Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF CHAPTER XIII ~ "MASSAGE CLINICS AND SAUNA BATH ESTABLISHMENTS" OF THE CODE ON SANITATION OF THE PHILIPPINES)
These rules and regulations apply to all massage clinics and sauna bath establishments, masseurs/massagists, massage attendants, sauna bath attendants and other similar entities and practitioners.
A Certificate of Registration is a certification in writing issued by the Department of Health Committee of Examiners for Masseurs authorizing a person to perform massage and to supervise massage attendants/masseurs.
They must possess an up-to-date health certificate issued by the city or municipal health officer after passing required physical and medical examinations including Sexually Transmitted Diseases clearances at least every two weeks. Other tests like hepatitis-B, VDRL, or HIV may be required with consent.
Massage attendants must be at least eighteen (18) years old, submit a medical certificate of fitness, possess a certificate of training after completing at least sixty (60) hours of practical massage under supervision of a registered masseur, and have attended seminars on sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS.
Massage and sauna bath rooms must be at least five (5) square meters in floor area.
Massage rooms must have a minimum of ten (10) foot-candle (107.6 lux) illumination, whereas sauna bath rooms must have at least five (5) foot-candle (53.8 lux).
It is prohibited, and the sanitary permit must be obtained prior to operation. Operating without a sanitary permit may result in penalties including suspension or revocation of the permit and possible court proceedings for continuous operation after revocation.
A registered masseur may supervise a maximum of fifty (50) massage attendants.
Violators are guilty of misdemeanor and upon conviction may be punished by imprisonment of up to six (6) months, a fine not exceeding Php 1,000.00, or both. Interfering with health officers or tampering with notices may also incur similar penalties.
Inspections must be conducted at least once every three (3) months, with additional inspections as deemed necessary.
The Committee is composed of the Director of the Environmental Health Service, a medical officer from the Traditional Medicine Unit, a sanitary engineer, a legal officer, a representative from the Office for Public Health Services, and a representative from masseurs associations.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens aged 21 to 60 years, of good moral character, clear of criminal convictions involving moral turpitude, physically and mentally fit, at least high school graduates, and must have completed requisite training and lectures on basic anatomy, hygiene, ethics, and sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.
The Certificate of Registration is valid for three (3) years and may be renewed upon compliance with renewal requirements.
Grounds include conviction of criminal offense involving moral turpitude, insanity, fraud in acquiring or renewing the certificate, gross negligence or incompetence, addiction to alcohol or drugs, unethical practice, physical incapacity, or failure to revalidate the certificate for at least five years.
Floors must be constructed of concrete or other impervious, non-toxic and easily cleaned materials. Wood floors must be laid on firm foundations and clamped; coverings must be fixed securely and kept clean and dry at all times.
All rooms must have effective ventilation to maintain comfortable temperatures, with sufficient natural or mechanical ventilation, including air conditioning or exhaust fans as specified by room volume, to prevent odors, excess moisture, and ensure fresh air circulation.
The new owner must apply to the city or municipal health office within fourteen (14) working days to have the change noted in records and pay the corresponding fee for noting on the sanitary permit.
No, masseurs are not authorized to prescribe any form of drugs or medical therapy.