SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No. 1238
vr/.rrtliu
^6 
NOV 15 
A 9 :3 o
RFC
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
ri
AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY IN THE 
PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that the State 
“shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health 
consciousness among them.”
To accomplish this policy, the State endeavors to build and maintain 
institutions that educate medical and allied health professionals, subject them to high 
professional 
standards, 
while 
enabling 
and 
incentivizing 
their continuous 
professional development. 
Such is true for various medical and allied health 
professionals in the country today—except for a select few such as Speech 
Language Pathology.
Speech Language Pathology is a branch of rehabilitation involving the study 
of human communication, its normal development and its disorders. Studies have 
shown that around 1 percent of the estimated 2016 global population or 75 million 
individuals suffer from stuttering—a physical impairment often linked to neurological 
and genetic causes, commonly present during the early development years of 
children. In addition. Speech Language Pathologists frequently treat individuals who 
have suffered from stroke, especially when their speech has been impaired.
This field of allied health remains beyond the reach from most Filipinos. 
According to the Philippine Association of Speech Pathologists (PASP), there are 
only 400 speech pathologists registered in the country today. To date, there are only 
four (4) universities that offer Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology 
(BS SLP) nationwide producing around 100 SLP graduates annually. Initiatives must 
be done to increase proficient graduates even before the shortage of these 
practitioners arises, more so that the country moves to open up to and integrate itself 
with the region and developed countries.


Worse, there are ill-minded individuals creating pseudo academies with 
truncated programs that do not actually produce competent Speech Language 
Pathologists, and, in the process, taint the reputation of bona fide Filipino 
practitioners all over the world, recklessly undermining patients’ treatment. Some 
report some higher education institutions offering masteral programs in Speech 
Language Pathology, without following any set curriculum.
Numerous issues already plague this practice. The lack of regulation only 
hobbles the further development of this burgeoning yet vital profession. In 
consideration of these points, there is no other recourse than to seek the passage of 
a measure that would establish mechanisms, safeguards, and procedures that 
culminate in an enabling environment for the development of Speech Language 
Pathology profession in the Philippines.
The foregoing measure acknowledges the importance of Speech Language 
Pathology and its practitioners to maintaining the physical well-being and overall 
health of citizens. While this proposed legislation aims to regulate the practice of 
Speech Language Pathology in the Philippines, its main objectives are to advance 
the allied health profession and guarantee that while Speech Language Pathologists 
are subjected to high standards, their patients receive world-class treatment and 
services.
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ONNY ANGARA


'w «i'i5s^ <5 ffi f t  0 f t h e 
t '-I pi ,1 f y
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1238
'16 
NOV 15 
A 9 :30
R F C 1 2 3 i
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
1 
AN ACT
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REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY IN THE
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PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
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ARTICLE I
TITLE AND DEFINITION OF TERMS
SECTION 1. Short Title. -  This Act shall be known as the “Speech Language 
Pathology Act.”
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. -  The State recognizes the important role of speech 
language pathologists in nation building and promotes the sustained development of 
a reservoir of speech language pathologists whose competence have been 
determined by honest and credible licensure examinations whose standards of 
professional practice and service are world-class and internationally-recognized, 
globally competitive through preventive regulatory measures, programs, and 
activities that foster their continuing, professional growth.


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SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. -  For purposes of this Act. the following terms shall be
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defined as follows:
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a. Speech Language Pathology refers to an allied health profession devoted
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to the evaluation, diagnosis, management and prevention of human
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communication disorder.
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b. Speech Language Pathologist refers to a person who is registered and
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licensed to practice speech language pathology and who holds a valid
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certificate 
of 
registration/professional 
license 
and 
professional
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identification card issued by the Professional Regulation Commission
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under the provisions of this Act.
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c. Communication and/or Swallowing Disorders refer to impairment in the
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ability to (1) receive and/or process symbol systems; (2) represent
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concepts in systems; (3) transmit and use symbol systems. The
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impairment may be observed in the disorders of hearing, language and/or
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speech processes.
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d. Evaluation refers to the global appraisal of the significance and
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implications of a diagnostic assessment that shall include formal and
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informal assessment.
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e. Diagnosis refers to the act of identifying a human communication or
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swallowing abnormality or disorder by analyzing the symptoms presented.
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It may also include a study of the origin and development of the
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symptoms.
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f. 
Language refers to any socially and culturally accepted, structured.
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symbolic system for interpersonal communication composed of sounds,
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letters, manual signs or other symbols arranged in ordered sequences or
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strings that express thoughts, intentions, experiences and feelings
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comprised of orthographic, phonological, syntactical, semantic and
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pragmatic components.
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g. Speech refers to the medium of oral communication that employs a
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linguistic code (language); through this medium, one can express thoughts
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and feelings and understand those of others who employ the same code.


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ARTICLE II
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF SPEECH PATHOLOGY
SEC. 4. Creation and Composition of the Board. -  Within ninety (90) days after 
the effectivity of this Act, there shall be created the Professional Regulatory Board of 
Speech Language Pathology, hereinafter referred to as the Board under the 
administrative control and supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission 
(PRC), hereinafter referred to as the Commission, to be composed of a Chairperson 
and two (2) members who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines 
from the three (3) candidates for each vacant position chosen from the five (5) 
nominees of the integrated and accredited national organization of speech language 
pathologists.
SEC. 5. Quaiifications of the Members of the Board. -  To be the Chairperson or a 
member of the Board under this Act, the individual must have the following 
qualifications;
a. A natural born citizen of the Philippines and an actual resident thereof for 
at least five (5) years before his/her appointment;
b. A duly registered and licensed speech language pathologist holding a valid 
certificate 
of 
registration/professional 
license 
and 
professional 
identification card, in active clinical practice for the past five (5) years and 
a member in good standing of the accredited integrated national 
organization of speech language pathologists prior to his/her appointment, 
except if appointed the first Chairperson/member;
c. Of good moral character and must not have been convicted of any offense 
involving moral turpitude; and
d. Must not have pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in any school, 
academy, college, university or institution conferring an academic degree 
necessary for administration to the practice of speech language pathology 
or where review classes in preparation for the licensure examination are 
being offered or conducted, nor shall he/she be a member of the faculty or 
of the administration thereof at the time of his/her appointment to the 
Board.


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SEC. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. -  The Board shall have the following
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powers and functions:
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a. Promulgate, administer and enforce rules and regulations necessary for
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carrying out the provisions of this Act;
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b. Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;
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c. Supervise and regulate the registration, licensure and practice of speech
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language pathology in the Philippines;
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d. Adopt an official seal of the Board;
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e. Maintain a roster of speech language pathologists indicating therein the
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basic information about the registered professionals;
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f. 
Study the conditions affecting the practice of speech language pathology
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in the Philippines and adopt measures for the enhancement of the
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professional ethical and technical standards therein;
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g. Ensure, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education
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(CHED), that all educational institutions offering speech language
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pathology education comply with the policies, standards and requirements
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of the course prescribed by the CHED in the areas of curriculum, faculty,
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library and facilities;
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h. Prescribe and/or adopt a Code of Ethics and Code of Technical Standards
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for the practice of speech language pathology;
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Prescribe standards for the practice of speech language pathology; issue,
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reinstate, suspend, revoke certificate of registration and/or professional
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license or cancel special permits for the practice of speech language
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pathology;
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Prescribe guidelines and criteria in the Continuing Professional Education
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(CPE) program for speech language pathologists;
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k. Be in consultation with the duly accredited organization of speech
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language pathologist and the duly recognized association of schools
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conferring a Bachelor's or other entry level degree in Speech Language
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Pathology, prescribe the area of competence to be included in the
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computerized licensure examination and their relative weights, determine
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by the syllabi of the subjects, construct the test questions in licensure
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examination, score and rate examination papers;


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Hear or investigate any violations of this Act, its implementing rules and
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regulations and the Code of Ethics for speech language pathologists, and
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for this purpose, to issue subpoena duces tecum to secure the
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appearance of the witnesses and the production of documents in
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connection therewith: Provided, That the decision of the Board shall,
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unless appealed to the Commission, become final and executory after
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fifteen (15) days from receipt of the judgment or decision;
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m. Adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination;
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n. Grant registration without examination subject to the approval by the
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Commission;
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0. Issue special permits to persons admitted to the practice of speech
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language pathology for a specific duration of time, and certificates of
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recognition for advanced studies, researches and accomplishments that
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contribute to the enrichment of the profession; and,
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p. Perform such other powers and functions as it may deem necessary to
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carry out the objectives of this Act.
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The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations issued or promulgated by the Board
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shall be subject to the review and approval of the Commission.
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SEC. 7. Term of Office. -  The Chairperson and members of the Board shall hold
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office for three (3) years after appointment or until their successors shall have been
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appointed and duly qualified: Provided, That members of the first Board to be
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appointed after the approval of this Act shall hold office for the following terms:
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Chairperson for three (3) years, one member for two (2) years, and the other
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member for one (1) year: Provided, further. That the Chairperson or any member
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may be re-appointed for another term of three (3) years but in no case shall he/she
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serve continuously for more than six (6) years. Vacancy in the Board shall be filled
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for the unexpired term only. Each member of the Board shall automatically be
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registered 
as 
speech 
language 
pathologists 
and 
issued 
certificate 
of
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registration/professional license and professional identification card and shall take
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the proper oath of office prior to assumption.


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SEC. 8. Compensation of the Members of the Professional Regulatory Boards.
-  The chairperson and members of the Board shall receive compensation and 
allowances comparable to that being received by the Chairpersons and members of 
existing regulatory boards under the Commission as provided for in the annual 
General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 9. Sanctions of Board Members. -  Any member of the Board may be 
suspended or removed from office for gross neglect of duty, incompetence, 
malpractice, unprofessionalism, immorality, unethical or dishonorable conduct, final 
judgment of crimes involving moral turpitude, and manipulation or rigging of the 
licensure examination results, disclosure of secret and confidential information in the
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examination questions prior to the conduct of the said examination or tampering of
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grades.
The administrative proceedings shall be heard by the Commission, whose 
recommendation shall be submitted to the Office of the President. During the 
investigation, the respondent shall be placed under preventive suspension by the 
Commission and another designated to fill the temporary vacancy in the Board.
SEC. 10. Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat and 
Support Services. -  The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of the 
Commission. All records of the Board, including applications for examination, and 
administrative and other investigative cases conducted by the Board shall be under 
the custody of the Commission.
The Commission shall designate the secretary of the Board and shall provide the 
secretariat and other support services to implement the provision of this Act.
SEC. 11. Reportorial Requirements. -  The Board shall submit an annual report to 
the Commission after the close of each calendar year, giving a detailed account of 
the proceedings of the Board during the year and recommending measures to be 
adopted, with the end in view of upgrading and improving the conditions affecting the 
practice of speech language pathology in the Philippines.


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ARTICLE III
LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION
SEC. 12. Licensure Examination. -  All applicants for registration for the practice of 
speech language pathology shall be required to undergo a licensure examination to 
be given by the Board in such places and dates as the Commission may designate 
subject to compliance with the requirements prescribed by the Commission.
SEC. 13. Quaiification for Examination. -  In order to be allowed to take part in the 
licensure examination, an applicant must, at the time of filing of higher application, 
establish to the satisfaction of the Board that he/she has met the following 
qualifications:
a. A Filipino citizen or a foreign citizen whose state/country has reciprocity 
agreement with the Philippines in the practice of speech language 
pathology:
b. Good moral character;
c. Has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude;
d. A graduate of a Bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology from a 
duly recognized school, college or university in the Philippines or abroad 
and recognized/accredited by the Commission on Higher Education 
(CHED).
SEC. 14. Scope of Examination. - The subjects in the licensure examination for 
Speech Language Pathologists shall cover the following:
a. Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
b. Neurological Bases of Speech and Hearing Disorders
c. Articulation and Phonological Disorders
d. Hearing Impairment and Aural Habilitation
e. Language and Cognitive Communication disorders
f. 
Fluency disorders
g. Voice disorders
h. Cleft Lip and Palate and Craniofacial conditions
i. 
Dysphagia


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j. 
Medical and neurological disorders that may cause communication and 
swallowing disorders
k. Normal development and function of speech, language, hearing and/or 
swallowing conditions
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Principles of assessment and intervention for speech, language, hearing 
and/or swallowing conditions
m. Research, Professional Ethics and Community Development
The Board may recluster, rearrange, modify, add or exclude any subject as the need 
arises so as to conform to technological changes.
SEC. 15. Registration Without Examination as Speech Language Pathologist. -
A person who possesses the pertinent qualifications required for admission in the 
examination for registration as a speech language pathologist pursuant to the 
provisions of this Act may be registered without examination: Provided, That the 
applicant files with the Board, within six (6) months after the effectivity of the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), an application for registration and 
issuance of a certificate of registration/professional license and professional 
identification card by submitting credentials showing that the applicant before the 
effectivity of this Act is a bachelor’s degree holder of speech language pathology 
from a college or university accredited by the CHED: Provided, further. That the 
applicant is a member of the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization.
SEC. 16. Ratings in the Examination. -  To be qualified as having passed the 
licensure examination for speech language pathologists, a candidate must have 
obtained a weighted general average of seventy-five (75%), with no grade lower than 
fifty (50%) in any given subject must take the examination in the subject or subjects 
where he/she obtained a grade below fifty percent (50%) within two (2) years from 
the date of his/her last examination. The topic of subjects retaken must have each a 
rating of no less than seventy-five percent (75%) in order to qualify as having passed 
the examination.


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SEC. 17. Report Ratings. -  The Board shall submit to the Commission the ratings 
obtained by each candidate within ten (10) calendar days after the examination 
unless extended for just cause.
SEC. 18. Oath of Speech Language Pathologist. -  All successful examinees 
qualified for registration and all qualified applicants for registration without 
examination shall be required to take an oath of profession before any member of 
the Board or any authorized officer of the Commission to administer oaths, prior to 
entering into the practice of speech language pathology in the Philippines.
SEC. 19. Certificate of Registration/Professional License and Professional 
Identification Card. - A certificate of registration/professional license and 
professional identification card shall be issued to all successful examinees and 
registrants either with or without examination upon compliance with all the legal 
requirements including payment of fees prescribed by the Commission. The 
certificate of registration/professional license shall bear the signature of the 
chairperson of the Commission and the chairperson and members of the Board, 
indicating that the person named therein is entitled to the practice of the profession 
with all the privileges appurtenant thereto. The said certificate shall remain in full 
force and effect until withdrawn, suspended or revoked in accordance with this Act.
A professional identification card bearing the registration number, date of issuance, 
expiry date, duly signed by the chairperson of the Commission, shall likewise be 
issued to every registrant who has paid the prescribed fee.
SEC. 20. Indication of Certificate of Registration/Professionai Tax Receipt. -
The speech language pathologist shall be required to indicate his/her certificate of 
registration/professional license number and date of issuance, including the 
professional tax receipt number on the document he/she signs, uses or issues in 
connection with the practice of his/her profession.


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SEC. 21. Refusal to Register. -  The Board shall not register and issue a certificate 
of registration/professional license and professional identification card to any person 
convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction or a criminal offense involving moral 
turpitude or guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct or to any person of unsound 
mind. In the event of refusal to issue the certificate for any reason, the Board shall 
give the applicant a written statement setting forth the reason for such action, which 
statement shall be incorporated in the record of the Board.
SEC. 
22. 
Revocation 
or 
Suspension 
of 
the 
Certificate 
of
Registration/professional License and Professional identification Card and 
Cancellation of Special Permit. -  The Board may, after giving proper notice of 
hearing to 
the 
party 
concerned, 
revoke 
the 
practitioner’s 
certificate 
of 
registration/professional license or suspend him/her from the practice of his/her 
profession or cancel his/her permit for any of the causes or grounds mentioned in 
Section 21 of this Act or for any unprofessional or unethical conduct, malpractice, 
violation of any of the provisions of this Act, its rules and regulations, the Code of 
Ethics and the Standards for speech language pathologists.
SEC. 23. Reinstatement, Re-issuance or Repiacement of Certificate of 
Registration/professional License. -  A person may apply to the Board for 
reinstatement of a certificate of registration/professional license at any time after two 
(2) years from the date of revocation of said certificate. The application shall be in 
writing and shall conform with the requirements as provided by the Board. No 
certificate/license shall be reinstated unless the Board is satisfied that a good cause 
exists to warrant such reinstatement.
SEC. 24. Roster of Speech Language Pathologist. -  The Board shall prepare, 
update and maintain a roster of speech language pathologists in coordination with 
the integrated and accredited professional organization, which shall contain the 
name of each registration and issuance of certificates, and other data which the 
Board may deem pertinent. The roster shall be open to the public, copies of which 
shall be mailed to each person listed therein.
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SEC. 25. Issuance of Special/Temporary Permit. -  Special/temporary permit may 
be issued by the Board subject to the approval by the Commission and payment of 
the fees the latter has prescribed and charged thereof to the following persons;
a. a foreign speech language pathologist called for consultation for a specific 
purpose which, in the judgment of the Board, is essential for the growth of 
the profession; Provided, That his/her activities shall be limited only to the 
particular work, for which he/she is being engaged; Provided, further. That 
he/she is qualified to practice his/her profession in his/her state or country; 
Provided, finally. That there is no Filipino speech language pathologist 
qualified for such consultation or specific purpose;
b. a foreign speech language pathologist who is an internationally recognized 
expert or specialist in any branch of speech language pathology and 
his/her service is essential for the advancement of speech language 
pathology in the Philippines; and
c. a foreign speech language pathologist to be engaged as professor, 
lecturer, or critic in fields essential to speech language pathology 
education in the Philippines is confined to teaching only.
The permit shall, among other things, include these limitations and conditions; for a 
period of not more than one (1) year subject to renewal, the branch or specialty of 
speech language pathology, and the specific place of practice such as clinic, 
hospital, center, school/college/university offering the course of speech language 
pathology. The Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, shall prescribe 
rules and regulations on the implementation of this particular section.
ARTICLE IV
PRACTICE OF SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
SEC. 26. Scope of the Practice of Speech Language Pathology. -  The Scope of 
the Practice of Speech Language Pathology shall embrace, but shall not be limited 
to the performance, in collaboration with professionals, families and the community 
of any of the following;
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a. Screen, identify, assess, diagnose, manage and prevent disorders of
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speech such as, but not limited to articulation, fluency, voice, hearing and
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language;
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b. Screen, identify, assess, diagnose, manage and prevent disorders of oral-
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pharyngeal functions such as, but not limited to dysphagia and related
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disorders;
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c. Screen, identify, assess, diagnose and manage cognitive-linguistic
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communication conditions;
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d. Assess, select and develop augmentative and alternative communication
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systems and provide training in their use;
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e. Screen hearing acuity for the purpose of speech language evaluation and
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aural rehabilitation;
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Plan, teach and carry out home programs and training for patients and
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their families;
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g. Plan, conduct and evaluate teaching-learning activities for students of
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speech language pathology and other related courses; for other health
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professionals, patients and their families;
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h. Plan, conduct and evaluate researches in pursuit of new knowledge for the
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growth of speech language pathology in the Philippines;
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Provide consultancy to government and non-government organization
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regarding the field of speech language pathology; and
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Perform administrative duties in speech language pathology clinics/units in
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hospitals, schools and other rehabilitation centers;
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k. Teaching, lecturing, reviewing subjects given in the licensure examination;
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and,
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Collaboration with other disciplines in managing the above-mentioned
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conditions as stated in agreements formulated jointly between the relevant
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Accredited Professional Organizations of those disciplines and the
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Accredited Professional Organization for speech-language pathology.
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SEC. 27. Prohibition on the Practice of Speech Language Pathoiogy. -  No
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person shall practice or offer to practice speech language pathology in the
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Philippines or offer himself/herself as speech language pathologist, or use the title,
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word, letter figure, or a sign tending to convey the impression that he/she is a speech
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language pathologist, or advertise or indicate in any manner whatsoever that he/she 
is qualified to perform the work of a speech language pathologist unless he/she has 
satisfactorily passed the licensure examination given by the Board, except as 
otherwise provided in this Act, and is a holder of a valid certificate of 
registration/professional license and professional identification card or a valid 
temporary/special permit duly issued to him/her by the Board and the Commission.
SEC. 28. Prohibited Acts. -  The following acts are prohibited;
a. Engage in the practice of speech language pathology by representing 
himself/herself as a speech language pathologist without a valid certificate 
of registration/professional license or a valid temporary/special permit 
granted by the Board pursuant to this Act;
b. Practice his/her profession during the period of his/her suspension from 
the practice thereof;
c. Allow an unqualified person to advertise or to practice the profession by 
using 
his/her 
certificate 
of 
registration/professional 
license 
or 
temporary/special permit; and
d. Use as his/her own the certificate of registration/professional license or 
temporary/special permit of another.
SEC. 29. Code of Ethics and Code of Technical Standards for Speech 
Language Pathologist -  The Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics 
and Code of Technical Standards for speech language pathologist prescribed and 
issued by the integrated and accredited national organization of speech language 
pathologists.
SEC. 30. Continuing Professional Development (CPD). -  All Speech Language 
Pathologists shall abide by the requirements, rules, and regulation on continuing 
professional education to be promulgated by the PRC Regulatory Board, subject to 
the approval of the Commission, in coordination with the AlPO for speech language 
pathology or any duly accredited education institutions. For this purpose, a CPD 
Council is hereby created to implement the CPD program.
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SEC. 31. Integration of Speech Language Pathologist -  The speech language 
pathology profession shall be integrated into one (1) national professional 
organization of speech language pathologists that is duly registered with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The board, subject to approval by the 
commission, shall accredit the said organization as the one and only Accredited 
Integrated Professional Organization (AlPO) of registered speech language 
pathologists. All speech language pathologists whose names appear in the Registry 
Book of Speech Language Pathologists shall ipso facto or automatically become 
members thereof and shall receive all the benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto 
upon payment of AlPO membership fees and dues.
SEC. 32. Foreign Reciprocity. -  No foreign speech language pathologist shall be 
given a certificate of registration/professional license and professional identification 
card or be entitled to any of the privileges under this Act unless the country of which 
the foreign speech language pathologist is a subject or citizen specifically permits 
Filipino speech language pathologists to practice within its territorial limits on the 
same basis as the subjects of said country or state.
ARTICLE V 
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 33. Funding Provision. -  The Chairman of the Professional Regulation 
Commission shall immediately include in the Commission’s programs the 
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Acts and thereafter.
SEC. 34. Penalties. -  Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Act 
or any of its implementing rules and regulations as promulgated by the Board subject 
to the approval of the Commission shall upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not 
less than Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00) nor more than Fifty Thousand 
Pesos (P50,000.00) or by imprisonment of not less than two (2) years nor more than 
five (5) years, or both, subject to the discretion of the court.
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SEC. 35. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -  To implement the provisions of 
this Act, the Board, shall, subject to the approval of the Commission, promulgate the 
rules and regulations and the Code of Ethics for speech language pathologists within 
sixty (60) days after the constitution of the first Board.
SEC. 36. Separability Clause. -  If any section or provision of this Act shall be 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the same shall not invalidate any other section or 
provision of this Act.
SEC. 37. Repealing Clause. -  All laws, decrees, orders, issuances or parts thereof, 
which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly.
SEC. 38. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulation 
in the Philippines.
Approved,
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