Republic of the Philippines
Professional Regulation Commission
Mail
April 13, 2015
Hon. FELICIANO BELMONTE JR.
Speaker
House of Representatives
Batasan Hills, Quezon City
Dear Speaker Belmonte:
‘We write again anent our letter dated March 11, 2015, pertaining to the position made by both
the UAPand the PICE regarding HB 5127. As a backgrounder, the Professional Regulation
‘Commission in the presence of the three (3) commissioners conducted its consultative meeting
with the allied professionals who claimed to be affected by both bills last March 10, 2015. The
proponents were all given their time to present their position and was later given a period of two
‘weeks to submit their recommended definitions of some of the terms used in both bills. After
two weeks had passed, another letter petition was sent requesting another week of extension of
submission date. It is quite apparent that the proponents will not be able to come up with
acceptable solution to the petitions being made with regard to the definitions. It is therefore
incumbent now upon the PRC to make a thorough study and recommendation in order to
delineate the responsibilities of each of these professional groups. Following is our evaluation
and recommendation.
1. Evaluation:
1.1 On Academic Training
The academic requirements of the civil engineering degree vis a vis the architectural degree
demonstrate that civil engineers are not academically competent to practice architecture, nor to
prepare and certify architectural documents. A typical civil engineering course does not include a
single unit of architectural design, planning or drafting. On the other hand, a typical architecture
course has ten (10) semesters of mainstream architecture that include design, planning, graphics,
visual techniques, etc. and units in building technology, and engineering sciences similar to civil
engineering.
A civil engineering curriculum does not have the same comprehensive design and planning
subjects. It is worth noting that for a Civil Engineer to become an Architect, it will take the full
five year course to attain the degree. Whereas an Architect will only take two years to complete
acivil engineering degree. This shows the competencies of each profession practicing the other.
1.2 On the issue of Disenfranchisement of the CEs by the passage of the architecture bills
The bill will not deprive Civil Engineers the right to practice their profession as it is a
requirement for all buildings and structures that civil/ structural design, plans and analysis are to
P, PAREDES ST,, CORNER N. REYES ST, SAMPALOC, MANILA, PHILIPPINES. 1008
P.0. BOX, 2038 MANILA’be prepared by civil/structural engineers. All architects require the services of the civil engineers
in the practice of their profession, and should be vice versa.
1.3. On the Use of the generic term “Buil
jing Plans”
The term building plans being advocated for by the Civil Engineers in the definition of plans
should no longer be used as a generic term to cover both types of plans; architectural and
engineering plans. A distinction thereof has to be made based on professional mandate and
competencies.
The proposed bill is envisioned to raise the level of Philippine architecture in order to develop a
built environment that is resilient, sustainable, well planned, conducive for the advancement of
the Philippine culture, to help promote the country as a center for business, culture and tourist
destination in Asia,
In this regard, the Commission strongly supports the passage of HB 5127 so as to make the
professionals involved in the building and construction industry aligned with international
standards, to wit:
Responsibility in the preparation , signing and
eo sealing of building plans and documents
Architectural Plans and Documents:
Site development Plan, Perspective, Floor Plans,
i i 8 id
“Architect Front, Side and Rear Elevations,Cross an
longitudinal sections, Reflected Ceiling Layout,
Roof Plan, Schedule of Doors and Windows,
Architectural interiors, Architectural Specifications
| Civil/Structural Plans for Buildings :
Foundation Plan and details, Floor Beam Layout
Civi/Structural Engineer and. Details, Roof Framing Plan and Details,
Structural Computation and Analysis,
Structural Specifications
Electrical Plans and Load Computation |
Electrical Engineer Electrical Specifications
Mechanical Engineer Mechanical Plans and Computations
Electrical Specifications
Sanitary Engineer /Plumbing | Sanitary/Plumbing Plans, Layout and det:
Engineer Sanitary/Plumbing Specifications
Electronics Engineer Electronics Systems Plans and SpecificationsWe believe that it is our mandate as the regulatory body of all professional groups to protect and
safeguard the exercise of all professions in the interest of public safety and welfare. We trust
that we have made our position clear on this matter. More power to you, thank you very much
and best regards.