Duterte signs law regulating practice of speech language pathology

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a bill regulating the practice of speech language pathology in the country and five other measures. 

The Speech Language Pathology Act signed into law last March 22 outlines the regulations that will govern the profession that evaluates, diagnoses, manages and prevents human communication and swallowing disorders. 

It creates a professional regulatory board that will administer and enforce regulations, supervise and regulate the registration and licensure of speech language pathologists and study the conditions affecting the practice, among other functions. '

The board will be composed of a chairperson and two members to be appointed by the president from the three recommendees for each vacant position chosen from the five nominees of the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization of speech language pathologists. 

The law also requires all applicants for the registration of speech language pathology to undergo a licensure examination. To be qualified, an applicant should be a citizen of the Philippines or a foreign state that observes reciprocity with the Philippines for the practice of speech language pathology, of good moral character, has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, and a graduate of a bachelor's degree in speech language from an institution recognized by the Commission on Higher Education.

The board is also required to prescribe, adopt and promulgate a code of ethics for speech language pathologists. 

Other laws 

Duterte also signed three franchise laws and two school measures last March 22. 

Signed were the bill granting franchises to Volunteer Lifecare Ministries and Northeastern Broadcasting Services. The president also affixed his signature on a law extending the franchise granted to Raven Broadcasting Corp. by 25 years. 

Duterte also signed measures separating the Tinajeros National high School - Acacia Annex in Malabon from the Tinajeros National High School and converting it into an independent high school to be known as Acacia National High School and recognizing the Everest Academy as an educational institution of international character.