Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1485

HOUSE BILL NO.

REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF MICROBIOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Society benefits from microorganisms in various ways. These microorganisms are
employed in the production of foods and condiments such as bread, cheese, beer, soy
sauce and pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics, vaccines, and hormones like insulin and
vitamins. They are also employed in environmental clean-up and in the production of
biogas and bioethanol. Life on earth is preserved with the action of microorganisms in the
cycling of major elements, such as carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur, both
in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, microorganisms are the source of
nutrients at the base of ecological food chains and food webs. As such, microorganisms
are employed in scientific research and technology.

The principles of microbiology form the foundation of modem biotechnology, such as
genetic engineering and cell and tissue culture. Conversely, microorganisms are
responsible for the spoilage of food and manufactured goods and for post-harvest losses
in agricultural crops; food poisoning and many diseases in humans such as HIV,
pneumonia, typhoid, and cholera; in livestock such as foot and mouth disease; and in
crops such as bacterial leaf blight in rice, Sigatoka disease in banana, bunchy top in abaca
and damping off in most vegetables.

The handling of microorganisms requires special skills and knowledge. Such skills
and knowledge are essential in the quality control of processed foods and manufactured


goods, in managing environmental pollution, in remediating degraded soils, in
managing/preventing outbreaks or epidemics in human, animal and crop populations, and
in efficiently producing microbial-based goods and services. The academic preparation
and manpower training of microbiologists are provided by universities and colleges.

The practice of microbiology as a profession has started more than five decades ago.
Inevitably due to differences in philosophy, facilities and resources, the content and
‘emphasis of the curriculum and training modules in various institutions differ. Given the
important role of microbiologists as stated above, it is imperative that the profession of
microbiology be regulated. Regulation of the practice of microbiology will ensure that only
the capable and deserving ones are allowed to practice. The licensure exam will also
ensure that Universities offering Microbiology courses will be more vigilant in offering
quality and updated education since the passing rates in the board exams will be reflective
of the performance and standards of their schools. This will redound to more competent
professionals in microbiology. Regulation will also allow the continuous monitoring of their
competence, updating and professionalism throughout their years of practice of
microbiology. Very importantly, this will also give the much-needed recognition of
microbiologists as licensed professional practitioners.

In synergy and convergence with other professions regulated by the Professional
Regulation Commission where microbiology is an essential component of their practice,
Doctors of Medicine, Doctors of Veterinary Medicine, Medical Technologists, Agriculturists,
Pharmacists, and Food Technologists, among others, shall continue to practice
microbiology without registering under this Act.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
sea,
JOAQUIN M. CHIPECO, JI

resentative
‘one District, Calamba City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1485
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Joaquin M. Chipeco, Jr.

AN ACT REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF MICROBIOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress Assembled:
ARTICLE |.
TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY AND OBJECTIVES

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Microbiology Act
of 2018."

SECTION 2. Statement of Policy and Objectives. - The State recognizes the
important role of microbiologists in national development. Hence, it is the object of this
Act to institute a regulatory system that guarantees the delivery of technical services in
a manner that ensures food safety and high quality of manufactured goods, prevents the
rapid spread of microbially-caused diseases in human, plant, and animal populations,
and helps provide a safe and healthy environment for the general populace. This Act also
aims to develop and nurture competent, ethical, globally competitive and well-rounded
professionals who shall observe the highest standard of excellence through a credible
and relevant licensure examination.


ARTICLE Il
DEFINITION OF TERMS AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE

‘SECTION 3. Definition of Terms - As used in this Act:

a. Accredited Professional Organization (APO)- shall refer to the professional

organization established for the benefit and welfare of professionals of
microbiology, the advancement of the microbiology profession and attainment of
other professional ends, and compliant to all the requirements for accreditation,
subject to the approval of the Professional Regulation Commission (Commission).

. Microbiology - shalll refer to a multi-disciplinary study of the structure, form and

function of microorganisms such as bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, protozoa, and
acellular infectious agents. It covers several branches of biology such as
physiology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolutionary biology,
systematics and other related fields.

;- Registered Microbiologist - shall refer to a person who has been issued a

Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card by the Board and
the Commission.

FIELDS OF MICROBIOLOGY:

b.

Bacteriology - shall refer to the branch of microbiology that specifically deals
with the biochemistry, physiology, morphology, evolution, genetics, and ecology
of bacteria—a large domain of single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms.
Bacteriology also deals with the study of medically- and industrially-significant
bacteria, such as those which cause major infectious diseases, food spoilage,
and those which are able to ferment food or produce valuable pharmaceuticals
and enzymes.

Archaeal Biology — shall refer to the scientific discipline that concems with the
study of the biology of archaea, a domain of organisms consisting of single,
nucleus-free cells, distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes.



. Virology — shall refer to the branch of microbiology that specifically deals with
viruses—sub-microscopic obligate intracellular parasites—and_ virus-like
Particles, and subviral particles such as prions and viroids, which usually
cause disease in animals, plants, and humans. Virology studies the taxonomic
classification and ultrastructure of these agents, their genetic make-up, mode
of infection, as well as their interactions with their respective hosts.

|. Protozoology - shalll refer to the branch of microbiology that studies protozoa,
a diverse group of eukaryotic, heterotrophic microorganisms. It is concerned
with the taxonomy, physiology, evolution, biochemistry and metabolism of
protozoans. As several protozoans are disease-causing, protozoology is also
concemed with studying their modes of infection, transmission, life cycles, as
well as their interaction with their host organisms.

. Phycology - shall refer to the branch of microbiology that studies algae, which
is a large group of chiefly aquatic macroscopic and microscopic unicellular
organisms similar to plants in terms of metabolism and structure. Phycology
studies the ultrastructure, biochemistry, metabolism and ecology of these
algae, such as different species of seaweeds, phytoplankton and a vast
number of others.

Mycology - shall refer to the branch of microbiology that studies yeasts, molds
and mushrooms, which are collectively referred to as fungi. It is concerned
with the physiology, taxonomy, biochemistry, ecology, and genetic properties
of fungi. Mycology also deals with the significance and application of fungal
species in medicine and industry, as several species could cause disease and
can produce antibiotics as well as other valuable secondary metabolites.

. Medical Microbiology- shall refer to the branch of microbiology that
specifically deals with the study of characteristics of pathogens, their modes
of transmission, mechanisms of infection and growth. It is also concemed with
the interactions of pathogens to hosts and the environment and the
applications of microorganisms for the improvement of health. For purposes
of this Act, clinical microbiology is excluded from the definition and scope of
medical microbiology. Clinical Microbiology shall refer to the branch of


microbiology that relates to the diagnosis, treatment, management, and
prevention of infectious diseases in patients in hospital and clinical
laboratories. It also includes hospital facility environmental surveillance and
monitoring in support of infection control and safety programs as well as
quality control. This field of practice encompasses several different sciences
applied to hospital and clinical laboratories, including bacteriology, mycology,
Virology, parasitology, immunology and molecular diagnostics. It involves
culture, analysis and identification of pathogenic and other clinically relevant
bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites isolated from clinical specimens and/or
other non-biological specimens. It also involves susceptibility testing to guide
antimicrobial therapy and provide antibiograms to the health facility and/or
local community to demonstrate the prevalence of various pathogens and
‘emerging antibiotic resistance.

h. Environmental Microbiology — shall refer to the branch of microbiology that
deals with study of indigenous microorganisms on earth, water, and air system
and their interactions with organic and inorganic pollutants and the application
of their products for the benefit of human health and welfare. It is the applied
part of microbial ecology which deals with the study of the interactions of
microorganisms with the biotic and abiotic environment.

Related Fields in Microbiology - shall include cell biology, helminthology, immunology,
molecular biology and biotechnology, parasitology, and plant pathology.

SECTION 4. Scope of Practice of the Microbiology Profession - The practice of
microbiology shall refer to the profession requiring the application of the fundamental and
known principles of microbiology pertinent to the conditions and requirements of food
safety and manufacturing standards, disease prevention, environmental protection,
conservation and quality management. This shall include but not be limited to the
following:

a. Consultation, valuation, investigation and management services on the

identification of microbial agents in food, feed, human, plant and animal
diseases, and in environmental impact assessments;


. Management or supervision and the preparation of designs, plans,
specifications, project studies and estimates for microbial-based processes and
related manufacturing and waste management facilities;

. Conduct of research and development, training and extension work, and
consultancy services on the various areas of microbiology, such as general
microbiology, food microbiology, agricultural microbiology, industrial
microbiology, veterinary microbiology, medical microbiology, aquatic
microbiology and environmental microbiology, and on microbiological
facilities/services, systems and technologies;

Microbiological testing and inspection of food, pharmaceutical, agricultural,
fishery and forest products;

.. Management, manufacturing and/or marketing of microbial and microbial-based
products. Marketing of the microbial and microbial-based products are not
exclusive to the practice of microbiology and shall include other professions
mentioned in Section 26;

Quality control on microbiological concems in the manufacture of foods, food
additives, flavors, feeds, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biofuels, biofertilizers and
others;

. Teaching microbiology subjects and offering degree programs and training
courses in microbiology in higher educational institutions (HEIs) in the
Philippines in conjunction with Section 11 of Republic Act No. 8981 and the rules
and regulations of the Commission of Higher Education (CHED); and

Employment with the government or private institution/agency which requires the
knowledge and expertise of a registered microbiologist.

ARTICLE Il


CREATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD FOR MICROBIOLOGY

SECTION 6. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board for
Microbiology —There is hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board for Microbiology
hereinafter referred to as the Board, under the administrative supervision and control of
the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission,
under the Office of the President (OP). The Board shall be composed of a chairperson
and two (2) members, two (2) of whom with at least five (5) years of teaching experience
in microbiology, who shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines
from those recommended by the PRC, from the list of three (3) nominees for each position
endorsed by APO. The Board shall be organized not later than sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act.

SECTION 6. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Board. - The
chairperson and members of the Board shall, at the time of appointment, possess the
following qualifications:

a. Must be a Filipino citizen;

b. Be of good moral character;

c. Has not been convicted by a competent court of any offense involving moral
turpitude;

d. Must be a holder of at least a Master of Science Degree in Microbiology-related
fields conferred by a CHED recognized Philippine HE! or foreign university;

e. Must have at least ten (10) years of practice in microbiology, either in goverment
or in any private institution;

{Must not have any financial interest, directly and indirectly, in any HEI conferring
academic degree necessary for admission to the practice of microbiology or where
review classes in preparation for the microbiology licensure examination are being
offered or conducted, nor shall one be a member of the faculty or the
administration thereof.


SECTION 7. Tenure of Office for the Chairperson and Members of the Board. - The
chairperson and members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years from
the date of appointment or until their successors shall have been qualified and appointed.

The chairperson and members of the Board may be reappointed for another term after the
expiry of their term. They shall take the proper oath of office prior to assumption of office
before a duly authorized officer.

SECTION 8. Meetings of the Board. - The Board shall have a regular meeting once a
month. Special meetings may also be held upon the calll of the chairperson or request by
two (2) of its members. Reasonable notice of all meetings shall be given in the manner
prescribed by the rules of the Board.

SECTION 9. Compensation and Allowances of the Board. - The chairperson and members
of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances equivalent to those being
received by the chairpersons and members of existing professional regulatory boards
under the Commission as provided for in the General Appropriations Act.

‘SECTION 10. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall be vested with the
following powers and functions

a. Promulgate, administer and enforce rules and regulations necessary to carry out
the provisions of this Act;

b. Prescribe the subjects in the licensure examination and their relative weights,
determine the syllabi and Table of Specifications (TOS) for the subjects on which
the examination questions shall be based on, and to submit the examination
results to the Commission;

c. Evaluate and approve applications for licensure examination;


d. Administer oaths and, issue certificates of registration and the professional
identification card to persons admitted to the practice of the profession of
microbiology;

. Submit to the Commission an annual report at the close of each fiscal year on the
proceedings and accomplishments of the Board during the year as well as
recommendations for the purpose of upgrading and improving the conditions
affecting the practice of microbiology in the Philippines;

g. Oversee the conduct of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program
for microbiologists;

h. Recommend measures necessary for the upgrading, enhancement, development
and growth of microbiology in the Philippines;

i, Monitor the conditions affecting the practice of microbiology and adopt such
measures as may be deemed necessary for the enhancement of the profession
and/or upholding of high professional, ethical and technical standards, and for this
purpose, shall conduct inspection and monitoring of establishments where
microbiologists are practicing, and higher educational institutions where the
microbiology courses are being offered, in coordination with the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED);

j. Approve registration of microbiologists without examination; and

k. Issue special temporary permits to microbiologists of foreign nationalities subject
to the requirements and conditions prescribed by the Board.

The policies and resolutions, rules and regulations, orders, or decisions issued or
promulgated by the Board shall be subject to the review and approval of the Commission;
Provided, That the decisions, resolutions, and orders rendered by the Board which are
interlocutory in an administrative case shall be subject to review on appeal

SECTION 11. Removal of Board Members. - The chairperson or any Member of the Board
may be suspended or removed from office by the President of the Republic of the


Philippines upon the recommendation of the Commission for neglect of duty,
incompetence, tolerance of irregularities in any examination given by the Board,
unprofessional or unethical conduct. Any such person shall be afforded due process
according to the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.

SECTION 12. Supervision of the Board, Custodian of the Records, Secretariat and
Support Services. - The Board shall be under the general supervision and administrative
control of the Commission. The Commission shall keep all records of the Board, including
applications for examination papers and results, minutes of deliberations, administrative
cases and other investigative cases involving microbiologists.

ARTICLE IV
EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION

SECTION 13. Licensure Examination. - Unless otherwise provided in the Act, every
applicant seeking to be registered and licensed as microbiologist shall take and pass a
written examination to be given by the Board at least once a year in such places and dates
as the Commission may designate.

SECTION 14. Qualifications for Examination. - Any person applying for admission to the
licensure examination for microbiologist shall meet the following requirements:

1. Helshe is a citizen and resident of the Philippines: Provided, that citizen of a foreign
country may be allowed to take the examination, subject to the requirement of
reciprocity pursuant to Section 30 of this Act;

2. He/she is of good moral character;

3. He/she has not been convicted by a competent court of any offense involving moral
turpitude; and

4. He/she holds a baccalaureate degree in Microbiology or Biology major in
Microbiology, or graduate degree in Microbiology, or any related field with twenty-


four (24) units of microbiology, to include the courses covered in the licensure
exam.

SECTION 15. Scope of Examination. - The licensure examination for microbiology shall
cover six (6) subjects

1. General microbiology

2. Code of Ethics for Microbiology and Microbiology Law of 2018
3. Microbial Physiology

4. Microbial Ecology

5. Medical Microbiology

6. Applied Microbiology (Food and industrial)

The Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, may revise the scope of
examination and any of the subjects and their syllabi to conform to technological advances
brought about by trends and developments in the profession.

SECTION 16. Release of the Results of Examination. - The Board shall correct and
release the licensure examination results within three (3) days from the date of the
examination, unless extended for valid reason.

‘SECTION 17. Rating in Examination. To pass the licensure examination for microbiology,
an examinee must obtain a general average of at least seventy-five percent (75%) and no
rating lower than fifty percent (50%) in any subject. An examinee with a general average
of seventy five percent (75%), and with grade lower than fifty percent (50%) in any subject,
may retake the subject(s) in which he/she failed, at most twice. If still unsuccessful after
the second time, he/she shall be required to retake the entire examination. There is no
limit to the number of retakes.


SECTION 18. Oath. - All persons qualified to register with or without examination shall
take their oath of profession before the chairperson or any member of the Board, or any
authorized officer of the Commission prior to entering the practice of microbiology.

‘SECTION 19. Issuance of the Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification
Card. - Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card shall be issued to a
person who has complied with all the requirements for registration under this Act. The
Certificate of Registration shall serve as evidence that the microbiologist can lawfully
practice his/her profession. It shall remain in full force and effect until withdrawn, revoked,
or suspended in accordance with this Act.

A Professional Identification Card bearing the registration number and date of
issuance, its expiry date, and the signature of the chairperson of the Commission shall
likewise be issued to every qualified registrant. It shall be reissued after every three (3)
years upon compliance with all the requirements as may be prescribed by the Board and
the Commission.

SECTION 20. Automatic exemption from Examination for Microbiologists. Holders of
Master of Science (MS) or Doctoral Degree in Microbiology or related fields from an HEI
duly recognized by the CHED, may apply for exemption as microbiologists without
‘examination from the Board. They must submit a copy of undergraduate and graduate
diplomas, transcripts and cover pages of MS Thesis /Doctoral Dissertation: Provided, such
individual must show evidence he/she has been active in the practice of microbiology for
at least five (5) years.

SECTION 21. Registration Without Examination. - The Board shall register without
‘examination any person who can present evidence or proof satisfactory to the Board that:

1. He/she is a Filipino citizen;

2. Helshe is a person of good moral character;

3. Helshe has twenty-four (24) units of microbiology from an HE! duly recognized by
the CHED, passed certification exam conducted by reputable, well established
and long-standing professional organization in microbiology or its equivalencies
in the practice of Microbiology as assessed by the Board and has been actively


practicing microbiology for at least five (5) years. For this purpose, equivalencies
shall refer to activities which may include, but not be limited to
participation/attendance to trainings, scientific conferences/symposia in
microbiology in the last 5 years, research publications as prescribed by the Board
or national research awards in microbiology, recognized innovations or solutions
to microbiological problems in industry.

All qualified applicants must apply for registration within two (2) years from the effectivity
of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of this Act Thereafter, anyone who
wants to be registered will have to take the examination, and those who are exempted
under Section 26 of this Act.

SECTION 22. Refusal to Register. - The Board shall refuse to issue the Certificate of
Registration to those who have been:

1. Convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent
jurisprudence;

2. Found guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct after due investigation by the
Board;

3. Summarily adjudged guilty for violation of the general instructions to examinees
by the Board; and

4. Declared to be of unsound mind by a court of competent jurisprudence

In refusing such registration, the Board shall give the applicant a written statement setting
forth the reasons therefor and shall file a copy thereof in its records.

SECTION 23. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration. - The Board
shall have the power, after giving proper notice and hearing to the party concemed, to
suspend or revoke the practitioner's certificate of registration, or to cancel the special
temporary permit granted to a foreigner microbiologist, for any of the grounds or causes
cited in Section 22 of this Act, except (3) thereof, or on any of the following grounds:


1. Violation of any provision of this Act, its IRR, Code of Ethics, Code of Good
Governance, Code of Technical Standards for the Practice of Microbiology, or
other policy measure of the Board or the Commission;

2. Perpetration or use of fraud in obtaining one's Certificate of Registration,
Professional Identification Card, or Special Temporary Permit;

3. Gross incompetence, negligence or ignorance resulting to death, injury or
damage;

4. Aiding or abetting the illegal practice of a non-registered and non-licensed
person by allowing another to use one's Certificate of Registration or
Professional Identification Card, or both, or Special Temporary Permit;

5. Practicing the profession during suspension from the practice; or

6. Proven addiction to drug or alcohol, impairing one's ability to practice the
profession, or declared with unsound mind by a court of competent jurisdiction,
In case of drug or alcohol addiction, a finding to this effect of a medical or drug
testing facility shall be sufficient.

Any person, firm or association may file charges in accordance with the provision of this
section against any registrant, or the Board may, on its own, investigate any of the above-
mentioned violations. An affidavit-complaint shall be filed together with the affidavits of
witnesses and other documentary evidence with the Board, through the Legal Service
Office. The Board may conduct an investigation, motu proprio, on a matter relating to the
commission of a violation: Provided, that such decision to investigate shall be embodied
in a formal charge to be signed by at least majority of its members. The rules on
administrative investigation issued by the Commission shall govern the hearing or
investigation subject to applicable provisions of this Act, Republic Act No. 8981 and the
Rules of Court

SECTION 24. Reissuance of Revoked Certificate of Registration, Replacement of Lost or
Damaged Certificate of Registration, Professional Identification Card or Special


Temporary Permit.- The Board may, upon petition, reinstate or reissue a revoked
Certificate of Registration after two (2) years from the effectivity of the period for
revocation, which is the date of surrender of the Certificate of Registration and
Professional Identification Card if still valid, to the Board and the Commission. The Board
may not require the holder thereof to take another licensure examination. The petitioner
shall prove to the Board that there are valid reasons to practice the profession. The Board
shall issue a Board Resolution granting the petition, subject to the approval of the
Commission.

In the case of a lost or damaged Certificate of Registration, Professional Identification
Card or Special Temporary Permit, the replacement may be issued upon application of the
valid license holder in accordance with the prescribed procedure and subject to the
payment of the prescribed fees.

SECTION 25. Renewal of Professional Identification Card. - The Professional
Identification Card shall be renewed every three (3) years upon satisfying the
requirements imposed by the Board, such as compliance with a CPD and payment of the
corresponding fees.

SECTION 26. Roster of Microbiologists. - The Professional Registry Division of the
Commission shall keep a roster of duly registered and licensed microbiologists, indicating
their names, registration numbers, and other pertinent information. The Board shall
regularly update such roster and make it available to all interested parties subject to the
provisions of R. A. No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

SECTION 27. Practice of Microbiology in other Professions Registered with the
Professional Regulation Commission. - In synergy and convergence with other
professions regulated by the Commission where microbiology is an essential component
of their practice, Doctors of Medicine, Doctors of Veterinary Medicine, Medical
‘Technologists, Agriculturists, Pharmacists, and Food Technologists, among others, shall
continue to practice microbiology without need of registering under this Act.

SECTION 28. Practice through issuance of Special Temporary Permits. - Without
Prejudice to the existing laws on the practice of professions by foreigners in the


Philippines, and subject to the approval of the Commission and payment of fees, the Board
may issue a special temporary permit to practice microbiology in the Philippines to the
following:

1. Foreign registered and/or licensed microbiologist or a recognized expert in
microbiology called in by the Philippine government or private institutions for
consultation or for any specific activity; and

2. Foreign registered and/or licensed microbiologist who have distinguished
themselves in their respective fields of specialization, and who are either
directly hired or employed as professors/lecturers/instructors in Microbiology
by Philippine schools, colleges, universities or research institutions; Provided,
That their practice of the profession shall be limited to the particular work for
which they have been commissioned; Provided further, that the special
temporary permit shall be valid for a maximum period of one (1) year, subject
to renewal at the discretion of the Board and the Commission.

ARTICLE V
PRACTICE OF MICROBIOLOGY

SECTION 29. Prohibitions and Limitations in the Practice of Microbiology. - No person
shall offer him/herself in the Philippines as a microbiologist without a valid Certificate of
Registration and valid Professional Identification, or a valid Special Temporary Permit; or
make use of any word, letter, figure or sign whatsoever, tending to convey the impression
that he/she is a microbiologist, or advertise that he/she is qualified to perform the work as
such, without holding a valid Certificate of Registration in accordance with the provisions
of this Act, except as provided under Section 27 hereof. However, persons occupying
positions as microbiologists shall be allowed to practice for two (2) years after the
promulgation of this Act. After which, they shall take the licensure exam in order to
continue practicing as microbiologists.

SECTION 30. Code of Ethics. - The Board, in consultation with the APO, shall formulate
the Code of Ethics for Microbiology.


SECTION 31. Foreign Reciprocity. - No foreign microbiologist shall be admitted to the
examination unless the country in which he/she is a citizen specifically permits Filipino
microbiologists to practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the citizens of
such foreign state or country.

ARTICLE VI
PENAL AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 32. Penal Clause. ~Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this
‘Act shall, upon conviction, be imposed with a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos
(P50,000) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000), or with
imprisonment of not less than six (8) months nor more than five (5) years, or both, at the
discretion of the Court.

SECTION 33. Funding Provisions. - The savings from any item of appropriations of the
Commission shall be utilized for the initial implementation of this Act. Thereafter, such sum
as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 34. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Subject to the approval of the
Commission, the Board shall adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations within
ninety (90) days, to carry out the provisions of this Act, and which shall be effective fifteen
(15) working days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least one (1) major
newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

SECTION 35. Separability Clause. If any provision, section, or part of this Act shall be
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect, invalidate or impair
any other provision, section, or part hereof, but shall be merely confined to the provision,
section, or part there of that is directly involved in the issue upon which judgment has been
rendered

SECTION 36. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations or parts thereof which are in conflict with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly. Provided, however, That nothing in this Act shall be


construed as repealing or amending any portion of the laws of other professions regulated
by Commission.

‘SECTION 37. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the official Gazette.

APPROVED.