Fake doctor exposed at PRC while attempting to renew bogus license in Baguio

PRC-CAR also reports conviction of unlicensed optometrist as crackdown on illegal practice continue

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A woman who allegedly posed as a licensed doctor was exposed after she went to the Professional Regulation Commission-Cordillera Administrative Region (PRC-CAR) office in Baguio City to renew what she presented as her professional identification card—only for authorities to discover that the document was fake.\

The case was among two separate convictions reported by PRC-CAR on August 12 as part of its continuing campaign against professional fraud, illegal practice, and fixers.

Fake doctor exposed while renewing ID

According to PRC-CAR, the first case began when the woman went to its Baguio office to renew her professional identification card.

Instead of being renewed, however, the ID was subjected to verification, which reportedly revealed that it was fake.

The woman, whose identity was not disclosed by PRC-CAR, later pleaded guilty to charges involving falsification of documents and misrepresentation as a licensed physician, in violation of Republic Act No. 2382, or the Medical Act of 1959.

The court subsequently found her guilty and sentenced her to four months of imprisonment for falsification of documents.

She was also ordered to pay a ₱10,000 fine, with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency, for violating Section 28, Article IV of the law.

The case serves as a warning that attempts to use fraudulent professional documents can expose individuals to criminal prosecution.

Unlicensed optometrist also convicted

In a separate case, another individual was apprehended for allegedly practicing optometry without the required professional license.

The case was uncovered during an inspection and monitoring operation conducted by the PRC Board of Optometry in coordination with PRC-CAR.

The individual, whose identity was also not disclosed in the report, pleaded guilty to violating Section 32(f), in relation to Section 5, of Republic Act No. 8050, for practicing optometry without a license.

In July 2026, the court found the accused guilty and ordered the payment of a ₱10,000 fine.

52 convictions since 2012

With the two latest court decisions, PRC-CAR said it has recorded 52 successful criminal convictions involving 30 accused individuals since 2012.

The commission said the figure reflects its continuing efforts to enforce professional laws and protect the public from individuals who falsely claim to be licensed professionals or practice regulated professions without authorization.

PRC-CAR described the milestone as part of its “sustained and resolute efforts” to protect the public from fraudulent, deceptive, and unauthorized professional activities.

“These convictions send a clear message: misrepresenting oneself as a licensed professional, falsifying official documents, practicing a regulated profession without the required license, or facilitating transactions through unauthorized means will not be tolerated,” PRC-CAR said.

Public warned against fixers

PRC-CAR also reminded the public to use only legitimate and established procedures when dealing with the commission.

It urged applicants to be cautious of individuals offering to process licensure examinations, professional registration, renewals, and other PRC transactions for a fee through unauthorized channels.

The commission emphasized that the public should verify professional credentials and transact only through official PRC channels to avoid falling victim to fraud or unauthorized practices.