Psych Law Revisions: PAP Meets with Senator Koko Pimentel

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) met with Senator Koko Pimentel on February 27, 2023, to discuss revisions to the Philippine Mental Health Law (RA 100029). The meeting was held at Senator Pimentel's office in the House of Senate. This was set to seek support from Senator Pimentel in the process of Psychology law revisions.

PAP was represented by Dr. Caring Tarroja, as head, with Dr. Mateo, Dr. Resurreccion, Dr. Hernani, Ms. Florence Culaba, and Ms.Joanne Moreno-Javier. His legal team joined Senator Pimentel for guidance on possible legislative process. 

The meeting paved the way for creating an ad hoc committee on Psych Law revision. The committee is currently in place and started to mobilize in July 2023. The committee comprises PAP Board of Trustees members who are mental health and human rights experts.

PAP is hopeful that the revisions to the Psychology law will be completed soon. Initially, the revision aims to focus on the gap in the need for mental health professionals and highlight concerns related to psychology practice in the Philippines, mainly the functions of psychometricians and psychologists.