1.

7 PRME PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

The guidelines in this manual refer specifically to the engagement of engineering services where
the consulting Civil Engineers serve as the client directly as a prime professional, and where the
client is usually also the owner of the project. Some information in this manual is also applicable
when the Civil Engineer serves the client indirectly as a sub-consultant through another engineer or
architect who serves as the prime professional. These services may also be performed through another
entity on a design-build construction management, or turnkey project.

1.8 EMPLOYMENT
The guidelines in this manual also refer to Civil Engineers employed by professional consulting
firms, government agencies, educational institutions, construction firms, manufacturing and
commercial entities and other entities.

1.9 DESIGN COMPETITION

Design competition is a process through which a Civil Engineer is selected above other
competitors based on proposal or an innovative approach to solving a clie nt’s needs. Competing firms are
normally shortlisted from a number or engineers responding to a client’, solicitation either directly, by a
letter request or indirectly through a newspaper or other form or publication. The civil engineer should be
aware a stipend to participate in the competition.

1.10 CONTINGENCY BASIS OF EMPLOYMENT

Canon 5c or the PICE Code or Ethics provides that “Engineers may re quest, propose or accept
professional commissions on a contingency basis only under circumstances in which their
professional judgments would not be compromised. “Although

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contingent commissions are permissible, it is the general view of PICE that it is not in the best interest of
the client or the public for the Civil Engineer to provide professional services on a contingency basis.

1.11 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OF FOREIGN CIVIL ENGINEERS

Foreign Civil Engineers are allowed by law (See RA 8991) to practice civil engineering in the Philippines under
the following instances.
1. The laws of the foreigner’s state or country allow the citizens of the Philippines to practice civil
engineering on the same basis and grant the same privileges as those enjoyed by the subjects or citizens
of such foreign state or country.
2. Allowed under international agreement.
3. Consultants to be engaged in foreign-funded, joint venture or foreign-assisted projects of the
government.
4. Employees of Philippine or foreign private institutions pursuant to law.
5. Civil Engineers who were former citizens of the Philippines, who had been registered and issued a
certificate of registration and a professional identification card prior to their naturalization as foreign
citizens, and who, while in the country on a visit, sojourn or permanent residence, desire to practice their
profession.

The application of the law is however not automatic. Foreign civil engineers must still secure certificate of
registration/license or special permit from the Professional Regulation Commission. Agencies, organizations
or individuals, whether public or private, .

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