech Pathologist.- All speech pathologists shall be 
integrated into one (1) national organization, which shall be recognized by the Board and 
by the Commission as the one and only integrated and accredited association of speech 
pathologists. A speech pathologist duly registered with the Board shall automatically 
become a member of the integrated and accredited association of speech pathologists, and 
shall receive the benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto, upon payment of the 
required fees and dues. Membership in the integrated and accredited association shall not 
be a bar to membership in other associations of speech pathologists. 
SEC. 32. Foreign Reciprocity.- No foreign speech pathologist shall be admitted 
to the examination or be given a certificate of registratiordprofessional license and 
professional identification card or be entitled to any of the privileges under this Act 
unless the country of which he/she is a subject or citizen specifically permits Filipino 
speech pathologists to practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the 
subjects or citizens of such foreign state or country. 
ARTICLE V 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
SEC. 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. 


SEC. 34. Penalprovision. - 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 (P 20,000.00) nor more than Fifty thousand pesos 
(P50,OOO.OO) or by imprisonment of not less than two (2) years nor more than five ( 5 )  
years, or both, at the discretion of the court. 
SEC. 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 pathologists within sixty (60) 
days after the constitution of the first Board. 
SEC. 36. Separability Clause. - If 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. 
SEC. 37. Repealing Clause.- All laws, decrees, orders, issuances or parts 
thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. 
SEC. 38. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a major newspapers of national 
circulation whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,