SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) { at ene
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES +) \ ~ bie
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.No._ 3194

Introduced by Representative Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The implementation of Republic Act 9258 entitled, An Act Professionalizing the Practice
of Guidance and Counseling and Creating for this Purpose a Professional Regulatory Board of
Guidance and Counseling, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes otherwise
known as the “Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004” has recognized the vital role of guidance
counselors in nation-building. The act has set new professional standards which is
internationally recognized and globally competitive.

However, it is our belief that those Guidance Counselors who are graduates of allied
courses such as Psychology, Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Guidance and
Counseling who had been found by the Civil Service Commission as qualified to permanent
and regular positions and had rendered services for at least five years prior to the approval of
the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004 shall be exempted from taking the licensure
examination. Their solid educational background and professional experience, as affirmed by
the Department of Education and the Civil Service Commission are sufficient to prove that they
are highly qualified to be registered guidance counselors.

For this reason, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ew
TEODORICO T. HARESCO, JR.

Representative


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.No, 3194

Introduced by Representative Teodorico T. Haresco Jr.

AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 14 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9258 ENTITLED
“GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING ACT OF 2004”

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled;

SECTION 4. Section 14 of Republic Act No. 9258 entitled, An Act Professionalizing the
Practice of Guidance and Counseling and Creating for this Purpose a Professional Regulatory
Board of Guidance and Counseling, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes
otherwise known as the “Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004” is hereby amended to read as
follows:

“Registration Without Taking Licensure Examination. - A person who
possesses the pertinent qualifications required for admission in the examination
for registration as guidance counselor pursuant to the provisions of this Act
maybe registered without examination: Provided, That the applicant files with
the Board within two (2) years after its creation, an application for registration
and issuance of a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification
Card by submitting credentials showing that the applicant before the effectivity
of this Act;

(a) Had been doctoral and masters degree holders in Guidance and
Counseling with at least three (3) years of teaching Guidance and Counseling
courses and/or full-time counseling practice for the same period;

(b) Had passed at least eighteen (18) units of Master's level courses in
Guidance and Counseling such as Counseling Techniques/Theories,
Organization or Administration of Guidance Services, Test and Measurements,
Group Process/Counseling and Career Guidance/Counseling; and have at least
seven (7) years of experience in counseling work; [and]

(c) Has completed academic requirements for a master's degree in guidance
and counseling and have five (5) years experience as full-time guidance
counselors; AND


(d) _ HAD RENDERED SERVICES AS GUIDANCE COUNSELORS FOR
ATLEAST FIVE YEARS PRIOR TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT
AFTER BEING APPOINTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND
APPROVED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION TO THEIR PERMANENT
AND REGULAR POSITIONS AS GUIDANCE COUNSELORS.

Section 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations
inconsistent with or contrary to this Act, are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Section 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,