MANILA, Philippines - A nationwide group of professional psychologists on Sunday denounced calls to force presidential candidates to undergo psychological testing.

In a statement, the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) denounced the use of fake psychological reports as a tool for black propaganda in the 2010 presidential election. The PAP said the release of the fake psychiatric reports and inaccurate statements about different aspects of the practice of psychology "have dangerous long-term effects on efforts of Filipino psychologists and other mental-health professionals to address the psychological well-being of Filipinos."

The group also denounced calls made by politicians and media practitioners to force political candidates to take psychological tests or assessment.

"In accordance with the PAP Code of Ethics, individuals cannot be subjected to psychological tests or assessment without their informed consent. Any reputable individual psychologist or psychological organization ensures that informed consent is acquired from the client before conducting psychological tests," the group said.

The calls for psychological testing first came from supporters of Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manny Villar following the release of two fake psychiatric reports on the alleged mental health of presidential frontrunner, Liberal Party standard-bearer Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

The first fake psychiatric report on Aquino, which was released by sources from the NP camp, alleged that the senator had a history of major depressive disorder. (Read: Noynoy, priest: Psycho report fake)

Weeks later, a second fake psychiatric report on Aquino was released by former National Power Corp. (NPC) President and Villar supporter Guido Delgado. Both documents have been identified as fake by the Ateneo de Manila University's Department of Psychology as well as the alleged signatories. (Read: Strike 2: New psych report on Noynoy also fake)

In its statement, the PAP said results of psychological tests or assessments cannot be released to the media or the public or to any person other than the client. It added that any reputable individual psychologist or psychological organization ensures the practice of confidentiality "and that the results of psychological tests or assessment are only shared with the client."

The group also denounced insinuations that people who see a psychologist or any mental-health professional is “abnormal” or “permanently debilitated." It also condemned the insinuation that depression is a permanent disability; and the use of words like abnoy, sira ang ulo and may diperensiya sa utak to label individuals.

"These irresponsible statements and similar acts perpetuate a profound lack of understanding of psychological concepts, of the nature of psychological problems and dysfunctions, and of the nature of psychological health and wellbeing. The PAP would like to stress to politicians, to media practitioners, and to the public at large that seeing a psychologist or any mental health professional does not make a person abnormal.” Seeing a psychologist means ensuring our mental health and psychological well-being," it said.

Founded in 1962, the PAP identifies itself as a non-stock, non-profit corporation whose national membership includes teachers, researchers, and practitioners of psychology.