FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILlPPWES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Chiropractic is a health care profession which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention 
of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system with special emphasis on the spine. It is 
hypothesized that the general health of an individual is affected by these disorders via the 
nervous system‘. Chiropractors also known as chiropractic physicians are individuals who 
specialize in the treatment of patients with health problems that involve the muscoloskeletal 
system. 
This method of health care is popular and well-established in USA, Canada and Australia. It is 
also present to a lesser extent in other countries, such as the Philippines. At present, there are 
individuals who are practicing chiropractics in the Philippines, however, we do not have any 
agency that regulates this practice. 
This proposed measure aims to professionalize the chiropractic profession by creating a 
Chiropractic Board of Examiners which would regulate the chiropractic professjon to ensure the 
exellent, cnmpetitive, and. accountable practice of chirop&c. 
The proposed measure seeks to 
protect not only the clients of chiropractic physicians but also the practitioners as well as the 
credibility of their profession. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
A)(IT&IO “SONMY” F. TRILLANES IV 
Senator 
Data retrieved from http://en.wikiuedia.orP/wiki/Chiropractic on Oct. 7, 2008 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILLPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
S.NO. ’>$3? 1 
~~~~~~~~ 
t Wr 
Introduced by Senator Antonio ‘‘Sonnyn F. Trillanes Iv 
AN ACT 
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE IN THE PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the Home of Repmetztatives of the fhif@pi?m?s in Congress 
assembled. 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Chiropractic Act of 2008 
SEC. 2. Declamtion of Poiiq. - In recognition of the importance and role of 
chiropractors in nation-building and development, it shall be the policy of the State to promote 
and recognize the significance of the chiropractic profession, 
SEC. 3. Creation and Composition of Board. - There is hereby created a Professional 
Regulatory Board of Chiropractic Examiners, hereinafter called the Board, a collegial body 
under the administrative control and supervision of the’ Professional Regulation Commission 
(PRC), hereinafter referred to as the Commission, which shall be composed of five ( 5 )  members, 
four (4) of which are licensed chiropractic physicians wha have met the requirements of this Act 
and has practice chiropractic in the country for more than two .(2) years. One member of the 
board shall be a person with no direct financial interest in the health care industry. They shall be 
appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list of three (3) enemies for each position. 
The Board shall be organized not later than sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act. 
SEC. 4. Qualificalions of the Chairperson and the Members of the Professional 
Regulatory Board of Chiropractic Examiners. - The Chairperson and Members of the Board 
shall, at the time of their appointment and for the course of their term, possess the following 
qualifications: 
(a) A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines; 
(b) At least thirty-five (35) years of age; 
(c) Possess good moral character; 
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(d) Have at least five (5) years of practice in chiropractic care in a duly recognized 
institution, clinic, or center, as well as at least two (2) years of teaching experience in 
the field of chiropraetic care; 
(e) Be a registered and licensed chiropractor, except in the case of the first members of 
the Board who shall automatically be conferred a valid certificate of registration and a 
valid professional identidication card in chiropractic upon appointment to the Board; 
(Q Is not an oficer, nor hold any position other than being a member, of the integrated 
and accredited national organization of chiropractors; and 
(g) Shall net have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. 
SEC. 5. Term of Office. - The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three 
(3) years or until their successors shall have been appointed and duly qualified. Each member of 
the Board may be reappointed for one (1) full term of thee (3) years. The first members of the 
Board shall hold office for the following terms: the Chairperson for three (3) years; one member 
for two (2) years; and the other memkr for one (1) year, which shall be specified in their 
respective appointments. Any vacancy occurring within the term of a member shall be filled for 
the unexpired portion of the term only. Each member of the Board shall qualify by taking the 
proper oath prior to the performance of hisker duties. 
SEC. 6. Powers and Duties. - The Board shall have the following powers and duties: 
(a) Administer and implement the pruvisims ofthis Act and promulgate as well as revise 
'or update, as necessary, rules and regulations, resolutions and guidelines hereto: 
provided, that the policies, resolutions, rules and regulations issued or promulgated by 
the Board shall be subject to review and appoval of the Commission; 
(b) Supervise and monitor the registration, licensure and practice of chiropractors in the 
Philippines; 
{c) Administer oaths in connectkm with the administration of this Act; 
(d) Issue, and upon compliance with due process requirements suspend or revoke, and/or 
reinstate, the certificate of registration and professional identification card for 
chiropmctofs; 
(e) Adopt an official seal of the Board; 
(f, Monitor the conditions and circumstances affecting the practice of chiropractic care 
in the Philippines and adopt such measwe as may be deemed lawful and proper for 
the enhancement and maintenance of high professional, ethical and technical 
standards of the profession; 
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(8) Issue pennits to and exercise visitorial powers over agencies, institutions, 
associations, corporations and partnerships to verify that the persons practicing 
chiroprmAic care therein are chirqrmtms with valid certificates of registration and 
valid professional identification cards, and that they possess the necessary 
accreditation, skills and/or facilities to competently carrying out their functions; 
(h) Assist the Commission in the fornulatian and impkmentation of the guidefines on 
continuing professional education for chiropractors; 
(i) Ensure, in coordination with the CHED, that all educational institutions offering the 
coursdprogrm of chiropractic care strictly comply with the pdicies, standards and 
requirements prescribed by CHED for such conrseiprogram, especially in the areas of 
administration, curriculum, faculty, library and facilities; 
G) Prepare, adopt, issue am3 amend, in comultation with CHED, sy!!abi for the licensure 
examination subjects, 
(k) Investigate and, when warranted, hear administrative cases involving violations of 
this Act, its implementing m4es and regulatiom as hereinafier promulgated, and any 
applicable code of ethics and/or code of professional standards. For this purpose, it 
may issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to secure the appearances of 
witnesses and the production of documents in cmmecthn therewith 
Provided, that the Board’s decision, resolution or orders rendered in administrative 
cases shall be subject to review only on appeal; 
(1) Perform such other functions and duties as may be lawfully delegated to it, or as it 
may deem necessary to carry out the djectives- ofthis Act. 
SEC. 7. Compensation and Allowances. - The Chairperson and Members of the Board 
shall receive the same compensation and allowances as those received by the chairperson and 
Members of the existing regulatory boards under the Commission, as provided in the charter of 
the Commission and in the General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 8. Removal or Suspension of Members of the Professional Regulatory Board of 
Cltiropmctic Examiners. - Any member of the Board may, upon the recommendation of the 
Commission upon observance of due process and completion of the proper investigation, be 
suspended or removed by the President from office for cause, such as gross neglect of duty, 
incompetence, malpractice, behavior unbecoming of a chiropractic professional, immorality, 
unethical or dishonorable conduct, final con~iction of any crime involving moral turpitude, any 
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act of graft and corruption, and participation in the manipulation of or any dishonesty relative to 
the licensure examinations and/or the registration process. 
SEC. 9. Administrative Supervision over the Board, Custodian of its Records, 
Secretariat and Support Services. - The Board shall be under the administrative supervision and 
control of the Commission. All records of the Board, including documents relative to the 
licensure examinations as well as administrative and other investigative cases conducted by the 
Board, shall be kept in the custody of the Commission. The Commission shall designate the 
Secretary of the Board and shall provide the Secretariat voith necessary support services to 
effectively implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 10. Examinations Required ' - All applicants for registration to practice 
chiropractic care shall be required to pass a licensure examination for chiropractors to be 
conducted by the Board in such places and dates, and subject to such requirements, prescribed by 
the Canmission. 
SEC. 11. Qualifications of Applicants for Licensure Ekamination for Chiropractors - 
Any person may apply to take the examination for registration and licensure as a chiropractor 
after furnishing evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant: 
(a) is a Filipino citizen, a permanent resident, or a citizen of a foreign country which 
extends reciprocity to the Philippines relative to the pactice of the profession; 
(b) has a high school education or its equivalent; 
(c) has successfully completed at least two academic years of study in a college of liberal 
arts or sciences or has engagcd in the active licensed pactice of chiropractic for three 
of the four years preceding the filing of the application; 
(d) is a graduate of a school or college of chiropractic that: 
(I) is accredited by OT a candidate for accreditation by an accrediting agency 
recognized by the board; or 
(2) if an accrediting agency under (1) of this paragraph does not exist, requires the 
completion of a nGnimum of 4 , W  h
s
 
of fomal education and training in 
order to graduate, including 
(i) 150 hours of chiropractic philosophy or principles; 
fii) 1200 hours of basic sciences, including anatomy, chemistry, 
physiology, and pathology; 
(iii) 1400 hours of preclinical technique, including diagnosis, chiropractic 
technique, and x-rays; and 
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(iv) 700 hours of clinical training, 
(e) completes 120 hours of formal training in physiological therapeutics; 
(f) is of g
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moral character and 
(g) has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude. 
SEC. 12. Licensure by credeittials. - The bard may issue a license by credentials to an 
applicant who pays the appropriate fee and presents satisfactory proof that the applicant: 
(a) is a graduate of a school or college of chiropractic that 
(1) is accredited by 01 a carnetidate fop accreditation by an accrediting agency 
recognized by the board; or 
(2) if an accrediting agency under (a) of this paragraph does not exist, requires the 
completion of a minifntnt~t of 4 , W  hours of f m a l  education a& training in 
order to graduate, including: 
(i) 150 hours of chiropractic philosophy or principles; 
(ii) 1,200 h
s
 
of basic sciemxs, including anatomy, chemistry, physiology, 
and pathology; 
technique, and x-rays; and 
(iv) 700 hours of clinical training; 
(iii) 1,400 hours of preclinical technique, including diagnosis, chiropractic 
(b) has passed an examination approved by the board that is designed to test the 
applicant's knovvIedge of the laws govmhg the pfactice of chiropractic and the 
regulations adopted under those laws; and 
(c) has completed 120 hours of formal training in physiological therapeutics or has 
passed, to the satisfaction of tke board, a physiological therapeutics examination as 
may be required by the board. 
SEC. 13. Examination. - 
(a) Examinations for a license to practice chiropractic may be held in the time and 
manner fixed by the board. 
@)The examination may include practical demmstmtkm and oral and written 
examination in those subjects usually taught in accredited chiropractic schools. 
(c) A general average rating of 75 percent is a passing grade on the examination. 
(d) An applicant may take a reexamination within me year aRer failing the examination. 
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The Board shall submit to the Commission an official report detailing the ratings 
obtained by each examinee within ten (10) calendar days after the examination, unless such 
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period is e x t d e d  for just cause. 
SEC. 14. Oath of Chiropractors - All successful examinees qualified for registration and 
all qualified applicants for registration wifhut examination shall be required to take an oath t~ 
uphold the profession before any member of the Board or any officer of the Commission 
authorized to administer oaths, prior to entering into the practice of chiropractics in the 
Philippines. 
SEC. 15. Issuance of Certifiates of Registration and Professional Identification Card 
- A certificate of registration and pxofessbml identifiiation card &ail be issued to all successful 
examinees and registrants without examination upon compliance with all the legal requirements, 
including payment of fees, prescribed by the Commission. The certificate of registration shall 
bear the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and Mernbers of the Board, indicating 
that the person named therein is entitled to practice the profession with all the privileges and 
concomitant responsibilities appurtenant thereto. The said certificate shall remain in full force 
and effect until suspended OT reyoked in accordance with this Act. A professional identification 
card bearing the registration number, date of issuance and validity term of three years, duly 
signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, shall likewise be issued to every registrant who 
has paid the prescribed registration €be. U p n  expiration of the professional identification card, 
the chiropractors may renew the same upon proof of compliance with continuing education 
requirements prescribed by the Board andior Commission. 
SEC. 16. Disclosure of Registration Information. - The chiropractor shall be required to 
indicate hidher registration and professional identification card number and date of issuance, the 
duration of validity, including the profasn0nal tax receipt number on each document signed, 
used or issued in connection with the practice of hidher profession. 
SEC. 17. LVon-issuance of Cert$icate of Aegis6ra&n and Professional Ident$eation 
Card - The Board shall not register nor issue a certificate of registration or professional 
identification card to any person convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude, has 
been found guilty by a judicial or other duly constituted tribunal of immoral or dishonorable 
conduct, or has been medically diagnosed to be of unsound mind. In the event of non-issuance of 
the certificate for any reason, the Board shall furnish the applicant a written statement setting 
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forth the reasons for such denial, which statement shall be incorporated to the records of the 
Board. 
SEC. 18. Practice Tlirough Special Temporay Permit. - Special temporary permits may 
be issued by the Board, subject to the approval by the Commission and payment of appropriate 
fes, to the follow~ing persons: 
(1) Licensed chiropractors from foreign countries who are internationally acknowledged 
specialists or outstanding experts in chiropractic care, provided that their services are 
important and newssary either due to the lack rn inadquacy of available !mal 
specialists/experts or in recognition of their potential contribution to the 
promotiordadvancement of chiropractic care through transfer of technology; 
(2) Licensed chiropractors from foreign c e t r k s  w<hose services shall be free and 
offered exclusively to indigent patients in a particular hospital, center or clinic; and 
(3) Licensed chiropractors from foreign countries employed as exchange professors to 
teach chiropactic care in schls, colleges, universities offering chiropactic 
programs. 
The permit shall detail the conditions thereof which shall, among other things, include the 
efiktkity period Qf &Qt mQfe than QX (1) y W  subject tQ KlaeWd, and tk Spec& place Of 
practice such as the clinic, hospital, center, school, college, university offering the course of 
chiropractic care. The Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, shall prescribe rules 
and regulations on the impknientatian of this particdar section. 
SEC. 19. Suspension or Revocation of Certificate of Registration and Professional 
Identification Card or Cancellatwn of a Special T@mpFa8y Permit. - The hard shall have the 
power, after notice and hearing, to suspend or revoke the certificate of registration and 
professional identification card or to cancel special temporary permits granted pursuant to this 
Act on any ground set forth in the instances keundef: 
(a) Procurement of a certificate of registration andor professional identification card, or 
special temporary permit by fraud or deceit; 
(b) Af1owG1g an unqualified person to advertise 01 to practice the profession by using 
one’s certificate of registration or professional identification card or special 
temporary permit; 
(e) Violating or conspiring to violate any of the pm~isions of this Act, its impkmenting 
rules and regulations, the code of ethics or code of professional standards 
promulgated hereinafter by the Board; 
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(d) Manifest physical or mental incompetence to render chiropractic services with 
reasonable skill and safely to his/ her clientdpatients; 
(e) Profasknal misconduct of negligence in the performance of duties as a chiropractor; 
and 
(f) Engaging in the practice of the profession during the period of one's suspension. 
SEC. 20. Reinstatement. - A chiropractor whose certificate of registration has been 
revoked may apply to the Board for reinstatement at any time after two (2) years from the date of 
revocation of said certificate. The applicationn shall be in writing aml shall conform to 
requirements hereinafter prescribed by the Board. No certificate of registration or professional 
identification card shall be reinstated unless the Board is satisfied that a good cause exists to 
warrant such reinstatement. 
Issuance of a new certificate of registration or professional identification card, or special 
temporary permit in lieu of one that has been lost, destroyed or mutilated shall be subject to 
applicable rules prescribed by the Cmmission. 
SEC. 21. Appeal from Judgment. - The decision of the Board shall ipso facto become 
final fifteen (IS) days fram receipt ofthe de~ision by the respondent unless an appeal has been 
filed with the Commission within the same period. The Commission's decision on appeal may be 
further appealed before the Court of Appeals within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof. 
SEC. 22. Rights of the Respondent. - The respondent chiropractor shall have the right to 
be represented by counsel at all stages of the proceedings as well as to speedy disposition of 
hisher case. Helshe shall have the right to confrmt witnesses against hint'her in addition to such 
other rights guaranteed by the Constitution. 
SEC. 23. Integraliort of the Profession. - The profision shall hereinafter be integrated 
by consolidating all practitioners into one national organization of registered and licensed 
chiropractors, which shall be recognized and accredited by the Board, subject to approval of the 
Commission. A chiropractor duly registered and licensed by the Board and the Commission shall 
automatically become a member of said organization and shall receive the benefits and 
privileges, as well as be subject to all responsibilities and obligations, appurtenant thereto upon 
payment of the required fw anel dues. Membership in the integrated organization shall not be a 
bar to membership in any other association of chiropractors. 
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SEC. 24. Prohibited Acts. -No person shall: 
(a) Engage in the professional practice of chiropractic care nor represent himself/ herself 
as a prefmsional gxactking chirqxacto~ withut a valid certificate of 
registratiodvalid professional identification card, or a valid special temporary permit 
granted by the Board pursuant to this Act; 
(b) Represent himsel8 herself te be a licensed and attth&ed practicing chiropractor 
during the time that hidher certificate of registration has been suspended or revoked 
or professional identification card without being renewed, or special temporary 
permit candled; 
(c) Allow any other person to use hidher certificate of registration and professional 
identification card or special temporary permit for any purpose, regardless of whether 
such act actually enables the unnqualifkd individual te engage in the pactice of 
chiropractic; 
(d) Use, exhibit and/or misrepresent as hisher own the certificate of registration andor 
gxefmsbnal idmtifiatim card or special tempary pemit of another; and, 
(e) Give any false, inaccurate, misleading or incomplete information to the Board in 
order to obtain a certificate of registration or professional identification card or 
special temporary pernit 
No corporation, partnership, association or entity shall operate a chiropractic office, 
center, clinic, or otherwise engage in the practice or allow the practice of chiropractic within its 
premises, tyithout securing a p m i t  therefore f ~ e m  
the Board. Such pernit shall be issued only 
after the Board is satisfied that such establishment is competently staffed by a chiropractor and 
equipped with sufficient and adequate chiropractic-related instruments and facilities. 
A violation of any p~ovision ofthis Act of its hpIemnting rules and regulations shall be 
penalized accordmgly. 
SEC. 25. Penalties. - Any pasm who *+dates any gxe-+isiun of this Act or its 
implementing rules and regulations shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than six (6) 
months but not more than three (3) years, or a fine of not less than Ten Thousand Pesos (P10, 
W.00) but not more than Onne Hundred Thousand Pesos (PlW,h)o.OU), or both, at the 
discretion of the Court. 
SEC. 26. Injmctivn. - The Board may initiate actim to enjoin, restrain, andior 
prosecute any individual, corporation, association, partnership or entity engaging in the practice 
of chiropractics in violation of this Act. 
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SEC. 27. Funding Provision. - The Chairperson of the Commission shall immediately 
hereinafter include in the Commission’s programs the prompt implementation of this Act, 
funding of which shall be p&d& f i  in the k a u a l  Genera! Appqriations Act. 
SEC. 28. Enforcement. - It shall be the duty of all duly constituted law enforcement 
agencies and OE~XXS 
of natbnat, p r ~ ~ i ~ i ~ l ,  
&y 
QF mwkipd governeats tQ upbsld and 
enforce the provisions of this Act and to investigate and prosecute or cause the investigation and 
prosecution of any person violating the same. 
SEC. 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days after the 
constitution of the Board, it shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations, 
subject to alpproVal ofthe Commission, t@ iBplement &e prmision~ ofthis Act. 
SEC. 30. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid by a 
wmptent mwt, any ~fher 
~ F Q V ~ S ~ C X I  
n& agected thereby shall cmtinue ta be valid ami eEective. 
SEC. 31. Repealing Clause. - Any laws, presidential decrees, executive orders and 
le%k~s 
Q€ instruct& wlhih are incons&& with any ~f €he pmovisimaas of this Act are hereby 
repealed or amended accordingly. 
SEC. 32. Eff&t&fty €lase. This Act shatf take effect fifteen days foIIowirmg it3 
publication in the Official Gazette or in any two newspapers of general circulation. 
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