Physicians are ethically bound to maintain patient confidentiality, yet certain laws require reporting specific cases of physical injury. This article clarifies the legal obligations under P.D. 169 and related statutes, emphasizing that physicians must report serious or less serious physical injuries to local health authorities—not police—unless circumstances prudently warrant police involvement. Reporting requirements for child abuse, violence against women, and deaths due to suspected violence are also reviewed. Understanding these distinctions enables physicians to balance confidentiality with statutory duties and public welfare.
 

1. Section 1 “Requiring Doctors, Hospitals, Clinics, etc. to Report Treatment of Physical Injuries”, P.D. 169, amended by E.O. no. 212, July 10, 1987
2. Section 2, id.
3. IV. Definition of terms (14), Revised Implementing Rules and Regulation of PD 856, DOH A.O. no. 2010 – 0033
4. Statement of policies, “Requiring Doctors, Hospitals, Clinics, etc. to Report Treatment of Physical Injuries”, P.D. 169, 1973
5. Statement of policies, “Requiring Doctors, Hospitals, Clinics, etc. to Report Treatment of Physical Injuries”, P.D. 169, as amended by E.O. no. 212, 1987
6. Article 166, “The Child and Youth Welfare Code”, P.D. 603, December 10, 1974
7. Section 44, “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004”, R.A. 9262
8. Section 91(f), “Code of Sanitation”, P.D. 856, 1975