Philippine Midwifery Empowerment Act

Senate Difice of the secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 26 APR 15 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) P12:59 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENO44 S. No. - INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JV EJERCITO AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PRACTICE OF MIDWIFERY AS A PROFESSION IN THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 2644, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE PHILIPPINE MIDWIFERY LAW" AND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7392, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE PHILIPPINE MIDWIFERY ACT OF 2026 EXPLANATORY NOTE The right to health is a fundamental constitutional principle that relies heavily on the frontline workers who bridge the gap between the government and our most remote and most underserved communities. In many geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, they are often the first, and sometimes the only, point of care. Filipino midwives walk long distances, cross rivers, and go the extra mile to reach mothers and patients who would otherwise have no access to basic health services outside of major urban centers. Even with the added duties mandated by the Universal Health Care Act, our midwives are still bound by Republic Act No. 7392. This law, which has remained unchanged for over thirty years, no longer accurately captures the current demands of their profession. At the same time, many midwives remain trapped in precarious employment. For a long time, spanning years and even decades, midwives have functioned as casual or job-order employees, lacking the stability, benefits, and acknowledgment

commensurate with their vital and committed contributions to their communities; many of these individuals frequently retire after two or even twenty-five years without the financial security and remuneration they rightfully deserve. This proposed legislation seeks to rectify these enduring injustices. Its objective is to professionalize midwifery, guarantee equitable and sustainable compensation, and acknowledge the genuine significance of their contributions to the Philippine healthcare system. It stipulates increased initial salaries within the public health sector and mandates the establishment of permanent plantilla positions, thereby terminating the cycle of instability that has afflicted numerous midwives. Ultimately, updating our midwifery laws is not just about improving a profession, it is about protecting the health and dignity of Filipino mothers and children, especially those in the most underserved communities. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. = •• JV EJERCITO

Senate / Office of the secretarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) APR 15 P12:59 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 2044 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JV EJERCITO AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PRACTICE OF MIDWIFERY AS A PROFESSION IN THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 2644, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE PHILIPPINE MIDWIFERY LAW" AND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7392, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE PHILIPPINE MIDWIFERY ACT OF 2026 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Midwifery

2 Empowerment Act".

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

4 to assume responsibility for the protection and enhancement of the midwifery 5 profession. The State shall adopt measures that will continuously improve the competence and ethical standards of midwives to prevent the increase in maternal and infant mortality rates. It is further declared a policy of the State to strengthen the practice of midwifery as an allied health profession so that no mother will die or be injured in the process of giving life to a healthy newborn. The State also recognizes the critical role of midwives in the provision of preventive and promotive health care services for women, children and other members of the community.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - . As used in this Act. Use Development and

Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) Act. a. Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) refers to the mandatory and automatic, state-sanctioned national organization for a specific profession, established to integrate practitioners, enforce ethical standards, and promote the development and improvement of professional practice, subject to the accreditation guidelines of the Professional

Regulation Commission (PRC), as provided under the Professional Regulatory Law. b. Bachelor in Midwifery Ladderized Course refers to a holder of the two-year diploma course in midwifery and who wish to complete the four-year course for the purpose of gaining equivalency. c. Bachelor of Science in Midwifery refers to a four (4) year degree program that combines general education with specialized professional courses including hands-on training in hospitals and community settings. d. Code of Ethics refers to the set of principles of practices and standards of behavior that shall govern the ethical conduct, moral obligations, and professional duties to be observed by all registered and licensed midwives. e. Healthcare Provider Network refers to a collaborative network of health facilities designed to ensure equitable, comprehensive, integrated, continuous, and seamless high quality health services to defined populations with minimum duplication and inefficiencies. f. Life Saving Drugs refer to the medications crucial for managing pregnancy complications particularly when emergency medical support is unavailable. Among the key lifesaving drugs in the practice of midwifery are oxytocin, magnesium sulfate, antenatal steroids and antibiotics, misoprostol, calcium gluconate, terbutaline, and intravenous fluids. g. Midwife refers to a person who has successfully completed a midwifery education program duly recognized by the government and holds a valid certificate of registration and professional license from the Board of Midwifery and PRC as defined under Republic Act No. 7392 or the "Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992."

SEC. 4. Composition of the Board - There shall be a Professional Board of

Midwifery, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall be under the direct supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The Board shall be a collegial body composed of a Chairperson and four (4) Members, who shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines. The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines from a list of nominees submitted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The list of nominees shall be drawn from recommendations of the duly recognized and accredited professional organization of midwives, institutions of higher learning offering midwifery education, and other

relevant and legitimate professional organizations of midwives, in accordance with the applicable accreditation and nomination guidelines of the PRC.

SEC. 5. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Board. -

a. The Chairperson of the Board shall, at the time of appointment, must have the following qualifications: 1. A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines; 2. Of good moral character; 3. A graduate registered midwife; 4. Have at least 10 years in practice as a midwife and with at least five (5) years in a supervisory role; and 5. A holder of master's degree or doctorate degree in any of the following fields: public health, maternal and child health, community health, primary health care, health services administration, health systems or health care management; b. The three (3) members of the Board shall, at the time of the appointment, must have the following qualifications: 1. A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines; 2. Of good moral character; 3. A graduate registered midwife; 4. Have at least ten (10) years in practice as a midwife with at least 5 years in a supervisory role; and 5. A holder of master's degree or doctorate degree in any of the following fields: public health, maternal and child health, community health, primary health care, health services administration, health systems or health care management. c. One (1) member of the Board shall, at the time of the appointment, must have the following qualifications: 1. A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines; 2. Of good moral character; and 3. Have at least five (5) years in practice as an obstetrician- gynecologist duly recognized diplomate or fellow of the relevant specialty society prior to the appointment.

SEC. 6. Disqualifications of the Board Members. - The following are disqualified

to become members of the Board: a. Member of the faculty, whether full time or part time or lecturer of any school, college or university where a regular course is midwifery; b. Those who have pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly in any school, college or university during their term of office as member of the Board;

c. Officer or member of the Board of Trustees of a midwifery organization; and d. Those who hold positions which violate the provisions of RA No. 6713, otherwise known as the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees" or which violates incompatibility of office under items a to c of this Section.

SEC. 7. Terms of Office. - The Chairperson shall hold office for six (6) years

without reappointment. Two (2) members shall hold office for four (4) years without reappointment. Two (2) members shall hold office for three (3) years subject to reappointment for only one term. Any vacancy in the Board occurring within the term of a member shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term only.

SEC. 8. Compensation of Board Members. - The Chairperson, and members of

the Board shall receive compensation and allowances and other benefits pursuant to the allowances received by the chairperson and members of existing professional regulatory boards.

SEC. 9. Removal of Board Members. - Any members of the Board may be removed

by the President of the Republic of Philippines, upon the recommendation of the PRC, for neglect of duty, incompetence, or unethical, immoral, and dishonorable conduct 19 after having been given the opportunity to defend oneself in a proper administrative 20 investigation conducted by the PRC.

Sec. 10. Powers and Duties of the Board. The Board shall supervise and regulate

the practice of midwifery profession and shall have the following powers, duties and functions: Enforce the provisions of this Act; a. Conduct Professional Licensure Examination for midwifery; b. Administer oaths in accordance with the provision of this Act; c. Issue, suspend, or revoke certificates of registration for the practice of midwifery; d. Maintain a registry of midwives in good standing in cooperation with AIPO; e. Maintain and collect data of midwives in the country in coordination with PRC Information and Communications Technology Service and the DOH by requiring the registration of all midwives in the National Health Workforce Registry or other human resource for health data collection system of the government and during their initial registration and renewal of licenses; f. Provide inputs on national and global midwifery practice to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to be considered in the development and periodic updating of the midwifery curriculum;

g. Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against midwives for malpractice, unethical and unprofessional conduct, and violation of this Act or its implementing rules and regulations, and in connection therewith; h. Issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum and to punish with contempt persons obstructing, impeding, or otherwise interfering with the conduct of such proceedings upon application with the court, or both; i. Promulgate a Code of Ethics, in coordination and consultation with AIPO and professional organizations representing registered and practicing midwives in the Philippines, within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act; j. Conduct inspection and monitoring of educational institutions and facilities where midwifery services are offered or midwifery programs are taught to ascertain that the standards of midwifery education are properly complied with and maintained at all times; k. Submit an annual report to the PRC at the end of each calendar year, giving a detailed account of its proceedings and the accomplishments and recommending measures to upgrade and improve the conditions affecting the midwifery practice and education; 1. Adopt an official seal to authenticate its official documents; m. Attend meetings regularly; n. Study the conditions affecting midwifery education and the practice of the midwifery profession in the Philippines; o. Assess the standards pertaining to the retraining and skills enhancement programs designed for midwives seeking advanced training or those in need of bridging education; p. Undertake initiatives and establish support mechanisms aimed at enhancing the retirement preparedness of midwives, with the objective of ensuring their post-retirement years are marked by financial security, personal fulfillment, and strong support; q. Adopt a proactive approach in actively engaging a diverse range of stakeholders within the sector to foster the advancement and development of midwifery practice in the Philippines; r. Subject to the approval of the PRC, 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; and s. Represent the Board in sectoral management.

Sec. 11. Administrative Supervision of the Board and Custodian of its Records. -

The members of the Board shall be under the general supervision of the PRC. All records, including examination paper, applications for examinations, administrative

and other investigative cases conducted by the Board shall be under the custody of 2 the PRC.

SEC. 12. Standards for Midwifery Education. - To ensure quality midwifery

4 education in the Philippines, the CHED has the following duties and responsibilities in 5 coordination with the Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery: a. Establish standards for midwifery education, including the setting of minimum qualifications of faculty, and the facility requirements for training, and among others; b. Develop and periodically review the basic curriculum in consultation with the DOH, the Board, AIPO, Association of Philippine Schools of Midwifery, and other midwifery organizations; c. Monitor and evaluate the performance of midwifery programs of schools, colleges, and institutions; d. Examine the facilities of universities and colleges of midwifery, and those seeking permission to open the midwifery courses prescribed; and e. Impose appropriate sanctions on institutions that do not fulfill the aforementioned standards, such as downgrading or withdrawal of accreditation, and termination of the program or school course, among others, in coordination with the Board.

SEC. 13. Schools of Midwifery. - A school of midwifery seeking recognition as a

duly accredited and legally constituted higher education institution for midwifery education and training, as provided under Republic Act No. 7392, shall apply for and secure the appropriate permit from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The school shall operate its midwifery program in accordance with existing policies, standards, and guidelines governing midwifery education.

SEC. 14. Qualifications of Faculty. - The faculty shall have academic preparation

appropriate to teaching assignment, as follows: a. A holder of a master's degree in health and social sciences or a degree of Doctor of Medicine; b. Has proof of competence in the chosen field of specialization; c. A registered nurse or registered midwife in the Philippines with at least one (1) year of satisfactory teaching experience or one (1) year of efficient performance in maternity ward: Provided, That a registered midwife may be allowed to follow up student midwives in the community ward provided that said midwife has at least two (2) years of experience in the area of assignment and has undergone training in the supervision of students; and

d. A member of good standing of AIPO or other national association of midwives.

SEC. 15. Professional Licensure Examination Requirement. - All applicants for

registration to the practice of midwifery in the Philippines shall be required to pass the Professional Licensure Examination which shall be given by the Board in such places and dates as may be designated by the PRC: Provided, That it shall be in accordance with RA 8981: Provided: further, That for those who are graduates of a two (2) year diploma courses and are already registered midwives prior to the passage of this Act shall be given an equivalency to a four (4) year degree program. 10 The parameters to such equivalency shall be based on the following: a. Years of work experience; and b. Ladderized education or recognition of prior learning or alternative courses; Upon compliance with the prescribed parameters, the PRC shall issue the appropriate certificate of registration to qualified midwives. Those who fail to comply with the prescribed parameters shall be required to take and pass the Professional Licensure Examination for the four-year degree course in midwifery.

SEC. 16. Scope of Professional Licensure Examination. - The scope of

Examination for the practice of midwifery shall consist of the following: a. Newborn, infant and child health related procedures to midwifery; b. Obstetrical anatomy and physiology; c. Obstetrics including essential intrapartum and basic emergency obstetric care; d. Principles of Microbiology and parasitology as applied to midwifery practice; e. Pharmacology as applied to midwifery practice; f. Midwifery procedures; g. Primary Health Care which covers community care, public health, and preventive care; h. Maternal nutrition, newborn, infant and young child feeding including breastfeeding and complementary feeding; i. Responsible parenthood, family planning, adolescent health and reproductive health; j. Ethics and legal jurisprudence of midwifery practice; k. Professional growth and development, and entrepreneurship; and I. Other subjects that the Board may deem necessary for inclusion from time to time.

SEC. 17. Prerequisite and Qualifications of Applicants for Professional Licensure

Examination. - In order to be admitted to the Professional Licensure Examination for Midwifery in the Philippines, an applicant must meet the following qualifications:

a. Mentally, emotionally and physically sound with a certificate of good moral character signed by the Head of a recognized and duly government midwifery institution or midwifery school from where the applicant graduated; b. A graduate of midwifery in a government recognized and duly accredited institution; and c. At the time of the issuance of a certificate of registration, a citizen of the Philippines and at least eighteen (18) years of age. For purposes of admission to the midwives' professional licensure examination, the applicant must submit the following documentary requirements: a. Philippines Statistic Authority authenticated copy of the certificate of live births; b. Certified true copy of the official transcript of records; c. Duly accomplished form, certified as true and correct by the clinical instructor and dean or principal of the school of midwifery attesting to the applicant's: 1. Handling of at least twenty (20) actual deliveries 2. Suturing of at least five (5) perineal lacerations 3. Insertion of at least five (5) intravenous fluids 4. Conduct of at least ten (10) internal examinations d. Other documents that the Board may require provided any additional requirement has been subject of prior consultation and is duly announced in a public document.

SEC. 18. Fees for Professional Licensure Examination. - Applicants for

examination for the practice of midwifery shall pay an examination fee in such amount as may be prescribed by the PRC.

SEC. 19. Ratings in the Professional Licensure Examination. - An examinee is

deemed to have passed the Professional Licensure Examination for Midwives upon obtaining a general weighted average of at least seventy-five percent (75%) in the written examination, with no rating lower than fifty percent (50%) in any of the subjects.

SEC. 20. Report on the Results of the Board Examinations. - As a result of fully

computerized examination, the Board shall, within thirty (30) days after the examination, report the ratings obtained by each examinee to the PRC. The PRC shall, after days from receipt, release to the public the results of the Board examinations.

SEC. 21. Oath of Profession. - All successful examinees shall be required to take

an oath of profession before the Board or any government official authorized to administer oaths prior to entering the midwifery practice.

SEC. 22. Issuance of Certificate of Registration / Professional License and

Professional Identification Card. - A certificate of Registration and Professional License as a midwife shall be issued to an applicant who passed the application upon payment of the prescribed fees. Every certificate of registration and professional license shall show the full name of the chairperson of the PRC and of the members 6 of the Board, and the official seal of the PRC.

SEC. 23. Inhibition against the Practice of Midwifery. - No person shall practice

8 or offer to practice midwifery in the Philippines, as defined in this Act without holding a valid Certificate of Registration and Professional License as midwife.

SEC. 24. Foreign Reciprocity. - A certificate of registration and professional license

maybe issued to midwives registered under the laws of a foreign country or state. Provided, That the requirements for registration or licensing of midwives in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed under this Act: Provided further, That the laws of such state or country grant the same privileges to registered midwives of the Philippines.

SEC. 25. Exemption in Taking a Bridging Course. - Midwives who possess a

diploma degree and obtained a PRC license prior to the implementation of this Act shall be no longer required to undertake bridging courses for the eventual attainment of a Bachelor's degree. Their status as midwives with valid licenses shall be maintained. Conversely, midwives with a diploma degree who acquired their PRC license after the implementation of this Act are obligated to successfully complete bridging courses leading to the conferment of a Bachelor's degree while retaining their license to practice.

SEC. 26. Practice of Midwifery Defined. - The practice of midwifery consists of

performing, rendering or offering for a fee, salary or other reward or compensation services requiring an understanding of the principles and application of procedures and techniques in: a. Managing normal and uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries; b. Identifying pregnancy complications and danger signs, and immediate referral of high-risk pregnancy woman to the appropriate facility in the service delivery network; c. Caring for the newborn, and proper assessment initial management, and immediate referral of newborn complications; d. Carrying out the written order of physicians on natal, ante-natal, intra-natal and post-natal care of the normal pregnant mother which includes the following: 1. oral and parenteral dispensing of oxytocic drug before or after delivery of placenta as a measure to prevent

postpartum hemorrhage, provided the delivery is normal, spontaneous and single birth; and 2. Suturing of 1st degree (small, skin deep tears which usually heal naturally) and 2nd degree (deeper tear affecting the muscle of the perinium as well as the skin this require stitches) of perineal lacerations to control bleeding and giving of intravenous fluid insertion during obstetrical emergencies provided they have been trained for that purpose; e. Administration of life-saving drugs during obstetrical emergencies, limited to situations where immediate intervention is necessary to preserve the life of the mother or the newborn, and only after the midwife has completed the required training and certification as prescribed by the DOH and the Professional Board of Midwifery; f. Providing family planning services which include modern and natural family planning method including counseling on informed choices to women of reproductive age; g. Administering recommended vaccines related to Maternal and child health care and as vaccinator as stated in Sec. 9 of RA 11525 otherwise known as the "COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021"; h. Providing primary care in the community, with emphasis on preventive and promotive health care services; i. Performing the following procedures to a newborn, infant or young child: 1. Four core-time bound interventions during the first 60- 90 minutes of the newborn life in accordance to the Essential Newborn Care a. Immediate and thorough drying; b. Early skin to skin contact; c. Properly-timed clamping and cutting of the cord after 1 to 3 minutes; and d. Non-separation of the newborn from the mother for early breastfeeding initiation and rooming in. 2. Administration of the following after the first full breastfeeding of the newborn: a. Recommended dose of Intramuscular Vitamin K to prevent Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn; b. Ophthalmic prophylaxis ointment to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis; c. Intramuscular administration of Hepatitis B vaccine;

d. Intradermal administration of Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine, e. Newborn Screening; and f. Performing other tasks or procedures to be determined by the DOH: Provided, That the scope, requirements and interpretation of said functions shall be specified in the Clinical Practice Guidelines to be jointly promulgated by the DOH and the Professional Board of Midwifery in consultation with AIPO and other midwifery organizations.

SEC. 27. Career Progression and Professional Advancement. - Additional

schooling and professional certification may enable midwifery practitioners to progress from basic clinical roles to specialized fields of practice. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery and gaining several years of relevant professional experience, midwives may further advance their careers and transition into specialized areas, including administration and leadership, midwifery education, research and development, public health and community service management, and advanced or higher-level clinical management.

SEC. 28. Revocation and Suspension of Certificate of Registration and

Cancellation. - 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 stated in the preceding section, or for any of the following acts: a. Unprofessional conduct; b. Professional malpractice; c. clear professional incompetence; d. gross ignorance or negligience e. assisting in or performing abortion in the practice of midwifery; or f. employing fraud, deceit, or false statements in obtaining a certificate of registration. Decisions of the Board may be appealed to the PRC, whose decision shall be final and executory.

SEC. 29. Refusal to Issue Certificate of Registration. - The Board shall refuse to

issue a certificate of registration to any person convicted by the 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 a written statement setting forth the reason or reasons for its action, which statement shall be incorporated in the records of the Board.

SEC. 30. Reissuance and Replacement of Revoked Certificates. - The Board may,

for reasons of equity and justice and upon proper application therefor issue another

1 copy of the certificate upon payment of dues, and in so doing, it may exempt the 2 applicant for the requisite examination.

SEC. 31. Midwives Positions in Public Health Facilities. - All public health facilities

such as government owned and controlled corporation with original charter, DOH- retained hospitals, local government unit-managed hospitals at the district level, shall 6 have plantilla positions for midwives: Provided, That the compensation of midwives working in public health service shall not be lower than Salary Grade 13 as entry 8 salary for midwives, pursuant to RA 6758, otherwise known as the "Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989. Provided further midwifery career advancements shall be compensated and aligned with higher government salary scales. Also, as provided for under the Civil Service Law, a government employee has to work eight (8) hours a day or forty (40) hours a week: Provided further, That for midwives working in health facilities under local government units, adjustment to their compensation shall be in accordance with Section 10 of the same Act: Provided furthermore, other benefits and entitlements shall also be provided to midwives by their public health employers in accordance with existing laws.

SEC. 32. Midwives in Private Health facilities. - Midwives employed or contracted

by private health facilities shall have salaries and benefits not lower than the minimum wage set by the Department of Labor and Employment. Government midwives who practice in private facilities after their regular office hours shall comply with the existing guidelines set by the Civil Service Commission and DOH.

SEC. 33. Midwives with Birthing Centers. - Midwives who shall establish and

manage their own birthing centers shall comply and be properly guided with the regulatory standards and operating procedures as defined by the DOH; This shall take into consideration certain requirements such as to number of facilities providing maternal care services in a particular geographic or territorial jurisdiction and based on an assessment of actual maternal care service requirement in a particular community. Midwives offering services in these facilities should likewise comply with PhilHealth Certification and Accreditation standards. Midwives with birthing facilities and offering pregnancy and other reproductive health related services shall both be accredited as service provider and a Modern Family Planning accredited facility to comply with quality standards. Claims on maternal and newborn care package and family planning service must be paid on time.

SEC. 34. Creation of Accredited Integrated Professional Organization of Midwives.

- For purposes of this Act, the existing national organizations of midwives shall be integrated into the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) of Midwives. All midwives duly registered and licensed with Board and PRC, shall automatically become members of the AIPO, maintain such memberships therein as

a requisite to practice the profession, and receive benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto upon payment of the required reasonable fees and dues. Membership in the 3 AIPO shall not be a bar to membership in other associations of midwives.

SEC. 35. Prohibited Acts. - No person shall: Practice midwifery in the Philippines

within the meaning of this Act without a certificate of registration issued in accordance herewith; a. Present or use the certificate of registration of another; b. Give any false or forged evidence to the PRC in order to secure a certificate of registration; c. Use a revoked or suspended certificate of registration; d. Assume, use or advertise, as a registered midwife or a registered nurse midwife or appending to one's name the letters R.M. without having been conferred such title by the PRC; and e. Advertise any title description tending to convey the impression that one is a registered midwife.

SEC. 36. Penal Provisions. - Any person who shall violate any of the provisions

stated in Section 37 of this Act or any of its implementing rules and regulations as promulgated by the Board, subject to the approval of the PRC, shall upon conviction, be punished to a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000) nor more than One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000), or to suffer imprisonment for a period of not less than to two (2) years nor more than seven years, or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court

SEC. 37. Enforcement of this Act. - It shall be the primary duty of the PRC and

the Board to effectively implement this Act. Any of the duly authorized law enforcement agencies and officers of national, provincial, city, or municipal governments shall, upon written or request of the PRC or the Board, render assistance in enforcing the provisions of this Act and to prosecute any person violating the same.

SEC. 38. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this

Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 39. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within 90 (days) after the

effectivity of this Act, the Board and the PRC, in coordination with the AIPO and national organization of midwives, the DOH, the Department of Budget and Management and other concerned government agencies, shall in consultation with relevant stakeholders in the private sector, 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. 40. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any part or section of this Act

shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 41. Repealing Clause. - RA 2644, otherwise known as the "Philippine

Midwifery Law," and RA 7392, otherwise known as the "Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992," are hereby repealed. All other laws, decrees, orders, instructions, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are likewise repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 42. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,