Code of Ethics

In the service of those who've taken their Oath as Guidance Counselors before the 3rd batch, I am blogging this Code of Ethics. This is a landmark document in our professional practice here in the Philippines. The next thing I'd like to do is make a commentary on this Code so that we can properly apply them. At the outset, what I miss in here is on "dual relationships" of Guidance Counselors. Happy reading!


Republic of the Philippines
Professional Regulation Commission
Manila

Professional Regulatory Board of Guidance and Counseling
Board Resolution No. 05
Series of 2008

CODE OF ETHICS FOR REGISTERED AND LICENSED GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

WHEREAS, ETHICS refers to, “A system of moral principles or values; the rules or standards governing the conduct of members of a profession; accepted principles of right or wrong;” and establishes the means of doing what is right, fair, and honest;

WHEREAS, the Professional Regulatory Board of Guidance and Counseling is empowered to “ (i) [P]romulgate rules and regulations including the Code of Ethics for Guidance and Counselors xxx” and “(r) [A]dopt measures necessary and proper for the high ethical and professional standards in the maintenance of the practice of the profession;” “(j) [I]nvestigate violations xxx of the Code of Ethics for Guidance Counselors”; (l) [R]ender decision, order or resolution or in preliminary in inquiry against violators xxx of the Code of Ethics for Guidance Counselors xxxx”; (k) [I]ssue, suspend, revoke, or reissue any certificate of registration xxxx” (Sec 5, Powers, Functions of the Board, Art II of R.A. No. 9258, known as the “Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004”);

WHEREAS, Sec. 24, Art. III of R.A. No. 9258 states, to wit: “Sec 24 xxx. The Certificate of Registration may be revoked or suspended xxx for violation of the Code of Ethics xxxx”;

WHEREAS, “Any unethical practice of guidance counseling as may be defined in the Code of Ethics xxx to be prepared by the Board in consultation with guidance counselors is prohibited”; (Par. Four of Sec. 24, Art III of R.A. No. 9258); and

WHEREAS, the Board, pursuant to the power thereof afore-quoted under Section 5 (i), Art. II of of R.A. No. 9258, drafted the Code of Ethics for Guidance Counselors and submitted the same to the Commission for the approval of the latters as part of the rules and regulations of the “Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004”;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Board resolves, as it is hereby resolved, to promulgate and issue the “Code of Ethics for Registered and Licensed Guidance Counselors” marked as Annex “A” and made an integral part of this Resolution and the Rules and Regulations of R.A. No. 9258.

This Resolution shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the full and complete publication thereof in the official Gazette, or in any newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

Let a copy thereof be forwarded to the Interim Professional Organization of Guidance Counselors and/or the registered and Accredited Integrated National Organization of Registered and Licensed Guidance Counselors.
July 15, 2008

Sgd. LILY ROSQUETA-ROSALES
Officer-in-Charge

Sgd. LUZVIMINDA S. GUZMAN
Member


ATTESTED TO:

Sgd. CARLOS G. ALMELOR
Secretary
Professional Regulatory Boards

APPROVED:

Sgd. LEONOR TRIPON-ROSERO
Secretary


RUTH RANA-PADILLA Sgd. NILO L. ROSAS
Commissioner Commissioner


Code of Ethics 1
LRR/LSG/CGA/CLE/MVM/JEG


ANNEX “A”


CODE OF ETHICS FOR REGISTERED AND LICENSED GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

Preamble

Guidance and Counseling in the Philippines is now recognized as a profession and as such, it carries with it certain responsibilities and expectation.

The role of the Guidance Counselor is significant in the lives of people. The nature of his work demands competence, excellence, integrity, trust and service. He must be guided by recognized ethical standards, which define his functions and responsibilities which provide guidelines for his practices as Guidance Counselor.

Article I
General Ethical Principles

Section 1. Observance of Principles. – Guidance Counselors shall observe the following basic and general principles:

1.1 Abide by the ethical principles laid down by the Guidance and Counseling Profession.

1.2 Not misuse the professional relationship for profit, power, or prestige, or for personal gratification not consonant with the welfare of his Counselee.

1.3 Realize that his professional time and effort are fully, faithfully, conscientiously, and truthfully devoted to the accomplishment and improvement of the guidance and counseling profession.

1.4 Grow professionally and keep abreast with current trends in guidance work through continuing professional education and affiliate himself with reputable and recognized local, national and international guidance associations.

Article II
Relationship with Counselee

Sec. 2. Counselors’ Relationship with Counselee. – Counselors shall establish and maintain good relations with their counselees, and accordingly, shall:

2.1 Respect the personhood and integrity of the person with whom he works.

2.2 Recognize individual differences

2.3 Clarify his role to the Counselee

2.4 Establish professional relationship with the Counselee

2.5 Explain results of tests and other diagnostic tools in a comprehensive and
constructive manner.

2.6 Give information about the Counselee only to persons who can be of help to the
Counselee and is done only with the approval of the Counselee and/or his parents
or guardian. When revelations may result in possible harm to the Counselee or
to someone else, or may endanger the community or the country, he must report
the facts to appropriate authorities and take emergency measures to prevent any
untoward event or harm to Counselee.

2.7 Recommend a referral when it is indicated that the Counselee does not benefit
from the guidance relationship, but assume responsibility for the welfare of the
Counselee until the guidance responsibility is assumed by the person to whom the
Counselee has been referred.

Article III
Relationship with the Community

Sec. 3. Counselors’ Relationship with Community. – Guidance Counselors shall establish and maintain good relations with their community, and accordingly, shall:

3.1 Establish a relationship between the community and the guidance program in a
manner that is beneficial to both.

3.2 Show sensible regard for and ethical recognition of the social code and moral
expectations of the community in which he works and strives to elevate the
understanding of its social and cultural traditions.

3.3 Attend to the needs, problems, aspirations, and human resources of the
community in order to enable him to give relevant service responses, and to
develop a wholesome community spirit.

Article IV
Relationship with Colleagues in the Profession

Sec. 4. Guidance Counselors’ Relationship with their Peers. – Guidance Counselors shall establish with their colleagues, and accordingly, shall:

4.1 Initiate peer relations and maintain high standards of professional competence
in the guidance and counseling discipline.

4.2 Keep relationships on a professional level by refraining from petty personal
actions.

4.3 Consult colleagues as a matter of professional courtesy, when planning to
initiate a professional activity likely to encroach upon his colleagues’
recognized academic disciplines or researches.

4.4 Give accurate information and avoid any misinterpretation or unclear
explanations.

4.5 Hold responsible for proper permission from and adequate recognition of
authors and publishers of counseling and testing instruments which he uses
and sees to it that psychological tests are administered only by professionally-
trained and competent guidance personnel under his direct supervision.

Article V
Research and Publications

Sec. 5. Guidance Counselors Attitude on Research and Publications. – Guidance Counselors shall undergo research and publications and, accordingly, shall:

5.1 Undertake research to contribute to the advancement of the Guidance and
Counseling profession.

5.2 In conducting research, adhere to the highest standards of research
Methodology.

5.3 In reporting results of researches, reveal the identity of the subjects of
research only with the permission of the subjects concerned and only for
professional purposes.

5.4 Acknowledge the source of his ideas and material in his research as well as in
his publications, and recognize divergent opinions from responsible persons.

Article VI
Miscellaneous Provisions

Sec. 6. Administrative Penalties. – Any registered and licensed Guidance Counselor who violates any provision of this Code shall be administratively liable under Sec. 24, Art. III of R.A. No. 9258 and Sec. 24, Rule III of Board Resolution No. 02 Series of 2007, the “RR of R.A. No. 9258”.

Sec. 7. Separablity Clause. – If any part of this Code is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provision/s or part/s thereof not affected thereby, if separable, shall continue to be valid, enforceable, and operational.