PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF PHARMACY
RESOLUTION NO. _23_
Series of 2021
RESOLUTION PROMULGATING AND PRESCRIBING THE
CODE OF ETHICS OF THE PHARMACY PROFESSION
WHEREAS, Section 9 of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 8981 or the PRC Modernization Act of 2000
provides for the following powers, functions and responsibilities of the Professional Regulatory
Boards: to regulate the practice of the professions in accordance with the provisions of their
respective professional regulatory laws; to monitor the conditions affecting the practice of the
profession or occupation and whenever necessary adopt measures as may be deemed proper for
the enhancement of the profession or occupation and/or the maintenance of high professional,
ethical and technical standards; and to hear and investigate cases arising from violations of their
respective laws, the rules and regulations and their Code of Ethics, among others;
WHEREAS, R.A. No. 10918, also known as The Philippine Pharmacy Act, is the legal framework
that provides for the supervision, control and regulation of the practice of pharmacy in the
Philippines;
WHEREAS, Section 8 (g) of R.A. No. 10918 states that it is the duty of the Professional Regulatory
Board of Pharmacy (Board) to promulgate and prescribe the Pharmacists’ Code of Ethics, Code of
Technical Standards and Guidelines for the Professional Practice of the Pharmacy Profession, in
coordination with the Accredited Professional Organization;
WHEREAS, the Board coordinated and conducted consultations on 18 December 2020, 08 January
and 22 January 2021 with its Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO), the Philippine
Pharmacists Association (PPHA), thru a Technical Working Group and finalized the Pharmacists'
Code of Ethics that is responsive and relevant to the prevailing trends and developments in the
pharmacy practice;
WHEREAS, as the AIPO for the pharmacy profession, the PPHA commits to elevate the standards
of pharmacy practice in the Philippines;
WHEREAS, the Pharmacists’ Code of Ethics outlines the ethical rules and principles with the end
in view of ensuring the safety and interest of the patients and the public, in general. The Code sets
forth the professional responsibilities of pharmacists to patients and clients, to the profession, to
colleagues in the profession, to allied health professionals, to the society, and to the industry;
WHEREFORE, the Board hereby RESOLVES, as it is so RESOLVED, to promulgate and prescribe
hereunder the Pharmacists’ Code of Ethics for the observance of all pharmacists registered with the
Board and the Professional Regulation Commission:
Resolution No. _23_ (s. 2021)
RESOLUTION PROMULGATING AND PRESCRIBING THE
CODE OF ETHICS OF THE PHARMACY PROFESSION
CODE OF ETHICS FOR PHARMACISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Article I
PREAMBLE
Pharmacists are valued and recognized health professionals who are given the responsibility
within the overall health system, mainly to promote safe, effective and responsible use of
medicines. Together with other health professionals, they assist patients and those to whom they
provide professional services to gain maximum therapeutic benefit from their medicines.
As pharmacy practice is not limited to the provision of direct clinical care, pharmacists also work
closely with consumers, patients, carers and other stakeholders in the discovery, development,
manufacture and supply management of medicines. They perform technical and leadership roles
in education, research, regulations and policy development. Pharmacists help individual, families
and communities maintain good health and avoid ill health.
With these professional responsibilities, the pharmacists hereby publicly state, through this Code
of Ethics, the principles that form the fundamental basis of the norms and standards in the
performance of their duties and responsibilities. These basic principles based on moral obligation
and virtues are established to guide the pharmacists in their relationship with and obligation to
patients, consumers, carers, health professionals and other partners in particular and with the
society in general.
Article II
PRINCIPLES
Focus Area: The Pharmacist’s Patients and Clients
1. A pharmacist places the health and well-being of the individual and the community
at the center of professional practice.
Interpretation:
A pharmacist commits to help individual and community to improve self-care
and to maintain good health, prevent illness and make the best use of
medications. A pharmacist establishes therapeutic relationship to gain trust
and confidence of the clients.
2. A pharmacist respects the autonomy and rights of the patient and recognizes cultural
differences.
Interpretation:
A pharmacist promotes self-care, decision making in health and rights
pertaining to choice of treatment, according to personal, gender, cultural and
racial differences.
3. A pharmacist cares for each individual with competence and compassion.
Interpretation:
A pharmacist provides pharmaceutical care and assists patients and clients with
compassion.
Resolution No. _23_ (s. 2021)
RESOLUTION PROMULGATING AND PRESCRIBING THE
CODE OF ETHICS OF THE PHARMACY PROFESSION
Focus Area: The Pharmacy Profession
1. A pharmacist acts with honesty, integrity and professionalism in her/his relationship with
patients, carers and other stakeholders in healthcare.
Interpretation:
A pharmacist builds a trusting relationship with patients, carers and other
healthcare professionals with appropriate actions and behaviors; commits to
transparency and accountability in all dealings.
2. A pharmacist abides by regulatory requirements, scientific principles, professional practice
and ethical standards.
Interpretation:
A pharmacist is responsible for her/his actions and faces consequences when
regulatory and scientific standards are not met.
3. A pharmacist is committed to lifelong learning to enhance professional competence.
Interpretation:
A pharmacist ensures that her/his knowledge and skills are continuously updated
and upgraded.
4. A pharmacist demonstrates commitment to the development and enhancement of the
profession.
Interpretation:
A pharmacist takes leadership roles and involvement in initiatives and programs that
are critical to the demands of the profession as it continuously evolves.
Focus Area: Other Health Professionals
1. A pharmacist respects and collaborates with other healthcare professionals and colleagues
to achieve optimal treatment outcomes for their patients and ensures continuum of care.
Interpretation:
A pharmacist exercises professionalism, diplomacy and tact at all times and
recognizes the individual contributions and differences of the members of the team
in the patient’s continuum of care.
Focus Area: Professional Business Practices
1. A pharmacist conducts the business of pharmacy in an ethical and professional manner.
Interpretation:
A pharmacist conducts business practices in the best interest of the patients and
clients, respects confidentiality and exercises propriety in communicating
information; respects his competitors and their products and services while using
her/his time and resources for legitimate business purposes.
Resolution No. _23_ (s. 2021)
RESOLUTION PROMULGATING AND PRESCRIBING THE
CODE OF ETHICS OF THE PHARMACY PROFESSION
Focus Area: The Society
1. A pharmacist, in coordination with the government and non-government organizations,
actively participates in the formulation and implementation of health care policies,
standards and programs designed for the benefit of society.
Interpretation:
A pharmacist takes part in the formulation and development of health policies
and standards relevant to the practice of the profession and its proper
implementation.
2. A pharmacist advocates equitable distribution of health resources, health promotion,
disease prevention and wellness.
Interpretation:
A pharmacist makes available essential medicines and provides cheaper quality
alternatives at all times when appropriate, conducts public health education on
rational and responsible use of medications and promotes healthier
communities.
The Board shall have the power, upon notice and hearing, to revoke or suspend the Certificate of
Registration of a registered pharmacist for violation of any provision of this Code of Ethics,
conviction of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent jurisdiction,
unprofessionalism, immorality, malpractice, incompetence, gross negligence, or imprudence in
the practice of the profession in accordance with the provisions of R.A. No. 10918 and R.A. No.
8981.
This shall take effect immediately after its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper
of general circulation.
Let a copy hereof be furnished the UP Law Center.
Done this _22nd _ day of _September_, 2021 in the City of Manila, Philippines.
ANTHONY ALDRIN C. SANTIAGO
Officer-in-charge
ADELINA C. ROYO MILDRED B. OLIVEROS
Member Member
ATTESTED: DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE
Business Mirror : September 30, 2021
ATTY. OMAIMAH E. GANDAMRA Date of Effectivity : Immediately
OIC, PRB Secretariat Division
APPROVED:
TEOFILO S. PILANDO, JR.
Chairman
YOLANDA D. REYES JOSE Y. CUETO, JR.
Commissioner Commissioner
