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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Ron P. Salo 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The practice of midwifery was first regulated in the Philippines with the enactment 
of Public Act No. 310 on December 4, 1901, which created the Medical Board of 
Examiners that regulated both the medicine and midwifery professions. When 
Republic Act No. 2382, or the Medical Act of 1959, was approved, the regulation of 
midwifery was separated from medicine. A Board of Examiners for Midwives was 
subsequently created with the enactment of Republic Act No. 2644 on June 18, 1960. 
Formal midwifery education in the Philippines started when Dr. Jose Fabella 
established a school of midwifery and initiated the curriculum for direct entry midwives 
in 1922. Originally, the School of Midwifery admitted one set of students for a one (1) 
year term or a twelve (12) month course. From a one-year course, the basic Midwifery 
course has been increased to two (2) years to better equip midwives in the 
performance of their expanded functions as primary healthcare providers. Further, a 
student must pass the licensure board examination to become a registered midwife. 
As the midwife plays an important role in the delivery of healthcare, and with the 
growing complexity of modern healthcare technology, it is submitted that the two-year 
curriculum is inadequate to cope with the theoretical work and clinical experience 
required for delivering competent midwifery services. Thus, there is a need to increase 
the standards of the midwifery curriculum to a four-year bachelor of science degree in 
order for the Filipino midwife to become well-equipped and highly skilled in offering 
quality healthcare services and be up to par with international standards in the 
midwifery practice. Increasing the curriculum to four years will also allow the midwives 
in the government service to qualify for higher positions as they shall be considered 
professionals pursuant to the Civil Service Commission guidelines.  
The bill seeks to strengthen the practice of midwifery in the country by clearly 
defining the scope of midwifery practice, with particular emphasis on the expanding 
functions of midwives in the community healthcare service; inclusion of a midwife 
plantilla position in the hospital; provision of support for independent private midwife 
practitioners to connect and reach the marginalized and underprivileged childbearing 
women with the highest risk of poor health outcomes; increase midwife-to-patient ratio, 
given the increasing population to be served, especially families residing in 
geographically disadvantaged areas of the country; and mandating the Board of 
August 22, 2022
11:52 am
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Midwifery to monitor the condition of the profession and ensure quality midwifery 
education. 
 
The bill also seeks the integration of the profession of midwifery in order to raise 
the standards of the midwifery profession, improve the delivery of midwifery services 
to the public, and enable our midwives to discharge their public responsibility more 
effectively. 
 
Lastly, the bill seeks to reform the current Midwifery Act of 1992, or Republic Act 
No. 7392 to promote and protect the midwifery profession, rights, and welfare that will 
result in humane working conditions, better career paths, better salaries and wage 
benefits, dignified existence, and contribute significantly to the nation's quest for a 
healthy citizenry. 
 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly 
sought. 
 
 
RON P. SALO   
    
 
 
 
                   KABAYAN Party List   
 
 
 
 


 
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Ron P. Salo 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTING 
REFORMS 
IN 
THE 
PROFESSION 
OF 
MIDWIFERY, 
STRENGTHENING THE BOARD OF MIDWIFERY, REPEALING FOR THE 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7392 OR THE PHILIPPINE MIDWIFERY ACT OF 
1992, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Midwifery 
Act of 2022”. 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the state to 
assume responsibility for the protection and improvement of the Midwifery profession 
by instituting measures that will result in a relevant higher midwifery education, 
humane working conditions, better career prospects and dignified existence of 
midwives. 
The State hereby guarantees the prioritization of the health needs of women in 
their childbearing years and their babies, as well as the delivery of quality health 
services through adequate, efficient, and competent personnel all over the country. 
SEC. 3. Objectives. – This Act provides for and shall govern: 
(a) The standardizing and improvement of the professional framework in
midwifery;
(b) The examination of midwives; and
(c) The supervision, control, and regulation of the education and practice of
midwifery.
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms – For purposes of this Act, the following terms are 
hereby defined as follows: 
a) Bachelor of Science in Midwifery refers to a four-year degree program
consisting of general education and professional courses which prepare
registered midwives for higher level midwifery competencies.
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b) Board as used in this Act shall refer to the Professional Regulatory Board 
of Midwifery. 
 
c) Commission as used in this Act shall refer to the Professional Regulation 
Commission. 
 
d) Core subject refers to a subject expected to be learned by all students of a 
certain profession, generally related to a set of subjects and learning areas 
that are common to the profession, and necessary for the competent and 
effective practice of the profession. 
 
e) Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP) refers to the 
integrated national organization of all midwives. 
 
f) Ladderized education refers to the harmonization of all education and 
training mechanisms that allow students and workers to progress between 
technical-vocational and higher education programs, or vice-versa. It opens 
opportunities for career and educational advancement to students and 
workers. It creates a seamless and borderless education and training 
system that will allow transfers in terms of flexible entry and exit between 
technical-vocational and higher education programs in the post-secondary 
school educational system. 
 
g) Midwife refers to a bona fide holder of a valid Certificate of Registration or 
Professional Identification Card issued by the Professional Regulatory 
Board of Midwifery and the Professional Regulation Commission. 
 
h) Special areas refer to socially or physically marginalized or hard-to-reach 
areas such as urban slums and remote rural areas. 
 
I. THE BOARD OF MIDWIFERY 
 
SEC. 5. Composition – There shall be a Board of Midwifery, hereinafter 
referred to as the Board, which shall be under the direct supervision of the Professional 
Regulation Commission (PRC). It shall be a collegial body composed of a chairperson 
and four (4) members to be appointed by the President of the Philippines from among 
a list submitted by the IMAP, in accordance with the rules then in force; Provided, That 
the nominees submitted shall possess the appropriate qualifications prescribed in this 
Act.” 
 
SEC. 6. Qualifications and Disqualifications of the Board Members – Each 
member of the Board shall, at the time of his/her appointment: 
 
(a) Be a citizen and resident of the Philippines; 
(b) Be a registered midwife; 
(c) Be of good moral character and must not have been convicted of any crime 
involving moral turpitude; 
(d) Be at least thirty (30) years of age; 
(e) Be a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Midwifery, whether through the 
ladderized education or straight program, obtained from a school of 


 
 
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midwifery duly recognized by the Commission on Higher Education 
(CHED); and 
(f) Be in active practice of the profession for at least ten (10) years prior to 
his/her appointment, at least five (5) years of which are in a supervisory 
position; Provided, That a person who is a member of the faculty, whether 
full time, part time or lecturer of any school, college or university where a 
regular course in midwifery is taught, or who has any pecuniary interest, 
directly or indirectly, in such an institution must forego his membership in 
said faculty or relinquish his interests in said institution before or upon 
taking his oath as a member of the Board: Provided, further, That an officer 
of any midwifery association is disqualified from being appointed to or 
serving in the Board. 
 
SEC. 7. Term of Office. – The Chairperson and the four (4) members of the 
Board shall hold office for three (3) years or until their successors shall have been 
appointed and duly qualified, and shall be eligible for one (1) reappointment for another 
three (3) years. Each member of the Board shall qualify by taking his/her oath of office 
before entering upon the performance of his/her duties. 
 
 
SEC. 8. Duties and Functions of the Board. – The Board shall have the 
following duties and functions: 
 
(a) Enforce the provisions of this Act; 
(b) Ensure that those who are admitted in the profession are qualified and 
competent;  
(c) Administer oaths in accordance with the provisions of this Act and maintain 
a roll of certified midwives; 
(d) Issue and, after due investigation, suspend or revoke certificates or 
registration of midwives found guilty of misconduct and restoration of the 
name of anyone so removed. 
(e) Formulate rules regulating, supervising and restricting within due limits the 
practice of midwives; 
(f) Formulate and implement career progression program for trainings and 
professional development of midwives; 
(g) Establish local supervising authorities (qualified monitoring and mentoring 
midwives) to supervise the practice of fellow midwives in their practice and 
enhance their skills and knowledge; 
(h) Investigate any violation of this Act or of the rules and regulations issued 
thereunder, as may come to the knowledge of the Board, and for this 
purpose, to issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to alleged 
violators or witnesses to secure their attendance in investigations or 
hearings, and the production of books, papers and documents in 
connection therewith and compel their attendance by the power of 
contempt; 
(i) Conduct yearly Midwifery Licensure Examinations to qualified midwifery 
examinees under the supervision of the Commission; 
(j) Monitor from time to time the condition affecting the practice of midwifery 
in the country and enforce such measures as may be deemed necessary 
for the maintenance of the standards and ethics of the profession; 


 
 
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(k) Ensure quality midwifery education by examining the prescribed facilities 
of universities and colleges of midwifery and those seeking permission to 
open midwifery courses to ensure that standards of midwifery education 
are properly complied with; 
(l) Implement the four (4) year midwifery curriculum leading to a Bachelor of 
Science in Midwifery to prepare and equip midwives with scientific 
knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become competent and confident in the 
practice of midwifery; 
(m) Prescribe, adopt, issue, and promulgate guidelines, regulations, measures, 
and decisions as may be necessary for the improvement of the practice of 
midwifery, advancement of the profession, and for the proper and full 
enforcement of this Act subject to the review and approval by the 
Commission;  
(n) Coordinate with CHED on the standards required for the midwifery 
curriculum; and 
(o) Adopt an official seal to authenticate its official documents. 
 
 
The Board shall exercise these powers and duties in accordance with Republic 
Act No. 8981. 
 
 
SEC. 9. Compensation of Board Members. – The Chairperson and the 
members of the Board shall receive the same compensation and allowances granted 
to the Chairperson and members of other professional regulatory boards. 
 
 
SEC. 10. Suspension and Removal of the Chairperson and Members of 
the Board – Any member of the Board may be suspended or removed from office by 
the President, upon the recommendation of the Professional Regulation Commission, 
for neglect of duty, abuse of authority, oppression, incompetence, commission or 
toleration of irregularities in the conduct of the board examinations or tampering of 
grades therein, or for unprofessional, immoral, unethical or dishonorable conduct, after 
having been given the opportunity to defend himself in a proper administrative 
investigation conducted by the Commission. 
 
 
SEC. 11. Supervision of the Board and Custodian of its Records – The 
members of the Board shall be under the general supervision of the Commission. All 
records, including examination papers, examination results, minutes of deliberation, 
records of administrative cases and investigations of the Board shall be kept by the 
Commission. 
 
 
SEC. 12. Rules and Regulations – Subject to the approval of the Commission, 
the Board shall set ethical and professional standards for the practice of midwifery and 
adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of 
this Act. Such standards, rules and regulations shall take effect thirty days after 
publication in two national newspapers of general circulation. 
 
 
SEC. 13. Annual Report – The Board shall submit an annual report to the 
Commission at the end of each calendar year, giving a detailed report of its activities 
and proceedings during the year. Other information or data may be requested by the 
Commission as often as may be necessary and practicable. 
 


 
 
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II. EDUCATION, EXAMINATION, AND REGISTRATION OF MIDWIVES 
 
 
SEC. 14. Schools of Midwifery – To be recognized as a duly accredited and 
legally constituted institution for midwifery education, a school of Midwifery shall have 
a permit and recognition from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). 
 
 
The school shall have a base hospital with at least twenty (20) maternity beds 
with an 80% occupancy rate and such other provisions required by the policies and 
standards of midwifery education as promulgated by CHED in coordination with the 
Board. The school shall also be affiliated with an accredited hospital duly accredited 
by an authorized government agency or instrumentality. The school shall have a 
minimum ratio of one (1) clinical instructor to twelve (12) students in the hospital and 
in the community. For special areas, there shall be a maximum of five (5) students. 
For birthing clinics, there shall be a maximum of three (3) students. 
 
 
Before allowing a student to graduate, the school shall satisfactorily show to 
the CHED or other authorized government agencies that the student has completed 
the course in midwifery as prescribed by the CHED or other duly authorized 
government agencies, and that during the training, the student has personally 
attended at least a total of twenty (20) deliveries, twenty (20) internal examinations 
during normal labor, five (5) perineal suturing of first and second degree lacerations, 
and five (5) intravenous insertions in the hospitals, birthing facilities in the hospital, 
and in its domiciliary services. 
 
 
SEC. 15. Curriculum – The CHED, in coordination with the Board, shall 
formulate the Bachelor of Science in Midwifery curriculum, identifying core subjects in 
midwifery education. The curriculum shall adhere to the standards for midwifery 
education set forth by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and shall 
include a mandatory midwifery internship program in institutions such as, but not 
limited to, hospitals, birthing homes, and birthing clinics.  
 
 
SEC. 16. Qualifications of the Dean and the Faculty – The CHED, in 
coordination with the Board and the IMAP shall come up with the qualifications of the 
Dean and the Faculty Members. 
 
 
SEC. 17. Examination Required – All applicants for registration to the practice 
of midwifery in the Philippines shall be required to undergo an examination as required 
for in this Act. 
 
 
SEC. 18. Scope of Examinations. – The scope of examinations for the 
practice of midwifery shall consist of the following: 
 
(a) General Topics: 
 
(i) Fundamentals of midwifery care 
(ii) Obstetrics and basic gynecology 
(iii) Care of infants and children 
(iv) Primary health care (health programs, reproductive health, 
microbiology as applied to midwifery practice, community 


 
 
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development 
and 
management 
of 
community 
health 
programs) 
(v) Professional growth and development (law and ethics, 
professional growth, administration and supervision) 
 
(b) Specific Topics: 
 
(i) 
Infant and child care and feeding; 
(ii) 
Obstetrical anatomy and physiology; 
(iii) Principles of bacteriology as applied to midwifery practice; 
(iv) Obstetrics and basic gynecology; 
(v) 
Midwifery procedures; 
(vi) Domiciliary midwifery; 
(vii) Community hygiene and first aid; 
(viii) Nutrition; 
(ix) Ethics of midwifery practice; 
(x) 
Primary and community health care; 
(xi) Professional growth and development; 
(xii) Principles of microbiology as applied to midwifery practice; 
(xiii) Reproductive health; 
(xiv) Community midwifery; 
(xv) Counseling; and 
(xvi) Research.  
 
 
The Board is empowered to remove or add to these general and specific topics 
after thorough consultations with the stakeholders, including the association of 
midwives, the academe, and those who are in the active practice of the profession, 
and after due publication in any newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
SEC. 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 of his/ her application therefor, establish to the satisfaction to the Board that 
he/she is: 
(a) In good health;  
(b) Of good moral character;  
(c) A graduate of midwifery in a government recognized and duly accredited 
institution; 
(d) A citizen of the Philippines; and  
(e) At least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the issuance of a 
certificate of registration. 
 
 
SEC. 20. Rating in the Board Examination – To be qualified as having 
passed the Board Examination for midwives, a candidate must obtain a general rating 
of seventy-five percent (75%) in the written test with no grade lower than sixty percent 
(60%) in any subject. 
 
 
SEC. 21. Report of the Results of Examination – The Board shall, within one 
hundred twenty (120) days after the examination, report the ratings obtained by each 
candidate to the Commissioner of the PRC. 
 


 
 
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SEC. 22. Oath – All successful candidates in the examination shall be required 
to take an oath of profession before the Board or any government official authorized 
to administer oaths prior to entering the profession of midwifery. 
 
 
SEC. 23. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional 
Identification Card – A Certificate of Registration shall, upon payment of the required 
fees, be issued to any applicant who passes the board examination. Every certificate 
of registration shall show the full name of the registrant, have a serial number, bear 
the signatures of the members of the Board, be attested by the Secretary of the Board, 
and be duly authenticated by the official seal of the Board. The issuance of a certificate 
of registration by the Board to the registrant shall be evidence that the person named 
therein is entitled to all rights and privileges of a registered midwife until said certificate, 
for just cause, is suspended temporarily or revoked. 
 
 
A professional identification card bearing the registration number, date of 
issuance, and expiry date, and duly signed by the commission, shall likewise be issued 
to every registrant upon payment of the required fees. 
 
 
SEC. 24. Registration of Nurse-Midwives – A certificate of registration may 
be issued to registered nurses who pass the examination for midwives: Provided, That 
the nurse, before being allowed to take the examination, must first show evidence to 
the Board of having actually handled twenty (20) delivery cases as certified to by the 
director or chief of a duly registered or recognized hospital, or by the proper municipal, 
city, or provincial health officer, as well as having completed the core subjects in 
midwifery education, or their equivalents, as determined by CHED, in coordination with 
the Board. 
 
 
SEC. 25. Fees of Examination and Registration – Applicants for examination 
for the practice of midwifery shall pay an examination fee as prescribed by the PRC. 
 
 
SEC. 26. Prohibition Against Unauthorized Practice of Midwifery – No 
person shall practice or offer to practice midwifery in the Philippines, as defined in this 
Act, without holding a valid certificate of registration and a professional license as 
midwife; Provided, That this shall not prevent other allied health professionals, 
including physicians, from practicing their own professions which may bear semblance 
with that of the midwives.  
 
 
SEC. 27. Foreign Reciprocity – No midwife who is a citizen, subject, or 
national of a foreign country shall be granted any of the rights and privileges under this 
Act unless he or she shows to the satisfaction of the Board that the country of which 
he or she is a citizen, subject, or national permits within its territorial limits on the same 
basis as the citizen, subject, or national of such country: Provided, That, the requisites 
for admission to midwifery school and for graduation in said country are substantially 
the same as those in this country. 
 
 
SEC. 28. Refusal to Issue Certificate of Registration – The Board shall 
refuse to issue a certificate of registration to any person convicted by a 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 


 
 
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a written statement setting forth the reason or reasons for its action, which statement 
shall be incorporated in the records of the Board. 
 
 
SEC. 29. Revocation and Suspension of Certificates – 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 for unprofessional 
conduct, malpractice, incompetence or serious ignorance or negligence, assisting or 
performing abortion in the practice of midwifery or for making use of fraud, deceit, or 
false statements to obtain a certificate of registration. From the decision of the Board, 
appeal may be taken to the PRC, the decision of which shall be final. 
 
 
SEC. 30. Reissuance of Revoked Certificates and Replacement of Lost 
Certificate – 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. 
 
 
SEC. 31. Civil Service Eligibility – An applicant who passes the board 
examination for the practice of midwifery shall automatically be granted with 
professional career service eligibility.  
 
III. THE MIDWIFERY PRACTICE 
 
 
SEC. 32. Practice of Midwifery Defined – The practice of midwifery consists 
in performing or rendering, or offering to perform or render, for a fee, salary, or other 
reward or compensation, services requiring an understanding of the principles and 
application of procedures and techniques in the supervision and care of women during 
pregnancy, labor and puerperium, management of normal deliveries, including the 
performance of internal examination during labor, except when patient is with 
antenatal bleeding; health education of the patient, family, and community, with 
particular emphasis on hygiene in pregnancy, prevention of complications and risk 
factors in pregnancy, breastfeeding, nutrition, exercise, management of common 
discomforts associated with pregnancy, preparation for delivery, postpartum check-
up, prevention of illness, immunization for both children and adults, conduct of 
newborn screening, and importance of registration of a newborn; primary health care 
services in the community, including nutrition, reproductive health, immunization, 
health education and counseling, prevention and control of communicable and non-
communicable diseases, newborn care and care of the family and community, basic 
lifesaving skills, obstetrics, basic gynecology, and family planning; rules and 
procedures governing the registration with the local civil registrar of birth of newborns 
attended to; oral and parenteral dispensing of oxytocic drug after delivery of the baby, 
suturing perineal lacerations to control bleeding, and giving intravenous fluid during 
obstetrical emergencies, provided they have been trained for that purpose; and 
injection of Vitamin K to the newborn: Provided, however, That this provision shall not 
apply to students in midwifery schools who perform midwifery services under the 
supervision of their instructors, nor to emergency cases; Provided, further, that this 
shall not prevent other allied health professionals, including physicians, from practicing 
their own professions which may bear semblance to these activities.  
 
 
SEC. 33. Duties and Responsibilities of Midwives – Midwives shall be 
primarily responsible for the welfare of the mother and the baby in all stages of 


 
 
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childbearing and birth. Midwives shall collaborate with other health care providers for 
the curative, preventive, and rehabilitative aspects of care, restoration of health, and 
alleviation of suffering of the mother and the baby, and when recovery is not possible, 
towards a peaceful death. It shall be the duty of a midwife to: 
 
(a) perform professional responsibilities based on acceptable and scientific 
standards, apply ethical and legal principles in the performance of his/ her 
functions, actively participate in the activities of the professional 
organization 
and 
comply 
with 
continuing 
professional 
education 
requirements; 
 
(b) establish linkages and coordination with the community health care; 
 
(c) provide health education to individuals, families and communities; 
 
 
Provided, That this section shall not apply to midwifery students who perform 
midwifery functions under the supervision of a qualified faculty: Provided, further, that 
in the practice of midwifery in all settings, the midwife is duty-bound to observe the 
code of ethics for midwives and uphold the standards of safe practice. 
 
 
SEC. 34. Emergency Authority to Dispense Medicine – Midwives shall be 
allowed to administer lifesaving drugs such as, but not limited to, oxytocin and 
magnesium sulfate, in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Health 
(DOH), under emergency conditions: Provided, That they are properly trained and 
certified to administer these lifesaving drugs. 
 
 
SEC. 35. Midwifery Practice in Hospitals – The prescribed scope of midwifery 
practice shall be applied to a midwife working in a hospital. The midwife shall be a 
collaborative partner of physicians and nurses in all stages of pregnancy, newborn 
care, 
breastfeeding 
and 
education, 
post-natal 
care, 
conduct 
of 
family 
planning/counseling, and newborn screening. 
 
 
SEC. 36. Midwifery Education – Midwifery education shall be considered as 
another field of midwifery practice. Midwives working in higher education institutions 
with midwifery programs shall endeavor to provide education that is prescribed by the 
CHED and shall be updated with all the competencies required of the profession for 
the efficient transfer of learning to students. 
 
 
SEC. 37. Integration of Midwives – In order for every midwife to contribute to 
his/her profession and to bear his/her share of professional responsibilities, all 
midwives shall join and be integrated into one national organization. The Integrated 
Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP) shall serve as the integrated national 
organization of all midwives. Every midwife, upon registration with the Board, shall 
become a member of the IMAP. Those who have been registered with the Board as 
certified midwives before the effectivity of this Act shall register as members of the 
IMAP within three (3) years after said effectivity. Provided, That certified midwives may 
form or join other midwives’ organizations.  
 
 
SEC. 38. Continuing Professional Education – In order for a registered 
midwife to enhance her competency and skills, the Board shall require attendance in 


 
 
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mandatory continuing professional education to be provided by the IMAP, or any 
recognized professional midwifery organization, duly approved by the Board. 
 
 
Career progression and specialization shall be part of the continuing 
professional development of the midwives. Career progression and specialization 
shall be a vital tool and requirement for considerations in employment, compensation, 
comparability of qualifications, and mobility in the local, regional, and international 
labor markets. 
 
 
SEC. 39. Research for Midwifery Manpower Needs, Production, 
Utilization, and Development – The IMAP, in coordination with the Board and 
appropriate government or private agencies, shall conduct research on human 
resources, utilization, placement, and developments in the practice of midwifery. Such 
research shall assess, in coordination with the appropriate government agency, the 
need to increase the current midwife-to-patient ratio of 1: 5,000. 
 
 
SEC. 40. Comprehensive Midwifery Program – To enhance the level of skill 
and competence of midwives in the country, the Board, within ninety (90) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, and in coordination with the IMAP, accredited midwifery 
service providers, and the DOH, is hereby mandated to formulate and develop a 
comprehensive midwifery program that includes trainings and assessments of career 
performance and potential. The program shall, in addition to maternal and childcare 
services, include other expanding functions of midwives in the healthcare community. 
 
 
The beneficiaries of this program are obligated to serve in any rural or 
community hospital for a period of at least one (1) year from the completion of the 
midwifery competency and skills training program. 
 
 
SEC. 41. Salary and Compensation – In order to enhance the general welfare 
and commitment to service, motivation, and professionalism of midwives, the minimum 
base pay of midwives working in public health care institutions shall not be lower than 
the first step of salary rate prescribed for salary grade 8 for Diploma in Midwifery 
graduates, and salary grade 10 for Bachelor of Science in Midwifery graduates, 
pursuant to Republic Act No. 11466, otherwise known as the “Salary Standardization 
Law of 2019”. Provided, That for midwives working in local government units, 
adjustments to their salaries shall be in accordance with Section 10 of the same act. 
 
 
SEC. 42. Funding for the Comprehensive Midwifery Program – The annual 
financial requirement needed to train at least ten percent (10%) of midwives of the 
participating government hospitals under the Comprehensive Midwifery Program shall 
be chargeable against the income of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and 
the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, which shall equally share in the 
costs. The funding shall be released to the DOH, subject to accounting and auditing 
procedures, provided that the DOH shall set the criteria for the availment of this 
program. 
 
 
SEC. 43. Prohibited Acts – The following acts are prohibited: 
 
(a) Engaging in unauthorized practice of midwifery as defined in Section 25 of this 
Act;  


 
 
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(b) Giving false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board or to any member 
thereof for the purpose of obtaining a certificate of registration or professional 
license; and 
(c) Violation by any person, whether natural or juridical, of any of the provisions of 
this Act and the rules and regulations promulgated for its effective 
implementation. 
 
IV. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
 
 
SEC. 44. Penal Provision – The commission of any of the prohibited acts listed 
in the immediately preceding section shall be punished with imprisonment of not less 
than three (3) years but not more than eight (8) years, or a fine of not less than one 
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than five hundred thousand 
pesos (P500,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court. 
 
 
SEC. 45. Implementing Rules and Regulations – Within ninety (90) days 
after the effectivity of this Act, the Board and Commission, in coordination with 
accredited professional midwives organizations, the Department of Health, the 
Department of Budget and Management and other concerned government agencies, 
shall formulate such rules and regulations necessary to carry 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. 
 
 
 SEC. 46. Repealing Clause. – Republic Act No. 2644 and Republic Act No. 
7392 is hereby repealed and all laws, decrees, orders, instructions, rules and 
regulations and other issuance or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are likewise 
repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
 
 SEC. 47. Separability Clause. – Any portion or provision of this Act that may 
be declared unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of nullifying the other 
portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portion or provision can still 
subsist and be given effect in their entirety. 
 
 
 SEC. 48. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or any two (2) newspapers of general circulation in 
the Philippines. 
 
Approved.