EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
of tlK ife-rrrrtavp
SENATE
'If SEP 17 P4:31
Senate Bill No.
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF MICROBIOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Microorganisms provide a multitude of benefits to humans. Microorganisms are 
utilized in the production of food and condiments such as but not limited to bread, 
cheese, beer, and soy sauce. Pharmaceuticals also use microscopic organisms in 
the production of antibiotics, vaccines, and hormones in insulin and vitamins. 
Environmental clean-up, as well as cultivating biogas and bioethanol require the use 
of microorganisms. Utilizing such microscopic organisms have proven beneficial due 
to it being more sustainable. Microbes also recycle elements such as carbon, 
oxygen, 
nitrogen, 
phosphorus, 
and 
sulfur 
in 
both 
terrestrial 
and 
aquatic 
ecosystems. Furthermore, microorganisms serve as source of nutrients at the base 
of ecological food chains. In addition, microscopic organisms are employed in 
scientific research and technology as well.
The 
underlying foundation of microbiology set the stage for modern 
biotechnology, which includes genetic engineering, as well as cell and tissue 
culture. On the contrary, there are also evident downsides in using microorganism. 
These are what cause the spoilage of food and processed goods, as well as post­
harvest losses. In addition, microbes serve as the cause of multiple diseases 
humans acquire, such as HIV and cholera, as well as food poisoning; in livestock, 
such as foot and mouth disease; and various other crop diseases.
Hence, it is crucial to enact a proper regulation in the handling of 
microorganism as this requires adequate skills and prior educational background to 
utilize it to its full potential efficiently. Prior background knowledge on the 
fundamentals of microbes is essential for quality control of processed food and 
manufactured goods, in controlling environmental pollution and in repairing 
degraded soils. This will also aid in alleviating epidemics among humans, animals, 
and crops, as well as to produce microbial-based goods and services efficiently. This 
can be ensured by providing academic preparation and training in universities and 
colleges. However, due to existing differences in philosophical beliefs, facilities, and 
resources, these courses may differ from institution to institution. With the crucial 
role played by microbiologists, this bill seeks to regulate the profession and overall 
practice of microbiology.


Under the measure, 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.
IGUEL F. ZUBIRI


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 1058
o( tijc «&. n rtarp
*19 SEP 17 P4:31
RECtlVcD BY:
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF MICROBIOLOGY IN  THE PHILIPPINES
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
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Be enacted by the Senate and the House o f Representatives o f the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
ARTICLE I.
TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY AND OBJECTIVES
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Microbiology 
Act of 2019."
SEC. 2. Statem ent o f Policy and Objectives. - The State recognizes the 
vital role of microbiologists in national advancement. Therefore, it is the objective 
of this Act to institute a regulatory system guaranteeing the delivery of technical 
services to ensure food safety and a high quality of manufactured goods, preventing 
the rapid spread of microbiologically-caused diseases in human, plant, and animal 
populations, and providing a safe and healthy environment for the general public. 
This Act also aims to foster competent, ethical, globally competitive, and well- 
rounded professionals, who shall observe the highest standard of excellence through 
a credible licensure examination to be administered by the Professional Regulation 
Commission.
ARTICLE I I
DEFINITION OF TERMS AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE
SEC. 3. D efinition o f Terms - As used in this Act:
a. Accredited Professional Organization (APO)- shall refer to the 
professional organization established for the benefit and welfare of professionals of 
microbiology, the advancement of the microbiology profession and attainment of 
other professional ends, and complies with all the requirements for accreditation, 
subject to the approval of the Professional Regulation Commission (Commission).
b. M icrobiology - shall refer to a multi-disciplinary study of the structure, 
form and function of microorganisms such as bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, 
protozoa, and acellular infectious agents. It covers several branches of biology such 
as 
physiology, 
molecular 
biology, 
genetics, 
ecology, 
evolutionary 
biology, 
systematics and other related fields.


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c. Registered M icrobiologist - shall refer to a person who has been issued 
a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card by the Board and 
the Commission.
d. FIELDS OF MICROBIOLOGY:
1. Bacteriology - 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 pharmaceuticals and 
enzymes.
2. Archaeal Biology -  shall refer to the scientific discipline that is 
concerned with the study of the biology of archaea, a domain of 
organisms consisting of single, nucleus-free cells, distinct from 
bacteria and eukaryotes.
3. Virology -  shall refer 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 
agents, such as its genetic make-up, mode of infection, as well as its 
interactions with its respective hosts.
4. Protozoology - shall refer to the branch of microbiology that studies 
protozoa, 
a 
diverse 
group 
of 
eukaryotic, 
heterotrophic 
microorganisms. This study is concerned with the taxonomy, 
physiology, evolution, biochemistry and metabolism of protozoans. As 
several protozoans cause diseases, protozoology is also concerned 
with studying the modes of infection, transmission, life cycles, as well 
as its interaction with its host organisms.
5. 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 different algae, such as 
species of seaweeds and phytoplankton, among others.
6. Mycology - shall refer to the branch of microbiology that studies 
yeasts, molds and mushrooms, collectively referred to as fungi. This 
study is concerned with the physiology, taxonomy, biochemistry, 
ecology, and genetic properties of fungi. 
Several fungi possess 
properties that cause diseases, while others serve as a component of 
antibiotics and secondary metabolites. Hence, the study of mycology 
deals with the significance and application of specific fungal species 
in the medical and industrial fields.
7. Medical M icrobiology- shall refer to the branch of microbiology 
that specifically deals with the study of the characteristics of


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pathogens, its modes of transmission, and its mechanisms of infection 
and growth. This study is also concerned with the interactions of 
pathogens to its hosts and the environment, as well as applications 
of microbes for the overall improvement of one's health. For purposes 
of this Act, clinical microbiology is excluded from the definition and 
scope of medical microbiology.
Clinical Microbiology refers to the branch of microbiology that relates 
to the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of 
infectious 
diseases among 
patients 
in 
hospitals 
and 
clinical 
laboratories. It also entails the environmental surveillance and 
monitoring of hospital facilities to ensure that safety measures and 
guidelines are established to contain infections. This field of practice 
encompasses several different sciences applied to hospital and clinical 
laboratories, including bacteriology, mycology, virology, parasitology, 
immunology, and molecular diagnostics. It involves culture, analysis, 
and identification of pathogenic and other clinically relevant bacteria, 
fungi, viruses, and parasites isolated from clinical specimens, and 
other non-biological specimens. This study also involves susceptibility 
testing to guide antimicrobial therapy and provide antibiograms to 
health facilities and local communities to demonstrate the prevalence 
of various pathogens and emerging antibiotic resistance.
8. Environm ental M icrobiology -  shall refer to the branch of 
microbiology that deals with study of indigenous microorganisms on 
land, water, and air systems, as well as its interactions with organic 
and inorganic pollutants, and the application of its products for the 
benefit of human health and welfare. It is the applied part of microbial 
ecology dealing with the study of the interactions of microorganisms 
with the biotic and abiotic environment.
e. Related Fields in M icrobiology - shall include cell biology, helminthology, 
immunology, molecular biology and biotechnology, parasitology, and plant 
pathology.
SEC. 4. Scope o f Practice o f the M icrobiology Profession -  The practice 
of microbiology shall refer to the profession requiring the application of the 
fundamental principles of microbiology pertinent to the conditions and requirements 
of food safety and manufacturing standards, disease prevention, environmental 
protection, conservation, and quality management. This shall include the following, 
among others:
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a. 
Consultation, valuation, investigation, and management services on the
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identification of microbial agents in food, feeds, and human, plant and animal
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diseases, and in environmental impact assessments;
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b. 
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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c. 
Conduct of research and development, training and extension work, and
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consultancy services on the various areas of microbiology, such as general
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microbiology, food microbiology, agricultural microbiology, industrial microbiology,
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v e te rin a ry  
m icro b io lo g y, 
m edical 
m icro b io lo g y, 
a q u a tic  
m icro b io lo g y, 
and


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environmental microbiology, as well as on microbiological facilities/services, systems 
and technologies;
d. 
Microbiological testing and inspection of food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, 
fishery, and forest products;
e. 
Management, manufacturing, and marketing of microbial and microbial- 
based products. Marketing of the microbial and microbial-based products are not 
exclusive to the practice of microbiology and shall include other professions 
mentioned in Section 26;
f. 
Quality control on microbiological concerns in the manufacture of food, food 
additives 
and 
preservatives, 
feeds, 
pharmaceuticals, 
cosmetics, 
biofuels, 
biofertilizers, among others;
g. Teaching microbiology subjects, and offering degree programs and training 
courses in microbiology in higher educational institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines 
in conjunction with Section 11 of Republic Act No. 8981 and the rules and 
regulations of the Commission of Higher Education (CHED); and
h. 
Employment with the government, private institutions, or agencies which 
require the knowledge and expertise of a registered microbiologist.
ARTICLE I I I
CREATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD FOR
MICROBIOLOGY
SEC. 5. Creation and Composition o f the Professional Regulatory 
Board fo r M icrobiology -  There is hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board 
for Microbiology hereinafter referred to as the Board, under the administrative 
supervision and control of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), 
hereinafter referred to as the Commission, under the Office of the President (OP). 
The Board shall comprise of a Chairperson and two (2) Members of the Board who 
shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines from among a 
list of three (3) recommendees for each position submitted by the Commission from 
among a list of nominees for each position submitted by APO. Members of the Board 
shall both possess at least five (5) years of teaching experience in microbiology. The 
Board shall be organized not later than sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this 
Act.
SEC. 6. Q ualifications o f the Chairperson and Members o f the Board. -
The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall, at the time of appointment, 
possess the following qualifications:
a. 
Must be a Filipino citizen;
b. Must be of good moral character;
c. 
Must have not been convicted by a competent court of any offense involving 
moral turpitude;


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d. Must be a holder of at least a Master of Science Degree in Microbiology- 
related field, conferred by a CHED-recognized Philippine higher educational 
institution or foreign university;
e. 
Must have at least ten (10) years of practice in microbiology, either in 
government or in a private institution;
f. 
Must not have any business interest or financial connection, directly or 
indirectly, in any HEI conferring academic degree necessary for admission to the 
practice of microbiology or where review classes in preparation for the microbiology 
licensure examination are being offered or conducted; nor shall one be a member 
of the faculty or the administration thereof
SEC. 7. Tenure of Office fo r the Chairperson and Members o f the Board.
- The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three 
(3) years from the date of appointment or until their successors shall have been 
qualified and appointed.
The Chairperson and Members of the Board may be reappointed for a second 
term but in no case shall they serve continuously for more than six (6) years. Any 
vacancy in the Board shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term of the 
member who vacated the position. On the constitution of the first Board, the 
Chairperson and the Members of the Board shall automatically be registered and 
issued Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Cards. Each 
Member of the Board shall take the proper oath of office prior to the assumption of 
duty before a duly authorized officer.
SEC. 8. Meetings of the Board. - The Board shall have a regular meeting 
once a month. Special meetings may also be held upon the call of the Chairperson 
or by request of its members. Reasonable notice of all meetings shall be given in 
the manner prescribed by the rules of the Board.
SEC. 9. Compensation and Allowances of the Board. - The Chairperson 
and Members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances equivalent to 
those being received by the Chairpersons and members of existing professional 
regulatory boards under the Commission as provided for in the General 
Appropriations Act.
SEC. 10. Powers and Functions o f the Board. - The Board shall be vested 
with the following powers and functions:
a. 
Promulgate, administer and enforce rules and regulations necessary to carry 
out the provisions of this Act;
b. 
Prescribe the subjects in the licensure examination and their relative 
weights, determine the syllabi and Table of Specifications (TOS) for the subjects on 
which the examination questions shall be based on, and to submit the examination 
results to the Commission;
c. 
Evaluate and approve applications for licensure examination;
d. Administer oaths, and issue certificates of registration and the professional 
identification card to persons admitted to the practice of the profession of 
microbiology;


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e. 
Submit to the Commission an annual report at the close of each fiscal year 
on the proceedings and accomplishments of the Board during the year, as well as 
recommend for the purpose of upgrading and improving the conditions affecting the 
practice of microbiology in the Philippines;
f. 
Oversee the conduct of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 
program for microbiologists;
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 
measures as may be deemed necessary for the enhancement of the profession, and 
uphold high professional, ethical and technical standards;
i. 
Conduct inspection and monitoring of establishments where microbiology is 
practiced, and of higher educational institutions where microbiology courses are 
being offered, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), to 
ascertain that professional standards are complied with;
j. 
Approve registration of microbiologists without examination; and
k. 
Issue special temporary permits to microbiologists of foreign nationalities 
subject to the requirements and conditions prescribed by the Board.
The policies and resolutions, rules and regulations, orders, or decisions issued 
or promulgated by the Board shall be subject to the review and approval of the 
Commission; Provided, That the decisions, resolutions, and orders rendered by the 
Board which are interlocutory in an administrative case shall be subject to review 
on appeal.
SEC. 11. Removal of Board Members. - The Chairperson or any Member of 
the Board may be suspended or removed from office by the President of the 
Republic of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the Commission for neglect 
of duty, incompetence, tolerance of irregularities in any examination given by the 
Board, unprofessional, or unethical conduct. Any such person shall be afforded due 
process according to the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.
SEC. 12. Supervision o f the Board, Custodian o f the Records, 
Secretariat, and Support Services. - The Board shall be under the general 
supervision and administrative control of the Commission. The Commission shall 
keep all records of the Board, including applications for examination papers and 
results, minutes of deliberations, administrative cases, and other investigative cases 
involving microbiologists.
ARTICLE IV
EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION
SEC. 13. Licensure Examination. -  Unless otherwise provided in the Act, 
every applicant seeking to be registered and licensed as microbiologist shall take 
and pass a written examination to be given by the Board at least once a year in 
places and dates the Commission designates.


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SEC. 14. Q ualifications fo r Examination. - Any person applying for 
admission to the licensure examination for microbiologist shall meet the following 
requirements:
a. 
Must be a citizen and resident of the Philippines: Provided, that citizen of a 
foreign country may be allowed to take the examination, subject to the requirement 
of reciprocity pursuant to Section 30 of this Act;
b. 
Must be of good moral character;
c. 
Must not have been convicted by a competent court of any offense involving 
moral turpitude; and
d. 
Must hold a baccalaureate degree in Microbiology or Biology major in 
Microbiology, or graduate degree in Microbiology, or any related field with twenty- 
four (24) units of microbiology, to include the courses covered in the licensure exam.
SEC. 15. Scope o f Examination. - The licensure examination for microbiology 
shall cover six (6) subjects:
a. 
General microbiology
b. 
Code of Ethics for Microbiology and Microbiology Law of 2019
c. 
Microbial Physiology
d. 
Microbial Ecology
e. 
Medical Microbiology
f. 
Applied Microbiology (Food and Industrial)
The Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, may revise the scope of 
the examination and any of the subjects and their syllabi to conform to technological 
advances brought about by trends and developments in the profession.
SEC. 16. Release o f the Results o f Examination. - The Board shall correct 
and release the licensure examination results within three (3) days from the date of 
the examination, unless extended for valid reason.
SEC. 17. Rating in Examination. - To pass the licensure examination for 
microbiology, an examinee must obtain a general average of at least seventy-five 
percent (75%) and no rating lower than fifty percent (50%) in any subject. An 
examinee with a general average of seventy five percent (75%), and with grade 
lower than fifty percent (50%) in any subject, may retake the subject(s) in which 
the examinee failed, at most twice. If still unsuccessful after the second time, the 
examinee shall be required to retake the entire examination. There is no limit to the 
number of retakes.
SEC. 18. Oath. -  All persons qualified to register with or without examination 
shall take their oath of profession before the Chairperson or any Member of the 
Board, or any authorized officer of the Commission prior to entering the practice of 
microbiology.


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SEC. 19. Issuance o f the Certificate o f Registration and Professional 
Identification Card. -  A Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification 
Card shall be issued to a person who has complied with all the requirements for 
registration under this Act. The Certificate of Registration shall serve as evidence 
that the microbiologist can lawfully practice the profession. It shall remain in full 
force and effect until withdrawn, revoked, or suspended in accordance with this Act.
A Professional Identification Card bearing the registration number and date of 
issuance, its expiry date, and the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission 
shall likewise be issued to every qualified registrant. It shall be reissued after every 
three (3) years upon compliance with all the requirements as may be prescribed by 
the Board and the Commission.
SEC. 20. Autom atic Exemption from  Examination for M icrobiologists. -
Holders of a Master of Science (MS) or Doctoral Degree in Microbiology, or related 
fields from an HEI duly recognized by the CHED, may apply for certification as 
microbiologists without examination from the Board. They must submit a copy of 
undergraduate and graduate diplomas, transcripts and cover pages of MS Thesis 
/Doctoral Dissertation: Provided, that such individual must show evidence of being 
in active practice of microbiology for at least five (5) years.
SEC. 21. Registration W ithout Examination. -  The Board shall register 
without examination any person who can present evidence or proof satisfactory to 
the Board that:
a. 
The person is a Filipino citizen;
b. The person is of good moral character;
c. 
The person passed twenty-four (24) units of microbiology from an HEI duly 
recognized by the CHED, passed certification exam conducted by reputable, well 
established and long-standing professional organization in microbiology or its 
equivalencies in the practice of Microbiology as assessed by the Board and has been 
actively practicing microbiology for at least five (5) years. For this purpose, 
equivalencies shall refer to activities which may include, but not be limited to, 
participation or attendance to trainings, scientific conferences or symposia in 
microbiology in the last 5 years, research publications as prescribed by the Board or 
national research awards in microbiology, recognized innovations, or solutions to 
microbiological problems in industry.
All qualified applicants must apply for registration within two (2) years from the 
effectivity of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of this Act. Thereafter, 
anyone who wants to be registered will have to take the examination, and those 
who are exempted under Section 26 of this Act.
SEC. 22. Refusal to Register. - The Board shall refuse to issue a Certificate 
of Registration to those who have been:
a. 
Convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent 
jurisdiction;
b. 
Found guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct after due investigation by the 
Board;


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c. 
Summarily adjudged guilty for violation of the general instructions to examinees 
by the Board; and
d. 
Declared to be of unsound mind by a court of competent jurisdiction.
In refusing such registration, the Board shall give the applicant a written 
statement setting forth the reasons therefor and shall file a copy thereof in its 
records.
SEC. 23. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate o f Registration. -
The Board shall have the power, after giving proper notice and hearing to the party 
concerned, to suspend or revoke the practitioner's Certificate of Registration, or to 
cancel the special temporary permit granted to a foreigner microbiologist, for any 
of the grounds or causes cited in Section 22 of this Act, except (3) thereof, or on 
any of the following grounds:
a. Violation of any provision of this Act, its IRR, Code of Ethics, Code of Good 
Governance, Code of Technical Standards for the Practice of Microbiology, or other 
policy measure of the Board or the Commission;
b. 
Perpetration or use of fraud in obtaining one's Certificate of Registration, 
Professional Identification Card, or Special Temporary Permit;
c. 
Gross incompetence, negligence or ignorance resulting to death, injury or 
damage;
d. Aiding or abetting the illegal practice of a non-registered and non-licensed 
person by allowing another to use one's Certificate of Registration or Professional 
Identification Card, or both, or Special Temporary Permit;
e. 
Practicing the profession during suspension from the practice; or
f. 
Proven addiction to drug or alcohol, impairing one's ability to practice the 
profession, or declared with unsound mind by a court of competent jurisdiction. In 
case of drug or alcohol addiction, a finding to this effect of a medical or drug testing 
facility shall be sufficient.
Any person, firm, or association may file charges in accordance with the 
provision of this section against any registrant, or the Board may, on its own, 
investigate any of the above-mentioned violations. An affidavit-complaint shall be 
filed together with the affidavits of witnesses and other documentary evidence with 
the Board, through the Legal Service Office. The Board may conduct an 
investigation, motu proprio, on a matter relating to the commission of a violation: 
Provided, that such decision to investigate shall be embodied in a formal charge to 
be signed by at least majority of its members. The rules on administrative 
investigation issued by the Commission shall govern the hearing or investigation 
subject to applicable provisions of this Act, Republic Act No. 8981 and the Rules of 
Court.
SEC. 
24. 
Reissuance 
o f 
Revoked 
Certificate 
o f 
Registration, 
Replacement o f Lost or Damaged Certificate of Registration, Professional 
Identification Card or Special Tem porary Permit. -  The Board may, upon 
petition, reinstate or reissue a revoked Certificate of Registration after two (2) years 
from the effectivity of the period for revocation, which is the date of surrender of


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the Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card, if still valid, to 
the Board and the Commission. The Board may not require the holder thereof to 
take another licensure examination. The petitioner shall prove to the Board that 
there are valid reasons to practice the profession. The Board shall issue a Board 
Resolution granting the petition, subject to the approval of the Commission.
In the case of a lost or damaged Certificate of Registration, Professional 
Identification Card, or Special Temporary Permit, the replacement may be issued 
upon application of the valid license holder in accordance with the prescribed 
procedure and subject to the payment of the prescribed fees.
SEC. 25. Renewal o f Professional Identification Card. - The Professional 
Identification Card shall be renewed every three (3) years upon satisfying the 
requirements imposed by the Board, such as compliance with a CPD and payment 
of the corresponding fees.
SEC. 26. Roster o f M icrobiologists. - The Professional Registry Division of 
the Commission shall keep a roster of duly registered and licensed microbiologists, 
indicating their names, registration numbers, and other pertinent information. The 
Board shall regularly update such roster and make it available to all interested 
parties subject to the provisions of R. A. No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
SEC. 27. Practice of M icrobiology in Other Professions Registered w ith  
the Professional Regulation Commission. - In synergy and convergence with 
other professions regulated by the Commission where microbiology is an essential 
component of their practice, Doctors of Medicine, Doctors of Veterinary Medicine, 
Medical Technologists, Agriculturists, Pharmacists, and Food Technologists, among 
others, shall continue to practice microbiology without need of registering under this 
Act.
SEC. 28. Practice through Issuance of Special Temporary Permits. -
Without prejudice to the existing laws on the practice of professions by foreigners 
in the Republic of the Philippines, and subject to the approval of the Commission 
and payment of fees, the Board may issue a special temporary permit to practice 
microbiology in the Philippines to the following:
a. 
Foreign registered or licensed microbiologist or a recognized expert in 
microbiology called in by the Philippine government or any private institutions for 
consultation or for any specific activity; and
b. 
Foreign registered or licensed microbiologist who have distinguished 
themselves in their respective fields of specialization, and who are either directly 
hired or employed as professors, lecturers, or instructors in Microbiology by 
Philippine schools, colleges, universities, or research institutions; Provided, That 
their practice of the profession shall be limited to the particular work for which they 
have been commissioned; Provided further, that the special temporary permit shall 
be valid for a maximum period of one (1) year, subject to renewal at the discretion 
of the Board and the Commission.
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ARTICLE V
PRACTICE OF MICROBIOLOGY
SEC. 29. Prohibitions and Lim itations in the Practice o f M icrobiology. -
No person shall practice or offer to practice as a microbiologist in the Philippines or 
offer oneself as a microbiologist without a Certificate of Registration and Professional 
Identification, or a valid Special Temporary Permit; or make use of any word, letter, 
figure, or sign tending to convey the impression of being a microbiologist, or 
advertise qualifications 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 Section 27 hereof. However, persons occupying positions as 
microbiologists shall be allowed to practice for two (2) years after the promulgation 
of this Act. After which, they shall take the licensure exam in order to continue 
practicing as microbiologists.
SEC. 30. Code o f Ethics. - The Board, in consultation with the APO, shall 
formulate the Code of Ethics for Microbiology.
SEC. 31. Foreign Reciprocity. - No foreign microbiologist shall be admitted 
to the licensure examination, or be given a certificate of registration and a 
professional license, or be entitled to any of the privileges under this Act, unless the 
country of which is a subject or citizen specifically permits Filipino microbiologists to 
practice within its territorial limits under the same conditions and an equal basis as 
its own subjects or citizens.
ARTICLE VI
PENAL AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 32. Penal Clause. -  Any person who shall violate any of the provisions 
of this Act shall, upon conviction, be imposed with a fine of not less than Fifty 
Thousand Pesos (P50,000) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(P100,000), 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. Appropriations. - The savings from any item of appropriations of 
the 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.
SEC. 34. Im plem enting Rules and Regulations. - Subject to the approval 
of the Commission, the Board shall adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations 
within ninety (90) days, to carry out the provisions of this Act, and which shall be 
effective fifteen (15) working days following its publication in the Official Gazette or 
in at least one (1) major newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.
SEC. 35. Separability Clause. - If any provision, section, or part of this Act 
shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect, 
invalidate or impair any other provision, section, or part hereof, but shall be merely 
confined to the provision, section, or part there of that is directly involved in the 
issue upon which judgment has been rendered.
SEC. 36. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof which are in conflict with the provisions of this Act are
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hereby repealed or modified accordingly. Provided, however, That nothing in this Act 
shall be construed as repealing or amending any portion of the laws of other 
professions regulated by Commission.
SEC. 37. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the official Gazette.
Approved.
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