DALY CITY, California – Hundreds of physical therapists applying for the US licensure examinations are affected by the ban which they deemed as discriminatory and unfair.

Beneric Ing graduated from the Philippines and wants to be licensed physical therapist (PT) in the US. As a PT, he could make up to $90,000 a year.

Ing took the licensure exam last May but did not pass. He cannot retake the exam this year after US officials banned Philippine-educated PTs from taking the licensure examinations for one year due to alleged cheating. Test-takers from India, Pakistan and Egypt have also been banned.

Ing believes this is not just discrimination. He said this is only a ploy to limit PT hires in the Philippines.

“Siguro sa dami ng nagtatrabaho na mga Pilipino, bina-ban nila. Nawalan ng trabaho ang mga Amerikano kasi magagaling ang mga Pilipino,” Ing said.
 
Arvin Gomez is the director of rehabilitation at the St. Francis Pavillion, the biggest rehabilitation facility in Daly City. Majority of the PT hires here are Filipinos.

“I really don’t know the whole scenario behind the ban. Yung feeling ko lang, kung ang review center ang may kasalanan, dapat sila yung mag-suffer ng consequence, hindi yung mga PT graduates,” said Gomez.

Leah Piamonte is worried that this would affect the reputation of Philippine-educated PT’s like her.

“I feel sad because there are a lot of people who come here to the US just to practice PT. They’ve been studying so hard to pass the boards and then suddenly, there’s this ban,” Piamonte said.

Her patient, Vicky Nicdao, said that even with the exam ban, Philippine-educated PTs are irreplaceable.

“Number one sila. Ang gagaling,” said Nicdao.
 
Maggie Parreno, administrator for the St. Francis Pavillion said the ban will not stop her from hiring PTs from the Philippines.  

“Magaling talaga ang Pilipino. They’re dedicated, compassionate and passionate.  They have the qualities that we are looking for in the healthcare industry,” said Parreno.

Labor officials will meet with the US Federation State Boards of Physical Therapy to see if there is anything the Philippines can do to lift the ban sooner. Balitang America