RA 9258 OR GUIDANCE AND COUNSELIN

ACT OF 2004
RepublicofthePhilippines
CongressofthePhilippines
MetroManila
TwelfthCongress
ThirdRegularSession
BegunandheldinMetroManila,onMonday,thetwentyeighthdayof
July,twothousandandthree.
___o0o___
[REPUBLICACTNO.9258]
ANACTPROFESSIONALIZINGTHEPRACTICEOF
GUIDANCEANDCOUNSELINGANDCREATINGFORTHIS
PURPOSEAPROFESSIONALREGULATORYBOARDOF
GUIDANCEANDCOUNSELING,APPROPRIATINGFUNDS
THEREFORANDFOROTHERPURPOSES
BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesofthe
PhilippinesinCongressassembled:
ARTICLEI
TITLE,DECLARATIONOFPILICY,
DEFINITIONOFTERMS
SECTION1.Title.ThisActshallbeknownasthe"Guidanceand
CounselingActof2004."
SEC.2.DeclarationofPolicy.Itisherebydeclaredapolicyofthe
Statetopromotetheimprovement,advancement,andprotectionofthe
guidanceandcounselingprofessionbyundertakingandinstituting
measuresthatwillresultinprofessional,ethical,relevant,efficient,and
effectiveguidanceandcounselingservicesforthedevelopmentand
enrichmentofindividualsandgrouplives.
TheStaterecognizestheimportantroleofguidancecounselorsin
nationbuildingandpromotesthesustaineddevelopmentofareservoir
ofguidancecounselorswhosecompetencehavebeendeterminedby
honestandcrediblelicensureexaminationsandwhosestandardsof
professionalpracticeandserviceareworldclassandinternationally
recognized,globallycompetitivethroughpreventiveregulatory

measures,programsandactivitiesthatfostertheircontinuing
professionaldevelopment.
SEC.3.DefinitionofTe
rms.AsusedinthisAct,thefollowingtermsshallmean:
GuidanceandCounselingisaprofessionthatinvolvestheuseofan
integratedapproachtothedevelopmentofwellfunctioningindividual
primarilybyhelpinghim/hertoutilizehis/herpotentialstothefullest
andplanhis/herfutureinaccordancewithhis/herabilities,interestsand
needs.Itincludesfunctionssuchascounseling,psychologicaltesting,
(astopersonality,careerinterest,studyorientation,mentalabilityand
aptitude),research,placement,groupprocess,teachingandpracticingof
guidanceandcounselingsubjects,particularlysubjectsgiveninthe
licensureexaminations,andotherhumandevelopmentservices.
Aguidancecounselorisanaturalpersonwhohasbeenregisteredand
issuedavalidCertificateofRegistrationandavalidProfessional
IdentificationCardbytheProfessionalRegulatoryBoardofGuidance
andCounselingandtheProfessionalRegulationCommission(PRC)in
accordancewiththisActandbyvirtueofspecializedtrainingperforms
forafee,salaryorotherformsofcompensation,thefunctionsof
guidanceandcounselingunderSection3(a)ofthisAct.
ARTICLEII
THEPROFESSIONALREGULATORYBOARD
OFGUIDANCEANDCOUNSELING
SEC.4.CreationoftheProfessionalRegulatoryBoardofGuidance
andCounseling.ThereshallbecreatedaProfessionalRegulatory
BoardofGuidanceandCounseling,hereinafterreferredtoastheBoard,
undertheadministrativecontrolandsupervisionoftheProfessional
RegulationCommission,hereinafterreferredtoastheCommission,to
becomposedofaChairmanandtwo(2)memberswhoshallbe
appointedbythePresidentofthePhilippinesfromamongalistofthree
(3)recommendeesforeachpositionsubmittedbytheCommissionfrom
alistoffive(5)nomineesforeachpositionsubmittedbytheaccredited
andintegratedorganizationofguidancecounselors.
SEC.5.Powers,Functions,DutiesandResponsibilitiesoftheBoard.
TheProfessionalRegulatoryBoardshallhavethefollowingspecific
powers,dutiesandresponsibilities:
a.SuperviseandregulatethepracticeofGuidanceandCounseling;

b.Determineandevaluatethequalificationsoftheapplicantsfor
registrationwithorwithoutlicensureexaminationsandforissuanceof
specialpermits;
c.PreparetheexaminationquestionsinaccordancewithSection15
hereofofthemodificationsthereof,andcorrectandratetheexamination
papersthroughaprocessofcomputerization;
d.Prepare,adopt,issueoramendthesyllabiforthesubjectsinthe
licensureexamination,inconsultationwiththeCommissiononHigher
Education(CHED),theacademeandtheaccreditedprofessional
organization;
e.Registersuccessfulexaminesinthelicensureexaminationandissue
thecorrespondingcertificatesofregistration;
f.Issuespecial/temporarypermitstoforeignguidancecounselorsto
practiceGuidanceandCounselingforspecificprojectsandforaspecific
durationoftimeforafeeoronmedicalmissionwithoutafee;
g.MonitortheconditionsaffectingthepracticeofGuidanceand
Counseling,conductocularinspectionofplaceswhereguidance
counselorspracticetheirprofession,andadoptmeasuresforthe
enhancementoftheprofessionandthemaintenanceofhighprofessional,
technicalandethicalstandards;
h.Ensure,incoordinationwiththeCHED,thatalleducational
institutionsofferingthecourse/programofGuidanceandCounseling
complywiththepolicies,standardsandrequirementsofthesaidcourse
prescribedbytheCHEDintheareasofcurriculum,faculty,libraryand
facilities;
i.PromulgaterulesandregulationsincludingaCodeofEthics,aCode
ofTechnicalStandardsforguidancecounselorsandadministrative
policies,ordersandissuances,tocarryouttheprovisionsofthisAct;
j.InvestigateviolationsofthisActandtheRulesandRegulations,Code
ofEthics,CodeofTechnicalStandards,administrativepolicies,orders
andissuancespromulgatedbytheProfessionalRegulatoryBoard.The
ruleonadministrativeinvestigationpromulgatedbytheCommission
shallgoverninsuchinvestigation;
k.Issuesubpoenaorsubpoenaducestecumtosecuretheattendanceof
respondentsandwitnessesortheproductionofdocumentsrelativetothe
investigationconductedbytheBoard;
l.Renderdecision,orderorresolutiononpreliminaryinvestigationor
inquiryagainstviolatorsofthisAct,RulesandRegulations,Codeof
Ethics,CodeofTechnicalStandardsoranypolicyonunderpolicyon
undockedcasesandondocketedadministrativecasesagainstexamines
orregistrants,whichshallbecomefinalandexecutoryunlessappealed
withtheCommissionwithinfifteen(15)daysfromreceiptofthecopy
thereof;

m.Issue,suspend,revokeorreissueanylicenseforthepracticeof
GuidanceandCounselingasdefinedinthisAct;
n.Administeroathsnecessaryfortheeffectiveimplementationofthis
Act;
o.InitiatecriminalactionagainstanyviolatorofthisActand/ortherules
andregulationsoftheBoard;
p.AdopttheofficialsealoftheBoard;
q.Prescribeguidelinesandcriteriaonthecontinuingprofessional
education(CPE);
r.Adoptsuchmeasuresnecessaryandproperforthemaintenanceof
highethicalandprofessionalstandardsinthepracticeoftheprofession;
and
s.Performsuchotherfunctionsanddutiesasmaybenecessaryto
effectivelyimplementthisAct.
Thepolicies,resolutionsandrulesandregulationsissuedorpromulgated
bytheProfessionalRegulatoryBoardshallbesubjecttoreviewand
approvalbytheCommission;however,theBoardsdecisions,
resolutionsororderswhicharenotinterlocutory,renderedinan
administrativecase,shallbesubjecttoreviewonlyifonappealwiththe
Commission.ThedecisionoftheBoardand/ortheCommissionmaybe
appealedtotheCourtofAppealsinaccordancewiththeRulesofCourt.
SEC.6.QualificationsoftheProfessionalRegulatoryBoard
Members.TheChairmanandmembersoftheProfessionalRegulatory
Board,atthetimeoftheirappointmentshall:
a.BeacitizenoftheRepublicofthePhilippines;
b.Bearesidentofthecountryforatleastfive(5)yearsimmediately
priortohis/herappointment;
c.Beofgoodmoralcharacterandmustnothavebeenconvictedofany
crimeinvolvingmoralturpitude;
d.BeaqualifiedguidancecounselorholdingavalidCertificateof
Registration:Provided,Thatinthecaseofthefirstmembersofthe
BoardofGuidanceandCounseling,theyshallbeissuedCertificatesof
Registrationasguidancecounselorswithoutpriorexamination;
e.BeaholderofadoctoraldegreeinGuidanceandCounselingfroma
reputablecollegeoruniversitydulyrecognizedbytheCHEDand/orby
adulyaccreditedcollegeoruniversityabroad;
f.Haveatleastten(10)yearsofcontinuousprofessionalpracticeasa
guidancecounselororcounseloreducatorunderthisAct;
g.Notbeamemberofthefacultyofanyschool,college,oruniversity
whereregularand/orreviewcoursesinguidanceandcounseling
educationistaughtnorhaveanypecuniaryinterestinsuchinstitution;
and

h.Notbeanofficialoftheintegratedandaccreditednational
professionalorganization.
SEC.7.TermofOffice.ThemembersoftheBoardshallholdoffice
foratermofthree(3)yearsoruntiltheirsuccessorsshallhavebeen
appointedandqualified.Theymay,however,bereappointedfora
secondterm.OfthememberstobeappointedforthefirstBoard,one(1)
membershallholdofficeasChairmanforthree(3)years;one(1)as
memberfortwo(2)years;andone(1)memberforatermofone(1)
year.AnyvacancyintheBoardshallbefilledfortheunexpiredportion
ofthetermonly.Eachmembershalltaketheproperoathtoassumption
ofduty.
SEC.8.AdministrativeSupervisionoftheBoard,Custodianofits
Records,SecretariatandSupportServices.AllrecordsoftheBoard,
includingapplicationforexaminationandadministrativeandother
investigativecasesshallbeunderthecustodyoftheCommission.The
CommissionshalldesignatetheSecretaryoftheBoardandshallprovide
thesecretariatandsupportservicestoimplementtheprovisionsofthis
Act.
SEC.9.CompensationandAllowancesoftheBoard.TheChairman
andmembersoftheBoardshallreceivecompensationandallowances
comparabletothecompensationandallowancesreceivedbythe
chairmanandmembersofexistingregulatoryboardsunderthe
CommissionasprovidedforintheGeneralAppropriationsAct.
SEC.10.GroundsforSuspensionorRemovalofBoardMembers.
ThePresidentofthePhilippines,upontherecommendationofthe
Commission,aftergivingtheconcernedmemberanopportunityto
defendhimself/herselfinaproperadministrativeinvestigationtobe
conductedbytheCommission,mayremoveandsuspendanymemberon
thefollowinggrounds:
a.neglectofdutyorincompetence;
b.violationortoleranceoftheviolationofthisActortheCodeofEthics
andCodeofProfessionalandTechnicalStandardsforguidance
counselors;c.convictionbyfinaljudgmentofcrimesinvolvingmoral
turpitude;
d.manipulationorriggingofthelicensureexaminationresults,
disclosureofsecretinformationortheexaminationquestionspriortothe
conductofthesaidexamination,ortamperingofthegradestherein;or
e.convictionbyfinaljudgmentofanycriminaloffensebythecourts.
SEC.11.AnnualReportTheChairmanoftheBoard,shallafterthe
closeofthefiscalyear,submitanannualreporttotheCommission,
givingadetailedaccountingoftheproceedingsoftheBoardduringthe
yearandembodyingsuchrecommendationsastheBoardmaydesireto
make.

ARTICLEIII
EXAMINATION,REGISTRATION
ANDLICENSURE
SEC.12.ExaminationRequired.Allapplicantsforregistrationforthe
practiceofGuidanceandCounselingshallberequiredtoundergoa
licensureexaminationtobegivenbytheBoardandtheCommissionin
suchplacesanddatesastheCommissionmaydesignateinaccordance
withRepublicActNo.8981,subjecttocompliancewiththe
requirementsprescribedbytheCommission.
SEC.13.QualificationsforExamination.Inordertoqualifyforthe
examination,anapplicantmust,atthetimeoffilingtheapplication,be:
a.acitizenoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesoraforeignerwhose
countryhasreciprocitywiththePhilippinesinthepracticeofGuidance
andCounseling;
b.hasnotbeenconvictedofanoffenseinvolvingmoralturpitudebya
competentcourt;and
c.holderofaBachelorsDegreeinGuidanceandCounselingorinother
allieddisciplinesandamastersdegreeinGuidanceandCounseling
fromaninstitutioninthePhilippinesorabroadrecognizedand
accreditedbytheCHED.
SEC.14.RegistrationWithoutTakingLicensureExamination.A
personwhopossessesthepertinentqualificationsrequiredforadmission
intheexaminationforregistrationasaguidancecounselorpursuantto
theprovisionsofthisActmayberegisteredwithoutexamination:
Provided,ThattheapplicantfileswiththeBoardwithintwo(2)years
afteritscreation,anapplicationforregistrationandissuanceofa
CertificateofRegistrationandProfessionalIdentificationCardby
submittingcredentialsshowingthattheapplicantbeforetheeffectivity
ofthisAct:
a.HadbeendoctoralandmastersdegreeholdersinGuidanceand
Counselingwithatleastthree(3)yearsofteachingexperiencein
GuidanceandCounselingcoursesand/orfulltimecounselingpractice
forthesameperiod;
b.Hadpassedatleasteighteen(18)unitsofMasterslevelcoursesin
GuidanceandCounselingsuchasCounselingTechniques/Theories,
OrganizationandAdministrationofGuidanceServices,Testsand
Measurement,GroupProcess/CounselingandCareer

Guidance/Counseling;andhave,atleastseven(7)yearsofexperiencein
counselingwork;and
c.Hadcompletedacademicrequirementsforamastersdegreein
guidanceandcounselingandhavefive(5)yearsexperienceasfulltime
guidancecounselors.
SEC.15.ScopeofExaminationTheexaminationshallcoverthe
followingsubjectareas:
a.Philosophical,PsychologicalandSociologicalFoundationsof
Guidance;
b.CounselingTheories,ToolsandTechniques;
c.PsychologicalTesting;
d.OrganizationandAdministrationofGuidanceServices;and
e.GroupProcessandProgramDevelopment.
TheBoard,subjecttoapprovalbytheCommission,mayreviseor
excludeanyofthesubjectsandtheirsyllabi,andaddnewonesasthe
needarises.
SEC.16.ReportsofRatings.TheBoardshall,withinten(10)days
aftertheexamination,reporttheratingsobtainedbyeachcandidateto
theCommission.
SEC.17.RatingsintheExaminationandReexamination.Tobe
qualifiedashavingpassedthelicensureexaminationforguidance
counselors,acandidatemusthaveobtainedaweightedgeneralaverage
ofseventyfivepercent(75%),withnogradelowerthansixtypercent
(60%)inanygivensubject.However,anexamineewhoobtainsa
weightedaverageofseventyfivepercent(75%)orhigherbutobtainsa
ratingbelowsixtypercent(60%)inanygivensubject,musttakean
examinationinthesubjectorsubjectswhereheobtainedagradebelow
sixtypercent(60%)withintwo(2)yearsfromthedateofthelast
examination.Thesubjectorsubjectsretakenmusthaveeacharatingof
nolessthanseventyfivepercent(75%)inordertoqualifyashaving
passedtheexamination.
SEC.18.OathTaking.Allsuccessfulexaminesshallberequiredto
takeaprofessionaloathbeforeanymemberoftheBoardoranyofficer
oftheCommissionauthorizedbythePRC,oranyofficerauthorizedby
law.
SEC.19.IssuanceofCertificateofRegistrationandProfessional
IdentificationCard.ACertificateofRegistrationasaguidance
counselorshallbeissuedtoanyapplicantwhopassestheexaminationor
whoisregisteredwithoutexamination,bearingthesignatureofthe
CommissionChairpersonandtheChairmanandmembersoftheBoard,
andtheofficialsealoftheBoard.

AProfessionalIdentificationCardbearingtheregistrationnumber,date
ofissuance,expirydate,dulysignedbytheCommissionChairperson,
shalllikewisebeissuedtoeveryregistrantwhohaspaidtheprescribed
fee.
SEC.20.RosterofGuidanceCounselors.TheBoard,incoordination
withtheaccreditedprofessionalorganization,shallkeeparosterofthe
names,residenceandofficeaddressesofallregisteredandlicensed
guidancecounselorsandthesaidrostershallbemadeavailabletothe
publicuponrequest.
SEC.21.IntegrationofGuidanceCounselors.All
registered/licensedguidancecounselorswhosenamesappearinthe
rosterofguidancecounselorsshallbeunitedandintegratedthroughtheir
automaticmembershipinaone(1)andonlyregisteredandaccredited
nationalorganizationofregistered/licensedguidancecounselorswhich
theBoard,subjecttoapprovalbytheCommission,shallrecognizeand
accreditafterconsultationwithallexistingorganizationsofregistered
andlicensedguidancecounselorsand,ifpossible,withallthosewhoare
notmembersofanyofthesaidorganization.Themembersinthesaid
integratedandaccreditednationalorganizationshallreceivebenefitsand
privilegesappurtenanttheretouponpaymentofrequiredfeesanddues.
MembershipintheIntegratedorganizationshallnotbeabarto
membershipinanyotherassociationofguidancecounselors.
SEC.22.IndicationofCertificateofRegistrationNumberand
ProfessionalTaxReceipts(PTR).Theguidancecounselorshallbe
requiredtoindicatehis/hercertificateofregistrationnumber,thedateof
issuance,theperiodofvalidityofthelicense,includingtheprofessional
taxreceiptnumberonthedocumentshe/shesigns,usesorissuesin
connectionwiththepracticeofhis/herprofession.
SEC.23.PracticeThroughSpecial/TemporaryPermit.
Special/temporarypermitmaybeissuedbytheBoard,subjecttothe
approvaloftheCommissionandpaymentofthefeesthelatterhas
prescribedandchargedthereof,tothefollowingpersons:
1.Licensedguidancecounselorsfromforeigncountries/stateswhose
servicesareeitherforafeeorfree;
a.Iftheyareinternationallywellknowncounselorsoroutstanding
expertsinanybranchorspecialtyofguidanceandcounseling;and
b.Iftheirservicesareurgentlyandimportantlynecessaryforlackof,or
inadequacyofavailablelocalspecialists/expertsforthepromotionor
advancementofthepracticeofguidanceandcounselingthroughtransfer
oftechnology.

2.Licensedguidancecounselorsfromforeigncountries/stateswhose
servicesshallbefreeandlimitedtoindigentpatientsinaparticular
hospital,centerorclinic;
3.Licensedguidancecounselorsfromforeigncountries/statesemployed
asexchangeprofessorsinabranchorspecialtyofguidanceand
counselinginschools,colleges,universitiesofferingthecourseof
guidanceandcounseling.
Thepermitshall,amongotherthings,includetheselimitationsand
conditionsforaperiodofnotmorethanone(1)yearsubjecttorenewal,
thebranchorspecialtyofguidancecounseling,andthespecificplaceof
practicesuchasclinic,hospital,center,school/college/university
offeringthecourseofguidanceandcounseling.TheBoard,subjectto
approvalbytheCommission,shallprescriberulesandregulationsonthe
implementationofthisparticularsection.
SEC.24.Denial,Suspension,RevocationofaCertificateof
Registration,CancellationofSpecialPermit.Theapplicationfor
registrationandtheissuanceofaCertificateofRegistrationmaybe
deniedforanyofthesecauses:
a.Convictionofanoffenseinvolvingmoralturpitudebyacompetent
court;
b.FindingofguiltybytheProfessionalRegulatoryBoardforimmoral
and/ordishonorableconduct;and
c.Declarationbythecourtoftheapplicantasbeinginsane.
TheCertificateofRegistrationmayberevokedorsuspended,orthe
specialpermitmaybecancelledforanyoftheaboveenumeratedcauses
includingthefollowing:fraudulentacquisitionofCertificateof
Registrationandorspecialpermit;abetmentortoleranceofillegal
practicebyunqualifiedpersonthroughtheusebythelatterofguidance
counselorscertificate,orspecialpermit;violationofanyprovisionof
thisAct,rulesandregulationsoftheBoardandtheCommissionand
otherpoliciesthereof,includingtheCodeofEthicsandCodeof
TechnicalStandardsforguidancecounselors;unethical,immoral,
dishonorableorunprofessionalconduct;malpractice;guiltyofdrugor
alcoholabuseimpairinghis/herabilitytopracticehis/herprofession;and
practiceoftheprofessionduringperiodofsuspensionbyonewhose
CertificateofRegistrationhadbeensuspendedbytheBoard.
Nocertificateshallbedenied,revokedorsuspendedforanyofthe
reasonshereinprovided,untilaftersworncomplaintinwritingagainst

theapplicantorholderthereofshallhavebeenfiledandheardinapublic
hearingoruponrequest,behindcloseddoors.
SEC.25.Reinstatement.ApersonmayapplytotheBoardfor
reinstatementofacertificatetheissuanceofwhichhasbeenduly
revokedatanytimeaftertheexpirationofone(1)yearfromthedateof
revocationofsaidcertificate.Theapplicationshallbeinwritingand
shallconformtotherequirementsprovidedbytheBoard.Nocertificate
shallbereinstatedunlesstheBoardissatisfiedthatagoodcauseexists
towarrantsuchreinstatement.
SEC.26.AppealThedecisiononthedenialorrefusaltoissue
CertificateofRegistration,therevocationorsuspensionofthe
CertificateofRegistrationorcancellationofspecialpermitbytheBoard
shallbefinalunlessappealedtotheCommissionwithinfifteen(15)days
fromrecipeofthedecision.ThedecisionoftheBoardand/or
CommissionmaybeappealedtotheCourtofAppeals.
ARTICLEIV
PRACTICEOFGUIDANCE
ANDCOUNSELING
SEC.27.ProhibitionAgainstthePracticeofGuidanceand
Counseling.Nopersonshall(a)engageinthepracticeofguidance
andcounselingwithoutavalidCertificateofRegistrationandavalid
ProfessionalIdentificationCardoraspecialpermit;(b)make
representationstothepublicortothirdpersonsasalicensedguidance
counselorduringthetimethatthelicensehasbeenrevokedor
suspended,and,(c)allowanybodytousehis/herlicenseasguidance
counselortoenablesuchunqualifiedindividualtoengageinthepractice
ofguidanceandcounseling.
Nocorporation,partnership,associationorentityshalloperatea
guidanceandcounselingofficeorcenter,orotherwiseengageinthe
practiceofguidanceandcounselingwithoutsecuringapermitfromthe
Board,whichshallbeissuedonlyafterithassatisfieditselfthatsuch
establishmentisproperlystaffedbydulylicensedguidancecounselors.
Anyunethicalpracticeofguidanceandcounselingasmaybedefinedin
aCodeofEthicsandCodeofTechnicalStandardstobepreparedbythe
Boardinconsultationwithguidancecounselors,isprohibited.
SEC.28.RighttoPrivilegedCommunicationforGuidance
Counselors.Acertifiedguidancecounselorwhoisallowedtopractice
guidanceandcounselinginaccordancewiththisActcannot,withoutthe

consentoftheclient,beexaminedastoanycommunicationor
informationwhichahsbeenacquiredwhileattendingtosuchclient.The
protectionaccordedhereinshallalsoextendtotherecordsandsecretary
orclerkofalicensedguidancecounselor,whomaybeexamined
concerninganyfact,theknowledgeofwhichhasbeenacquiredinsuch
capacity.Anyevidenceobtainedinviolationofthisprovisionshallbe
inadmissibleforanypurposeinanyproceeding.
SEC.29.ForeignReciprocity.Noforeignguidancecounselorshall
beadmittedtotheexamination,orbegivenaCertificateofRegistration,
orbeentitledtoanyoftherightsandprivilegesunderthisActunlessthe
countryorstateofwhichhe/sheisasubjectorcitizenpermitsFilipino
guidancecounselorstopracticewithinitsterritoriallimitsonthesame
basisasthesubjectsorcitizensofsaidcountryorstate:Provided,That
therequirementsforcertificationofguidancecounselorsinsaidforeign
stateorcountryaresubstantiallythesameasthoserequiredand
contemplatedunderthisAct.Provided,further,Thatthelawsofsuch
stateorcountrygrantthesameprivilegetoFilipinoguidancecounselors
onthesamebasisasthesubjectsorcitizensofsuchforeignstateor
country.
ARTICLEV
GENERALPROVISIONS
SEC.30.FundingProvisions.TheChairpersonoftheCommission
shallincludeintheCommissionsprogramstheimplementationofthis
Act.ThefundingofwhichshallbeincludedintheGeneral
AppropriationsAct.
SEC.31.AssistanceofLawEnforcementAgency.Anylaw
enforcementagencyshall,uponcallorrequestoftheCommissionorthe
Board,renderassistanceinenforcingthisAct,includingalltherulesand
regulationspromulgatedthereunderbyprosecutingtheviolatorsthereof
inaccordancewithlawandtheRulesofCourt.
SEC.32.ImplementingRulesandRegulations.Withinsixty(60)
daysaftertheeffectivityofthisAct,subjecttotheapprovalofthe
Commission,theBoardshallpromulgatethenecessaryrulesand
regulations,incoordinationwiththeintegratedandaccredited
professionalorganization,toimplementtheprovisionsofthisAct,which
shallbeeffectiveafterfifteen(15)daysfollowingitspublicationinthe
OfficialGazetteornewspaperofgeneralcirculation.
SEC.33.PenaltyClause.Anypersonwhoviolatesanyprovisionof

thisActandtherulesandregulationsissuedbytheBoardandthe
CommissionorcommitsfraudintheacquisitionofCertificateof
Registrationorspecialpermit,shallbepunishedwithimprisonmentof
notlessthansix(6)monthsbutnotmorethaneight(8)years,orafine
ofnotlessthanFiftythousandpesos(P50,000.00)butnotmorethan
Onehundredthousandpesos(P100,000.00)orbothinthediscretionof
thecourt.
SEC.34.SeparabilityClause.IfanyofthisActisdeclared
unconstitutional,theremainingpartsnotaffectedtherebyshallcontinue
tobevalidandoperational.
SEC.35.RepealingClause.Alllaws,decrees,orders,circulars,rules
andregulationsandotherissuanceswhichareinconsistentwiththisAct,
areherebyrepealed,amendedormodifiedaccordingly.
SEC.36.Effectivity.ThisActtakeeffectone(1)monthafterits
publicationinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationinthePhilippines.
Approved,
(Sgd.)FRANKLINM.DRILON(Sgd.)JOSEDEVENECIAJR.
PresidentoftheSenateSpeakeroftheHouseoftheRepresentatives
ThisAct,whichisaconsolidationofHouseBillNo.5253andSenate
BillNo.2128,wasfinallypassedbytheHouseofRepresentativesand
theSenateonJanuary20,2004andJanuary19,2004,respectively.
(Sgd.)OSCARG.YABES(Sgd.)ROBERTOP.NAZARENO
SecretaryoftheSenateSecretaryGeneralHouseofRepresentatives
Approved:Mar.022004
(Sgd.)GLORIAMACAPAGALARROYO
PresidentofthePhilippines
PostedbyBRCatWednesday,February28,2007