13f11 
CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
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Introduced by Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Legislative measure seeks to set a national standard for the practice of 
1. Creating a psychology board tasked to oversee the practice of the 
psychology by: 
profession as well as to issue licenses to its practitioners; 
2. Defining the scope of psychological services as well as psychologists and 
psychometricians; 
3. Setting the criteria or qualification for the licensure of practitioners of the 
profession; 
4. Mandating the criteria for the granting of such licenses; and 
5. Prescribing penalties for violators of. the provisions of the Act. 
The passage of this measure will serve to strengthen the psychology profession, 
uplift its standards, and safeguard the interest of the public as social developments 
envelop them. It will also spur the development of the science that seeks to facilitate 
the wholeness of the person. 
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In this regard, early approval of the bill is earnestly requested. tf-4 
ENTEL, JR. 


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13th CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
, 
S E N A T E  
114 
S. No. - 
Introduced by Senator Aquilino Q. Pirnentel, Jr. 
AN ACT 
TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF PSYCHOLOGY, CREATING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE A PSYCHOLOGY BOARD 
SECTION 1. fl@edms. - This Act shall govern: (a) the supervision, control 
and regulation of the practice of psychology as a separate profession in the 
Philippines; and (b) the licensure of psychologists and the certification of 
ps ychometrists. 
. - As used in this Act: 
SECTION 2. l2#m&ms n f r p m s  
(a) "Practice of Psychology" refers to the rendering or offering of any 
psychological service to individuals or groups, organizations or to the public in 
general. The practice of psychology does not include teaching, prescribing drugs, 
performing surgery or administering medical treatment; 
. . .  
(b) "Psychological Service" consists of or requires the application of 
psychological principles and procedures for the purpose of understanding, 
predicting and influencing the behavior of individuals or groups in order to assist in 
the attainment of optimal human growth and functioning. The application of 


psychological principles and procedures includes, but is not limited to, 
interviewing, counseling and psychotherapy directed to deviant behaviors which 
are not organically caused; administering, scoring and psychologically interpreting 
instruments of the assessment and evaluation of mental abilities, aptitudes, personal 
characteristics, emotiop and motivations; and assessment or diagnosis or 
dysfunction; personnel selection; planning and evaluation; the use of industrial 
organization psychology in human resource training and development, 
organizational development, and career development; teaching of psychology; and 
training and research; 
(c) "Licensed Psychologist" means a person to whom a license has been issued 
to render psychological services pursuant to the provisions of this Act; 
(d) "Certified P chometrist" means a person whose functions are supervised 
by a licensed psycholqgist and are limited to the following services: administering, 
scoring and interpre g standardized psychological tests for mental ability, 
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achievement, aptitude LYI interest, attitudes and personality characteristics, and to 
whom a certificate has een issued pursuant to the provisions of this Act. 
SECTION 3. 
implement the provi 
which shall be comp 
varied specialization 
President of the Philippines from a list of recognized psychologists nominated by 
the different psychological associations of the Philippines, colleges, universities and 
institutions and subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments, and 
who at the time of their appointment they are: 


(a) Citizens and residents of the Philippines; 
(b) At least forty (40) years of age; 
(c) Of good moral character; 
(d) Holders of at least a master's degree in Psychology conferred by a duly 
recognized university, college or school; 
(e) With at least ten (10) years of practice in the Philippines in a duly 
recognized institution, clinic, or center, or teaching experience in psychology for the 
same period of time; 
(f) Licensed psychologists, except in the case of the members of the first 
Board, who shall automatically be conferred professional licenses in psychology 
upon appointment to the Board; 
(g) Not members of the faculty of any university, college, institute or school 
within two (2) years immediately preceding their appointment where the regular 
course of their profession is taught or review classes conducted; 
(h) Not financially interested, directly or indirectly, in any university, college, 
institute or school where the regular course of their profession is taught or review 
classes conducted; and 
(i) Not elected officers of any professional association or organization of their 
profession or federation or its equivalent; Proviakd, That qualifications (g), (h), and (i) 
are not required of members of the first Board but upon taking their oath they shall 
resign as members in the said faculty, and they shall divest themselves of their 
financial interest in the said institution and officership in the said organization. 
SECTION 4. TplNVrp 
'a, 
- 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: Provided, That the members of the first Board shall hold office for the 
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Chairman for three (3) years; two members for three (3) years; 
for two (2) years, which shall be specified in their 
the chairmanship shall be determined on the basis of 
Any vacancy occurring within the term of a member 
portion of the term only. 
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. - The Board shall hold a regular annual 
a year at such times as the rules of 
also be held upon the call of the 
Reasonable notice of all meetings 
shall be given in tie manner prescribed by the rules of the Board. .A quorum of the 
Board shall consist of a majority of its members. 
SECTION 6. E b w ~ s  
’ . - The Board shall have the following 
powers and duties: 
(a) Administer and enforce t e provisions of this Act and promulgate rules 
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and regulations or amendments thereto; 
(b) Authorize expenditures necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act 
from funds made available to the Board in accordance with law; 
(c) Fix and revise the schedule of fees for licensing of psychologists and for 
the certification of psychometrists in accordance with the rules and regulations of 
the Professional Regulations Commission; 
(d) Designate the dates or the period within ,which applications for 
examination may be received and to transmit to the office of the Civil Service 
Commission the names of eligible applicants for examination; 
(e) Prepare, administer and grade such examinations for applicants, as 


required by this Act; 
(f) Keep a record of action taken on all applicants for licensure and 
certification; the names of all persons licensed or certified; actions involving 
suspension, revocation or denial of license or certification; recommendations for 
reciprocity, receipt and disbursement of any monies and such matters that may be 
required by law; 
(9) Promulgate a set of ethical and professional standards for the practice of 
psychology in the Philippines and cause the same to be published and disseminated 
accordingly; 
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(h) Issue permits to and exercise visitorial powers over agencies, institutions, 
associations, corporations, and partnerships to ver* 
that the persons practicing 
psychology therein are licensed psychologists and certified psychometrists; and that 
they possess the necessary instruments and facilities in carrying out their functions; 
(i) Perform such other functions and duties as it may deem necessary to carry 
out the objectives of this Act. 
SECTION7. 
. - The Chairman and members 
of the Board shall be entitled to such compensation and allowances as may be 
provided by law to the Chairman and member of other professional boards. 
SECTION 8. RPnznlzelnf_Rnarrale. - Any member of the Board may 
after due process of law be suspended or removed from office for cause, such as 
gross neglect of duty, incompetence, malpractice, unprofessionalism, immorality, 
unethical or dishonorable conduct. 


SECTION 9. 
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- Any person may take the 
psychologist licensure examination scheduled by the Board after furnishing 
satisfactory evidence of the following qualifications: 
(a) A citizen and resident of the Philippines; 
(b) At least twenty-one (21) years of age; 
(c) Of good moral character; 
(d) A holder of at least a Master's degree in Psychology from a duly 
recognized university, college or school; and 
(e) Not being otherwise disqualified under this Act. 
. .  . 
SECTION10. 
. - Any person may apply to take 
the examination for psychometrists by furnishing evidence satisfactory to the Board 
that the applicant is: 
(a) A citizen and resident of the Philippines; 
(b) At least twenty-one (21) years of age; 
(c) Of good moral character; 
(d) A graduate with a bachelor's degree in psychology from a duly 
recognized university, college or school; and 
(e) Not being otherwise disqualified under this Act. 
SECTION 11. Ewqztum. - The license/certificate requirements shall not 
apply to any student enrolled in a practicum course in Psychology under the 
supervision of a licensed psychologist. 
SECTION 12. -,fn~ 
. - A person who 
possesses the qualifications required for admission in the examination for license as 


a psychologists pursuant to the provisions of this Act may be granted a license 
without examination provided the applkant fiiles with the Board, within one (1) year 
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after its creation, an application for the issuance of a license by submitting credential 
showing that the applicant: 
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(a) Is a holder of a doctoral de ' ee in Psychology and has at least three (3) 
years of teaching experience in Psychology, or has full-time work experience in the 
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practice of psychology in the Philippines; or 
(b) Holds a masteral degree in ll sychology, and has at least five (5) years of 
teaching experience in Psychology, or Lull-time work experience in the practice of 
psychology in the Philippines; or 
(c) In the case of a bachelor's degree holder in Psychology, has been the head 
or assistant head of a psychological office, department or section, with at least ten 
(10) years of full-time work experience in the practice of Psychology in the 
Philippines. 
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SECTION 13, 
-$IV 
~svrhnmefrrsts 
' . - A person who 
possesses the qualifications required for admission in the examination for 
certification as a psychometrist may be granted a certificate without examination, 
provided the applicant files with the Board, within one (1) year after its creation, an 
application for the issuance of such certificate by submitting credentials showing 
that the applicant holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and has at least two (2) 
years of teaching experience in Psychology or full-time work experience in the 
practice of psychometry in the Philippines. 
SECTION 14. Ratitqp- 
' . - The Board shall fix the passing 
grade for the scheduled examination. 


SECTION 15. lGqzmt- 
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. - The Board shall submit 
the names and ratings of all examinees to the Civil Service Commission and the 
Professional Regulation Commission and publish the names of all successful 
examinees. 
SECTION 16. L k t b  of Psy- 
”.- 
. - All successful 
examinees for licerisure and certification shall be required to take an oath of office at 
such place and time as the Board may schedule, or before any member of the Board 
in the event of failure to participate in the mass oath taking, or before any person 
authorized to administer oaths, prior to entering into the practice of psychology in 
the Philippines. 
. .  
SECTION 17. Jksuame nf 1
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. - Licenses or certificates 
shall be issued by the Board to all successful exawlinees upon compliance with the 
requirements that may be provided by the Board. 
.
.
 . - A candidate who 
SECTION 18. Adbmsw t n  .
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fails in three (3) consecutive examinations may be allowed to take another set of 
examinations only after he/she submits to the Board a certification from a 
university, college or school that the candidate has re-enrolled in and has been 
credited with at least twelve (12) units in psychology. 
SECTION 19. Ldmndng by R
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‘ . - A license may be issued without 
examination to a psychologists licensed under the law of any foreign state or 
country: Pruvided, That the requirements for licensing of psychologists in such 


foreign state or country are substantially the same as those provided in this Act and 
that the laws of said state or country grants a reciprocal privilege to Filipino 
psychologists. 
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SECTION 20, 
nf Fp-es . - Fees paid to the Board, as 
required by this Act, shall be non-refundable. 
. .  
SECTION 21. RPMea7nl nf 
T.imnses 0
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. - All licenses and 
certificates shall be renewable every three (3) years and shall be considered renewed 
only upon payment of the corresponding fees as may be fixed by the Board and 
upon fulfillment of the continuing education requirements. 
SECTION 22. 
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n. of 0 T.ICPZZSP nr r mt@.cmk - The application for the issuance of a 
license or certificate may be denied, or a license or certificate duly issued may be 
suspended or revoked, if it is shown that the applicant or holder thereof has: 
(a) Been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; 
(b) Secured a license or a certificate by fraud or deceit; 
(c) Not attended officially-sanctioned, seminars, conferences, conventions or 
schooling and similar gatherings for the required number of hours to qualify for the 
renewal of license practice; 
(d) Allowed an unqualified person to advertise or to practice the profession 
by using the license or certificate of the applicant; 
(e) Violated or conspired to violate any provisions, rules and regulations, or 
code of ethics promulgated by the Board; 
(f) Been found by the Board to be physically or mentally incompetent to teach 


or render psychological services with reasonable skill and safety to his/ her clients; 
(g) Been found guilty of professional misconduct or negligence in the 
performance of his/ her duties as a psychologist/ psychometrist; and 
(h) Has been found guilty of any unethical practice of psychology as may be 
defined by the Board. 
The Board shall not refuse to grant, revoke or suspend the license or 
certificate of any person for any of the reasons herein provided until after sworn 
charges against such person shall have been filed and heard in a public hearing, or, 
upon request, a closed-door hearing. 
SECTION 23. 
. - A person may apply to the Board for 
reinstatement of a license or certificate after one (1) year from the date of revocation 
of said license or certificate. The applicatipn shall be in writing and shall conform to 
the requirements as provided by the Board. No license or certificate shall be 
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reinstated unless the Board is satisfied that a good cause exists to warrant such 
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reinstatement. 
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p. 
- A licensed psychologist or certified psychometrist who is allowed 
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to practice psychology in accordance with this Act cannot, without the consent of 
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the client, be examined as to any commu+ation or information which was acquired 
while attending to such client. The protqction accorded herein shall also extend to 
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the records and secretary or clerk of such psychologist or psychometrist who may 
not be examined concerning any fact the knowledge of which has been acquired in 
such capacity without the consent of the client and the employer. 
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SECTION 25. ErnhrhztPd A&. - 
(1) No person shall: 
(a) Engage in the practice of psychology by representing himself or herself as 
psychologist or psychometrist without a license or certificate granted by the Board 
pursuant to this Act; 
(b) Represent himself or herself as a licensed psychologist or certified 
psychometrist during ithe time that his or her license or certificate has been 
suspended or revoked; or 
(c) Allow anybody to use his or her license as a psychologist or his or her 
certificate as a psychometrist to enable such individual to engage in the practice of 
psychology. 
(2) No corporation, partnership, association or entity shall operate a psychological 
office, center, clinic, or otherwise engage in the practice of psychology without 
securing a permit from the Board, The permit shall be issued only after the Baard is 
satisfied that such establishment is properly manned by a duly licensed 
psychologist, certified psychometrist arid equipped with sufficient and adequate 
psychological instruments and facilities. 
SECTION26. l3aahks 
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, - Any person who violates any provision of this Act 
shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than three (3) years nor more than 
eight (8) years, or a fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (PlO,OOO.OO) but not 
more than Fifteen thousand pesos (PlS,OOO.OO), or both at the discretion of the Court. 
SECTION27. .i%&m&m 
' . - The Board may initiate action to enjoin, restrain, 
and prosecute any unlicensed or uncertified individual, corporation, association, 


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partnership or entity operating or engaging in the practice of psychology, in 
violation of this Act. 
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SECTION 28. 
. - In case any provision of this Act is 
found to be unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder thereof which are not affected 
by such declaration shall remain in force and effect. 
SECTION 29. 
, - All laws, decrees, order, rules or 
regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 30. m. 
- This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its complete publication in the OJSFiciaZ Gazette or in two (2) national 
newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,