pap-code-of-ethics-2022

Title: Code of Ethics for Philippine Psychologists
Published by: Psychological Association of the Philippines, Committee on Ethics and Professional Standards (2022)

Historical context:
- The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) established a Code of Ethics for Clinical Psychologists in the 1980s.
- The code remained unchanged until a revision process started in 2007.
- The aim was to update and broaden the Code to encompass all psychologists in the Philippines.
Committee formation:
- Led by Dr. Allan B. I. Bernardo as Chair.
- Other committee members included Dr. Ma. Lourdes A. Carandang, Dr. Natividad A. Dayan, Dr. Rosalito De Guzman, and Ms. Anna Guerrero.
Revision process:
- Conducted a comprehensive study of the previous Code and various international ethical standards.
- A day-long workshop on February 27, 2009, was held to finalize the proposed new Code.
- Draft presented to PAP Board on April 18, 2009, and ratified on July 24, 2009.
Importance of continuous improvement:
- Encouragement of PAP members to suggest amendments and improvements to the Code.
- Establishment of procedures for investigation of ethical violations.

Updates reflecting technological advancements and COVID-19 impacts.
Revised under the leadership of Dr. Ron Resurreccion and Dr. Niño Jose Mateo with the committee members including
- Fr. Geraldo Costa, Dr. Yayetta Dela Peña, Dr. John Manuel Kliatchko, Ms. Alyssa Kae Alegre, Ms. Florabel Santacera-Suarez, and Ms. Florence Culaba.
Approval of final version by the Board of Trustees on August 26, 2022.
Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles for Psychologists:
- Established by the International Union of Psychological Science (2008).

Fundamental ethical principle recognized worldwide.
Highlights inherent worth of all individuals regardless of differences.
- Importance of societal interconnectedness and cultural recognition in respecting dignity.
Psychology practitioners must adhere to related values:
- Respect for unique worth, diversity, customs, informed consent, privacy, and environmental respect.

Key aspects include maximizing benefits and minimizing harm.
- Requires proper knowledge and therapeutic skills.
Application in telepsychology included as part of ethical duties.
Values related to this principle involve self-awareness and active concern for well-being.

Importance of honesty and transparent communication.
Duty to monitor and manage conflicts of interest.
Values include truthful communication, minimizing biases, and respecting cultural differences.

Clarification on how to resolve ethical issues faced by psychology practitioners.
- Procedural details provided for conflicts between ethics and laws or organizational demands.
Emphasis on cooperation with ethics committees and protocols for reporting ethical violations.

Emphasizes boundaries of professional competence:
- Only licensed professionals are authorized to provide services.
- Importance of continuing education to maintain competency.

Adhere to ethical standards in human relations to avoid discrimination and harassment.
- Addressing issues like sexual harassment and multiple relationships.

In-depth emphasis on maintaining confidentiality, obligations regarding informed consent, and payment structures.
Guidelines on advertising practices—avoiding false or misleading statements.

Principles governing assessments:
- Importance of informed consent in psychological assessments.
- Ethical use of assessment tools and results interpretation.

Detailed ethical considerations for conducting research involving human subjects.
- Sections cover informed consent, deception in research, and handling data responsibly.
The need to maintain integrity in reporting research findings and understanding the rights of participants is enforced.