Far Eastern University 2nd Semester 2020-2021

Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts

WEEK 2 MODULE:
R.A. 9266 (Architecture Act of 2004) & R.A. 8981 (PRC Modernization Act of 2000)

This module covers two of the laws which established and now regulate the professional practice of architecture
in the Philippines – Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9266 and R.A. 8981, otherwise known as the Architecture Act of 2004
and the PRC Modernization Act of 2000, respectively.

At the end of this module, the student shall be able to familiarize himself/herself with the pertinent provisions of
these laws and understand how these serve as a backbone to the practice of architecture.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266

Overview

Long title: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORE RESPONSIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE REGULATION
FOR THE REGISTRATION, LICENSING AND PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE, REPEALING
FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 545, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "AN
ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES," AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Short title: The Architecture Act of 2004

Contents: Five (5) articles, forty-seven (47) sections
Approval Date: 15 March 2004

ARTICLE 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Architecture Act of 2004."

SEC. 2. Statement of Policy – The State recognizes the importance of architects in nation building and
development. Hence, it shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive and well-rounded professional
architects whose standards of practice and service shall be excellent, qualitative, world-class and globally
competitive through inviolable, honest, effective and credible licensure examinations and through regulatory
measures, programs and activities that foster their professional growth and development.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
1. "Architecture" is the art, science or profession of planning, designing and constructing buildings in
their totality taking into account their environment, in accordance with the principles of utility, strength
and beauty;
2. "Architect" means a person professionally and academically qualified, registered and licensed under
this Act with a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card issued by the
Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture and the Professional Regulation Commission, and
who is responsible for advocating the fair and sustainable development, welfare and cultural
expression of society’s habitat in terms of space, forms and historical context;
a. "Architect-of-record" means the architect registered and licensed under this Act, who is directly
and professionally responsible for the total design of the project for the client and who shall
assume the civil liability for the plans, specifications and contract documents he/she has signed
and sealed;
b. "Architecture-in-charge of construction" means an architect registered and licensed under this
Act, who is directly and professionally responsible and liable for the construction supervision of
the project;

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c. "Consulting Architect" means the architect registered and licensed or permitted to practice under
this Act, who is professionally and academically qualified and with exceptional or recognized
expertise or specialization in any branch of architecture;

3. "General Practice of Architecture" means the act of planning and architectural designing, structural
conceptualization, specifying, supervising and giving general administration and responsible
direction to the erection, enlargement or alterations of buildings and building environments and
architectural design in engineering structures or any part thereof; the scientific, aesthetic and orderly
coordination of all the processes which enter into the production of a complete building or structure
performed through the medium of unbiased preliminary studies of plans, consultations, specifications,
conferences, evaluations, investigations, contract documents and oral advice and directions
regardless of whether the persons engaged in such practice are residents of the Philippines or have
their principal office or place of business in this country or another territory, and regardless of whether
such persons are performing one or all these duties, or whether such duties are performed in person
or as the directing head of an office or organization performing them;

4. "Scope of the Practice of Architecture" encompasses the provision of professional services in

connection with site, physical and planning and the design, construction, enlargement, conservation,
renovation, remodeling, restoration or alteration of a building or group of buildings. Services may
include, but are not limited to:
a. planning, architectural designing and structural conceptualization;
b. consultation, consultancy, giving oral or written advice and directions, conferences, evaluations,
investigations, quality surveys, appraisals and adjustments, architectural and operational
planning, site analysis and other predesign services;
c. schematic design, design development, contract documents and construction phases including
professional consultancies;
d. preparation of preliminary, technical, economic and financial feasibility studies of plans, models
and project promotional services;
e. preparation of architectural plans, specifications, bill of materials, cost estimates, general
conditions and bidding documents;
f. construction and project management, giving general management, administration, supervision,
coordination and responsible direction or the planning, architectural designing, construction,
reconstruction, erection, enlargement or demolition, renovation, repair, orderly removal,
remodeling, alteration, preservation or restoration of buildings or structures or complex buildings,
including all their components, sites and environs, intended for private or public use;
g. the planning, architectural lay-outing and utilization of spaces within and surrounding such
buildings or structures, housing design and community architecture, architectural interiors and
space planning, architectural detailing, architectural lighting, acoustics, architectural lay-outing
of mechanical, electrical, electronic, sanitary, plumbing, communications and other utility
systems, equipment and fixtures;
h. building programming, building administration, construction arbitration and architectural
conservation and restoration;
i. all works which relate to the scientific, aesthetic and orderly coordination of all works and
branches of the work, systems and process necessary for the production of a complete building
or structure, whether for public or private use, in order to enhance and safeguard life, health and
property and the promotion and enrichment of the quality of life, the architectural design of
engineering structures or any part thereof; and
j. all other works, projects and activities which require the professional competence of an architect,
including teaching of architectural subjects and architectural computer-aided design;

5. "Structural Conceptualization" means the act of conceiving, choosing and developing the type,
disposition, arrangement and proportioning of the structural elements of an architectural work giving
due consideration to safety, cost-effectiveness, functionality and aesthetics;

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6. "Architectural Firm" means a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation registered with the
proper government agencies;
7. "Authorship" refers to the author or authors of a set of architectural plans or specifications who are in
charge of their preparation, whether made by them personally or under their immediate supervision;
8. "Board" refers to the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture;
9. "Commission" means the Professional Regulation Commission;
10. "Service Agreement" means a duly notarized written contract or equivalent public instrument
stipulating the scope of services and guaranteeing compensation of such services to be rendered by
an architect registered and licensed under this Act;
11. "Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization" means the existing official national
organization of all architects of the Philippines in which all registered Filipino architects shall be
members without prejudice to membership in other voluntary professional associations;
12. "Continuing Professional Development" refers to a sustaining and progressive learning process that
maintains, enhances, or increases the knowledge and continuing ability of architects;
13. "DTI" shall mean the Department of Trade and Industry; and
14. "SEC" shall mean the Securities of Exchange Commission.

ARTICLE II
PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF ARCHITECURE

SEC. 4. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board. – There is hereby created a Professional
Regulatory Board of Architecture, hereinafter referred to as the Board, a collegial body under the supervision and
administrative control of the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, to
be composed of a chairman and two (2) members appointed by the President of the Philippines from a lists of
three (3) recommendees chosen from a list of five (5) nominees for each position submitted to the Commission by
the integrated and the accredited professional organization of architects. The Board shall be organized not later
than six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 5. Qualifications of Members of the Professional Regulatory Board. – Each member shall have at the time
of his/her appointment, possess the following qualifications:
a. be a citizen and resident of the Philippines;
b. be a holder of a degree in Bachelor of Science in Architecture conferred by a school, college or university
in the Philippines or abroad that is recognized and/or accredited by the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED);
c. be an architect with a valid Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card and active
practitioner of architecture for at least ten (10) years on the date of his/her appointment;
d. not be a member of the faculty of any good school, college, university or review institution where a regular
course or review course in architecture is taught, nor have pecuniary interest in such institution. No former
member of the faculty of any school, institute, university or review center where architecture is taught can
become a member of the Board unless he/she had officially resigned from such an institution and has
completely stopped teaching, advising or reviewing activities for at least five (5) years prior to the
nomination; and
e. Has never been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.

SEC. 6. Term of Office. – The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years after appointment
or until their successors shall have been appointed and duly qualified. Any vacancy occurring within the term of a
member shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each member of the Board may be reappointed
for one full term of three (3) years. Of the members of the Board first appointed under this Act, one (1) member
shall be appointed and hold office as chairman for three (3) years, one (1) member for two (2) years, and one (1)
member for one (1) year. Each member of the Board shall qualify by taking the proper oath prior to the performance
shall qualify by taking the proper oath prior to the performance of their duties. Provided, That the incumbent
members of the Board shall continue to serve for the remainder of their term as members of the herein created
Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture until a new Board shall have been properly organized.

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SEC. 7. Powers and Functions of the Board. – The Board shall exercise the following specific powers, functions
and responsibilities:
a. Prescribe and adopt the rules and regulations necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Act;
b. Supervise the registration, licensure and practice of architects;
c. Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;
d. Issue, suspend, revoke, or reinstate the Certificate of Registration and the professional Identification
Card for the practice of the architecture profession;
e. Adopt an official seal of the Board;
f. Monitor the conditions affecting the practice of architecture and adopt such measures as may be
deemed proper for the enhancement and maintenance of high professional, ethical and technical
standards of the profession;
g. Prescribe and/or adopt the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice;
h. Hear and decide administrative cases involving violations of this Act, its implementing rules and
regulations, the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice, and for this purpose, to
issue subpoena ad testifcandum and subpoena duces tecum to secure the appearance of witnesses and
the production of documents in connection therewith: Provided, That the decision of the Board shall,
unless appealed to the Commission, become final and executory after fifteen (15) days from receipt of
notice of judgment or decision. The decision of the Commission may be appealed to the Court of Appeals
in accordance with the procedure under the Rules of Court;
i. Prescribe guidelines for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program in consultation with the
integrated and accredited professional organization of architects: Provided, That the attendance to said
CPD shall not be a mandatory requirement for the renewal of a professional license;
j. Prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi of the subjects for examinations by determining and preparing
questions which shall be within the scope of the syllabi of the subject for examination as well as
administer, correct and release the results of the licensure examinations;
k. Approve, issue, limit or cancel temporary or special permit to practice architecture;
l. In coordination with the CHED, ensure that all higher educational instruction and offerings of architecture
comply with the policies, standards and requirements of the course prescribed by the CHED in the areas
of curriculum, faculty, library and facilities;
m. To adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination; and
n. Discharge such other duties and functions as may be deemed necessary for the enhancement of the
architecture profession and the upgrading, development and growth of the architecture education. The
policies, resolutions, rules and regulations, issued or promulgated by the Board shall be subject to review
and approval of the Commission. However, the Board’s decisions, resolutions or orders rendered in
administrative cases shall be subject to review only if on appeal.

SEC. 8. Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat and Support Services. –
The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of the Commission. All records of the Board, including
applications for examination, and administrative and other investigative cases conducted by the Board shall be
under the custody of the Commission. The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall
provide the secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 9. Grounds for Suspension or Removal of Members of the Board. – The President of the Philippines, upon
the recommendation of the Commission, after giving the concerned member an opportunity to defend himself in a
proper administrative investigation to be conducted by the Commission, may suspend or remove any member on
the following grounds:
a. Neglect of duty or incompetence;
b. Violation of tolerance of the violation of this Act, or its implementing rules and regulations or the Code
of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice;
c. Final judgment of crimes involving moral turpitude; and
d. Manipulation or rigging of the architecture licensure examination results, disclosure of secret and
confidential information in the examination questions prior to the conduct of the said examination or
tampering of grades.

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SEC. 10. Compensation and Allowances of the Board. – The chairman and members of the Board shall receive
compensation and allowances comparable to that being received by the chairman and members of existing
regulatory Boards under the Commission as provided for in the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 11. Annual Report. – The Board shall submit an annual report to the Commission after the close of each year
giving a detailed account of its proceedings during the year and making such recommendations as it may deem
proper.

ARTICLE III
EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION AND LICENSURE

SEC. 12. Examination Required. – All applicants for registration for the practice of architecture shall be required
to undergo a licensure examination to be given by the Board in such places and dates as the Commission may
designate in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8981.

SEC. 13. Qualifications of Applicant for Examination. – Any person applying for examination shall establish to the
satisfaction of the Board that:
a. He/she is a Filipino citizen or a citizen of a foreign country qualified to take the examination as provided
for in this Act;
b. He/she is of good moral character;
c. He/she is a holder of a degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture conferred by a school, college,
academy or institute duly recognized and/or accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
and in addition has a specific record of at least two (2) years or equivalent of diversified architectural
experience duly certified by a registered/licensed architect: Provided, however, that an applicant holding
a Master’s Degree in Architecture from a school, college, university or institute recognized by the
government shall be credited one (1) year in his/her practical experience; and
d. He/she has not been convicted of any criminal offensive involving moral turpitude.

SEC. 14. Subjects for Examination. – The licensure examination for architects shall cover, but are not limited to,
the following subjects:
1. History and Theory of Architecture; Principles of Planning and Architectural Practice;
2. Structural Design, Building Materials, and Architectural Specifications, and Methods of Construction and
Utilities;
3. Urban Design and Architectural Interiors; and
4. Architectural Design and Site Planning. The Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, may
revise or exclude any of the subjects and their syllabi, and add new ones as the need arises to conform
to technological changes brought about by continuing trends in the profession.

SEC. 15. Rating in the Licensure Examination. – To be qualified as having passed the licensure examination for
architects, a candidate must obtain a weighted general average of seventy percent (70%), with no grade lower
than fifty percent (50%) in any given subject.

SEC. 16. Report of Ratings. – The Board shall submit to the Commission the ratings obtained by each candidate
within thirty (30) calendar days after the examination, unless extended for just cause. Upon the release of the
results of the examination, the Board shall send by mail the rating received by each examinee at his/her given
address using the mailing envelope submitted during the examination.

SEC. 17. Oath. – All successful candidates in the examination shall be required to take an oath of profession
before any member of the Board, any government official authorized by the Commission or any person
authorized by law to administer oaths, prior to entering upon the practice of the profession.

SEC. 18. Issuance of Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Card. – A Certificate of Registration
and Professional Identification Card shall be issued to examinees who pass the licensure examination subject to
payment of fees prescribed by the Commission. The Certificate of Registration shall bear the signature of the

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chairperson of the Commission and the chairman and members of the Board, stamped with the official seal,
indicating that the person named therein is entitled to the practice of the profession with all the privileges
appurtenant thereto. The said certificate shall remain in full force and affect until withdrawn, suspended or revoked
in accordance with this Act. A Professional Identification Card bearing the registration number, date of issuance,
expiry date, duly signed by the chairperson of the Commission, shall likewise be issued to every registrant who
has paid the prescribed fee.

SEC. 19. Roster of Architects. – A roster showing the names and place of business of all registered professional
architects shall be prepared and updated by the Board and copies thereof shall be made available to any party
as may be deemed necessary.

SEC. 20. Seal, Issuance and Use of Seal. – A duly licensed architect shall affix the seal prescribed by the Board
bearing the registrant’s name, registration number and title "Architect" on all architectural plans, drawings,
specifications and all other contract documents prepared by or under his/her direct supervision.
1. Each registrant hereunder shall, upon registration, obtain a seal of such design as the Board shall
authorize and direct. Architectural plans and specifications prepared by, or under the direct supervision
of a registered architect shall be stampede with said seal during the life of the registrant’s certificate, and
it shall be unlawful for any one to stamp or seal any documents with said seal after the certificate of the
registrant named thereon has expired or has been revoked, unless said certificate shall have been
renewed or re-issued.
2. No officer or employee of this Republic. Chartered cities, provinces and municipalities, now or hereafter
charged with the enforcement of law, ordinances or regulations relating to the construction or alteration
of buildings, shall accept or approve any architectural plans or specifications which have not been
prepared and submitted in full accord with all the provisions of this Act; nor shall any payments be
approved by any such officer for any work, the plans and specifications for which have not been so
prepared and signed and sealed by the author.
3. It shall be unlawful for any architect to sign his/her name, affix his/her seal or use any other method of
signature on architectural plans, specifications or other documents made under another architect’s
supervision, unless the same is made in such manner as to clearly indicate the part or parts of such work
actually performed by the former, and it shall be unlawful for any person, except the architect-of-record,
to sign for any branch of work for any function of architectural practice, not actually performed by him/her.
The architect-of-record shall be fully responsible for all architectural plans, specifications and other
documents issued under his/her seal or authorized signature.
4. Drawings and specifications duly signed, stamped or sealed, as instruments of service, are the intellectual
properties and documents of the architect, whether the object for which they are made is executed or not,
It shall be unlawful for any person, without the consent of the architect or author of said documents, to
duplicate or to make copies of said documents for use in the repetition of and for other projects or
buildings, whether executed partly or in whole.
5. All architectural plans, designs, specifications, drawings and architectural documents relative to the
construction of a building shall bear the seal and signature only of an architect registered and licensed
under this Act together with his/her professional identification card number and the date of its expiration.

SEC. 21. Indication of Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card and Professional Tax Receipt. –
The architect shall be required to indicate his/her Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card,
its date of issuance and the duration of validity, including the professional tax receipt number, on the documents
he/she signs, uses or issues in connection with the practice of his/her profession.

SEC. 22. Refusal to Issue Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card. – The Board shall not
register and issue a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card to any person who has falsely
sworn or misrepresented himself/herself in his/her application for examination or to any person convicted by a
court of competent jurisdiction of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude or guilty of immoral and dishonorable
conduct or to any person of unsound mind. In the even of refusal to issue certificate for any reason, the Board shall
give the applicant a written statement setting forth the reasons for such action, which statement shall be
incorporated in the record of the Board: Provided, however, That registration shall not be refused and a name shall
not be removed from the roster of architects on conviction for a political offense or for an offense which should not,

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in the opinion of the Board, either from the nature of the offense or from the circumstances of the case, disqualify
a person from practicing under this Act.

SEC. 23. Suspension and Revocation of Certificates of Registration, Professional Identification Card or the
Special/Temporary Permit. – The Board shall have the power, upon notice and hearing, to suspend or revoke the
validity of a Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card, or shall cancel a special permit granted
under this Act to an architect, on any ground mentioned under Section 22 hereof for the use of or perpetuation of
any fraud or deceit in obtaining a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card or
special/temporary or dishonorable conduct; or for any cause specified hereunder: Provided, however, That such
action of the Board shall be subject to appeal to the Commission whose decision shall be final if he/she:
a. has signed and affixed or permitted to be signed or affixed his name or seal on architectural plans and
designs, specification, drawings, technical reports, valuation, estimates, or other similar documents or
work not prepared by him/her or not executed under his/her immediate supervision; or
b. has paid money except the regular fees provided for to secure a Certificate of Registration; or
c. has falsely impersonated a practitioner, or former practitioner of alike or different name or has practiced
under an assumed, fictitious or corporate name other than that of the registered; or
d. has aided or abetted in the practice of architecture any person not duly authorized to practice architecture
in the Philippines; or
e. has openly solicited projects by actually undertaking architectural services without a valid service
agreement guaranteeing compensation of services to be rendered and/or has actually allowed
himself/herself to be exploited by undertaking architectural services without a valid service agreement,
both acts being prejudicial to other architects registered and licensed under this Act and inimical to the
interests of the profession; or
f. has violated any provision of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations, the Code of Ethical Conduct
and Standards of Professional Practice. The Board shall periodically examine the grounds for the
revocation of the Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card and update these as
necessary under the implementing rules and regulations. Any person, firm or association, may prepare
charges in accordance with the provisions of this section against any registrant, or the Board may motu
proprio investigate and/or take cognizance of act and practices constituting sufficient cause for
suspension or revocation of the Certificate of Registration by proper resolution or order. Such charges
shall be in writing and shall be sworn to by the person making them and shall be filed with the Secretary
of the Board.

SEC. 24. Re-issuance or Replacement of Revoked or Lost Certificates of Registration Professional Identification
Card or Special and Temporary Permit. – The Board may, after the expiration of two (2) years from the date of
revocation of a Certificate of Registration, Professional Identification Card or special/temporary permit, and upon
application and for reasons deemed proper and sufficient, reinstate the validity of a revoked Certificate of
Registration and in so doing may, in its discretion, exempt the applicant from taking another examination. A new
Certificate of Registration or Professional Identification Card, temporary/special permit replace those which have
been lost, destroyed, or mutilated, may be re-issued, subject to the rules promulgated by the Board and the
Commission, upon payment of the required fees.

ARTICLE IV
PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE

SEC. 25. Registration of Architects Required. – No person shall practice architecture in this country, or engage in
preparing architectural plans, specification or preliminary data for the erection or alteration of any building located
within the boundaries of this country or use the title "Architect," or display or use any title, sign, card, advertisement,
or other device to indicate such person practices or offers to practice architecture, or is an architect, unless such
person shall have received from the Board a Certificate of Registration and be issued a Professional Identification
Card in the manner hereinafter provided and shall thereafter comply with the provisions of this Act. A foreign
architect or any person not authorized to practice architecture in the Philippines, who shall stay in the country and
perform any of the activities mentioned in Sections 3 and 4 of this

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Act, or any other activity analogous thereto, in connection with the construction of any building/structure/edifice or
land development project, shall be deemed engaged in the unauthorized practice of architecture.

SEC. 26. Vested Rights: Architects Registered When this Law is Passed. – All architects registered at the time this
law takes effect shall automatically be registered under the provisions hereof, subject, however, to the provisions
herein set forth as to future requirements. Certificate of Registration held by such persons in good standing shall
have the same force and effect as though issued after the passage of this Act.

SEC. 27. Reciprocity Requirements. – A person who is not a citizen of the Philippines at the time he/she applies
to take the examination shall not be allowed to take the licensure examination unless he/she can prove, in the
manner provided by the Rules of Court that, by specific provision of law, the country of which he/she is a citizen,
subject or national either admits citizens of the Philippines to the practice of the same profession without restriction
or allows them to practice it after passing an examination on terms of strict and absolute equality with citizens,
subjects or national of the country concerned, including the unconditional recognition of prerequisite
degrees/diplomas issued by the institutions of learning duly recognized for the purpose by the Government of the
Philippines.

SEC. 28. Continuing Professional Development (CPD). – To promote public interest and to safeguard life, health
and property, all practicing architects shall maintain a program of continuing professional organization shall have
the responsibility of developing a continuing professional development program for architects. Other entities or
organizations may become CPD providers upon accreditation by the Board.

SEC. 29. Prohibition in the Practice of Architecture and Penal Clause. – Any person who shall practice or offer to
practice architecture in the Philippines without being registered/licensed and who are not holders of temporary or
special permits in accordance with the provisions of this Act, or any person presenting or attempting to use as
his/her own the Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card or seal of another or temporary or special
permit, or any person who shall give any false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board or to any member
thereof in obtaining a Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card or temporary or special permit, or
any person who shall falsely impersonate any registrant of like or different name, or any person who shall attempt
to use a revoked or suspended Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card or cancelled
special/temporary permit, or any person who shall use in connection with his/her name or otherwise assume, use
or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that he/she is an architect when he/she is not
an architect, or any person whether Filipino or foreigner, who knowingly allows the use, adoption, implementation
of plans, designs or specification made by any person, firm, partnership or company not duly licensed to engage
in the practice of architecture, or any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Act, its implementing
rules and regulations, the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice, or any policy of the
Board and the Commission, shall be guilty of misdemeanor and charged in court by the Commission and shall,
upon conviction be sentenced to a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more
than Five Million pesos (P5,000,000,00) or to suffer imprisonment for a period not less than six (6) months or not
exceeding six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of the Court.

SEC. 30. Prohibition in the Practice of Architecture. – Any person or entity, whether public or private, Filipino or
foreigner, who/which shall entice, compel, coerce, require or otherwise force an architect registered and licensed
under this Act to undertake/perform any service under the general practice of architecture as defined under this
Act, without first executing a written contract/service agreement, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon
conviction be sentenced to a fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or to suffer
imprisonment for a period not exceeding six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of the Court.

SEC. 31. Liability of Representatives of Non-Registered Persons. – It shall be unlawful for any person or firm or
corporation to seek to avoid the provisions of this Act by having a representative or employee seek architectural
work in their behalf, unless and until, such persons have duly qualified and are duly registered/licensed, otherwise,
both those represented and representative, the employer and the employee shall be deemed guilty of violation of
this Act. Solicitation of architectural work shall be construed as offering to practice architecture and shall be
unlawful for any non-registered and unlicensed persons to do so.

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SEC. 32. Signing of Architectural Plans, Specifications and Other Contract Documents. – It shall be unlawful for
any architect to sign his/her name, affix his/her seal, or use any other method of signature or architectural plans,
specifications or other contract documents made under another architect’s supervision, unless the same is made
in such manner as to clearly indicate the part or parts of such work actually performed by the former; and shall be
unlawful for any person, except the Architect-of record shall be fully responsible for all architectural plans,
specifications, and other documents issued under his/her seal or authorized signature. The Board shall make all
the necessary rules and regulations with regards to the signing and sealing of drawings, specifications, reports,
and other documents.

SEC. 33. Ownership of Plans, Specifications and other Contract Documents. – Drawings and specifications and
other contract documents duly signed, stamped or sealed, as instruments of service, are the intellectual property
and documents of the architect, whether the object for which they are made is executed or not. It shall be unlawful
for any person to duplicate or to make copies of said documents for use in the repetition of and for other projects
or buildings, whether executed partly or in whole, without the written consent of architect or author of said
documents. All architects shall incorporate this provision in all contract documents and other instruments of service.

SEC. 34. Non-Registered Person Shall Not Claim Equivalent Service. – Persons not registered as an architect
shall not claim nor represent either services or work as equivalent to those of a duly qualified registered architect,
or that they are qualified for any branch or functions of function of architectural practice, even though no form of
the title "Architect" is used.

SEC. 35. Positions in Government Requiring the Services of Registered and Licensed Architects. - Within (3) years
from the effectivity of this Act, all existing and proposed positions in the local and national government, whether
career, permanent, temporary or contractual and primarily requiring the services of an architect shall be filled only
by registered and licensed architects.

SEC. 36. Collection of Professional Fees. – It shall be unlawful for any unregistered person to collect a fee for
architectural services except as an employee collecting a fee as representative of a Registered Architect.

SEC. 37. Limitation to the Registration of a Firm, Company, Partnership, Corporation or Association. – The practice
of architecture is a professional service, admission to which shall be determined upon the basis of individual
personal qualifications. However, a firm, company, partnership, corporation or association may be registered or
licensed as such for the practice of architecture under the following conditions:
a. Only Filipino citizens properly registered and licensed as architects under this Act may, among
themselves, or together with allied technical professionals, form and obtain registration as a firm,
company, partnership, association or corporation for the practice of architecture;
b. Registered and licensed architects shall compose at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the owners,
shareholders, members incorporators, directors, executive officers, as the case may be;
c. Individual members of such firm, partnership association or corporation shall be responsible for their
individual and collective acts as an entity and as provided by law;
d. Such firm, partnership, association or corporation shall be registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and Board.

SEC. 38. Coverage of Temporary/Special Permits. – Foreign nationals who have gained entry in the Philippines
to perform professional services as architects or consultants in foreign-funded or assisted projects of the
government or employed or engaged by Filipino or foreign contractors or private firms, shall, before assuming the
duties, functions and responsibilities as architects or consultants, secure a special/temporary permit from the Board
subject to approval of the Commission. To practice his/her profession in connection with the project to which he/she
was commissioned: Provided, That a foreign national or foreign firm, whose name or company name, with title
architect, architectural consultant, design consultant, consultant or designer appear on
architectural plans, specifications and other related construction documents, for securing buildings permits,
licenses and government authority clearances for actual building project construction in the Philippines and
advertisement and billboards for marketing purposes, shall be deemed practicing architecture in the Philippines,
whether the contract for professional services is consummated in the Philippines or in a foreign country: Provided,
further, That the following conditions are satisfied as follows:

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a. That he/she is a citizen or subject of a country which specifically permits Filipino professionals to practice
his/her profession within their territorial limits, on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of such foreign
state or country;
b. That he/she is legally qualified to practice architecture in his/her own country, and that his/her expertise
is necessary and advantageous to our country particularly in the aspects of technology transfer and
specialization;
c. That foreign nationals shall be required to work with a Filipino counterpart and shall also be responsible
for public utilities and taxes due to the Philippine government, relative to their participation in, or
professional services rendered to the project, in accordance with the established implementing rules and
regulations providing for the procedure for the registration and/or issuance of temporary/special permits
to foreign architects allowed by law to practice their profession in the Philippines by the Board of
Architecture and the accredited professional organization; and
d. Agencies, organizations or individuals, whether public or private, who secure the services of foreign
professional authorized by law to practice in the Philippines for reasons aforementioned, shall be
responsible for securing a special permit from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) pursuant to PRC and DOLE rules.

SEC. 39. Liability Insurance of a Person or Entity Allowed to Practice under a Temporary/Special Permit. – Foreign
nationals, including former Filipinos wanting to engage in the general practice of architecture as defined in Section
3 (c) of this Act must secure locally their professional liability insurance or malpractice insurance or their acceptable
equivalent in bond form commensurate with the nature and magnitude of their project involvement and their
compensation the implementing rules and regulations for such a requirement for practice shall be implemented by
the Board in consultation with the integrated and accredited professional organization of architects within six (6)
months from the effectivity of this Act.

ARTICLE V
FINAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 40. Integration of the Architecture Profession. – The Architecture profession shall be integrated into one (1)
national organization which shall be accredited by the Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, as the
integrated and accredited professional organization of architects: Provided, however, That such an organization
shall be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as a non-profit, non-stock corporation to
governed by by-laws providing for a democratic election of its officials. An architect duly registered with the Board
shall automatically become member of the integrated and accredited professional organization of architects and
shall receive the benefits and privileges provided for in this Act upon payment of the required fees and dues.
Membership in the integrated and accredited professional organization of architects shall not be a bar to
membership in other associations of architects.

SEC. 41. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the Board,
subject to the approval of the Commission and in coordination with the integrated and accredited professional
organization, shall adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations, Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of
Professional Practice, to carry out the provisions of this Act and which shall be effective fifteen (15) days following
their publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) major daily newspapers of general circulation.

SEC. 42. Appropriations.- The Chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission shall immediately include
in the Commission programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 43. Act Not Affecting Other Professionals. – This Act shall not be construed to affect or prevent the practice
of any other legally recognized profession.

SEC. 44. Enforcement of the Act. – It shall be the primary duty of the Commission and the Board to effectively
enforce the provision of this Act. All duly constituted law enforcement agencies and officers of national, provincial,
city or municipal government or of any political subdivision thereof, shall, upon the call or request of the

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Commission or the Board, render assistance in enforcing the provisions of this Act and to prosecute any person
violating the provisions of the same. The Secretary of Justice or his duly designated representative shall act as
legal adviser to the Commission and the Board and shall render legal assistance as may be necessary in carrying
out the provisions of this Act. Any person may bring before the Commission, Board or the aforementioned officers
of the law, cases of illegal practice or violations of this Act committed by any person or party. The Board shall assist
the Commission, Board or the aforementioned officers of the law, cases of illegal practice or violations of this Act
committed by any person or party. The Board shall assist the Commission in filing the appropriate charges through
the concerned prosecution office in accordance with law and the Rules of Court.

SEC. 45. Separability Clause. – If any clause, provision, paragraph or part hereof shall be declared unconstitutional
or invalid, such judgment shall not affect, invalidate or impair any other part hereof, but such judgment shall be
merely confined to the clause, provision, paragraph or part directly involved in the controversy in which such
judgment has been rendered.

SEC. 46. Repealing Clause. – Republic Act No. 545, as amended by Republic Act No. 1581 is hereby repealed
and all other laws, orders, rules and regulations or resolutions or part/s thereof inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 47. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen 15 (5) days following its publication in the Official
Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8981

Overview

Long title: AN ACT MODERNIZING THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION, REPEALING

FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NUMBERED TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-
THREE, ENTITLED "CREATING THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION AND
PRESCRIBING ITS POWER AND FUNCTIONS," AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Short title: PRC Modernization Act of 2000

Contents: Twenty-one (21) sections
Approval Date: 05 December 2000

Section 1. Title – This Act shall be called the "PRC Modernization Act of 2000."

Section 2. Statement of Policy – The State recognizes the important role of professionals in nation-building and,
towards this end, promotes the sustained development of a reservoir of professionals whose competence has
been determined by honest and credible licensure examinations and whose standards of professional service and
practice are internationally recognized and considered world-class brought about the regulatory measures,
programs and activities that foster professional growth and advancement.

Section 3. Professional Regulation Commission – There is hereby created a three-man commission to be known
as the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, which shall be attached to
the office of the President for general direction and coordination.

Section 4. Composition – The Commission shall be headed by one (1) full-time Chairperson and two (2) full-time
Commissioners, all to be appointed by the President for a term of seven (7) years without reappointment to start
from the time they assume office. Appointments to a vacancy that occurs before the expiration of the term of a
Commissioner shall cover only the unexpired term of the immediate predecessor. At the expiration of the
Chairperson, the most senior of the Commissioners shall temporarily assume and perform the duties and functions
of the Chairperson until a permanent Chairperson is appointed by the President.

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The Chairperson or Commissioner shall be at least forty (40) years of age, holding a valid certificate of
registration/professional license and a valid professional identification card or a valid certificate of competency
issued by the Commission or a valid professional license issued by any government agency, familiar with the
principles and methods of professional regulation and/or licensing and has had at least five (5) years of executive
or management experience: Provided, That, one (1) of the Commissioners must be a past Chairperson/member
of a Professional Regulatory Board.

Section 5. Exercise of Powers and Functions of the Commission – The Chairperson of the Commission, and the
Commissioners as members thereof shall sit and act as a body to exercise general administrative, executive and
policy-making functions of the Commission. The Commission shall establish and maintain a high standard of
admission to the practice of all professions and at all times ensure and safeguard the integrity of all licensure
examinations.

The Chairperson shall act as the presiding and chief executive officer of the Commission. As presiding officer,
he/she shall preside over the meetings of the Commission sitting as a collegial body. As chief executive officer of
the Commission, he/she shall be responsible for the implementation of the policies and the programs adopted by
the Commission for the general administration of the Commission. He/she shall perform such other activities which
are necessary for the effective exercise of the powers, functions and responsibilities of the Commission.

Section 6. Compensation and Other Benefits – The Chairperson shall receive compensation and allowances
equivalent to that of a Department Secretary while the Commissioners shall receive compensation and allowances
equivalent to that of an Undersecretary. The Chairperson and the members of the Commission shall be entitled to
retirement benefits provided under Republic Act Numbered Fifteen Hundred and Sixty Eight, as amended by
Republic Act Numbered Three Thousand Five Hundred and Ninety Five.

Section 7. Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of the Commission – The powers, functions, and
responsibilities of the Commission are as follows:

(a) To administer, implement and enforce the regulatory policies of the national government with respect
to the regulation and licensing of the various professions and occupations under its jurisdiction including
the enhancement and maintenance of professional and occupational standards and ethics and the
enforcement of the rules and regulations relative thereto:

(b) To perform any and all acts, enter into contracts, make such rules and regulations and issue such
orders and other administrative issuance as may be necessary in the execution and implementation of its
functions and the improvement of its services;

(c) To review, revise, and approve resolutions, embodying policies promulgated by the Professional
Regulatory Boards in the exercise of their powers and functions or in implementing the laws regulating
their respective professions and other official actions on non-ministerial matters within their respective
jurisdictions;

(d) To administer and conduct the licensure examinations of the various regulatory boards in accordance
with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission; determine and fix the places and dates
of examinations; use publicly or privately owned buildings and facilities for examination purposes; conduct
more than one (1) licensure examination: Provided, That, when there are two (2) or more examinations
given in a year, at least one (1) examinations shall be held on weekdays (Monday to Friday): Provided,
further, That, if only one (1) examination is given in a year, this shall be held only on weekdays: Provided,
finally, That, the Commission is also authorized to require the completion of a refresher course where the
examinee has failed to pass three (3) times, except as otherwise provided by law; approve the results of
examinations and the release of the same; adopt measures to preserve the integrity and inviolability of
licensure examinations; appoint supervisors and room watchers from among the employees of the
government and/or private individuals with baccalaureate degrees, who have been trained by the
Commission for the purpose and who shall be entitled to a reasonable daily allowance for every

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examination day actually attended, to be determined and fixed by the Commission; publish the list of
successful examinees; provide schools, colleges and universities, public and private, offering courses for
licensure examinations, with copies of sample test questions on examinations recently conducted by the
Commission and copies of the syllabi or terms of specifications of subjects for licensure examinations;
and impose the penalty of suspension or prohibition from taking licensure examinations to any examinee
charged and found guilty of violating the rules and regulations governing the conduct of licensure
examinations promulgated by the Commission;

(e) To admit the successful examinees to the practice of the profession or occupation; cause the entry of
their names on its registry book and computerized database; issue certificates of registration/professional
license, bearing the registrant’s name, picture, and registration number, signed by all the members of the
Board concerned and the Chairperson, with the official seal of the Board and the Commission affixed
thereto which certificate shall be the authority to practice; and at the option of the professional concerned,
ministerially issue the professional identification card, to be used solely for the purpose of identification,
upon payment of the appropriate amount: Provided, That, marine deck and marine engineer officers shall
also be issued endorsement certificates exclusively by the Commission pursuant to the 1978 and 1995
Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW) Convention, to the exclusion of any other
government agency, Section 1(2) of Executive Order No. 149, Series of 1999 and provisions of other
existing laws, executive orders, administrative issuance/regulations to the contrary
notwithstanding: Provided, further, That, once a certificate of registration/professional license, or
certificate of competency, in the case of marine deck and engine officers are issued, this cannot be
withdrawn, cancelled, revoked, or suspended except for just cause as may be provided by law after due
notice and hearing;

(f) To have custody of all the records of the various Boards, including examination papers, minutes of
deliberation, records of administrative cases and investigations and examination results for control and
disposition;

(g) To determine and fix the amount of fees to be charged and collected for examination, registration,
registration without examination, professional identification card, certification, docket, appeal,
replacement, accreditation, including surcharges and other fees not specified under the provisions of
Republic Act Numbered Four Hundred Sixty Five as amended by Republic Act Numbered Sixty Five
Hundred and Eleven or to charge and collect reasonable fees at the rates higher than the rates provided
thereunder subject to the approval by the Office of the President.

(h) To appoint subject to the Civil Service laws, rules, and regulations, officials and employees of the
Commission necessary for the effective performance of its functions and responsibilities; prescribe their
duties and fix their compensation subject to the provisions of Republic Act Numbered Six Thousand
Seven Hundred and Fifty Eight and allowances including other fringe benefits; and to assign and/or
reassign personnel as the exigency of the service requires subject to the Civil Service laws, rules and
regulations; and to organize or reorganize the structure of the Commission; and create or abolish positions
or change the designation of existing positions in accordance with a staffing pattern prepared by it and
approved by the Office of the President upon the recommendation of the Department of Budget and
Management (DBM) to meet the changing conditions or as the need arises: Provided, That, such changes
shall not affect the employment status of the incumbents, reduce their ranks and/or salaries nor shall
result in their separation from the service;

(i) To submit and recommend to the President of the Philippines the names of licensed/registered
professionals for appointment as members of the various Professional Regulatory Boards from among
those nominated to fill up vacancies pursuant to the provisions of Executive Order No. 496, Series of
1991;

(j) Upon recommendation of the Professional Regulatory Board concerned, to approve the registration of
and authorize the issuance of a certificate of registration/license and professional identification card with

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or without examination to a foreigner who is registered under the laws of his state or country and whose
certificate of registration issued therein has not been suspended or revoked: Provided, That, the
requirements for the registration or licensing in said foreign state or country are substantially the same as
those required and contemplated by the laws of the Philippines and that the laws of such foreign state or
country allow the citizens of the Philippines to practice the profession on the same basis and grant the
same privileges as those enjoyed by the subjects or citizens of such foreign state or country: Provided,
further, That, the Commission may, upon recommendation of the Board concerned, authorize the
issuance of a certificate of registration/license or a special temporary permit to foreign professionals who
desire to practice their professions in the country under reciprocity and other international agreements;
consultants in foreign-funded, joint venture or foreign-assisted projects of the government, employees of
Philippine or foreign private firms or institutions pursuant to law, or health professionals engaged in
humanitarian mission for a limited period of time: Provided, finally, That agencies, organizations or
individuals whether public or private, who secure he services of a foreign professional authorized by law
to practice in the Philippines for reasons aforementioned, shall be responsible for securing a special
permit from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE), pursuant to PRC and DOLE rules:

(k) To authorize any officer of the Commission to administer oaths:

(l) To supervise foreign nations who are authorized by existing laws to practice their professions either as
holders of a certificate of registration and a professional identification card or a temporary special permit
in the Philippines; to ensue that the terms and conditions for their practice or of their employment are
strictly complied with; to require the hiring or employing government agency or private entity/institution to
secure a temporary special permit from the concerned Board subject to approval by the Commission and
to file a criminal complaint against the head of the government agency or officers of the said private
entity/institution, who shall be liable under the penalty provided for in the concerned professional
regulatory law or the penalty imposed pursuant to this Act, when the professional was hired and allowed
to practice his/her profession without permit; to file upon due process request for deportation with the
Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID); and to supervise professionals who were former citizens of
the Philippines and who had been registered and issued a certificate of registration and a professional
identification card prior to their naturalization as foreign citizens, who may, while in the country on a visit,
sojourn or permanent residence, practice their profession: Provided, That, prior to the practice of their
profession they shall have first been issued a special permit and updated professional identification card
by the Board concerned subject to approval by the Commission and upon payment of the permit and
annual registration fees;

(m) To monitor the performance of schools in licensure examinations and publish the results thereof in a
newspaper of national circulation;

(n) To adopt and institute a comprehensive rating system for universities, colleges, and training institutes
based on the passing ratio and overall performance of students in board examinations;

(o) To exercise administrative supervision over the various professional regulatory boards and its
members;

(p) To adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectively implement
policies with respect to the regulation and practice of the professions;

(q) To implement the program for the full computerization of all licensure examinations given by the
various professional regulatory boards including the registration of professionals not later than the year
2003 and other operations of the Commission;

(r) To investigate and decide administrative matters involving officers and employees under the
jurisdiction of the Commission;

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(s) To investigate motu proprio or upon the filing of a verified complaint, any member of the Professional
Regulatory Boards for neglect of duty, incompetence, unprofessional, unethical, immoral or dishonorable
conduct, commission of irregularities in the licensure examinations which taint or impugn the integrity and
authenticity of the results of the said examinations and, if found guilty, to revoke or suspend their
certificates of registration and professional licenses/identification cards and to recommend to the
President of the Philippines their suspension or removal from office as the case may be;

(t) To issue summons, subpoena and subpoena duces tecum in connection with the investigation of
cases against officials and employees of the Commission and the members of the Professional
Regulatory Boards;

(u) To hold in contempt in erring party or person only upon application with a court of competent
jurisdiction;

(v) To call upon or request any department, instrumentality, office, bureau, institution or agency of the
government including local government units to render such assistance as it may require, or to coordinate
or cooperate in order to carry out, enforce or implement the professional regulatory policies of the
government or any program or activity it may undertake pursuant to the provisions of this Act;

(w) To initiate an investigation, upon complaint under oath by an aggrieved party, of any person, whether
a private individual or professional, local or foreign, who practices the regulated profession or occupation
without being authorized by law, or without being registered with and licensed by the concerned regulatory
board and issued the corresponding license/professional identification card or temporary or special
permit, or who commits any of the prohibited acts provided in the regulatory laws of the various
professions, which acts are criminal in nature, and if the evidence so warrants, to forward the records of
the case to the office of the city or provincial prosecutor for the filing of the corresponding information in
court by the lawyers of the legal services of the Commission who may prosecute said case/s upon being
deputized by the Secretary of Justice;

(x) To prepare an annual report of accomplishments on the programs, projects and activities of the
Commission during the year for submission to Congress after the close of its calendar year and make
appropriate recommendations on issues and/or problems affecting the Commission, the Professional
Regulatory Board, and the various professions under its jurisdiction; and

(y) To perform such other functions and duties as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this
Act, the various professional regulatory laws, decrees, executive orders and other administrative
issuance.

Section 8. Regional Offices – The Commission is hereby authorized to create regional offices as may be
necessary to carry out their functions mandated under this Act.

Section 9. Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of the Various Professional Regulatory Boards – The various,
professional regulatory boards shall retain the following powers, functions and responsibilities:

(a) To regulate the practice of the professions in accordance with the provisions of their respective
professional regulatory laws;

(b) To monitor the conditions affecting the practice of the profession or occupation under their respective
jurisdictions and whenever necessary, adopt such measures as may be deemed proper for the
enhancement of the profession or occupation and/or the maintenance of high professional, ethical and
technical standards, and for this purpose the members of the Board duly authorized by the Commission
with deputized employees of the Commission, may conduct ocular inspection in industrial, mechanical,
electrical or chemical plants or establishments, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, testing facilities, mines and

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quarries, other engineering facilities and in the case of schools, in coordination with the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED);

(c) To hear and investigate cases arising from violations of their respective laws, the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder and their Codes of Ethics and, for this purpose, may issue
summons, subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to alleged violators and/or witnesses to compel their
attendance in such investigations or hearings: Provided, That, the decision of the Professional Regulatory
Board shall, unless appealed to the Commission, become final and executory after fifteen (15) days from
receipt of notice of judgment or decision;

(d) To delegate the hearing or investigation of administrative cases filed before them except in cases
where the issue or question involved strictly concerns the practice of the profession or occupation, in
which case, the hearing shall be presided over by at least one (1) member of the Board concerned
assisted by a Legal or Hearing Officer of the Commission;

(e) To conduct, through the Legal Officers of the Commission, summary proceedings on minor violations
of their respective regulatory laws, violations of the rules and regulations issued by the boards to
implement their respective laws, including violations of the general instructions to examinees committed
by examinees, and render summary judgment thereon which shall, unless appealed to the Commission,
become final and executory after fifteen (15) days from receipt of notice of judgment or decision;

(f) Subject to final approval by the Commission, to recommend registration without examination and the
issuance of corresponding certificate of registration and professional identification card;

(g) After due process, to suspend, revoke or reissue, reinstate certificate of registration or licenses for
causes provided by law;

(h) To prepare, adopt and issue the syllabi or tables of specifications of the subjects for examinations in
consultation with the academe; determine and prepare the questions for the licensure examinations which
shall strictly be within the scope of the syllabus or table of specifications of the subject for examination;
score and rate the examination papers with the name and signature of the Board member concerned
appearing thereon and submit the results in all subjects duly signed by the members of the Board to the
Commission within ten (10) days from the last day of examination unless extended by the Commission
for justifiable cause/s; and subject to the approval by the Commission, determine the appropriate passing
general average rating in an examination if not provided for in the law regulating the profession; and

(i) To prepare an annual report of accomplishments on programs, projects and activities of the Board
during the year for submission to the Commission after the close of each calendar year and make
appropriate recommendations on issues or problems affecting the profession to the Commission.

Section 10. Compensation of the Members of the Professional Regulatory Boards – The members of the
Professional Regulatory Boards shall receive compensation equivalent to, at least, two salary grades lower than
the salary grade of the Commissioners: Provided, That the Chairperson of the Regulatory Board shall receive a
monthly compensation of two steps higher than the members of the Board, and: Provided, further, That they shall
be entitled to other allowances and benefits provided under existing laws.

Section 11. Person to Teach Subjects for Licensure Examination on all Professions – All subjects for licensure
examinations shall be taught by persons who are holders of valid certificates of registration and valid professional
licenses of the profession and who comply with the other requirements of the CHED.

Section 12. Assistance of Law Enforcement Agency – Any law enforcement agency shall, upon call or request of
the Commission or of any Professional Regulatory Board, render assistance in enforcing the regulatory law of the
profession including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by prosecuting the violators thereof in
accordance with law and the rules of court.

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Section 13. Appropriations – The amount necessary to carry out the initial implementation of this Act shall be
charged against the current year’s appropriations of the Professional Regulation Commission. Thereafter, such
sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the succeeding General
Appropriations Act.

Section 14. Authority to Use Income – In addition to the annual appropriations of the Commission provided under
the Annual General Appropriations Act, the Commission is hereby authorized to use its income not exceeding the
amount of Forty-five million pesos (P45,000,000.00) a year for a period of five (5) years after the effectivity of this
Act to implement the program for full computerization of the operations of the Commission, subject to the usual
accounting and auditing requirements.

Section 15. Penalties for Manipulation and Other Corrupt Practices in the Conduct of Professional Examinations –

(a) Any person who manipulates or rigs licensure examination results, secretly informs or makes known
licensure examination questions prior to the conduct of the examination or tampers with the grades in
professional licensure examinations shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less than
six (6) years and one (1) day to not more than twelve (12) years or a fine of not less than Fifty thousand
pesos (P50,000.00) to not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or both such
imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court.

(b) In case the offender is an officer or employee of the Commission or a member of the regulatory board,
he/she shall be removed from office and shall suffer the penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification from
public office to addition to the penalties prescribed in the preceding section of this Act;

(c) The penalty of imprisonment ranging from four (4) years and one (1) day to six (6) years or a fine
ranging from Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) to not more than Forty-nine thousand pesos
(P49,000.00), or both imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court, shall be imposed upon the
accomplices. The penalty of imprisonment ranging from two (2) years and one (1) day to four (4) years or
a fine ranging from Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) to not more than Nineteen thousand pesos
(P19,000.00), or both imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court, shall be imposed upon the
accessories.

Section 16. Penalties for Violation of Section 7 – Subparagraph (1) by Heads of Government Agencies or Officers
of Private Entities/Institutions – Any head of a government agency or officer(s) of a private firm/institution who
violates Section 7 – subpar. (1) of this Act shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6) months and
one (1) day to not more than six (6) years, or a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) to not more
than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) or both at the discretion of the court.

Section 17. Implementing Rules and Regulations – Within ninety (90) days after the approval of this Act, the
Professional Regulation Commission, together with representatives of the various Professional Regulatory Boards
and accredited professional organizations, the DBM, and the CHED shall prepare and promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations needed to implement the provisions of this Act.

Section 18. Transitory Provisions – The incumbent Commissioner and two (2) incumbent Associate
Commissioners shall serve as Chairperson and Commissioners respectively under the terms for which they have
been appointed without need of new appointments. The incumbent Executive Director shall likewise serve as
Assistant Commissioner without need of new appointment.

Section 19. Separability Clause – If any provision of this Act or the application of such provision to any person or
circumstances is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or application of such provisions to
other persons or circumstance shall not be affected by such declaration.

Section 20. Repealing Clause – Republic Act. No. 546, Presidential Decree No. 223, as amended by Presidential
Decree No. 657, Republic Act No. 5181, and Executive Order No. 266, Series of 1995 are hereby repealed. Section

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23 (h) of Republic Act No. 7836, Section 4 (m & s). Section 23 of Republic Act No. 7920, and Section 29 of Republic
Act No. 8050, insofar as it requires completion of the requirements of the Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
as a condition for the renewal of the license are hereby repealed. All other laws, orders, rules and regulations or
resolutions and all part/s thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended
accordingly.

Section 21. Effectivity – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official
Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever is earlier.

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REFERENCES

• Republic Act No. 8981: PRC Modernization Act of 2000. (2000).

https://www.prc.gov.ph/uploaded/documents/PRCModAct.pdf
• Republic Act No. 9266: The Architecture Act of 2004. (2004).
https://www.prc.gov.ph/sites/default/files/Architecture%20-%20Board%20Law_0.PDF

ARC 1426: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 1