SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

     PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)                January 31, 2002


                          THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


    Ohio                          1-434                       31-0411980
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other            (Commission File Number)           (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of                                               Identification
incorporation)                                                Number)


One Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio                  45202
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code   (513) 983-1100
                                                     --------------


ITEM 5.  OTHER EVENTS AND REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE

     On January 31, 2002, The Procter & Gamble Company (the "Company") issued a
news release with respect to second quarter earnings. P&G is filing this 8-K
pursuant to the SEC's Regulation FD.


                                    SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

                                       THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY


                                       TERRY L. OVERBEY
                                       ------------------------------------
                                       Terry L. Overbey, Secretary
                                       January 31, 2002




                                     Exhibit

1. News Release by The Procter & Gamble Company dated January 31, 2002.