SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Second Regnlar Session

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SENATE

JI\N 22 f' 2 :25

S. B. No. _ _
2:>5-=-8-",,1~
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Prepared by the Committees on Civil Service and Government Reorganization; and

Finance with Senators Trillanes, Villar and Escudero as authors

AN ACT
MANDATING AND STRENGTHENING THE CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR ALL REGULATED PROFESSIONS,
CREATING CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER RELATED PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

ARTICLE I. TITLE, POLICY AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Continuing Professional

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Development Act of 2015."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

promote and upgrade the practice of professions in the country. Towards this end, the State

shall institute measures that will continuously improve the competence of the professionals in

accordance with the international standards of practice, thereby, ensuring their contribution in

uplifting the general welfare, economic growth and development of the nation.

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SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - The following terms shall be defined under this Act:
a.

"Accreditation" is the formal or official approval granted to a person,'a program or an

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organization, upon meeting essential requirements of achievement standards,

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including qualifications or unites) of a qualification, usually for a particular period of

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time, as defined by an accrediting agency.

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b. "AIPOIAPO" refers to the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization or the

Accredited Professional Organization in a given profession.
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c.

"ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework" or "AQRF" refers to the device that

enables comparisons of qualifications across ASEAN Member States.

d. "A SEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement" or "A SEAN MRA" refers to a regional

arrangement entered into by the ASEAN Member States, predicated on the mutual

recognition of qualifications, requirements met, licenses and certificates granted,

experience gained by professionals, in order to enhance mobility of professional

services within the region.

e. "Competence" refers to an ability that extends beyond the possession of knowledge

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and skills, which include cognitive, functional, personal and ethical competence.
f.

"Continuing Professional Development" or "CPD" refers to the inculcation of

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advanced knowledge, skills and ethical values in a post-licensure specialization or in

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an inter- or multi-disciplinary field of study, for assimilation into professional

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practice, self-directed research and/or lifelong learning.

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g. "CPD Council" refers to a body created to promote and ensure the continuous

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improvement of professionals, in accordance with national, regional and international

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standards of practice.

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h. "CPD Credit Unit" refers to the value of an amount of learning that can be

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transferred to a qualification achieved from formal, informal or non-formal learning

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setting, wherein credits can be accumulated to predetermined levels for the award of a

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qualification.

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i.

"CPD Program" refers to a set of learning activities accredited by the CPD Council

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such as seminars, workshops, technical lectures or subject matter meetings, non-

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degree training lectures and scientific meetings, modules, tours and visits, which

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equip the professionals with advanced knowledge, skills and values in specialized or

in an inter- or multi-disciplinary field of study, self-directed research and/or life-long

learning.

j.

to conduct CPO Programs.

"ePD Provider" refers to a natural or juridical person accredited by the CPO Council

k. "Formal

learning" refers to educational arrangements such as curricular

qualifications and teaching-learning requirements that take place in education and

training institutions recognized by relevant national authorities, and which lead to

diplomas and qualifications.

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"Informal Learning" refers to learning that occurs in daily life assessed, through the

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recognition, validation and accreditation process, and which can contribute to a

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qualification.

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m. "Learning Outcomes" refer to what a learner can be expected to know, understand

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and/or demonstrate as a result of a learning experience.

n. "Lifelong Learning" refers to learning activities undertaken throughout life for the

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development of competencies and qualifications of the professional.

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o. "Non.Jormal learning" refers to learning that has been acquired in addition or

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alternatively to formal learning, which may be structured and made more flexible

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according to educational and training arrangements.

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p. "Online Learning Activities" refer to structured or unstructured learning initiatives,

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which

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Communications Technology solutions.

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q.

make

use

of the

internet and

other

web-based

Information and

"Pathways and EqUivalencies" refer to mechanisms that provide access to

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qualifications and assist professionals to move easily and readily between the

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different education and training sectors, and between these sectors, and the labor

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market, through the Philippine Credit Transfer System.

r.

"Philippine Qualifications Framework" or "PQF" refers to the quality assured

national system for the development, recognition and award of qualifications at

defined levels, based on standards of knowledge, skills and values, acquired in

different ways and methods by learners and workers.

s.

"Prior Learning" refers to a person's skills, knowledge and competencies that have

been acquired through work experience, training, independent study, volunteer

activities and hobbies, that may be applied for academic credit, as a requirement of a

training program or for occupational certification.

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"Professional" refers to a person who is registered and licensed to practice a

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regulated profession in the Philippines and who holds a valid Certificate of

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Registration and Professional Identification Card from the PRe.

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u. "Qualification" is a status gained after a person has been assessed to have achieved

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learning outcomes or competencies in accordance with the standard specified for a

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qualification title, and is proven by a document issued by a recognized agency or

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body.

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v. "Quality Assurance" refers to planned and systematic processes that provide

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confidence in the design, delivery and award of qualifications within an education and

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training system, and is a component of quality management that is focused on

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ensuring that quality requirements will be fulfilled.

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w. "Self-Directed Learning" refers to learning activities such as online training,

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local/international

seminars/non-degree

courses,

institution/company-sponsored

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training programs, and the like, which did not undergo CPO accreditation but may be

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applied for and awarded CPO units by the respective CPO Council.

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x. "PRe" refers to the Professional Regulation Commission.

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y. "PREs" refers to the Professional Regulatory Boards.

"CHED" refers to the Commission on Higher Education.

z.

aa. "TESDA" refers to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

bb. "DepEd" refers to the Department of Education.

cc. "CSC" refers to the Civil Service Commission.

dd. "DOLE" refers to the Department of Labor and Employment.

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ARTICLE II. CPD PROGRAMS, COUNCILS AND SECRETARIAT

SEC. 4. Strengthening the CPD Program. - There shall be formulated and
implemented CPD Programs in each of the regulated professions in order to:

a. Enhance and upgrade the competencies and qualifications of professionals for the

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practice of their professions pursuant to the Philippine Qualifications Framework

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(PQF), the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) and the ASEAN

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Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs);

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b. Ensure international alignment of competencies and qualifications of Professionals

through Career Progression mechanisms leading to specialization/sub-specialization;
c. Ensure the development of quality assured

mechanisms for the validation,

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accreditation and recognition of formal, non-formal and informal learning outcomes,

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including professional work experiences and prior learning;

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d. Ensure maintenance of core competencies and development of advanced and new

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competencies, in order to respond to national, regional and international labor market

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needs; and

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e. Recognize and ensure the contributions of Professionals in uplifting the general

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welfare, economic growth and development of the nation.

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SEC. 5. Nature of CPD Programs. - The CPD Programs consist of activities that

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range from structured to non-structured activities, which have learning processes and

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outcomes.

These include but are not limited to the following:

a. Formal learning;

b. Non formal learning;

c. Informal learning;

d. Self-directed learning;

e. On-line learning activities; and

f.

Professional work experience.

SEC. 6. Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of the PRC and the PRB. - The PRC

and the PRBs shall undertake the overall implementation of the CPO Programs, and for this

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purpose, shall:
a. Organize CPO Councils for each of the regulated professions and promulgate
guidelines for their operation;

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b. Review existing and new CPO Programs for all ofthe regulated professions;

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c. Formulate, issue, and promulgate guidelines and procedures for the implementation of

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the CPO Programs;

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d. Coordinate with the academe, concerned government agencies, and other stakeholders

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in the implementation of the CPO Programs and other measures provided under this

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Act; and

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e. Coordinate with concerned government agencies in the development of mechanisms

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and guidelines, in the grant and transfer of credit units earned from all the learning

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processes and activities, pursuant to this Act;

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SEC. 7. CPD Council. - There is hereby created a CPO Council in each of the

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regulated professions, which shall be under the supervision of the concerned PRB. Every

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CPO Council shall be composed of a chairperson and two (2) members:

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The chairperson of the CPO Council shall be the member of the PRB so chosen by the
PRB concerned to sit in the CPO Council.
The first member shall be the president or officer of the Accredited Integrated

Professional

Organization/Accredited

Professional

Organization

authorized by its Board of Governors/Trustees. In the absence of the AIPOIAPO, the PRB

concerned shall submit within ten (10) working days from notification of such absence, a list

of three (3) recommendees from the national professional organizations. The PRC shall

designate the first member within thirty (30) days from receipt of the list.

(A[POIAPO)

duly

The second member shall be the president or officer of the national organization of

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deans or department chairmen of schools, colleges or universities offering the course

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requiring the licensure examination. [n the absence of such organization, the PRB concerned

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shall submit within ten (10) working days from notification of such absence, a list of three (3)

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recommendees from the academe. The PRC shall designate the second member within twenty

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(20) working days from receipt of the list.

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The term of office of the chairperson of the CPO Council shall be co-terminus with

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his/her incumbency in the PRB unless sooner replaced by the PRB concerned through a

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resolution, subject to the approval of the PRe. The first and second members shall have a

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term of office of two (2) years unless sooner replaced through a resolution by the A[POIAPO

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concerned or the organization of deans or heads of departments, respectively. However,

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Members of the CPO Council who are appointed by the PRC may be replaced before the end

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of the two (2) year period, upon the recommendation of the PRB through a resolution.

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SEC. 8. Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of the CPD Council. - The CPO
Council for each profession shall:
a. Ensure the adequate and appropriate provision of CPO programs for their respective
profession;

b. Evaluate and act on applications for accreditation of CPO providers and their CPO

programs;

c. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the CPO Programs;

d. Assess and/or upgrade the criteria for accreditation of CPO providers and their CPO

programs on a regular basis;

e. Develop mechanisms for the validation. accreditation and recognition of self-directed

learning, prior/informal learning, on-line learning, and other learning processes

through professional work experience;

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f.

Conduct researches, studies and benchmarking for international alignment of CPO

programs;

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g. Issue operational guidelines, with the approval of the PRC and PRB concerned; and

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h. Perform such other functions related or incidental to the implementation of the CPO.

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SEC. 9. Secretariat. - A CPO Council Secretariat is hereby created at the PRC

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Central and Regional Offices to provide technical, administrative and operational support to

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the CPO Councils and the PRBs in the implementation of the CPO Programs. The CPO

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Council Secretariat shall be headed by an Executive Director to be appointed by the PRC.

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ARTICLE III. CPD PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

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SEC. 10. CPD as Mandatory Requirement in the Renewal of Professional License

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and Accreditation System for the Practice of Professions. - The CPO is hereby made as a

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mandatory requirement in the renewal of the Professional Identification Cards (PICs) of all

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registered and licensed professionals under the regulation of the PRe.

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SEC. 11. Recognition of Credit Units. - All duly validated and recognized CPO

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credit units earned by a professional shall be accumulated and transferred in accordance with

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the Pathways and Equivalencies of the PQF.

SEC.12. Career Progression and Specialization. - The PRC and the PRBs, in

consultation with the AIPO/APO, CSC, other concerned government agencies and industry

stakeholders shall formulate and implement a Career Progression and Specialization Program

for every profession. The Career Progression and Specialization Program shall form part of

the CPO.

For this purpose, the CSC, DOLE, PRe and PRBs shall update the qualification

standards of all positions in government and private firms or establishments involving the

practice of profession in order to align and meet the requirements of the Professional

Regulatory Laws, PQF and this Act.

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SEC. 13. Role of Concerned Government Agencies and the Private Sector. - All

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concerned government agencies and private firms and organizations employing professionals

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shall include the CPO as part of their human resource development plan and program, and

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allocate the necessary funding requirement for the attendance of their professionals in CPO

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Programs.

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ARTICLE IV. FINAL PROVISIONS

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SEC. 14. Funding. - The implementation of the provisions of this Act shall be

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immediately included in the PRC programs, the funding of which shall be included in its

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annual submissions for inclusion in the General Appropriations Act.

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The funding requirement herein mentioned shall be used for the regular operations of
the CPD Councils, including the monitoring of the conduct of the CPD Programs.
The PRC shall review and approve the proposed budget for each CPD Council, taking

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into

consideration

the

reasonable

expenses

that

will

be

incurred

for

travel,

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honorarium/allowances, and per diems, when attending official CPD Council meetings or

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performing other related functions assigned to them.

SEC. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The PRC and the PRBs, in

consultation with the AlPO!APO and other stakeholders, shall promulgate the implementing

rules and regulations (lRR) within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act. However, a

PRB may prescribe its own requirements or procedure relating to the CPO as may be

pertinent and applicable to the specific profession; Provided, That the same does not

contravene any of the provisions of this Act and its IRR.

SEC. 16. Fraud Relating to CPD. - Fraudulent acts relating to the implementation and

enforcement of this Act shall be punishable under the pertinent provisions of the Revised

Penal Code, the New Civil Code and other applicable laws.

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In addition to the penalties prescribed in the afore-mentioned laws, a professional who

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is adjudged guilty of any fraudulent act relating to the CPO shall also be meted with the

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penalty of suspension or revocation of his/her PRC Certificate of Registration and/or

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Certificate of Specialization.

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In case of a government official or employee who is party to any fraudulent act

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relating to the CPO, he/she shall also be subject to the administrative penalties that may be

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imposed under the anti-graft laws, the administrative code and the code of conduct of public

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officials and employees.

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SEC. 17. Separability Clause. -If any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid

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or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and

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effect.

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SEC. 18. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders and other

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administrative issuances and parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this

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Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

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SEC. 19. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its

complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in

the Philippines.

Approved,

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