Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

19" Congress

Mo, 202

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Salvador A. Pleyto, Sr.

AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN THE PRACTICE OF MIDWIFERY AS A
PROFESSION IN THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFORE,
REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NOS 7392 AND 2644, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Art Il, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that, “The state shall
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them.” Further, under Article XIII, Section II of the 1987
Constitution provides that “The state shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive
approach to health development, which shall endeavor to make essential goods.
health and other social services available to all the people at an affordable cost.”

The state recognizes the dynamic role of midwives in the provision of preventive
and promotive health care services, including primary health care services for
women, children and other members of the community. It is for this reason this bill
seeks to promote and strengthen the practice of midwifery. The midwives are the
frontliners in the delivery of healthcare services particularly in geographically
isolated disadvantaged area. (GIDA) Rebel infested arcas and other areas where
others fear to tread.


Midwifery professions is presently regulated by RA 7392, or the Philippine
Midwifery Act of 1992. This bill aims to strengthen the regulatory and professional
practice of midwifery in the Philippines, through the enhancement of the general
welfare and commitment to service and professionalism of midwives working in
public and private institutions.

The strengthening of the practice of midwifery profession seek to result in health
services that would be more accessible, affordable and appropriate to address needs
of the patients. This also has the purpose that no mother will die or be injured in
the process of giving life to a healthy newborn baby.

In view of the foregoing considerations, approval of this bill is carnestly requested.

7
SalvadobA\ Pleyto, Sr.


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila
19th Congress

House Biil No._2993

Introduced by Representative Salvador A. Pleyto, Sr.

AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN THE PRACTICE OF MIDWIFERY AS A
PROFESSION IN THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FUNDS
THEREFORE, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NOS
7392 AND 2644, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

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

ARTICLE IT
TITLE
Section | Short Title — This act shall be known as the Philippine Midwifery Act
of 2022.
ARTICLE II

DECLARATION OF POLICY AND DEFINITION OF TERMS


Section 2 — Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared the policy of the state
to assume responsibility for the protection and enhancement of the
midwifery profession. The state shall adopt measures that will continuously
improve the knowledge s kills and competence, and ethical standards of
midwives to prevent increase in maternal and infant mortality rates. It is
farther declared a policy of the state to strengthen the practice of midwifery
as an allied medical profession so that no mother will die or be injured in the
process of giving life to a healthy newborn.

‘The state also recognizes the critical role of midwives in the provision
of preventive and promotive health care services for women, children and
other members of the community.

Section 3 — Definition of Terms - For the purposes of this act, the following
terms shall be defined as follows:

a) Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO)-
refers to concerned Board and PRC Accredited Integrated
Professional Organization for a given profession which is
specifically mandated by the provision of Professional
Regulatory Law (PRL) to integrate the professionals into one
national organization and where the membership therein by
the professional is automatic and mandatory.

b) APO - refers to the PRC Accredited Professional
Organization where membership therein by professionals are
voluntary.

c) Barangay Health Workers - A Barangay Health
Worker (BHW) is a person who has undergone training
programs under any accredited government and non-
government organization and who voluntarily renders p rimary
health care services in the community after having been
accreditation to function as such by the | ocal health board and
in accordance with guidelines of t he Department of Health (RA
7883. Sec 3 )


4)

e)

d)

e)

g)

hy

Board — refers to the Professional Regulatory Board of
Midwifery.

Code of Ethics — refers to the set of principles of practices and
standards of behavior that shall govern the ethical conduct, moral
obligations and professional duties to be observed by all registered
and licensed midwives.

Commission — refers to the Professional Regulation Commission.

Continuing Professional Development — refers to the inculcation
of advanced knowledge, skills and ethical values in a post-
licensure specialization or multi- disciplinary field of study, for
assimilation into professional practice, scl{-directed research and /
or lifelong learning.

Department of Health — is the agency of the government who
oversee the health and welfare of the people both preventive and
curative care.

DOH Clinical Practice Guidelines — Refers to the evidence based
document developed by Department of Health (DOH), in
consultation with relevant public and private stakeholders, that
presents the appropriate health care for specific clinical
circumstances, with the goal of delivering the optimal care to clients.

Komadrona - Tagalog term of midwife as written in the
certificate of compliance as required by RA 392 and Rules
and regulations of the Board 7 and admitted to practice

Life Saving Drugs ~ a re drugs such as oxytocin, magnesium
sulfate, antenatal steroids and antibiotics among other
medicines used to prevent and manage pregnancy ~ related
complication


j) Midwife - refers to a person who has successfully completed
midwifery education, program and, who is registered and licensed to
practice by the Board of Midwifery and the Professional Regulation
Commission as defined under RA 7392.

k) Medicine Delivery Network ~ network of organizations — that
provides or makes arrangements to provide equitable, comprehensive,
integrated, and continuous good quality health services to a defined
population, with minimum duplications and inefficiencie:

Skilled Health Professionals — are providers such as midwives,
doctors or nurses who were educated, licensed and trained to proficiency
in the skill needed to manage pregnancies, childbirth and the immediate
newborn period and in the identification, management and referral of
complications in mothers and newborns.

ARTICLE II
THE BOARD OF MIDWIFERY

Section 4 — Composition of the Board — There shall be a Board of Midwifery,
hereinafier referred to as the Board, which shall be under the direct supervision of
the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). It shall be collegial body
composed of a chairperson and four (4) members to be appointed by the
President of the

Section 5 — Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Board

‘A. Chairperson of the Board of Midwifery shall at the time of his/her
appointment:

i. Be a natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines

ii. Be of good moral character

iii. Be a registered midwife

iv. Have at least 10 years in practice as a midwife

v. Be a master of science degree or doctorate degree holder in any of the
following fields: public health, maternal and child health (MCH),

6


community health, primary health care, health services administration,
health systems or health care management;

B. Three members of the Board of Midwifery at the time of their
appointment:

i. Bea natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines
ii, Be of good moral character
ii. Be a registered midwife
iv. Be a degree holders, preferably in the field of health and social
science; and
v. Have at least 10 years in practice as a midwife prior to their
appointment:

C. One (1) member of the Board of Midwifery at the time of his/her
appointment:

i. Be a natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines

Be of good moral character

tii. Be a registered obstetrician-gynecologist with at least 10

years in practice as an obstetrician-gynecologist

iv.Be a degree holders, preferably in the field of health and social
science; and

y. Have at least 5 years in practice as an obstetrician- gynecologist
preferably diplomate prior to his/her appointment.

Section 6 — Disqualifications of the Board Members:

a) Member of the faculty, whether full time or part time or lecturer
of any school, college or university where a regular course is
midwifery.

b) Those who have pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly in any
school, college or university during their term of office as
member of the Board.

c) Officer or member of the Board of Trustees of Midwifery
Organization


d) Those who hold positions which violate the provisions of
Republic Act No. 6713 Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards
for Public Officials and Employees or which violates
incompatibility of office under items a to c.

Section 7 — Terms of Office - The Chairperson shall h old office for six (6)
years without reappointment. Three (3) members shall hold office for four
(A) years without reappointment. Two (2) members shall hold office for
three(3) years subject for reappointment for only one term . Any vacancy in
the Board occurring within the term of a member shall be filled for the
unexpired portion of the term only.

Section 8 — Compensation of Board Members - The Chairperson and
members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowance comparable
to the Chairperson and members of other Professional and Regulatory
Boards.

Section 9 -Removal of Board Members. - Any members of the Board may
be removed by the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of
the Professional Regulation Commission, for neglect of duty incompetence
or unethical, immoral and dishonorable conduct after having been given the
opportunity to defend hersel{/himself in a proper administrative investigation
conducted by the Commission.

Section 10 ~ Power and Duties of the Board -The Board shall supervise and
regulate the practice of midwifery profession and shall have the following
powers, duties and functions:

a) Enforce the provisions of this Act.

b) Conduct Licensure examination for midwives

c) Administer oaths in accordance with the provision of this Act.

d) Issue, suspend or revoke certificates of registration for the
practice of midwifery.

e) Maintain a registry of midwives in good standing in cooperation
with AIPO/APO

f) Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints
against midwives for malpractice, unethical and unprofessional

8


conduct and violation of this Act or its implementing rules and
regulations and in connection therewith.

g) Issue subpoena Ad Testificandum and Subpoena Duces Tecum
and to punish with contempt persons obstructing, impeding
and/or otherwise interfering with the conduct of such
proceedings upon application with the court.

h) Promulgate a code of Ethics in coordination and consultation
with AIPO/APO and professional organizations representing
registered and practicing midwives in the Philippines within one
(1) year from the effectivity of this Act.

i) Conduct inspection and monitoring of educational institutions

and facilities where midwifery services are offered or midwifery

programs are taught to ascertain that the standards of midwifery
education are properly complied with and maintained at all
times.

The Board shall submit an annual report to the Commission at

the end of each calendar year, giving a detailed account of its

proceedings and the accomplishments and recommending,
measures to upgrade and improve the conditions affecting the
midwifery practice and education.

k) To adopt an official seal to authenticate its official documents.

1) The Board shall attend meetings regularly.

Section 11 - Meetings of the Board. The Board shall hold a regular meeting
at Jeast once (1x) a month within the Commission premises or in such other
places as may be agreed upon on such date and time fixed by the Board. A
special meeting may be called by the chairperson or any of its two (2)
members to consider, deliberate or act upon urgent and important matters.
The Board

Secretary shall keep the minutes of the regular and special meetings of the
board. The minutes shall be signed and certified as correct by the members
of the board present.

Section 12 — Administrative Supervision of the Board and Custodian of its
Records. — The members of the Board shal] be under the general supervision
of the Commission. All records, including examination paper, applications
for examinations, administrative and other investigative cases conducted by
the Board shall be under the custody of the Commission.


ARTICLE IV MIDWIFERY EDUCATION

Section 13 — Standards for Midwifery Education — To ensure quality
midwifery education in the Philippines, the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) has the following duties and responsibilities:

a) Establish standards for midwifery education, including the
setting of minimum qualifications of faculty, and the facility
requirements for training, among others;

b) Develop and periodically review the basic curriculum in
consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), the Board,
AIPO/ APO, APSOM and other midwifery organization.

¢) Monitor and evaluate the performance of midwifery programs
of schools, colleges, and institutions;

d) Examine the facilities of universities and colleges of midwifery,
and those seeking permission to open the midwifery courses
prescribed; and

¢) Impose appropriate sanctions to institutions that do not fulfill the
aforementioned standards, such as downgrading or withdrawal
of accreditation, and termination of the program or school
course, among others in coordination with the Board.

Section 14— Schools of Midwifery — To become a duly accredited and legally
constituted institution for midwifery education and t raining as provided for in
RA 7392 (Midwifery Act of 1992) a school of midwifery shall have applied
and secured a permit from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The
school shall operate a midwifery program in accordance with the existing
policies, standards and guidelines for midwifery education.

Section 15 - Qualification of Faculty — The faculty shall have academic
preparation appropriate to teaching assignment, as f ollows:

a) ) Masteral degree holder on Health and social sciences or doctor of
medicine
b) ) Proof of competence in the field of specialization assigned to h im/her.

to


c) A registered nurse or registered midwife in the Philippines with at least
one (1) year of satisfactory teaching experience or one 1) year of
efficient performance in maternity ( ward/community, Provided, that a
registered midwife maybe allowed to follow up student midwives in the
community ward provided she has at least two (2) years of experience
in the area of assignment and has undergone training in the supervision
of students.

Be a member of good standing of AIPO/APO or other national
association of midwives.

Section 16— Continuing Professional Development — A registered midwife is
required to maintain competence by continual learning through Continuing
Professional Development. The Implementation of the CPD programs and
activities for the midwifery profession shall be governed by RA 10912
otherwise known as the Continuing Development Act of 2016 and its
Implementing Rules and

Regulation.

ARTICLE V
EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION OF MIDWIVES

Section 17 — Examination Required - All applicants for registration to the
practice of midwifery in the Philippines, shall be required to pass a written
examination which shall be given by the Board in such places and dates as
may be designated by the Commission. Provided, that it shall be in
accordance with RA 8981, otherwise known as PRC Modernization Act of
2000.

Section 18 — Scope of Examination -The scope of Examination for the
practice of midwifery shall consist of the following:

a) Newborn, infant and child health related procedures to
midwifery;

b) Obstetrical anatomy and physiology;

©) Obstetrics (including essential intrapartum and basic emergency
obstetric care)

d) Principles of Microbiology and parasitology as applied to

midwifery practice;
an


) Pharmacology as applied to midwifery practice;

1) Midwifery procedures

g) Primary Health Care (covers community care, public health, and
preventive care);

h) Maternal nutrition, newborn, infant and young child feeding
(including breastfeeding and complementary feeding);

i) Responsible parenthood, family planning, adolescent health and
reproductive health;

j) Ethics and legal jurisprudence of midwifery practice;

k) Professional growth and development, and
entrepreneurship; and

1) Other subjects that the Board may deem necessary for inclusion
from time to time.

Section 19- Prerequisite and Qualifications of Applicants for Examination -
In order to be admitted to the midwifery examination, an applicant shall at
the time of filing his/her of application therefor, establish to the satisfaction
of the Board that she/he

a) Is in good health, of good moral character.

b) A graduate of midwifery in a goverment recognized and duly
accredited institution. At the time of the issuance of a certificate
of registration, the applicant shall be a citizen of the Philippines
and at least eighteen (18) years of age.

For purposes of admission to the midwives’ licensure examination, the
applicant must submit the following documentary requirements:

a) Philippines Statistic Authority authenticated copy of the
certificate of live births,

) Certified true copy of the official transcript of records

¢) Duly accomplished form, certified as true and correct by the
clinical instructor and dean/principal of the school of midwifery
attesting to the applicant’s:
1. Handling of at least Twenty (20) actual deliveries
2. Suturing of at least five (5) perineal lacerations

3. Insertion of at least five (5) intravenous fluids


4. Conduct of at least Ten (10) internal examinations

d) Other documents that the Board may require provided any
additional requirement has been subject of prior consultation and
is duly announced in a public document.

Section 20— — Fees for Examination - Applicants for examination for the
practice of midwifery shall pay an examination fee as prescribed by the
Professional Regulation Commission.

Section 21- Ratings in the Board Examination - To be qualified as having
passed the Board examination for midwives, the examinee must obtain a
general rating of seventy-five percent (75%) in the written test with no grade
lower than fifty percent (50%) in any of the examination subjects.

Section 22 — Report on the Results of the Board Examinations - As a result
of fully computerized examination, the Board shall, within a maximum of
thirty (30) days after the examination, report the ratings obtained by each
examinee to the Commission. The Commission shall, afier days from receipt,
release to the public the resuits of the Board examinations.

Section 23 - Oath - All successfull examinees shall be required to take an oath
of profession before the Board or any government official authorized to
administer oaths prior to entering the midwifery practice.

Section 24 — Issuance of Certificate of Registration / Professional License
and Professional Identification Card - A certificate of Registration /
Professional License as a midwife shall be issued to an applicant who passed
the application upon payment of the prescribed fees. Every certificate of
registration/professional license shall show the full name of the chairperson
of the Commission and of the members of the Board, and the official seal of
the Commission.

Section 25 Registration of Nurse —Midwife - Certification of
Registration may be issued to registered nurses who finished midwifery
course and passed the examination for midwives provided, that the nurse,
before being allowed to take examination submit written evidence to the
Board that he/she has handled at least twenty (20) delivery cases as certified
by the municipal / city or Provincial Health Officer or chief of a duly

B


registered or recognized hospital. DOH and Philhealth accredited birthing
centers.

Section 26- Inhibition Against the Practice of Midwifery -No person shalt
practice or offer to practice midwifery in the Philippines, as defined in this
Act without holding a valid Certificate of Registration and Professional
License as midwife.

Section 27 - Foreign Reciprocity - A certificate of registration / professional
license maybe issued without examination to midwives registered under the
jaws of a foreign country or state. Provided, that the requirements for
registration or licensing of midwives in said country are substantially the
same as those prescribed under this Act. Provided further, that the laws of
such state or country grant the same privileges to registered midwives of the
Philippines.

ARTICLE VI
PRACTICE OF MIDWIFERY

Section 28 — Practice of Midwifery Defined - The practice of midwifery
consists of performing, rendering or offering to perform for a fee, salary or
other reward or compensation services requiring an understanding of the
principles and application of procedures and techniques in:

a) Managing normal and uncomplicated pregnancies and
deliveries;

b) Identifying pregnancy complications and danger signs,-and
immediate referral of high risk pregnancy woman to the
appropriate facility in the service delivery network.

c) Caring for the newborn, and proper assessment initial
management, and immediate referral of newborn complications.

d) ) Carrying out the written order of physicians on natal, ante-
natal, intra-natal and post-natal care of the normal p regnant
mother which includes:


1. Oral and parenteral dispensing of oxytocic drug before 0 r
after delivery of placenta as a measure to prevent the delivery is
Post partum hemorrage. Provided normal spontaneous and
single birth.

2, Suturing o f 1*degree (small, skin deep tears which usually
heal naturally) and 2“ degree (deeper tear affecting the muscle of
the perinium as well as the s kin this require stitches) of perineal
lacerations to control bleeding and giving of intravenous fluid
insertion during obstetrical emergencies provided they have
trained for that purpose.

e) Providing family planning services which include modern and
natural family planning method including counseling on
informed choices to women of reproductive age

{) Administering recommended vaccines related to Maternal and
child health care and as vaccinator as stated in RA 115251
section 9.

g) Providing primary care in the community, with emphasis on
preventive and promotive health care services.

h) May perform the following procedures to a newborn, infant or
young child

i) Four core-time bound interventions during the first 60- 90
minutes of life of the newborn in accordance to the Essential
Newborn Care (EINC)

. Immediate and thorough drying .

. Early skin to skin contact .

. Properly-timed clamping and cutting of the cord after
lto 3 minutes.

4. Non-separation of the newborn from the mother for

carly breastfeeding initiation and rooming in.

wee

ii) Administration of the following after the first full
breastfeeding of the newborn:

a) Recommended dose of Intramuscular Vitamin K to
prevent Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn

b) Ophthalmic prophylaxis ointment to prevent
neonatal conjunctivitis

c) Intramuscular administration of Hepatitis B vaccine


d) Intradermal administration of Bacillus Calmette
Guerin (BCG) vaccine.

e) Newborn Screening

f) Performing other tasks or procedures to be
determined by the Department of Health (DOH).
Provided that the scope, requirements and
interpretation of said functions shall be specified in
the Clinical

Practice Guidelines to

be jointly promulgated by the Department of Health
(DOH) and the Board of Midwifery in consultation
with AIPO/APO and other midwifery organizations.

Section 29 — Revocation and Suspension of Certificate of Registration and
Cancellation - The Board shall have the power to revoke or suspend the
validity of a certificate of registration of a midwife for any of the causes
mentioned in the preceding section, or on cases of: (a) unprofessional
conduct, (b) professional malpractice, (c) clear professional incompetence,
or (d) serious ignorance or negligence, (e) assisting or performing abortion
in the practice of midwifery or (f) using fraud, deceit or false statements to
obtain a certificate of registration. From the final decision of the Board,
appeal maybe taken to the Professional Regulation Commission whose
decision shall be final and executory.

Section 30 — Refusal to Issue Certificate of Registration -

The Board shall refuse to issue a certificate of registration to any person
convicted by the court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal offense
involving moral turpitude, and to any person guilty of immoral or
dishonorable conduct. The Board shall give the applicant a written statement
setting forth the reason or reasons for its action, which statement shall be
incorporated in the records of the Board.

Section 31 — Reissuance and Replacement of Revoked

Certificates-

The Board may for reasons of equity and justice and upon proper application
therefor issue another copy of the certificate upon payment of dues, and in
so doing, it may exempt the applicant for the requisite examination.

16


Section 32 — Midwives Positions in Public Health facilities - All public
health facilities such as but not limited to Government Owned and Controlled
Corporation (GOCC), DOH-retained hospitals, Local Government Unit
managed hospitals at must provide plantilla positions for midwives and not
nursing attendant position.

Provided, that the compensation of midwives working in public health shall
not be Jower than Salary Grade | as entry salary for midwives, pursuant to
Republic Act No. 6758; Also as provided for under the Civil Service
Law, a government employce has to work eight (8) hours a day or forty
(40) hours a week. Provided further, that for midwives working in health
facilities under local government units, adjustments to their compensation
shall be in accordance with Section 10 of the same Act;

Furthermore, other benefits and entitlements shall also be provided to
midwives by their public health employers in accordance with existing laws.

Section 33 — Midwives in Private Health facilities - Midwives employed or
contracted by private health facilities shall have salaries, benefits not lower than
the minimum wage set by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Government midwives who practice in private facilities after their regular office
hours shall comply with the existing guidelines being set by the Civil Service
Commission and Department of Health.

Section 34— Midwives with Birthing Centers Midwives who shail establish
and manage their own birthing center/s shall comply and be properly guided
with the regulatory standards and operating procedures as defined by the
Department of Health; This shall take into consideration certain requirements
such as but not limited to number of facilities providing maternal care
services in a particular geographic/ territorial jurisdiction and based on an
assessment of actual maternal care service requirement in a particular
community.

Midwives offering services in these facilities should likewise comply with
PhilHeaith Certification and Accreditation standards. Midwives with
Birthing facilities and offering pregnancy and other RH related services shall
both be accredited as service provider and an MCP/ FP accredited facility to


comply with quality standards. Claims on matemal and newborn care
package and family planning service must be paid on time .

Section 35 - Creation of National Midwifery Office at the Department of Health -
with the following roles

1. Provide leadership on conducting the formulation of M idwifery
Policy and Strategy (accurate information , ¢ lear direction )

2. Provide expert advice to inform policy and decision makers
relative to midwifery practice.

3. Review the National Human Resources for Health Plan for midwives,
including workforce demography.

4, Ensure adequate demand with respect to health service delivery for
primary health care and other population health priorities (1 midwife
in every barangay) Attract, recruit and retain midwives they are most
needed.

5. Establish and strengthen senior leadership for midwifery workforce
governance and management

6. . Develop and share midwifery knowledge through a variety of
process such as peer review and research .

6.1 .1 Interpret and critically apply appropriate research
findings to ensure that midwifery practice is evidence-based .

ARTICLE VII PROBIHITED ACTS AND PENALTIES

Section 36 — Penal Provision - (a) Any person who shall practice midwifery
in the Philippines within the meaning of this Act without a certificate of
registration issued in accordance herewith, or (b) any person presenting or
using as his/her own the certificate of | registration of another or (c) any person

18


giving any false or forged evidence to the Professional Regulation
Commission in order to secure a certificate of registration or (d) any person
using a revoked or suspended certificate of registration (e) or any person
assuming, using or advertising, as a registered midwife or a registered nurse
midwife or appending to his/her name the letters R.M. without having been
conferred such title by the Professional Regulation Commission or (f)
advertising any title description tending to convey the impression that he/she
is a registered midwife, shall be guilty of misdemeanor and shal], upon
conviction, be sentenced to a fine of not less than F ifty Thousand Pesos
(50,000) nor more than One hundred Thousand Pesos (100,000), or to suffer
imprisonment for a period of not less than to two (2) years nor more than
seven years, or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.
The aforementioned penalty shall likewise be imposed upon any person
found guilty of violation of any rule and regulation validly issued pursuant
to the provisions of this Act.

ARTICLE VIII FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 37 — Enforcement of this Act ~ It shall be the primary duty of the
Commission and the Board to effectively implement this Act. Any duly law
enforcement agencies and officers of national, provincial, city or municipal
governments shall, upon written or request of the Commission or the Board,
render assistance in enforcing the provisions of this Act and to prosecute any
persons violating the same.

Section 38 — Appropriations — The Chairperson of the Professional
Regulation Commission shall immediately include the funding necessary to
implement the provisions of this Act in the General Appropriations Act.

Section 39 — implementing Rules and Regulations — Within 90

(days) after the effectivity of this Act, the Board and the

Commission, in coordination with the accredited Integrated Professional
Organization (AIPO), Accredited Professional Organization (APO) and
National Organization of Midwives, the Department of Health (DOH), the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and other concerned
government agencies, in consultation with relevant stakeholders in the
private sector, shall formulate such rules and regulations necessary to carry

19


out the provisions of this Act. The implementing rules and regulations shall
be published in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general
circulation,

Section 40 — Repealing Clause Republic Act Numbered Two Thousand Six
Hundred and Forty-Four is hereby repealed and all laws, decrees, orders,
instructions, rules and regulations and other issuance or parts therefor
inconsistent with this Act are likewise repealed or amended accordingly.

Section 41 — Separability Clause - If for any reason, any part or section of
this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or
provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
force and effect.

Section 42 — Effectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect upon completion
of its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved.