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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
Y MIIR -4 P 7  :!a 
I 
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill serves to address the vacuum between existing State policies and the 
current demands of psychology as a profession and as a State service. 
The State recognizes the legitimacy of psychological services, as evidenced by 
the presence of psychologists in agencies such as the DSWD, NMHI, 
government hospitals, military organizations, etc. Moreover, we have numerous 
State-administered tests (e.g. neuropsychiatric tests) for military and police 
recruits and for overseas contract workers to name a few. Psychological 
assessments are valid testimonies in marriage annulment proceedings. 
Media reports also indicate increasing incidences of situations requiring 
psychological interventions, such as natural and man-made calamities, 
adjustment problems in OFW families, and drug related problems among others. 
In recent years, there had been several policy developments recognizing the 
need for psychological services, yet the State has failed to define who is legally 
qualified to deliver such services. Indeed, despite the application and use of 
psychology in our everyday lives, its practice has been unregulated which 
creates opportunities of abuse and exploitation from unscrupulous and 
inadequately trained practitioners. This unfortunate situation only subverts the 
noble intentions of the State's policy makers and decision makers. 
Thus, the Psychology Bill aims to: 
1. Create a regulatory board overseeing the management and practice of 
psychology and psychometrics; 
2. Define the scope and nature of psychology and psychometrics in the 
country; 
3. Set the standards for administering licensure examinations and other 
educational standards in practicing the profession; 
4. Grant the protection of pn'vileged communication for any communication 
or information disclosed and/or acquired in the course of giving 
psychological services; and 
5. Impose penalties for violators. 
This proposed measure covers all psychology professionals who are providing 
psychological interventions, psychological assessment, and psychological 
programs, instead of merely regulating clinical psychologists/psychometricians. 


This coverage is consistent with international standards and will, therefore, allow 
for more effective implementation of the foreign Reciprocity provision of this bill. 
The essence of this proposed measure lies in the professionalization of the 
practice of psychology by strengthening its requirements and by having a uniform 
system of regulation. The bill’s approval will standardize the practice, reinforce 
competence and credibility in the profession and provide protection for the public. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of the bill is earnestly sought 
PA 
ON 
(/ Senator 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
Second Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
1 
9 R/\R -4. p 7  :‘;io 
J 
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON 
AN ACT 
TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF PSYCHOLOGY CREATING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE A PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
Article I - TITLE 
SECTION I. Title. -This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Psychology 
Act of 2009.” 
Article II - STATEMENT OF POLICY 
SEC. 2. Statement of Policy. - The State recognizes that psychologists 
have an important role in nation-building and development. It also acknowledges 
the diverse specializations of psychologists and the diverse functions specific to 
the varied specializations. In particular, it recognizes the significance of the 
psychological services that practicing psychologists provide to diverse types of 
clients, but also recognizes the need to protect the public by preventing 
inexperienced or untrained individuals from offering psychological services. 
Hence, it shall nurture competent, upright, and assiduous psychologists whose 
standards of practice and service shall be excellent and globally competitive 
through the administration of inviolable, effective and credible licensure 
examinations and the imposition and promotion of regulatory measures, 
programs and activities that enhance their professional growth and well-being. 
Article Ill - DEFINITION OF TERMS 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms 
shall be defined as follows: 
1 


(a) “Psychology” is the scientific study of human behavior. It involves the 
application of scientific methods to inquire into the biological, cognitive, affective, 
developmental, personality, social, cultural, and individual difference dimensions 
of human behavior; 
(b) “Practice of Psychology” consists of the delivery of psychological services 
that involve application of psychological principles and procedures for the 
purpose of describing, understanding, predicting and influencing the behavior of 
individuals or groups, in order to assist in the attainment of optimal human growth 
and functioning. The delivery of psychological services includes, but is not limited 
to: 
1) Psychological Interventions: psychological counseling, psychotherapy, 
psychosocial support, 
coaching, 
psychological 
debriefing, 
group 
processes, and all other psychological interventions that involve the 
application of 
psychological principles to 
improve psychological 
functioning of individuals, families, groups, and organizations; 
2) Psychological Assessment: gathering and integration of psychology- 
related data for the purpose of making a psychological evaluation, 
accomplished through a variety of tools, including individual tests, 
projective tests, clinical interviews, and other psychological assessment 
tools, for the purpose of assessing diverse psychological functions 
including cognitive abilities, aptitudes, personality characteristics, 
attitudes, values, interests, emotions and motivations, among others, in 
support 
of 
psychological 
counseling, 
psychotherapy 
and 
other 
psychological interventions; 
3) Psychological Programs: development, planning, implementation, 
monitoring, and evaluation of psychological treatment programs and other 
psychological intervention programs for individuals and/or groups; 
(c) “Psychologist” means a natural person who is duly registered and holds a 
valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card as 
professional psychologist, issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of 
Psychology and the Professional Regulation Commission pursuant to this Act. 
(d) “Psychometrician” means a natural person who holds a valid certificate of 
registration and a valid professional identification card as psychometrician issued 
by the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology and the Professional 
Regulation Commission pursuant to this Act. As such, he or she shall be 


authorized to do any of the following, provided, that such shall at all times be 
conducted under the supervision of a licensed professional psychologist: 
(1) Administering and scoring of objective personality tests, structured 
personality tests, pen-and-paper intelligence, achievement, and interest 
tests, excluding projective tests and other higher level forms of 
psychological tests; 
(2) Interpreting results of the same and preparing a written report on these 
results; and 
(3) Conducting preparatory intake interviews of clients for psychological 
intervention sessions. 
ARTICLE IV - PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY 
SEC. 4. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory 
Board of Psychology. - There is hereby created a Professional Regulatory 
Board of Psychology, hereinafter called the Board, a collegial body under the 
administrative control and supervision of the Professional Regulation 
Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, which shall be 
composed of a Chairperson and two (2) members appointed by the President of 
the Philippines from a list of three (3) nominees for each position. The list of 
nominees shall be submitted to the Commission by the integrated and accredited 
national organization of psychologists. The Board shall be organized not later 
than sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act. 
SEC. 5. Qualifications of the Chairperson and the Members of the 
Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology. - The Chairperson and 
Members of the Board shall, at the time of their appointment and for the course 
of their term, possess the following qualifications: 
(a) A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines; 
(b) At least thirty-five (35) years of age; 
(c) Possess good moral character; 
(d) Hold a Doctorate Degree in Psychology conferred by a university, 
college or school in the Philippines or abroad duly recognized and/or 
accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); 
(e) Have at least ten (IO) years of practice in psychology and 
psychometrics in a duly recognized institution, clinic, or center, as well as 
at least five (5) years of teaching experience in the field of psychology; 
3 


(9 Be a registered and licensed psychologist, except in the case of the first 
members of the Board who shall automatically be conferred a valid 
certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card in 
psychology and psychometrics upon appointment to the Board; 
(9) Is neither an officer, trustee nor member of the faculty of any 
university, college, institute or school where a regular course in 
psychology is offered or taught or review classes conducted, and shall not 
have any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in any such institution; 
(h) Is not an officer, nor hold any position other than being a member, of 
the integrated and accredited national organization of psychologists; and 
(i) Shall not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. 
SEC. 6. Term of Office. - The members of the Board shall hold office for 
a term of three (3) years or until their successors shall have been appointed and 
duly qualified. Each member of the Board may be reappointed for one (1) full 
term of three (3) years. The first members of the Board shall hold office as 
follows: the Chairperson for three (3) years; one member for two (2) years; and 
the other member for one (1) year, which shall be specified in their respective 
appointments. Any vacancy occurring within the term of a member shall be filled 
for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each member of the Board shall 
qualify by taking the proper oath prior to the performance of hislher duties. 
SEC. 7. Powers and Duties. - The Board shall have the following powers 
and duties: 
(a) Administer and implement the provisions of this Act and promulgate as well 
as revise or update, as necessary, rules and regulations, resolutions and 
guidelines hereto: provided, that the policies, resolutions, rules and regulations 
issued or promulgated by the Board shall be subject to review and approval of 
the Commission; 
(b) Supervise and monitor the registration, licensure and practice of 
psychologists and psychometricians in the Philippines; 
(c) Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act; 
(d) Issue, and upon compliance with due process requirements suspend or 
revoke, and/or reinstate, the certificate of registration and professional 
identification card for psychologists and psychometricians; 
(e) Adopt an official seal of the Board; 
(9 Monitor the conditions and circumstances affecting the practice of psychology 
and psychometrics in the Philippines and adopt such measures as may be 
4 


deemed lawful and proper for the enhancement and maintenance of high 
professional, ethical and technical standards of the profession; 
(9) Issue permits to and exercise visitorial powers over agencies, institutions, 
associations, corporations and partnerships to verify that the persons practicing 
psychology and psychometrics therein are psychologists and psychometricians 
with valid certificates of registration and valid professional identification cards, 
and that they possess the necessary accreditation, skills and/or facilities to 
competently carrying out their functions; 
(h) Assist the Commission in the formulation and implementation of the 
guidelines on continuing professional education for psychologists and 
psychometricians; 
(i) Ensure, in coordination with the CHED, that all educational institutions offering 
the courselprogram of psychology strictly comply with the policies, standards and 
requirements prescribed by CHED for such courselprogram, especially in the 
areas of administration, curriculum, faculty, library and facilities; 
(j) Prepare, adopt, issue and amend, in consultation with CHED, syllabi for the 
licensure examination subjects; 
(k) Investigate and, when warranted, hear administrative cases involving 
violations of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations as hereinafter 
promulgated, and any applicable code of ethics and/or code of professional 
standards. For this purpose, it may issue subpoena ad testificandum and 
subpoena duces tecum to secure the appearances of witnesses and the 
production of documents in connection therewith: Provided, that the Board's 
decision, resolution or orders rendered in administrative cases shall be subject to 
review by the Commission only on appeal; 
(I) Perform such other functions and duties as may be lawfully delegated to it, or 
as it may deem necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act. 
SEC. 8. Compensation and Allowances. - The Chairperson and 
Members of the Board shall receive the same compensation and allowances as 
those received by the Chairperson and Members of the existing regulatory 
boards under the Commission, as provided in the charter of the Commission and 
in the General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 9. Removal or Suspension of Members of the Professional 
Regulatory Board of Psychology. - Any member of the Board may, upon the 
recommendation of the Commission and proper observance of due process and 
completion of the proper investigation, be suspended or removed by the 
5 


President for cause, such as but not limited to gross neglect of duty, 
incompetence, malpractice, behavior unbecoming of a psychology professional, 
immorality, unethical or dishonorable conduct, final conviction of any crime 
involving moral turpitude, any act of graft and corruption, and participation in the 
manipulation of or any dishonesty relative to the licensure examinations and/or 
the registration process. 
SEC. I O .  Administrative Supervision over the Board, Custodian of its 
Records, Secretariat and Support Services. - The Board shall be under the 
administrative supervision and control of the Commission. All records of the 
Board, including documents relative to the licensure examinations as well as 
administrative and other investigative cases conducted by the Board, shall be 
kept in the custody of the Commission. The Commission shall designate the 
Secretary of the Board and shall provide the Secretariat with necessary support 
services to effectively implement the provisions of this Act. 
Article V - Licensure Examinations 
SEC. 11. Examinations Required. - All applicants for registration to 
practice psychology and psychometrics shall be required to pass a licensure 
examination for psychologists and psychometricians to be conducted by the 
Board in such places and dates, and subject to such requirements, as may be 
prescribed by the Commission. 
SEC. 12. Qualifications of Applicants for the Licensure Examination 
for Psychologists. - Any person may apply to take the examination for 
registration and licensure as a psychologist after furnishing evidence satisfactory 
to the Board that the applicant: 
(a) Is a Filipino citizen, a permanent resident, or a citizen of a foreign 
statelcountry which extends reciprocity to the Philippines relative to the 
practice of the profession; 
(b) Holds at least a Master's degree in Psychology conferred by 'a 
university, 
college 
or 
school 
in 
the 
Philippines 
or 
abroad 
recognized/accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) 
and has obtained sufficient credits for the subjects covered in the 
examination; 
(c) Has undergone a minimum of two hundred hours of supervised 
practicum/internship/clinical experience related to services enumerated in 
6 


par. (b) of Sec. 3 of this Act and under the auspices of a licensed 
psychologist or other licensed mental health professional; 
(d) Is of good moral character; and 
(e) Has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude. 
SEC. 13. Qualifications of Applicants for the Licensure Examination 
for Psychometricians. - Any person may apply to take the examination for 
registration and licensure as a psychometrician by furnishing evidence 
satisfactory to the Board that the applicant: 
(a) Is a Filipino citizen, a permanent resident, or a citizen of a foreign 
statelcountry which extends reciprocity to the Philippines relative to the 
practice of the profession; 
(b) Holds at least a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology conferred by a 
university, 
college 
or 
school 
in 
the 
Philippines 
or 
abroad 
recognized/accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) 
and has obtained sufficient credits for the subjects covered in the 
examination; 
(c) Is of good moral character; and 
(d) Has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude. 
SEC. 14. Examination Subjects for Psychologists. - The licensure 
examination for psychologists shall cover the following subjects: 
(a) Advanced Theories of Personality 
(b) Advanced Abnormal Psychology 
(c) Advanced Psychological Assessment 
(d) Psychological Counseling and Psychotherapy 
SEC. 15 Examination Subjects for Psychometricians. - The licensure 
examinations for psychometricians shall cover the following subjects: 
(a) Theories of Personality 
(b) Abnormal Psychology 
(c) Industrial Psychology 
(d) Psychological Assessment 
The board may recluster, rearrange, modify, add or exclude and prescribe 
subjects for psychologists and psychometricians as the need arises. 
7 


SEC. 16. Registration without Examination for Psychologists. - Upon 
application and payment of the required fees, the following shall be registered 
and shall be issued by the Board and the Commission a certificate of registration 
and professional identification card without taking the prescribed examination: 
(1) Those who, on the date of effectivity of this Act, have obtained a 
doctoral degree in Psychology and had accumulated three (3) years of 
work experience in the practice of psychology in the Philippines; 
(2) Those who, on the date of effectivity of this Act, have obtained a 
Master’s degree in Psychology and accumulated a minimum of five (5) 
years .of work experience in the practice of psychology in the Philippines; 
(3) Psychologists or employees who, on the date of effectivity of this Act, 
hold positions as psychologists presently employed in various government 
or private agencies, have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, 
accumulated a minimum of ten (IO) years of work experience in the 
practice of psychology as a psychologist, and who have updated their 
professional education in various psychology-related functions. 
Those so exempt under the aforementioned categories shall file their 
application within three (3) years from the creation of the Board: Provided, that 
the renewal of the professional identification card is subject to the provisions of 
Section 21 hereof. 
SEC. 17. Registration Without Examination for Psychometricians. - A 
person qualified to be registered as a psychometrician may, upon application and 
payment of the required fees, be registered, and shall be issued by the Board 
and the Commission a certificate of registration and a professional identification 
card without taking the prescribed examination: Provided, that the applicant, on 
the date of effectivity of this Act, have obtained a bachelor’s degree in 
Psychology and had accumulated a minimum of two (2) years full time work 
experience in the practice of psychometrics in the Philippines. 
Those qualified under this section shall file their application within three (3) 
years after the creation of the Board: Provided, that the renewal of the 
professional identification card is subject to the provisions of Section 21 hereof. 
8 


SEC. 18. Ratings in the Examination. - To be qualified as having passed 
the licensure examination for psychologists and psychometricians, a candidate 
must have obtained a weighted general average of at least seventy-five percent 
(75%) for all subjects, with no grade lower than sixty percent (60%) in any given 
subject. An examinee who obtains a weighted general average of seventy-five 
percent (75%) or higher but obtains a rating below sixty percent (60%) in any 
given subject may retake such subjectk within the next two (2) years, and upon 
obtaining a rating of at least seventy-five percent (75%) in such subjecffs, shall 
then be deemed to have passed the licensure examination. 
SEC. 19. Report of Ratings. - The Board shall submit to the Commission 
an official report detailing the ratings obtained by each examinee within ten (IO) 
calendar days after the examination, unless such period is extended for just 
cause. 
Article VI - Registration 
SEC. 20. Oath of Psychologists and Psychometricians. -All successful 
examinees qualified for registration and all qualified applicants for registration 
without examination shall be required to take an oath to uphold the profession 
before any member of the Board or any officer of the Commission authorized to 
administer oaths, prior to entering into the practice of psychology or 
psychometrics in the Philippines. 
SEC. 21. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional 
ldentification Card. - A certificate of registration and professional identification 
card shall be issued to all successful examinees and registrants without 
examination upon compliance with all the legal requirements, including payment 
of fees, prescribed by the Commission. The certificate of registration shall bear 
the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and Members of the Board, 
indicating that the person named therein is entitled to practice the profession with 
all the privileges and concomitant responsibilities appurtenant thereto. The said 
certificate shall remain in full force and effect until suspended or revoked in 
accordance with this Act. A professional identification card bearing the 
registration number, date of issuance and validity term of three years, duly 
signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, shall likewise be issued to every 
registrant who has paid the prescribed registration fee. Upon expiration of the 
professional identification card, the psychologist and psychometrician may renew 
9 


the same upon proof of compliance with continuing education requirements 
prescribed by the Board and/or Commission. 
SEC. 22. Disclosure of Registration Information. The psychologist or 
psychometrician shall be required to indicate hislher registration and professional 
identification card number and date of issuance, the duration of validity, including 
the professional tax receipt number on each document signed, used or issued in 
connection with the practice of hislher profession. 
SEC. 23. Non-issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional 
ldenfificafion Card. - The Board shall not register nor issue a certificate of 
registration or professional identification card to any person convicted of a 
criminal offense involving moral turpitude, has been found guilty by a judicial or 
other duly constituted tribunal of immoral or dishonorable conduct, or has been 
medically diagnosed to be of unsound mind. In the event of non-issuance of the 
certificate for any reason, the Board shall furnish the applicant a written 
statement setting forth the reasons for such denial, which statement shall be 
incorporated to the records of the Board. 
SEC. 24. Foreign Reciprocity. - No foreigner shall be admitted to the 
Psychology or Psychometrics licensure examinations unless heishe proves that 
the country of which he/she is a citizen either: 
(1) Admits Filipino citizens to the practice of psychology or psychometrics 
without 
need 
for 
registration 
and 
issuance 
of 
a 
certificate 
of 
registration/professionaI identification card; 
(2) Allows Filipino citizens to practice psychology or psychometrics without 
(3) Allows Filipino citizens to practice the same after an examination on 
restriction; or 
terms of strict and absolute equality with nationals of said country. 
SEC. 25. Practice Through Special Temporary Permit. - Special 
temporary permits may be issued by the Board, subject to the approval by the 
Commission and payment of appropriate fees, to the following persons: 
(1) 
Licensed 
psychologists 
or 
psychometricians 
from 
foreign 
countrieslstates who are internationally acknowledged specialists or 
outstanding experts in psychology or psychometrics, provided that their 
services are important and necessary either due to the lack or inadequacy 
of available local specialists or experts, or in recognition of their potential 
10 


contribution to the promotion and advancement of the practice of 
psychology or psychometrics through transfer of technology; 
(2) 
Licensed 
psychologists 
or 
psychometricians 
from 
foreign 
countries/states whose services shall be free and offered exclusively to 
indigent patients in a particular hospital, center or clinic; and 
(3) 
Licensed 
psychologists 
or 
psychometricians from 
foreign 
countries/states employed as exchange professors to teach psychology or 
psychometrics in schools, colleges, universities offering psychology or 
psychometrics courses or programs. 
The permit shall detail the conditions thereof which shall, among other 
things, include the effectivity period of not more than one (1) year subject to 
renewal, and the specific place of practice such as the clinic, hospital, center, 
school, college, university offering the course of psychology or psychometrics. 
The Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, shall prescribe rules and 
regulations on the implementation of this particular section. 
SEC. 26. Suspension or Revocation of Certificate of Registration and 
Professional Identification Card or Cancellation of a Special Temporary 
Permit. - The Board shall have the power, after notice and hearing, to suspend 
or revoke the certificate of registration and professional identification card or to 
cancel special temporary permits granted pursuant to this Act on any ground set 
forth in Section 30 of this Act or any of the instances hereunder: 
(a) Procurement of a certificate of registration and/or professional 
identification card, or special temporary permit by fraud or deceit 
(b) Allowing an unqualified person to advertise or to practice the 
profession by using one's certificate of registration or professional identification 
card or special temporary permit 
(c) Violating or conspiring to violate any of the provisions of this Act, its 
implementing rules and regulations, the code of ethics or code of professional 
standards promulgated hereinafter by the Board 
(d) Manifest physical or mental incompetence to render psychological 
services with reasonable skill and safety to hidher clients/patients 
(e) Professional misconduct or negligence in the performance of duties as 
(9 Engaging in the practice of the profession during the period of one's 
a psychologist or psychometrician 
suspension. 
11 


SEC. 27. Reinstatement. - A psychologist or psychometrician whose 
certificate of registration has been revoked may apply to the Board for 
reinstatement after two (2) years from the date of revocation of said certificate. 
The application shall be in writing and shall conform to requirements hereinafter 
prescribed by the Board. No certificate of registration or professional 
identification card shall be reinstated unless the Board is satisfied that a good 
cause exists to warrant such reinstatement. Issuance of a new certificate of 
registration or professional identification card, or special temporary permit in lieu 
of one that has been lost, destroyed or mutilated shall be subject to applicable 
rules prescribed by the Commission. 
SEC. 28. Appeal from Judgment - The decision of the Board shall ipso 
facto become final fifteen (15) days from receipt of the decision by the 
respondent unless an appeal has been filed with the Commission within the 
same period. The Commission’s decision on appeal may be further appealed 
before the Court of Appeals within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof. 
SEC. 29. Rights of the Respondent. - The respondent psychologist or 
psychometrician shall have the right to be represented by counsel at all stages of 
the proceedings as well as to speedy disposition of hidher case. He/she shall 
have the right to confront witnesses against hidher in addition to such other 
rights guaranteed by the Constitution. 
Article VI1 - Privileged Communication and Professional lntegration 
SEC. 30. Rights to Privileged Communication for Psychologists and 
Psychometricians. - A psychologist or psychometrician, cannot without the 
consent of the client/patient, be examined on any communication or information 
disclosed and/or acquired in the course of giving psychological services to such 
client. The protection accorded herein shall extend to all pertinent records and 
shall be available to the secretary, clerk or other staff of the licensed psychologist 
or psychometrician. Any evidence obtained in violation of this provision shall be 
inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding. 
SEC 31, lntegration of the Profession. - The profession shall hereinafter 
be integrated by consolidating all practitioners into one national organization of 
registered and. licensed psychologists and psychometricians, which shall be 
recognized and accredited by the Board, subject to approval of the Commission. 
12 


A psychologist or psychometrician duly registered and licensed by the Board and 
the Commission shall automatically become a member of said organization and 
shall receive the benefits and privileges, as well as be subject to all 
responsibilities and obligations, appurtenant thereto upon payment of the 
required fees and dues. Membership in the integrated organization shall not be a 
bar to membership in any other association of psychologists and/or 
psychometricians. 
Sec. 32. Code of Ethics and Code of Practice for Psychologists and 
Psychometricians. - The Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics 
and Code of Practice for Psychologists and Psychometricians prescribed and 
issued by the accredited professional organization of psychologists. 
Article Vlll - Prohibited Acts, Penalties and Enforcement of this Act 
SEC 33. ProhibitedActs. (I) 
No person shall: 
(a) Engage in the professional practice of psychology or psychometrics nor 
represent himselflherself as a professional practicing psychologist or 
psychometrician without a valid certificate of registrationlvalid professional 
identification card, or a valid special temporary permit granted by the Board 
pursuant to this Act; 
(b) Represent himself/herself to be a licensed and authorized practicing 
psychologist or psychometrician during the time that hidher certificate of 
registration has been suspended or revoked or professional identification card 
without being renewed, or special temporary permit cancelled; 
(c) Allow any other person to use hislher certificate of registration and 
professional identification card or special temporary permit for any purpose, 
regardless of whether such act actually enables the unqualified individual to 
engage in the practice of psychology or psychometrics; 
(d) Use, exhibit and/or misrepresent as hislher own the certificate of registration 
andlor professional identification card or special temporary permit of another; 
(e) Give any false, inaccurate, misleading or incomplete information to the Board 
in order to obtain a certificate of registration or professional identification card or 
special temporary permit; 
(2) No corporation, partnership, association or entity shall operate a 
psychology or psychometrics office, center, clinic, or otherwise engage in the 
practice or allow the practice psychology or psychometrics within its premises, 
without securing a permit therefor from the Board. Such permit shall be issued 
13 


only after the Board is satisfied that such establishment is competently staffed by 
a psychologist and equipped with sufficient and adequate psychology-related 
instruments and facilities 
(3) A violation of any provision of this Act or of its implementing rules and 
regulations shall be penalized accordingly. 
SEC. 34. Penalties. - Any person who violates any provision of this Act or 
its implementing rules and regulations shall be punished with imprisonment of not 
less than six (6) months but not more than three (3) years, or a fine of not less 
than Ten Thousand Pesos (PlO,OOO.OO) but not more than One Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (PlOO,OOO.OO), or both, at the discretion of the Court. 
SEC. 35. Injunction. - The Board may initiate action to enjoin, restrain, 
and/or prosecute any individual, corporation, association, partnership or entity 
engaging in the practice of psychology and psychometrics in violation of this Act. 
SEC. 36. Enforcement. - It shall be the duty of all duly constituted law 
enforcement agencies and officers of national, provincial, city or municipal 
governments to uphold and enforce the provisions of this Act and to investigate 
and prosecute or cause the investigation and prosecution of any person violating 
the same. 
Article IX - Miscellaneous Provisions 
SEC. 37. Funding Provision. - The Chairperson of the Commission shall 
immediately hereinafter include in the Commission’s programs the prompt 
implementation of this Act, funding of which shall be provided for in the Annual 
General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 38. /mp/emenfing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) 
days after the constitution of the Board, it shall promulgate the necessary 
implementing rules and regulations, subject to approval of the Commission, to 
implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 39. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall at any 
time be found to be unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder thereof not affected 
by such declaration shall remain in full force and effect. 
14 


SEC. 40. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, rules or regulations 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC. 41. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its complete publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
15