Background

Mervic F. Corrales, is a graduating student of nursing in Las Pias College in 1977. Mervic could not comply to the required grades to become a candidate for graduation.

 Eager to take the chances to become a professional nurse after the taking board examination for nurses, she has submitted a falsified Certificate of Graduation in her application to take the Nursing Licensure Examination on October 16 and 19, 1977.

 The Las Pias Colleges school of nursing principal, Mrs. Teofista R. Bellido has known that Mervic have taken the Nursing Licensure Examination on October 16 and 19, 1977 without graduating from the said institution.

 Mrs. Teofista R. Bellido responded with the said situation by writing a letter to the Board of Nursing alleging that Mervic F. Corrales has falsified her certificate of graduation and that her papers were not processed for the Issuance of the Special Order because of failures in some of subjects.

Republic of the Philippines

PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION Manila BOARD OF NURSING
IN RE: MERVIC F. CORRALES Respondent : : : : : Administrative Case No. 171 For

DISHONORABLE CONDUCT

D E C I S I O N
This is a case for Dishonorable conduct ( falsification of certificate of graduation) initiated motu proprio by the Board against Mervic f. Corrales, an examinee in the Nurses Licensure Examination given October 16 and 19, 1977.

 On October 20, 1977 the Board received a letter from Mrs. Teofista R. Bellido, Principal of the School of Nursing, Las Pias College alleging that the respondent has falsified her certificate of graduation and that her papers were not processed for the Issuance of the Special Order because of failures in some of subjects.

 In view thereof, the Board, in a resolution dated December 12, 1977 resolved motu proprio to initiate investigation her case in order to determine her liability under the law.

 Accordingly, the board sent a letter to the respondent furnishing her copies of the lettercomplaint and Board resolution and requiring her to submit a written answer and explanation within ten days receipt thereof.

 On February 1, 1976 the Board received respondents written answer and explanation. She admitted therein her guilt and pleaded for the Boards leniency in deciding her case. She also asked for forgiveness for what she has done and expressed her readiness to accept any punishment that will be given her. She gave reasons for committing the offense charged but her explanations on this matter is flimsy and deserves scant consideration.

 THEREFORE, the Board finds the respondent, Mervic F. Corrales, guilty as charged and hereby resolves to cancel her examination papers and to debar her from taking future licensure examination to be given by the Board for a period of two years from the date this decision becomes final.

 Metro Manila, Philippines, March 15, 1978. Signed FE MADDELA VALDEZ Chairman


Signed ADELAIDA G. MAKABALI Member Signed JUANITA P. HERNANDO Member Signed FELICULA C. CASTAEDA Member Signed MARCELA R. ORDOEZ Member

GROUPs OPINION this is the observation and interpretation of the group with respect to the story.

 The case shows an undergraduate nursing student who took the Nursing Licensure Examination. This is a violation of the Rules and Regulations with regards to whom are qualified to take the board examination. (Rule III,section 13:c of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002). In such case, based on the year it happened, it is still a requirement to be a BSN to take the board examination

 Presenting a falsified document (eg. Certificate of Graduation) to the Board is a direct violation to the RA 9173, Article VIII Penal and Miscellaneous Provisions: Section 35 Prohibitions in the Practice of Nursing; (4)who gives any false evidence to the Board in order to obtain a certificate of registration/professional license, a professional identification card or special permit.

 Consciously knowing and doing the prohibited is subject to violate Rule III,section 13:b of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002; He/She is of Good Moral Character.

VERDICT:
After consulting with the Rules and Regulations of RA 9173, known as the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, we are in favor of the decision of the Board of Nursing to cancel Mervics examination papers and to debar her from taking future licensure examination to be given by the Board for a period of two years.

 Furthermore, letting go of such cases unresolved will attract unqualified aspiring nurses to practice nursing, thus sacrificing the quality and putting in great risk the lives of the people.

 Debarring Mervic for taking the examination for two years is following the rules and regulations for penal violations.

 Giving another chance for the respondent to presume her bid for a Nursing License in the future will help her straighten the lapses she has done.