REPUBLIC ACT NO.

8981

Purpose of the PRC Modernization Act of 2000

• The purpose of the PRC Modernization Act of 2000 is to modernize the Professional Regulation Commission
(PRC) in the Philippines.
• The Act aims to promote the development of a reservoir of professionals who have undergone honest and
credible licensure examinations and adhere to internationally recognized standards of professional service and
practice.
• It emphasizes the need for regulatory measures, programs, and activities that foster professional growth and
advancement.

Entities Involved in the PRC Modernization Act of 2000

• The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is the main entity involved in the Act.
• The Commission is composed of one full-time Chairperson and two full-time Commissioners, all appointed by
the President for a term of seven years without reappointment.
• The Act also outlines the powers, functions, and responsibilities of the various Professional Regulatory Boards,
which retain their regulatory authority over specific professions.

Key Details of the PRC Modernization Act of 2000

• The Commission, as a body, exercises general administrative, executive, and policy-making functions.
• The Chairperson acts as the presiding and chief executive officer of the Commission, responsible for
implementing policies and programs adopted by the Commission.
• The Commission is tasked with establishing and maintaining high standards for admission to the practice of all
professions and ensuring the integrity of licensure examinations.
• The Act grants the Commission various powers, functions, and responsibilities, including administering and
enforcing regulatory policies, conducting licensure examinations, approving resolutions of Professional
Regulatory Boards, and issuing certificates of registration/professional licenses.
• The Act also authorizes the Commission to establish regional offices as necessary.
• The Act outlines the powers, functions, and responsibilities of the various Professional Regulatory Boards, which
retain their regulatory authority over specific professions.
• The Boards are responsible for regulating the practice of their respective professions, monitoring conditions
affecting the profession, conducting investigations, and determining passing standards for licensure
examinations.
• The Act provides for the compensation and benefits of the Chairperson, Commissioners, and members of the
Professional Regulatory Boards.
• It also authorizes the Commission to use its income for the computerization of its operations.
• The Act imposes penalties for manipulation and corrupt practices in the conduct of professional examinations,
as well as violations of the Act by heads of government agencies or officers of private entities/institutions.
• It includes provisions for implementing rules and regulations, transitory provisions for incumbent officials, a
separability clause, a repealing clause, and an effective date.
Title, Policy and Definition of Terms
• The Act is known as the "Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016".
• The policy of the State is to promote and upgrade the practice of professions in the country.
• The State will institute measures to continuously improve the competence of professionals in accordance with
international standards.
• Definitions of terms used in the Act are provided, including accreditation, competence, continuing professional
development (CPD), CPD credit unit, CPD program, CPD provider, formal learning, informal learning, lifelong
learning, and more.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10912

CPD Programs, Councils and Secretariat

• CPD Programs will be formulated and implemented in each regulated profession to enhance and upgrade the
competencies and qualifications of professionals.
• CPD Programs will ensure international alignment of competencies and qualifications, development of quality
assurance mechanisms, and maintenance of core competencies.
• CPD Councils will be created for each profession to ensure the provision of CPD Programs, evaluate and accredit
CPD Providers and their programs, and monitor implementation.
• A CPD Council Secretariat will be established to provide support to the CPD Councils and Professional Regulatory
Boards (PRBs).

CPD Program Implementation and Monitoring

• CPD is made a mandatory requirement for the renewal of professional licenses.
• CPD credit units earned by professionals will be recognized and accumulated in accordance with the Pathways
and Equivalencies of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF).
• The PRC and PRBs will formulate and implement a Career Progression and Specialization Program for each
profession as part of the CPD.
• Concerned government agencies and private firms and organizations employing professionals are required to
include CPD in their human resource development plans.

Final Provisions
• Funding for the implementation of the Act will be included in the PRC programs and annual General
Appropriations Act.
• The PRC will review and approve the proposed budget for each CPD Council.
• Implementing rules and regulations (IRR) will be promulgated within six months from the effectivity of the Act.
CAO 5-2019 ( RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE REGISTRATION OF CUSTOMS BROKERS TRANSACTING WITH
THE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES) Under the Administrative Provisions section of this CAO
outlines the procedures and responsibilities concerning the registration of Customs Brokers with the Bureau.

Registration Office (AMO): The Account Management Office (AMO) is tasked with processing registration applications
and issuing Certificates of Registration. It receives and assesses applications, assigns unique identification numbers,
maintains records of registered brokers, and ensures tax compliance.

Procedure of New Application for Registration: Applicants must submit a completed application form, pay a registration
fee, and provide supporting documents, including professional identification, tax documents, and clearances. Grounds
for denial include misrepresentation or submission of falsified documents.

AMO Satellite Office: The Commissioner may establish satellite offices to facilitate registration outside Metro Manila.
Applicants outside the region can file applications through the District Collector, who must promptly forward them to
the AMO.

Issuance and Validity of Certificate of Registration: If an application is approved, the AMO issues a Certificate of
Registration with a unique serial number valid for three years. Brokers must submit annual reports and update their
information as necessary. This section aims to streamline the registration process, ensure compliance with regulations,
and facilitate efficient customs brokerage services.

Period of Renewal and Requirements: Customs Brokers must apply for renewal within one month prior to the
expiration of their Certificate of Registration. The application must include a duly accomplished form, an Affidavit of
Change of Circumstances if applicable, and payment of the renewal fee. Supporting documents such as professional
identification, income tax returns, and client profiles are also required.

Grounds for Revocation of Registration: The Bureau may revoke a broker's registration for deliberate failure to comply
with duties, violations of customs laws, or misuse of registration privileges. Notice and hearing are required before
revocation, and decisions are subject to appeal.

Duties and Responsibilities of Customs Brokers: Customs Brokers are required to maintain accurate records, provide
correct information to clients, and avoid illegal practices. Failure to comply with these standards may result in penalties,
including fines, suspension, or revocation of registration.

Penalty Clause: Violations of the regulations outlined in the CAO may result in fines or suspension of registration,
depending on the severity and repetition of the offense. Penalties are imposed after due notice and hearing, with
provisions for appeal.

The section also includes provisions for General Professional Partnerships (GPPs) of Customs Brokers, outlining
requirements for registration, renewal, and dissolution of partnerships, as well as penalties for violations.