PAP

• The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) adopted a Code of Ethics for Clinical Psychologists in the 1980s, which has remained unchanged since then.
• In 2007, the Board of Directors of the PAP resolved to constitute a committee to revise the code of ethics, with the goal of updating the code and making it more inclusive and applicable to all psychologists.
• Confidentiality of participants can be protected.
• The latter intend to use the data solely for the purpose declared.
• The latter will hold responsibility for costs associated with the release of data.
• The latter obtain prior written agreement for the use of data.
• We do not conceal disconfirming evidence about our findings and views and we acknowledge alternative hypotheses and explanations.
• In cases wherein our research touches on social policies and structures of communities which we do not belong, we thoroughly discuss the limits of our data with respect to their social policy.
• Unless legal rights concerning proprietary data preclude such release, then the latter should seek permission from the concerned institution, organization or agency.
• When we review material submitted for presentation, publication, grant, or research proposal review, we respect the confidentiality and the proprietary rights of those who submitted it.
• It is our duty to share and not to withhold our data to other competent professionals, who seek to verify and reanalyze the research results and substantive claims of our publication, provided that:
• We acknowledge the limitations of our knowledge, methods, findings, interventions, interpretations, and conclusions.
• The PAP Board of Directors appointed immediate past president, Dr. Allan B. Bernardo, as Chair of the Scientific and Professional Ethics Committee, in compliance with the PAP Charter.
• The PAP Board also appointed Dr. Ma. Lourdes A. Carandang, Dr. Natividad A. Dayan, Dr. Rosalito De Guzman, and Ms. Anna Guerrero as members of this committee.
• The committee set out to accomplish its task with the assistance of three graduate assistants: Mary Libertine Amor, Mary Grace M. Serranilla, and Sheri Anne C. Zerna.
• The committee chair and the assistants undertook the preparatory work which involved studying the old Code, and several documents related to ethical standards for psychologists (e.g., the Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles for Psychologists, the ethics codes of the American Psychological Association, the British Psychological Society, the Canadian Psychological Society, among others).
• The committee conducted a day-long workshop on February 27, 2009 to finalize the proposed Code of Ethics for Philippine Psychologists.
• We take reasonable steps to ensure that disclosed information is not misused or misunderstood and only disclose information with consent or when mandated by law for valid purposes
• We have a duty to safeguard and secure any information divulged by our clients
• We do not reveal confidential and personally identifiable information of our clients in public media without consent or legal authorization
• We avoid making false or deceptive statements in advertisements and public statements
• We make reasonable efforts to plan for facilitating services in the event of interruptions such as illness, death, unavailability, relocation, or retirement
• We do not discuss confidential information that could lead to client identification unless consent is given or disclosure cannot be avoided
• We discuss the limitations of confidentiality with our clients, especially in cases involving regulated laws, institutional rules, or professional relationships
• We obtain permission before recording the voices or images of our clients and explain the anticipated uses of the recordings
• Competent caring requires the application of appropriate knowledge, skills, and interpersonal relationships
• The Universal Declaration describes ethical principles based on shared human values
• Competent caring for the well-being of persons and peoples involves working for their benefit and doing no harm
• The objectives of the Universal Declaration are to provide a moral framework and generic set of ethical principles for psychology organizations worldwide
• Respecting the rights and dignity of clients, peers, students, and stakeholders involves treating them with fairness, non-discrimination, and avoiding unfair consequences based on ethical complaints.
• Resolving ethical issues involves correcting or minimizing the effects of misuse or misrepresentation of our work, resolving conflicts between ethics and law or organizational demands, and addressing ethical violations through informal resolution or reporting.
• The Universal Declaration reaffirms the commitment of the psychology community to build a better world
• Application of the principles and values will vary across cultures and must occur locally or regionally
• Adhering to the highest standards of professional competence involves providing services, teaching, and conducting research within the boundaries of our competence, making appropriate referrals when necessary, and continuously updating our knowledge and skills.
• The Universal Declaration articulates principles and related values that are general and aspirational
• Maintaining confidentiality in professional and scholarly functions involves protecting sensitive information and only disclosing it when necessary and appropriate.
• Ensuring truthfulness and accuracy in public statements involves providing accurate and reliable information to the public and avoiding misleading or false claims.
• Respect for dignity recognizes the inherent worth of all human beings
• Observing professionalism in records and fees involves maintaining accurate and complete records, charging fair and reasonable fees, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
• The significance of the Universal Declaration depends on its recognition and promotion by psychology organizations