EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 1093
r-i ^eiiaiL'
®Hitr of tljf fi>rtrrtarp
*19 
OCT -2  All 2 5
REC. 
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Introduced by Senator Manuel “ Lito” M. Lapid
AN ACT
REGULATING THE REGISTRATION, LICENSURE, AND PRACTICE OF 
PHYSICAL THERAPY, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER
RELATED PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Last March 11, 2019, Republic Act No. 11241, otherwise known as “Philippine 
Occupational Therapy Law of 2018", was passed into law. This Act modified Republic 
Act No. 5680 or the Philippine Physical and Occupational Therapy Law which was 
passed almost 50 years ago on June 21,1969. Unfortunately, no new law was enacted 
that addresses the other side of RA 5680 - the profession of physical therapy.
Physical therapy remains to be an important sector in the allied health 
professions. Based on the data reported by the World Confederation for Physical 
Therapy, there are approximately 13,000 physical therapy professionals in the 
Philippines1.
However, with advancements in science and technology, there is clearly a need 
for an update of the law governing Physical Therapists to make the profession 
responsive to the changes that have occurred since the past fifty years after the 
enactment of RA 5680.
This bill seeks to create a separate Board of Physical Therapy which will be 
tasked to maintain high professional, ethical and technical standards for the practice 
of physical therapy. The Board will formulate the Code of Ethics and Standards of 
Practice for Physical Therapists. A Continuing Professional Education Program will 
likewise be institutionalized through this proposed measure. This bill will also push for
1 https://www.wcpt.org/sites/wcpt.org/files/files/cds/reports/2018/150143.pdf


the integration of all physical therapists in the country through the formation of a 
national professional organization of physical therapists. At the same time, it also aims 
to improve the quality of physical therapy education in the country.
In view of this, early passage of this bill is sought.
UEL “ LITO” M. LAPID 
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
S. No
SENATE
1093
rrr- 
s»cua'T
(Sfficf ohbf ^fcrrtnrp
•19 
OCT -2  All :25
P.EU 
l\l^.
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
REGULATING THE REGISTRATION, LICENSURE, AND PRACTICE OF 
PHYSICAL THERAPY, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER
RELATED PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House o f Representatives o f the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
ARTICLE I. TITLE OF THE ACT AND DEFINITION OF TERMS
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Physical
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Therapy Law of 2019."
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SECTION 2. Definition o f Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms
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shall mean:
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a. Physical Therapy - is an allied medical profession which develops, coordinates
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and utilizes selected knowledge and skill in planning, organizing, directing and
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evaluating the programs for the care of individuals whose ability to function is
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impaired or threatened by disease or injury.
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Physical Therapy is the art and science of treatment by means of therapeutic
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exercises, heat, cold, light, water, manual manipulation, electricity and other
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physical agents. The goal of physical therapy is to help the patient reach
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maximum potential and to assume his due place in society while learning to
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live within limits of his capabilities.
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Physical Therapy requires in depth knowledge of human growth and
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development, 
human 
anatomy 
and 
physiology, 
neuroanatomy 
and
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neurophysiology, biomechanics of motion, manifestations of disease and


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trauma, normal and abnormal psychological responses to injury, sickness and 
disability, and the cultural socioeconomic influences of the individual.
b. Physical Therapist (PT) - is a legally qualified professional licensed to practice 
physical therapy under the provisions of this Act. The Physical Therapist assists 
patients with temporary or permanent physical disability to achieve the highest 
possible degree of recovery.
ARTICLE II. THE BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
SECTION 3. Creation and Composition o f the Board. - Within thirty (30) 
days upon the approval of this Act there shall be created the Board of Physical 
Therapy, hereinafter referred to as the Board, to be composed of a Chairman and two 
members who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines on the 
recommendation of the Professional Regulation Commission from among Physical 
Therapists recognized in the Philippines nominated by the accredited national 
organization of physical therapists.
SECTION 4 . Powers and Functions o f the Board. - Protection of the public 
shall be the highest priority for the Board in exercising its licensing, regulatory, and 
disciplinary functions. The Board is vested with authority conformably with the 
provisions of this Act to:
a. Promulgate, administer, and enforce rules and regulations necessary for 
carrying out the provisions of this Act;
b. Supervise and regulate the registration, licensure and practice of physical 
therapy in the Philippines;
Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;
Adopt an official seal of the Board;
Maintain a roster of physical therapists indicating therein the basic information 
about the registered professionals;
Issue, reinstate, suspend, cancel or revoke the registration and license, or 
special permits for the practice of physical therapy;
Study and monitor conditions affecting the practice of physical therapy and 
adopt such measures as may be deemed necessary for the enhancement of the 
profession and maintenance of high professional and ethical standards;
Ensure, in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or 
its equivalent, that all educational institutions offering physical therapy 
education comply with the prescribed policies, standards, and guidelines; 
Prescribe the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for physical therapists 
endorsed by the accredited and integrated professional organization of physical 
therapists;
Hear or investigate any violations of this Act, its implementing rules and 
regulations and the Code of Ethics, and for this purpose, issue subpoena duces
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d.
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f.
I.


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k.
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tecum and/or ad testificandum to secure the appearance of 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 judgment or decision; 
Prescribe guidelines and criteria in the Continuing Professional Development 
(CPD) program for physical therapists;
Prescribe the subjects in the licensure examination and table of specifications, 
determine the syllabi of the subjects and their relative weights, score and the 
rate examination papers, and submit the results to the Commission within the 
period provided for in the rules of the Commission; 
m. Administer the examinations to applicants for the practice of physical therapy 
in accordance with the provisions of this Act;
Adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination; 
Grant registration without examination subject to approval by the Commission; 
Issue special permits to persons admitted to the practice of physical therapy 
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
Perform such other powers and functions as deemed necessary to carry out the 
objectives of this Act.
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The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations, orders or decisions issued or 
promulgated by the Board shall be subject to review and approval of the Commission.
SECTION 5. Qualifications o f the Board Members. - The members of the 
Board shall at the time of their appointment be:
a. A citizen of the Philippines and a resident thereof for at least five (5) years;
b. A duly registered physical therapist in the Philippines with a valid certificate of 
registration and professional license;
c. Has engaged in rendering physical therapy services for at least five (5) 
continuous years immediately preceding appointment;
d. A member of good standing of the accredited and integrated professional 
organization of physical therapists, and not an officer thereof;
e. Has no prior conviction by any competent court, of an offense involving moral 
turpitude;
f. 
Has no pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in any school, college or 
university or institution conferring an academic degree necessary for admission 
to the practice of physical therapy; or where review classes in preparation for 
licensure examination are offered or conducted; nor be a member of the 
administration thereof; and
g. Not a member of the faculty of any school, college or university where the 
regular course of his profession is being taught or review classes are conducted;


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No member of the Board may accept employment or become connected with any
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school, college or university conferring a bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy for a
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period of one year after his term.
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SECTION 6. Term of Office. - The members of the Board shall hold office
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for a term of three (3) years or until their successors have been appointed and duly
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qualified: Provided, That members of the first Board to be appointed after the approval
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of this Act shall hold office for the following terms: the chairperson for three (3) years,
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one (1) member for two (2) years, and the other member for one (1) year: Provided,
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further. That a chairperson or member may be reappointed for a second term, but
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may not serve more than two (2) consecutive three (3)-year terms or six (6)
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consecutive years. Interim vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term only.
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SECTION 7. Removal o f Board Members. - Any member of the Board may,
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upon the recommendation of the Commission after due process of law and
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investigation conducted by the Commission, be suspended or removed by the
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President from office for cause such as gross neglect of duty, incompetence,
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malpractice, unprofessionalism, immorality, unethical or dishonorable conduct, final
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judgment of crimes involving moral turpitude, and manipulating or rigging of the
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licensure examination results, disclosure of secret and confidential information in the
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examination questions prior to the conduct of the said examination, or tampering of
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grades.
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SECTION 8. Compensation and Allowances o f the Board. - The
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chairperson and members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances
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comparable to that being received by the chairpersons and members of existing
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regulatory boards under the Commission as provided for in the General Appropriations
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Act.
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SECTION 9. Supervision o f the Board, Custodian o f Records,
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Secretariat, and Support Services. - The Board shall be under the administrative
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supervision of the Commission. All records of the Board, including applications for
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examination, examination papers and results, minutes of deliberation, administrative
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cases, and other investigations involving physical therapists, shall be kept by the
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Commission.
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The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide
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the secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions of this Act.
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SECTION 10. Annual Report. - The Board shall, at the close of each calendar
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year, submit an annual report to the Commission, giving a detailed account of its
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proceedings and accomplishments during the year and recommending measures to
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be adopted, with the end in view of upgrading and improving the conditions affecting
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the practice of physical therapy in the Philippines.


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ARTICLE I I I .  LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION
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SECTION 11. Examination Required. - All applicants for registration for the
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practice of physical therapy shall be required to undergo a licensure examination to
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be given by the Board in such places and dates as the Commission may designate
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subject to compliance with the requirements prescribed by the Commission.
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SECTION 12. Qualifications for Examination. - An applicant for the
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licensure examination for physical therapists shall establish, to the satisfaction of the
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Board, that the following qualifications are met:
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(a) A citizen of the Philippines or a foreigner whose country has a reciprocity
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agreement with the Philippines;
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(b) Has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude; and
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(c) A graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy degree or its equivalent
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degree as determined by the Board from a school, college or university in the
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Philippines or abroad whose physical therapy program is recognized by the CHED.
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SECTION 13. Scope o f Examination. - The licensure examination for
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physical therapists shall cover the basic sciences and health science foundations
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integrated into the following domains:
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MEDICAL ASPECT
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A. Anatomy 1: Anatomy and Histology of the Back and Limbs
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B. Anatomy 2: Internal Organs, Face and Neuroanatomy
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C. Anatomy 3: Kinesiology and Biomechanics
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D. Physiology 2: General Physiology and Neurophysiology
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E. Pathology and Microbiology: General Pathology and General Microbiology
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F. Psychiatry: Psychological Reactions to Disability
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G. Orthotics and Prosthetics: Splinting, Casting Bandaging, Bracing, Artificial Limbs
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H. Medical/Surgical 1: General Medical Conditions and Pediatric Conditions
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I. Medical/Surgical 2: Neurological and Neurosurgical Conditions
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J. Medical/Surgical 3: Orthopedic and Surgical Conditions
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PHYSICAL THERAPY ASPECT
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A. Therapeutic Exercise 1: Physiology of Exercise, Types and Posture
B. Therapeutic Exercise 2: Specific Exercise; PRE's
C. Therapeutic Exercise 3: Advanced Therapeutic Exercise, PNF
D. PT 1: Hydrotherapy, Introduction to Patient Care, Massage and Superficial Heat
E. PT 2: Electrotherapy
F. PT 3: Principles of Evaluation; Techniques - ROM, MMT; History Taking and 
Charting


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G. Ethics in Physical Therapy
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H. Organization and Administration
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I. Seminar 1: Clinical Correlation, Team Approach
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J. Seminar 2; Clinical Correlation, Team Approach
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K. Clinical Education: Introduction to Clinics
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The Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, may revise or exclude
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any of the subjects or add new ones as the need arises, and may adjust or modify the
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percentage weight of the subjects in order to keep the examination abreast and in
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conformity with the latest developments in the profession here and abroad.
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SECTION 14. Ratings in the Examination. - To be qualified as having
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passed the licensure examination for physical therapists, a candidate must have
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obtained a general average of seventy-five percent (75%), with no grade lower than
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sixty percent (60%) in any given subject.
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SECTION 15. Report o f Ratings. - The Board shall submit to the Commission
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the ratings obtained by each candidate within ten (10) calendar days after the
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examination, unless extended for just cause.
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SECTION 16. Issuance o f the Certificate o f Registration, Professional
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License, and Professional Identification Card. - Registration and a professional
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license shall be issued to examinees who pass the licensure examination for physical
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therapists subject to payment of fees prescribed by the Commission. The registration
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and professional license shall bear the signature of the chairperson of the Commission
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and the members of the Board, stamped with the official seal, indicating that the
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person named therein is entitled to practice the profession with all the privileges
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appurtenant thereto. The registration and license shall remain in full force and effect
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until revoked or suspended in accordance with this Act.
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SECTION 17. In itia l. - The initials "PTRP", which stands for Physical
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Therapists Registered Philippines, shall be used following the name of the registered
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physical therapist, especially when signing documents pertinent to the practice of the
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profession.
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SECTION 18. Refusal to Register. - The Board shall refuse to register any
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successful examinee who has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of
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any criminal offense involving moral turpitude, or has been found guilty of immoral or
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dishonorable conduct after investigation by the Board, or has been declared to be of
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unsound mind. The reason for the refusal shall be set forth in writing.
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SECTION 
19. 
Reinstatement, 
Re-issuance or 
Replacement of
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C ertificate o f Registration and Professional License. - Two (2) years after the
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date of revocation, the Board may, upon application and for reasons deemed proper


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and sufficient, reinstate any revoked certificate of registration or professional license,
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and in so doing, may, in its discretion, exempt the applicant from taking another
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examination.
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A new certificate of registration, professional license, or special permit, to
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replace lost, destroyed, or mutilated ones, may be issued subject to the rules as
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implemented by the Board.
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SECTION 20. Oath of Physical Therapists. - Successful examinees
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qualified for registration, and qualified applicants for registration without examination,
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shall be required to take an oath of profession before any member of the Board or
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any government official authorized by the Commission to administer oaths, prior to
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entering into the practice of physical therapy in the Philippines.
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SECTION 21. Indication o f Licensure and Privilege Tax Receipt. - The
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physical therapist shall be required to indicate his/her registration/professional license
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number and date of issuance thereof, the duration of validity of said license, including
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his/her privilege tax receipt number, on the documents he/she signs, uses or issues
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in connection with the practice of his/her profession.
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SECTION 22. 
Revocation or Suspension o f the Certificate o f
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Registration and Cancellation o f Special Permit. - The Board may, after giving
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proper notice of hearing to the party concerned, revoke the practitioner's certificate
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of registration and professional license, or be suspended from the practice of the
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profession; or cancel the special permit for any of the causes or grounds mentioned
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in Section 25 of this Act or for any unprofessional or unethical conduct, malpractice,
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violation of any of the provisions of this Act, its rules and regulations, the Code of
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Ethics, and Standards of Practice for physical therapists.
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SECTION 23. Roster of Physical Therapists. - The Board shall prepare,
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update and maintain a roster of physical therapists which shall contain the name of
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each registered physical therapist, his/her residence and office addresses, the date of
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registration and issuance of certificates, and other data which the Board may deem
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pertinent. The roster shall be open to the public, copies of which shall be mailed to
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each person listed therein.
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SECTION 24. Issuance o f Special and Tem porary Permit. - Special or
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temporary permits upon recommendation of the integrated professional organization
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of physical therapists may be issued by the Board, subject to the approval by the
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Commission and payment of the fees the latter has prescribed and charges, to the
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following persons:
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(a) Foreign-licensed physical therapists called for consultation or a specified purpose
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that is deemed essential to national development: Provided, That the practice shall be


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limited only for the particular work being engaged: Provided, further, That there is no
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Filipino therapist qualified for such consultation or purpose;
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(b) Foreign-licensed physical therapists whose service shall be free and who are highly
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needed under particular settings;
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(c) Foreign-licensed physical therapists engaged as professors, lecturers, or critics in
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fields essential to physical therapy education in the Philippines, whose engagement is
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limited to teaching only; and
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(d) Foreign-licensed physical therapist recognized as an expert or specialist whose
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service is deemed essential to the advancement of the profession in the Philippines.
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The permit shall, among other things, include these limitations and conditions:
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valid only for a period of not more than one (1) year subject to renewal; the branch
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or specialty of physical therapy which the permit holder can practice; and the specific
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place or places of practice such as clinic, hospital, center, school/college/university
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offering the course of physical therapy. The Board, subject to the approval by the
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Commission, shall prescribe rules and regulations for the implementation of this
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particular section.
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ARTICLE IV. PRACTICE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
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SECTION 25. Prohibition on the Practice of Physical Therapy. - No
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person shall practice or offer to practice physical therapy, nor offer to be a physical
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therapist, or use the title, word, letter, figure, or any sign tending to convey the
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impression of being a physical therapist, nor advertise or indicate in any manner
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whatsoever to be qualified to perform the work of a physical therapist without passing
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the licensure examination given by the Board, except as otherwise provided in this
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Act.
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SECTION 26. Prohibited Acts. - No person shall:
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a. Engage in the practice of physical therapy by representing himself/herself as a
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physical therapist without a valid registration, professional license, or a valid
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temporary/special permit granted by the Board pursuant to this Act;
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b. Represent to be a physical therapist during the time that his/her professional
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license is not valid or that his/her certificate of registration has been suspended
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or revoked, or that his/her temporary/special permit has been cancelled;
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c. Allow anybody to use his/her certificate of registration and/or professional
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license and/or temporary/special permit as a physical therapist to enable such
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unqualified individual to engage in the practice of physical therapy;
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d. Use as his/her own the certificate of registration, professional license, or
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temporary/special permit of another person; and


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e. Violate any provision of the Code of Ethics as recommended by the accredited
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national organization of physical therapists.
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SECTION 27. Code of Ethics and Standards o f Practice for Physical
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Therapists. - The Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics and Standards
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of Practice for physical therapists prescribed and issued by the Accredited and
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Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) of physical therapists.
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SECTION 28. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program. -
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All physical therapists shall abide with the requirements, rules and regulations on
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continuing professional development to be promulgated by the Professional
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Regulatory Board of Physical Therapy, subject to the approval of the Commission, in
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coordination with the AIPO of physical therapists and/or the recognized representative
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of duly accredited education institutions. For this purpose, the Board may create a
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CPD council to implement the CPD program, subject to such guidelines as may be
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prescribed by the Commission.
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SECTION 29. Integration of Physical Therapists. - The physical therapy
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profession shall be integrated into one (1) national professional organization of
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physical therapists, which shall be duly registered with the Securities and Exchange
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Commission (SEC). The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, shall accredit
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the said organization as the one and only AIPO of registered physical therapists. All
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physical therapists whose names appear in the current Registry Book of Physical
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Therapists shall ipso facto or automatically become members thereof and shall receive
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all the benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto upon payment of the required AIPO
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membership fees and dues.
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Membership in the AIPO shall not be a bar to membership in other organizations
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of physical therapists.
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SECTION 30. Foreign Reciprocity. - No foreign physical therapist shall be
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given a certificate of registration/professional license and professional identification
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card or be entitled to any of the privileges under this Act unless the country or state
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of which the foreign physical therapist is a subject or citizen permits Filipino physical
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therapists to practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the subjects or
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citizens of said country or state.
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ARTICLE V. PENAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
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SECTION 31. Penal Provisions. - Any person who shall violate any of the
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provisions of this Act or any of its implementing rules and regulations as promulgated
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by the Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, shall upon conviction, be
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punished with a fine of not less than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) nor more


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than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), or by imprisonment of not less than two (2)
2 
years nor more than five (5) years, or both, at the discretion of the court.
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SECTION 32. Funding Provision. - The Chairman of the Commission shall
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immediately include in the Commission's budget program the implementation of this
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Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
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SECTION 33. Im plem enting Rules and Regulations. - To implement the
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provisions of this Act, the Board shall, subject to the approval of the Commission,
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promulgate the rules and regulations, as well as the Code of Ethics and Standards of
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Practice for physical therapists, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act.
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SECTION 34. Transitory Provisions. - The existing Board of Physical
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Therapy and Occupational Therapy shall continue to function in the interim until such
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time that the new and separate Professional Regulatory Board of Physical Therapy
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shall be constituted pursuant to this Act.
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Any person holding a license to practice physical therapy issued by the Board
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of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, which license is valid when this Act
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takes effect, shall be deemed to be licensed as a physical therapist.
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SECTION 35. Separability Clause. - If any part, portion, section or provision
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of this Act shall be declared invalid or unconstitutional, such shall not invalidate any
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other part, portion, section or provision of this Act and the same shall continue to be
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in force and effect.
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SECTION 36. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, issuances or
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parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
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modified, revised, superseded or repealed.
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SECTION 37. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
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following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) major newspapers of
26 
national circulation, whichever comes earlier.
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Approved,
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