REQUIREMENT

FOR PROVISION OF
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
ENGINEERING SERVICES

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

ACPECC SECRETARIAT – 2012

 1

PHILIPPINES : LICENSING/REGISTRATION RULES

FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

I. THE PROFESSIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES:

REGULATION / ORGANIZATION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

1.1 Definition of Professional. A professional in the Philippines is defined as a

person who:

(a) has completed a prescribed university course;

(b) passed a licensure examination/has been issued a Certificate of Registration/
Professional ID Card/ Professional Tax Receipt (PTR);
(c) is a member of good standing of an accredited professional organization (APO);
(d) follows a set of standards/code of practice; and
(e) adheres to professional code of ethics

1.2 Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The PRC is the government

agency mandated under Republic Act No. 8981, otherwise known as: “An Act
Modernizing the Professional Regulation Commission, Repealing for the purpose
Presidential Decree Numbered 223, entitled ‘Creating the Professional Regulation
Commission and Prescribing its Powers and Function,’ and for other Purposes”,
which takes charge of administrative control and supervision of at least 42
professions. (The only other profession not supervised by PRC is law, which is
under the supervision of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.) The general
functions of PRC 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 regulation relative thereto;
(b) To perform any and all acts, enter into contracts, make such rules and regulations
and issue such orders and other administrative issuances as may be necessary in
the execution and implementation of its functions and the improvement of its
services;
(c) To review, revise, and approve resolution, 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) examination or more examinations given in a year, at least one
(1) examination shall be held on weekdays (Monday to Friday): Provided, further,
That, if only one (1) examinations 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
 2

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 examination
day actually attended, to be determined and fixed by the Commission; published
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 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
engineers officers shall also be issued endorsement certificates exclusively by the
Commission pursuant to the 1978 and 1995 Standards of Training, Certification
and Watchkeeping (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 issuances/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 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
 3

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 position in accordance with the 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 till 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 to authorize the issuance of a certificate of
registration/license and professional identification card with 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 his state or country and whose certificate of
registration issued therein has not be 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
individual whether public or private, who secure the 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 nationals 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 ensure that
the terms and conditions for their practice or of their employment are strictly
complied with; to required 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 of the penalty imposed pursuant to this Act, when the professional
 4

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 that 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;
(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 an 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 authorize 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
 5

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 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 Boards, 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 issuances.

1.3 Professions in the Philippines

(a) PRC Regulated Professions. There are forty-two (42) professions created by
their individual charters, under the supervision of PRC. Each of the professions
has its corresponding Professional Regulatory Board (PRB), except the Merchant
Marine Profession, which has two PRBs under the same law, the Board for
Marine Deck Officers and the Board for Marine Engine Officers. As of October
2005, however, two PRBs, the Board of Sugar Technology and the Board of
Guidance & Counseling have yet to be established.
(b) Accredited Professional Organization (APO). Each of the professions has a
corresponding accredited professional organization (APO) which provides
assistance and coordinates with PRC in matters relating to professional practice.
Since the Merchant Marine Profession has two PRBs, it likewise has two APOs.
On the other hand, the Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Profession,
while having only one PRB, has two APOs. The regulated professions and
corresponding APOs are listed as follows:

PROFESSION ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL

ORGANIZATION (APO)
1. Accountancy Philippine Institute of Cetified Public
Accountants (PICPA)
2. Aeronautical Engineering Society of Aerospace Engineersof the
Philippines (SAEP)
3. Agricultural Engineering Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers
(PSAE)
4. Agriculture Philippine Association of Agriculturists (PAA)
5. Architecture United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)
6. Chemical Engineering Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers
(PIChE)
7. Chemistry Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP)
8. Civil Engineering Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE)
9. Criminology Professional Criminologists Association of the
Philippines (PCAP)
10. Customs Brokerage Chamber of Customs Brokers (CCB)
11. Dentistry Philippine Dental Association (PDA)
12. Electrical Engineering Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE)
 6

13. Electronics Engineering Institute of Electronics and Communications

Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP)
14. Environmental Planning Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners
(PIEP)
15. Forestry Society of Filipino Foresters (SFF)
16. Fisheries Technology Philippine Society of Fisheries (PSF)
17. Geodetic Engineering Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines (GEP)
18. Geology Geological Society of the Philippines (GSP)
19. Guidance and Counseling Not yet established
20. Interior Design Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID)
21. Landscape Architecture Philippine Association of Landscape Architects
(PALA)
22. Librarianship Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI)
23. Marine Deck Officers Masters and Mates Association of the
Philippines (MMAP)
24. Marine Engine Officers Marine Engine Officers Association of the
Philippines, Inc. (MEOAP)
25. Master Plumbing National Master Plumbers Association of the
Philippines (NAMPAP)
26. Mechanical Engineering Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers
(PSME)
27. Medical Technology Philippine Association of Medical
Technologists, Inc. (PAMET)
28. Medicine Philippine Medical Association (PMA)
29. Metallurgical Engineering Society of Metallurgical engineers of the
Philippines (SMEP)
30. Midwifery Integrated Midwives Association of the
Philippines (IMAP)
31. Mining Engineering Philippine Society of Mining Engineers
32.Naval Architecture and Philippine Association of Naval Architects and
Marine Engineering Marine Engineers (PANAME)
33. Nursing Philippine Nurses Association (PNA)
34. Nutrition and Dietetics Nutritionist-Dietitians Association of the
Philippines (NDAP)
35. Optometry Integrated Philippine Association of
Optometrists (IPAO)
36. Pharmacy Philippine Pharmaceutical Association (PPhA)
37. Physical Therapy & Philippine Physical Therapy Association, Inc.
Occupational Therapy (PPTA)/Occupational Therapy Association of
the Philippines (OTAP)
38. Professional Teaching National Organization for Professional Teachers
(NOPT)
39. Radiologic Technology Philippine Association of Radiologic
Technologists (PART)
40. Sanitary Engineering Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers (PSSE)
41. Social Work Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc.
(PASWI)
42. Sugar Technology Not yet established
43. Veterinary Medicine Philippine Veterinary Medical Association
(PVMA)
 7

(c) Charters of Professions.

Each charter of the regulated professions provides, among others, the definition,
licensing requirements, admission requirements, foreign reciprocity/qualifications
and corporate practice, as shown in Appendix A.
While the Philippine Constitution provides that: “the practice of all professions in
the Philippines shall be limited to Filipino citizens, save in cases prescribed by
law”, most laws give certain provisions which specify how foreign professionals
may practice their professions in the Philippines. In addition, one of PRC’s
functions is to supervise foreign practice in the Philippines. (see paragraph 1.2 j
above).
There are only ten (10) professions which allow the formation of
partnerships/associations/corporations (organized by licensed professionals) for
professional practice (Appendix A). However, in general, the responsibility of
practice still lies on the individual professional in terms of liability and any
violation of the law. Only five (5) professions (such as architecture, landscape
architecture, aeronautical engineering, chemistry and naval architecture & marine
engineering) specify corporation’s liabilities as an entity.

II. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

2.1 Admission Requirements. Each profession has specific requirements for taking
the licensure examination and registration, including those for foreign
professionals (Appendix A).

2.2 Language Skills. The professional laws do not specify any language
requirement, but all licensure examinations are given in English.

2.3 Type of Examination. All examinations are of the objective type. However, the
following professions include other types as follows:

(a) Architecture: Objective and actual architectural design problem

(b) Dentistry: Objective and practical examination
(c) Interior Design: Objective and actual interior design problem
(d) Landscape Architecture: Objective and actual landscape architectural design
(e) Marine Deck Officers: Objective and practical examination
(f) Marine Engine Officers: Objective and practical examination
(g) Optometry: Objective and practical examination

2.4 Number of Years for Degrees. The number of years for acquiring a Bachelor’s
Degree is generally not specified. It is expected that a standard course is acquired
by any candidate for licensure examination. PRC and the respective Professional
Regulatory Board evaluate the degree of each candidate through his/her transcript
of record to ensure that the candidate has completed the required subjects/courses
specified in their respective professional laws. (Appendix A)

2.5 Other Qualification Requirements (Appendix A).

 8

2.6 Conduct of Professional Examinations

(a) The respective PRBs conduct the examinations under the

supervision/administration of PRC.
(b) The frequency of examinations depend upon the respective professions as
follows:

Once a year
Aeronautical Engineering Landscape Architecture
Agricultural Engineering Librarianship
Agriculture Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
Chemistry Nutrition & Dietetics
Environmental Planning Mining Engineering
Fisheries Technologist Optometry
Forestry Professional Teaching
Geodetic Engineering Social Work
Geology Veterinary Medicine
Interior Design

Twice a year
Accountancy Mechanical Engineering
Architecture Medical Technology
Chemical Engineering Medicine
Civil Engineering Metallurgical Engineering
Criminology Midwifery
Dentistry Nursing
Electrical Engineering Physical & Occupational Therapy
Electronics Engineering Radiologic Technology
Master Plumbing Sanitary Engineering

Thrice a year
Marine Engine Officers Marine Deck Officers

(c) Fees and Charges

Examination
Requiring Baccalaureate Degree Php 900.00
Requiring Baccalaureate Degree with Practical Exams 1,300.00
(Except Marine Deck & Marine Engine Officers)
For Non-Baccalaureate Degree 600.00
For Marine Deck & Marine Engine Officers
Written (Theoretical) Examinations 900.00
Practical Assessment 400.00
Computerization Walk-in Examination Note yet established
 9

Registration

For profession requiring baccalaureate degree Php 600.00

For non-baccalaureate degree 450.00
Temporary/Special Permit for Para-Teachers
Initial issuance (3 years validity) 600.00
Issuance with 5 years validity 1,000.00
Temporary or Special Permit for Foreign Professionals
under PD No. 451:
For each visit or sojourn 1,250.00
For permanent residents 1,500.00
Temporary/Special Permit for Foreign Professionals
covered by Section 7(j) of RA No. 8981 1,500.00
Temporary/Special Permit for Foreign Professionals
on Medical Mission 1,250.00
Issuance of Certificate of Registration to Foreign
Professionals who qualify to practice on reciprocity,
treaties and international agreements 1,500.00
Issuance of Professional Identification Card to Foreign
Professionals 450.00

Annual Registration of Professionals

Registered Professional with Baccalaureate Degree Php 450.00

Registered Professional with Non-Baccalaureate
Degree 420.00

III. QUALIFICATION PROCEDURES:

3.1 Applicants to the licensure examinations are required to submit their Certificate of
Live Birth and Transcript of Records showing the educational qualifications and
personal circumstances.

3.2 The documents are perused upon by the Application Division of PRC. The
concerned PRB further evaluates the application if treating or experience is a
requirement. Determination of citizenship requirements are forwarded to the
Legal Division

IV. RECOGNITION REQUIREMENTS:

4.1 Automatic Registration/Registration without Examination. Some laws state

permission to qualified professional practitioners, including foreign professionals.
(Appendix A).

4.2 Foreign Reciprocity/Qualifications: (Appendix A).

 10

V. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:

5.1 For Individuals. In addition to admission requirements in Section II above, the

following are provided in the PRC law and/or respective professional laws as
follows:

(a) All examination passers are required to take the professional oath before the
respective PRBs.
(b) Continuing professional development (CPD).

5.2 For Firms

(a) For the regulated professions supervised by PRC, there are only ten (10)
professions which provide establishment of partnerships/firms/corporations and/or
associations (Appendix A).
(b) None of the laws have specific provisions on minimum capital or number of
partners. However, all members should be registered/licensed professionals in the
Philippines.
(c) Some professions require not only registration with the respective PRBs but also
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Appendix A).
(d) Details on ownership/management/administration of corporate name of
professional entity are not generally provided in the respective PRB laws.
However, requirements of the Philippine Corporation Law are expected to be
followed.

VI. LICENSING PROCEDURES:

6.1 For Individuals

(a) Upon passing the licensure examination, the passer registers with the PRC and
during the oath-taking ceremonies, the Certificate of Registration and Professional
Identification (ID) Card are given to them. The Oath-taking Ceremonies usually
take place from two to four weeks after examination results are released (usually
two to five days, except architecture, which might take longer, about a month).
(b) Professional ID Cards are renewed every three years on the professionals’
birthday. Renewal normally takes about a week or two upon filing of application
and payment of renewal fees.

6.2 For Firms

See Appendix A for Corporate Practice.

VII. REGULATIONS ON ENTRY/TEMPORARY STAY OF

FOREIGN PROFESSIONALS:
Professional practice of foreigners is subject to the PRC law, Section 7(j) of RA
No. 8981, and specific provisions of respective professions (Appendix A). If no
 11

provision is given, the respective laws and the Constitutional mandate on

professional practice, which says, “The practice of all professions in the
Philippines shall be limited to Filipino citizens, save in cases prescribed by law.”

VIII. PROFESSIONAL ETHICS:

8.1 Each profession has specific codes of ethics and each professional is expected to
abide by these codes.

8.2 The codes are generally prepared by the respective APOs together with the
respective PRBs. They are approved by the PRC.

8.3 Any violation of the code may be reported to the APO and PRC. A legal case
may be filed by any complainant. If found guilty of a civil case, the PRB may
impose suspension or revocation of license. Violations are specified in each
professional law.

8.4 A criminal case is usually filed by a complainant through the regular courts.

IX. DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES/APPEAL

MECHANISMS:
9.1 Dispute Resolution

(a) Complainant against a registered professional may be filed before the concerned
PRB for immoral or dishonorable conduct; insanity; conviction or a criminal
offense involving moral turpitude,; unprofessional or unethical conduct; gross
negligence or incompetence in the practice of the profession; the use of or
perpetration of fraud or deceit in the acquisition of certificate of
registration/professional license; for any cause or causes as provided by the law
creating the Professional Regulatory Board and the Rules and Regulations of the
Commission.
(b) The complaint shall be in writing and under oath and may be filed by any person,
firm, or corporation, through its duly authorized representative. The PRB upon
receipt of the complaint shall require the professional complained of to submit his
counter-affidavit or verified answer within ten (10) days from notice.
(c) The complaint, with sufficient supporting documents, may itself be the basis for
determination of the existence of prima facie case, at the discretion of the PRB. If
no prima facie case is found, then the complaint shall be dismissed; otherwise, the
Commission or the PRB shall order the case to proceed for trial.
(d) The case shall be set for preliminary conference, where the complainant, the
respondent and their counsels shall be required to appear to determine the
possibility of amicable settlement and other matters which may aid in the early
disposition of the case.
(e) The order of hearing shall be as follows:
The complainant must produce the evidence on his part;
The respondent shall then offer the evidence in support of his defense;
 12

The parties may then respectively offer rebuttal evidence only, unless the
Commission or the PRB, for good reasons, in the furtherance of justice, permits
them to offer evidence upon their original case; and
When the presentation of evidence is concluded, the PRB may require the parties
to simultaneously submit their respective written memoranda within fifteen (15)
days from notice before the case is submitted for decision.
(f) The PRB shall decide the case within sixty (60) days from its submission. The
decision shall be in writing and shall be signed by at least a majority of the
members of the PRB.

9.2 Appeal. The respondent may appeal the decision of the concerned PRB within
fifteen (15) days from receipt of the decision to the Commission whose decision
shall be final. Complainant, when allowed by law, may interpose an appeal from
the decision of the PRB within the same period of fifteen (15) days from receipt
thereof.

(a) The decision of the PRB may be filed to the Commission by filing a notice of
appeal together with the arguments in support thereof, the payment of the appeal
and legal research fees and proof of service on the adverse party within fifteen
(15) days from receipt of the decision.
(b) The notice of appeal shall specify the parties, designate the decision appealed
from and the appellate authority to which the appeal is taken.
(c) The adverse party shall be given fifteen (15) days from notice to submit his
counter-argument. After receipt of the counter-argument, the appeal shall be
considered submitted for resolution unless otherwise directed by the Commission.
(d) Appealed cases shall be decided within sixty (60) days from submission for
resolution. The decision or resolution shall be in writing and shall be signed by at
least a majority of the members of the Commission.

X. OTHER INFORMATION:
PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSIOIN
P. Paredes Street corner Morayta Street
Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines 1008
Website: www.prc.gov.ph

(a) Contact Details:

Hon. LEONOR TRIPON-ROSERO

Chairperson
Fax: (623) 735-4476
Telephone: (623) 735-1535
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Hon. AVELINA DE LA REA
Commissioner
Fax: (623) 314-0031
Telephone: (623) 735-1488
E-mail Address: [email protected]
 13

Hon. RENATO B. VALDECANTOS

Commissioner
Fax: (623) 735-1536
Telephone: (623) 314-0049
E-mail Address: [email protected]

Hon. ARISTOGERSON T. GESMUNDO

Assistant Commissioner
TeleFax: (623) 736-2249
E-mail Address: [email protected]

(b) Chairmen/Members of Professional Regulatory Boards

Professional Regulation Commission
P. Paredes Street corner Morayta Street
Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines 1008
Fax: (623) 735-1533
Telephone: (623) 735-1534
E-mail Address: [email protected]

PRC.doc/15November2005
jmr//randie05
 APPENDIX A

PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 2

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
PD 1570 (11 June 1978): Philippine Aeronautical Engineering Decree

Definition (Section 27): Practice of Aeronautical Engineering constitutes the rendering of professional services, such as planning/ designing/ analyzing/ constructing/ assembling/ installing/
altering/ maintaining of aircraft structures/ power plants/ accessories through scientific/ accepted engineering practice or teaching of the same in any university/ college/ institute/ school duly
recognized by Government. It also includes decision-making as an officer/ employee in private enterprise/ educational institution or government-owned/ controlled corporation, where such
position requires professional knowledge in the science of aeronautical engineering.

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 13, 19, 22 Section 14 Sections 14, 21 Section 28

(a) Passing a written technical (a) At least 21 years of age; (a) Citizens of a foreign country may take the licensure A firm / company / corporation may
examination and issuance (b) Citizen of the Philippines or of foreign country exam under existing laws; engage in designing / planning /
of Certificate of qualified to take exams under existing laws; (b) Temporary Certificate of Registration or Special construction / installation / alteration /
Registration are required to (c) Good moral character/ reputation; Permit may be granted to the following: manufacture or marketing of any aircraft /
practice the Aeronautical (c) BS Aeronautical Engineering from government- Legally / technically qualified foreign aeronautical its components / accessories / instruments
Engineering in Philippines. recognized institution or equivalent course in a engineers called in for consultation / specific / equipment & supply provided there is
(b) Certificates of Registration foreign institution, subject to existing laws; and design / construction / project, provided such certification / supervision / guidance of an
shall not be issued to (a) Has not been convicted of crime involving services in the Philippines are limited to such aeronautical engineer.
persons convicted of moral turpitude. particular work; or
criminal offense involving Technical officers / professors in specialized
moral turpitude/ guilty of branches of aeronautical engineering considered
unprofessional / unethical / necessary / indispensable for the country.
immoral / dishonorable
conduct or to any person of
unsound mind.
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 3

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING:
RA 8559 (13 February 1998): Philippine Agricultural Engineering Act of 1998

Definition (Section 3): Practice of Agriculture Engineering refers to the profession requiring the application of fundamental/ known principles of engineering to peculiar condition/
requirements of agriculture as industry/ field of science, including the following: (a) Consultation, valuation, investigation and management services on agricultural engineering; (b) Management
or supervision and the preparation of engineering designs, plans, specifications, project studies and estimates for agricultural, aquaculture and fishery, and forest product machinery, agricultural
buildings and structures, farm electrification and energy systems, agricultural processing equipment, irrigation and soils conservation systems and facilities, agricultural waste utilization systems
and facilities; (c) Conducting research and development, training and extension work, and consultancy services on agricultural engineering facilities/ services, system and technologies; (d)
Testing, evaluation and inspection of agricultural, fishery and forest product machinery and other related agricultural engineering facilities and equipment; (e) Management, manufacturing and/or
marketing of agricultural machinery and other related agricultural engineering facilities and equipment; (f) Teaching agricultural engineering subjects in institution of learning in the Philippines;
and (g) Employment with the government provided such item or position requires the knowledge and expertise of an agricultural engineer.

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 12, 20 Section 13 Section 27 Section 25

Passing a written technical (a) Citizen of the Philippines; and Foreign agricultural engineers may be issued temporary (a) Corporate practice is not allowed.
examination and issuance of (b) BS Agricultural Engineering or equivalent in license to practice / engage in consultancy if foreign (b) Registered / Licensed agricultural
Certificate of Registration/ CHED recognized school/ academy / institute / country permits Filipino professionals to practice within engineers may, among themselves
Professional License are required college / university. its territorial limits on same basis as subjects/ citizens of form a firm / partnership / association
to practice agricultural such foreign country / state. and obtain SEC registration.
engineering in the Philippines. (c) All members / partners / associates
shall be registered / licensed
agricultural engineers.
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 6

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING: CPC 86725

RA 9297 (13 May 2004): The Chemical Engineering Law

Definition (Section 2): Practice of Chemical Engineering means the rending/ offering of professional chemical engineering services which embrace the following in relation to industrial plants:
Consultation requiring knowledge, skill/ proficiency; investigation; estimation and/or valuation; planning; preparation of feasibility studies; designing; preparation of specifications; supervision of
installation; operation (including quality management but excluding chemical analysis/ operation of chemical laboratory); and research & development. It also includes teaching/ lecturing/ receiving
of professional chemical subjects in BS Chemical Engineering curriculum.

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 13, 19 Section 16 Sections 22, 30 Section 26, 27

Passing the licensure examination (a) Citizen of the Philippines; (a) Exempt from registration are foreign chemical (a) Corporate practice is not allowed.
and issuance of Certificate of (b) Good moral character; engineers who: (b) Duly licensed / registered chemical
Registration / Professional ID Card (c) BS Chemical Engineering or its equivalent from are recognized as experts / called by government engineers may form partnerships
are required to practice chemical a government-recognized school / institute / for consultation / specific design / project among themselves or with other
engineering in the Philippines. college / university; and installation, provided practice is confined to such licensed / registered engineers and
(d) Has not been convicted of an offense involving work; architects.
moral turpitude. have distinguished themselves in their fields of
specialization, contracted as professors/ lecturers
on chemical engineering subjects by Philippine
schools / colleges / institutes / universities.
(b) Foreign chemical engineers may be granted
rights/ privileges if foreign country grants the same/
similar rights/ privileges to Filipino chemical
engineers
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 8

CIVIL ENGINEERING: CPC 86722 / 867224 / 8673 / 512 / 513 / 514

RA 544 (17 June 1950) as amended by RA 1582 (16 June 1956): Civil Engineering Law

Definition (Section 2): Practice of Civil Engineering embraces services in the form of consultation, design, preparation of plans, specifications, estimates, erection, installation/ supervision of
construction of streets, bridges, highways, railroads, airports/ hangars, portwalks, canals, river/shore improvements, lighthouses, and dry docks; buildings/fixed structures for irrigation, flood
protection, drainage, water supply/sewerage works; demolition of permanent structures; and tunnels.

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/ Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 8, 16 Section 12 Sections 15, 25 Section 24

(a) Passing a technical examination (a) At least 21 years of age; (a) Examination is allowed if foreign country admits citizens of the (a) Corporate practice is not allowed.
and issuance of Certificate of (b) Citizen of the Philippines; Philippines to practice the profession without restriction, or allows (b) Registered/ licensed civil engineers
Registration are required to (c) Good reputation/ moral to practice it after passing the exam on equal terms with foreign may, among themselves, or with
practice civil engineering in the character; and citizens including unconditional recognition of degrees issued by registered/ licensed architects, form
Philippines; and (a) Graduate of a course in Civil learning institutions recognized by the Philippine Government. and obtain registration of a firm/
(b) Certificate of Registration shall Engineering from school/ (b) Exempted from registration are: partnership/ association, provided
not be issued to any person institute/ college/ university Officers/ enlisted men of the US & Philippine Armed Forces members who are civil engineers and
convicted of criminal offense recognized by government. & civilian employees of US government stationed in the architects of firm/ partnership/
involving moral turpitude; guilty Philippines, while rendering civil engineering services for the association shall render work/
of immoral or dishonorable US and/or the Philippines. services proper for civil engineers or
conduct; or person of unsound Civil Engineers/experts called in by Philippine Government architects, respectively, shall be
mind. for consultation / specific design and construction of fixed responsible for their own respective
structures provided such practice is limited to such work. acts.
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 12

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: CPC 86723

RA 7920: (24 February 1995): New Electrical Engineering Law

Definition (Section 2): Practice of Electrical Engineering refers to rendering/ offering professional Electrical Engineering services in the form of: (a) Consultation, investigation, valuation and management of services
requiring electrical engineering knowledge; (b) Design and preparation of plans, specifications and estimates for electric power systems, power plants, power distribution system including power transformers, transmission lines
and network protection, switchgear, building wiring, electrical machines, equipment and others; (c) Supervision of erection, installation, testing and commissioning of power plants, substation, transmission lines, industrial
plants and others; (d) Supervision of operation and maintenance of electrical equipment in power plants, industrial plants, watercrafts, electric locomotives and others; (e) Supervisions on the manufacture and repair of electrical
equipment including switchboards, transformers, generators, motors, apparatus and others; (f) Teaching of electrical engineering professional subjects; and (h) Taking charge of the sale and distribution of electrical equipment
and systems requiring engineering calculations or applications of engineering data.

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/ Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 10, 11, 28 Sections 16, 17 Sections 14, 38 Section 35

(a) Passing a technical (a) For Professional Electrical Engineer (a) Exempt from exams/ registration are foreign electrical engineers, (a) Corporate practice is not allowed
examination and issuance of Citizen of the Philippines; erection/ commissioning/ guarantee engineers employed as technical (b) Licensed professional electrical
Certificate of Registration/ Good reputation with high moral values; consultants by Philippine government/ private firms provided no engineers may, among themselves,
Professional License are Has not been convicted of an offense involving qualified Filipino is available as certified by APO or foreign electrical form a partnership/ association and
required to practice electrical moral turpitude; installer for erection/ installation of special project/ work provided: collectively render electrical
engineering in the BS Electrical Engineering from government They are legally qualified to practice the profession in the foreign engineering service; and
Philippines. recognized/ accredited university/ college/ country in which requirements for obtaining license/ certificate of (c) Individual members of such partnership
(b) A Certificate of Registration academy/ institute; and registration are not lower than those specified in the electrical / associations shall be responsible for
shall not be issued to any Registered Electrical Engineer with valid engineering law; their own respective acts.
person convicted of any Certificate of Registration/ Professional license Their scope of work is limited to particular work contracted;
criminal offense involving & with at least 4 years of active practice. They shall secure a special permit from PRC prior to commencing
moral turpitude/ guilty of (b) For Registered Electrical Engineer work;
immoral or dishonorable Citizen of the Philippines; They shall not engage in private practice;
conduct/ of unsound mind. At least 21 years of age; For every foreign professional contracted, one registered Filipino
Good reputation with high moral values; understudy shall be employed by private firm utilizing the services of
Has not been convicted of an offense involving such foreign professional during his tenure with the firm; and
moral turpitude; and Exemption is good only for 6 months, renewable for another 6
BS Electrical Engineering from government months.
recognized/ accredited university/ school/ (b) A foreign engineer may be admitted to take the board exam/ be given
college/ academy/ institute. Certificate of Registration/ be entitled to rights & privileges if his
country specifically permits Filipino engineers to practice within its
territorial limits on same basis as subjects/ citizens of such country.
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 13

ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
RA 9292 (Repealing RA 5734): 17 April 2004: Electronics Engineering Law of 2004

Definition (Sections 3, 5): Electronics is the science dealing with development/ application of devices/ systems involving the flow of electrons or other carriers of electric charge, in a vacuum, in gaseous media, in
plasma, in semiconductors, in solid-states and/ or in similar devices, including, but not limited to, applications involving optical, electromagnetic and other energy forms when transduced or converted into electronic
signals. The Practice of Electronics Engineering embraces/ consists of any work or activity relating to the application of engineering sciences and/or principles to the investigation, analysis, synthesis, planning, design,
specification, research and development, provision, procurement, marketing and sales, manufacture and production, construction and installation, tests/ measurements/ control, operation, repair, servicing, technical
support and maintenance of electronic components, devices, products, apparatus, instruments, equipment, systems, networks, operations and processes in the fields of electronics, including communications and/or
telecommunications, information and communications technology (ICT), computers and their networking and hardware/ firmware/ software development and applications, broadcast/ broadcasting, cable and wireless
television, consumer and industrial electronics, electrooptics/ photonics/ opto-electronics, electro-magnetics, avionics, aerospace, navigational and military applications, medical electronics, robotics, cybernetics,
biometrics and all other related convergent fields. It also includes the administration, management, supervision and regulatory aspects of such works and activities; similarly included are those teaching and training
activities which develop the ability to use electronic engineering fundamentals and related advanced knowledge in electronics engineering, including lecturing and teaching of technical and professional subjects given in
the electronics engineering and electronics technician curriculum and licensure examinations. The Practice of Professional Electronics Engineering embraces/ consists of all of the above plus the sole authority to
provide consulting services and to sign and seal electronics plans, drawings, permit applications, specifications, reports and other technical documents prepared by the Professional Electronics Engineer and/ or under his
direct supervision.
Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/ Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 13, 18, 19, 27 Section 14 Sections 26, 33 Section 28

(a) Passing an examination and issuance (a) Citizen of the Philippines (a) Exempted from examination/ registration are Foreign Professional Electronics Engineers/ (b) Corporate practice is not
of Certificate of Registration / or foreign country under Electronics Technicians temporarily employed by Philippine government/ private firms where: allowed.
Professional ID Card/ APO foreign reciprocity No qualified Filipino professional is available for specific works as attested by APO; (c) Registered / Licensed
Membership ID Card are required provisions; Conditions of scope/ project or funding stipulate temporary employment of foreign Professional Electronics
for the practice of electronics (b) Good moral character / professional; Engineers / Electronics
engineering in the Philippines. has not been convicted Services are under GATS/ ASEAN/ APEC Engineer Registry programs/ other international Engineers / Electronics
(b) Qualifications for registration as of criminal offense treaties/ agreements provided: Technicians may, among
Professional Electronics Engineers: involving moral turpitude; themselves or with other
and
- Foreign professional is legally qualified to practice in his own country in which licensing/ allied professionals, form a
Valid Certificate of Registration / registration requirements are not lower than those under the Electronics Engineering
Professional ID Card as (c) BS Electronics & partnership / association /
Law;
Electronics Engineer; Communications corporation and collectively
Valid APO Membership / ID Card; Engineering or Electronics - Work performed by foreign professional is limited to that specified in the contract; render services, provided
Engineering or equivalent foreign professional shall secure special permit from Board of Electronics Engineering individual members of such
At least 7 years of experience, the
engineering course from prior to commencement of work; partnership / association /
last 2 years shall be in responsible
charge of significant engineering government- recognized - No working visa/ permit shall be issued unless Special Permit is granted first; corporation are responsible
work; and school/ institute/ - Foreign professional shall not engage in private practice; for their own respective
Three certifications signed by 3 university. acts.
- For every Foreign professional contracted at least 2 corresponding registered Filipino
Professional Electronics Engineers professionals shall be employed as counterparts in the duration of work; and
attesting veracity of experience
record.
- Special Permit is valid for 6 months period renewable every six months thereafter subject
to approval by Board of Electronics Engineering & PRC.
(c) Certificate of Registration /
(b) Foreign professionals may be admitted for registration with / without examination if foreign
Professional ID Card shall not be
country state admits Filipino citizens to practice the profession after an examination / registration
issued to any person convicted of
process on terms of strict absolute equality with citizens subjects / nationals of said country,
crime involving moral turpitude /
immoral or dishonorable conduct / including unconditional recognition of professional license and degrees / diploma .
declared to be of unsound mind.
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 17

GEODETIC ENGINEERING CPC 86752/86753/86754

RA 8560 (Amending RA 9200): 28 March 2003: Philippine Geodetic Engineering Act of 1998

Definition (Section 2): Practice of Geodetic Engineering is a professional/ organized act of gathering data on surface of the earth with use of precision instruments; also the scientific/ methodical
processing of data/ presenting them on graphs/ plans/ maps/ charts/ documents/ embracing the following activities: (a) Professional Geodetic Engineering services with the use of surveying and
mapping equipment, such as graduated rods, measuring tapes, transits, levels, theodolites, fathometers/echosounders, electronic distance meters, global positioning systems, stereoplotters and all
other instruments that are used to determine meters and bounds of lands positions of points on the surface of the earth, water depths, underwater configuration, ground elevation, gravity, isostasy,
crustal movements and the size and shape of the earth, and other instruments used for construction survey, and those instruments used to guide the installation of large industrial equipment and
machineries; (b) Horizontal and vertical control surveys and political boundary surveys; (c) Land surveys to determine their metes/ bounds and prepare the plans thereof for titling and for other
purposes; (d) Subdivision, consolidation and/or consolidation subdivision of titled properties; (e) Submission of survey plans of subdivided, consolidated and/or consolidated subdivision titled
properties to the government agencies concerned; hereafter, such plans on surveyed titled properties submitted by geodetic engineers shall not be subject to verification and approval; (f) Preparation/
making of sketch, lot and location plans; (g) Conduction of engineering surveys and technical preparation of engineering survey plans, such as topographic, hydrographic, tidal, profile, crosssection,
construction/ boundary surveys; (h) Parcellary surveys of land traversed by infrastructure projects; and preparation of subdivision plans; (i) Conduction of gravimetric and photogrammetric survey
and the technical preparation of survey plans; (j) Survey/ mapping works such as the preparation of geographic and/or land information systems; (k) Surveys to determine/ establish line/ grade for
construction of buildings/ other structures/ attachments; (l) Construction of as-staked and as-built surveys for infrastructurers; (m) Conduction of mineral/ mining surveys; (n) Installation of
machineries requiring use of precision instruments; (o Engagement in transfer of knowledge/ technology of geodetic engineering in any institution of learning; (p) Provision of consultancy services
in geodetic engineering.

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/ Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 11, 19 Section 12 Section 26 Section 24

Passing a written technical (a) Citizen of the Philippines; and Foreign geodetic engineers may be issued a temporary Duly registered geodetic engineers may
examination and issuance of (a) BS Geodetic Engineering from a duly license to practice the profession provided the foreign organize, establish or form firms/
Certificate of Registration/ recognized government school / academy / country permits Filipino geodetic engineers to practice partnerships/ associations for the practice
Professional ID Card are required institute/ college. within its territorial limits on same basis as subjects/ of the profession pursuant to SEC rules.
to practice geodetic engineering in citizens of such foreign state/ country.
the Philippines.
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 18

GEOLOGY: CPC 86751

RA 4209 (19 June 1965): Geology Profession Law of the Philippines

Definition (Section 12): Practice of Geology refers to rendering geological work in the form of consultation/ geological investigation involving geological mapping / paleontology / petrology /
mineralogy/ other branches of geology.

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/ Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 14, 19 Section 15 Sections 13, 15 Section 24

(a) Passing a technical written (a) At least 21 years of age; o Foreign applicants for examination shall satisfy exam A firm/ company/ corporation/ association can
examination and issuance of (b) Good reputation/ moral requirements for Filipinos, provided the foreign country practice geology in the Philippines, provided such
Certificate of Registration are character; accords the same reciprocity with the Philippines. practice is carried out by geologists holding valid
required to practice geology in (c) Holder of any of the o Exempt from registration are qualified foreign geologists/ Certificates of Registration issued by Board of
the Philippines. following: geological engineers called in for consultation/ conduct of Geology and in regular employ of said firm/ co-
(b) Holders of PhD / DS (Geology) BS/ MS Geology special geological investigation only by: partnership/ company/ corporation/ association.
may be registered without BS Geological Government with written permission from Board of The manager/ administrator/ person in charge of
examination. Engineering Geology; or management or administration of the business
BS/ BA (major in Bonafide corporations registered under Philippine laws, shall be held personally liable for any violation of
Geology) provided: the geology law.
o Work is for six months only, renewable by
Board for not more than six months
o They are legally qualified to practice in their
country; and
o Foreign country grants same reciprocity to
Filipino citizens.
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 22

MASTER PLUMBING
RA 1378 (18 June 1955): Plumbing Law

Definition (Section 2): Practice of Plumbing embraces services in the form of consultations/ designing/ plan preparation, specifications/ estimates/ erection/ installation/ supervision of
plumbing work including inspection/ acceptance of materials used therein; extension/ alteration of all pipings to fixtures, appliances, appurtenances in connection with any of the following:
Storm/ sanitary drainage, facilities of buildings, sanitary venting of fixtures, hot/ cold water supply, system within or adjacent to any building, storm drains, sewerage system of any premises
and/or in connection with any public disposal of any acceptable terminal. The National Building Code requires that duly licensed Master Plumbers should sign/seal engineering documents
(which should include plumbing plan/layout, isometrics, guide specifications/bill of materials and cost estimates) for plumbing installations not exceeding 20 units. For installations more than
20 units, engineering documents should include sanitary plans/layouts/details, isometric drawings, design analysis/technical specifications and cost estimates, and should be signed/sealed by a
licensed Master Plumber who is also a registered Engineer or a Master Plumber who has been issued a Certificate of Recognition as a Designer by the Board of Master Plumbers.

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 12, 13, 18, 24 Section 12 Section 17, 21

(a) Passing an examination and issuance of (a) At least 21 years of age; (a) Exempt from exams/registration are the following: Corporate practice is not allowed.
Certificate of Registration are required to (b) Citizen of the Philippines; Officers/enlisted men of Armed Forces of US &
practice master plumbing in the Philippines. (c) Good moral character; Philippines/US civilian employees of US
(b) Certificate of Registration shall not be (d) At least a high school graduate; government for the US and/or the Philippines;
issued to any person convicted of any and and
criminal offense involving moral (e) At least five years experience in Plumbing experts called in by Philippine
turpitude, found guilty of immoral/ actual plumbing work under Government for consultation in connection with
dishonorable conduct or of unsound supervision of registered master specific construction, provided services are
mind. plumber. limited to such work.
(c) Provisions of the law apply only in (b) A foreigner may be allowed to take the examination
Chartered Cities. if the foreign country admits citizens of the
Philippines to engage in the same trade without
restriction or allows them to practice it after an
examination on terms of strict/ absolute equality with
citizens/ subjects/ nationals of the country
concerned, including unconditional recognition of
degrees issued by government-recognized
institutions of learning.
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 23

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: CPC 86723

RA 8495 (03 February 1998): Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998

Definition (Section 3): Practice of Mechanical Engineering includes: (a) Consultation/ valuation/ investigation/ management services requiring mechanical engineering knowledge; (b) Engineering design/ preparation of plans/
specifications/ project studies or estimates for mechanical equipment/ machinery/ processes of any mechanical works, projects or plants; (c) Management/ supervision of erection/ installation/ alteration/ testing/ commissioning of
mechanical equipment/ machinery/ processes in mechanical works, projects or plants; (d) Management/ supervision/ operation/ tending/ maintenance of any mechanical equipment/ machinery/ processes in mechanical work/
projects/ plants; (e) Management/ supervision of manufacture/ sale/ supply/ distribution of mechanical equipment/ parts/ components; (f) Teaching of mechanical engineering professional subjects in government recognized/
accredited engineering schools; and (g) Employment in government as professional mechanical engineer/ registered mechanical engineer/ certified plant mechanic if nature/ character of work is in line with the profession requiring
professional knowledge of the science of mechanical engineering.

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/ Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 12, 13, 17, 22, 25 Sections 14, 15 Sections 31, 39 Section 36
(a) Passing a written technical examination and (b) Professional Mechanical Engineer: (a) Temporary/ Special Permit from Board of (a) Corporate practice is not allowed.
issuance of Certificate of Registration/ Citizen of the Philippines; Mechanical Engineering may be issued to: (b) Registered/ licensed mechanical
Professional License are required to practice Has not been convicted of a crime Foreign Mechanical Engineers, installation/ commission/ engineers may form/ obtain SEC
mechanical engineering in the Philippines. involving moral turpitude; graduate engineers called in for consultation projects not registration of a firm/ partnership/
Registered Mechanical Engineer/ holder requiring more than 3 months residence in the Philippines in a association.
Categories: of a valid Certificate of Registration/ 12-month period, provided they are legally qualified in their (c) Only duly registered / licensed
Professional Mechanical Engineer-- professional license; countries in which requirements/ qualifications are equal to those Mechanical Engineers, who are
Granting Registration Certificate is Completion of approved course in specified in Philippine Law on Mechanical Engineering. members / partners / associates shall
testimonial in nature including mechanical engineering from recognized Foreigners employed as technical officers/ training officers/ render services proper for
submission of applicant’s experience/ school/ college; consultants who are necessary / advantageous for the country mechanical engineers as defined by
presentation of engineering reports/ Four years of more active mechanical particularly in aspects of technology transfer, provided: law.
technical paper. engineering practice; and - Competent/ able/ willing Filipino mechanical engineers are
Mechanical Engineer -- Applicants shall Competent to practice as attested by at not available;
pass a written exam with emphasis on least 2 professional mechanical - They are previously employed foreigners by engaging firm/
power plant/ industrial plant engineering/ engineers. foreign business partner for not less than one year
mathematics/ engineering economics/ (c) For Mechanical Engineer: immediately preceding date of engagement; and
economic analysis/ laws & ethics/ Citizen of the Philippines; - Specific engagement shall not be more than 6
machine design. Has not been convicted of crime months which may be renewed once, except for a newly
involving moral turpitude; and established firm, such period of engagement may be longer
(b) Certificate of Registration shall not be issued BS Mechanical Engineering from but not to exceed two years.
to any person convicted of crime involving (b) Certificate of Registration may be issued to a foreigner if foreign
government recognized university/
moral turpitude/ moral or dishonorable country permits Filipino citizens to practice within its territorial
school/ college/ academy/ institute.
conduct or of any person of unsound mind. limits on same basis as subjects/ citizens of such country/ state.
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 27

METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING:
PD 1536 (11 June 1978): Regulating the Practice of the Metallurgical Engineering Profession in the Philippines

Definition (Section 12): Practice of Metallurgical Engineering or Metallurgy refers to rendering professional services in the form of consultation, investigation, valuation, planning,
designing or supervision of operation. It also means teaching/ practice of the science/ technology of preparing minerals/ metals from ores by separating them from mechanical mixture/ chemical
combination and/or finally processing them for use. Metallurgy or Metallurgical Engineering embraces: (a) Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy-- the scientific, engineering and
economic aspects of the preparation, separation, extraction and purification of ores, metals and mineral products by physical/ chemical methods, such as ore dressing, pyrometallurgical
processes, such as roasting and smelting, hydrometallurgical processes, such as leaching, electro-metallurgical processes, such as electric smelting/ electrolysis and other similar processes; (b)
Physical Metallurgy--processes specifically relating to the control of microstructure of metals and its alloys, such as heat treatment and surface hardening; quality control in allowing operations
to meet specification of metal alloys; and metallographic studies. These apply to powder, mechanical, nuclear and vacuum metallurgy; and (c) Fuel Technology-- fuel preparation, such as
washing, flotation, heavy media separation including carbonization, gasification and cooking operations.

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/ Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 14, 20 Section 14 Sections 13, 15 Section 25

(a) Passing the licensure (a) Citizen of the Philippines or foreigner (a) Foreigners may take licensure exam under reciprocity provisions. A firm/ co-partnership/ company/
examination and whose country accords reciprocity (b) Exempt from registration are foreign consultants/ engineers/ technicians corporation / association can
issuance of Certificate with the Philippines; who are: practice metallurgical
of Registration are (b) At least 21 years of age; called in by Government for consultation/ specific assignment project; engineering in the Philippines,
required to practice (c) Good reputation/ moral character; and or provided such practice is carried
metallurgical (d) Graduated from government- employed by private firm provided no qualified Filipino is available as out by metallurgical engineers
engineering in the recognized school/ college/ certified by the firm and that employment is for one year extendable for holding valid certificates of
Philippines. university/ institute: another year and not to exceed three years for any one individual. registration issued by the Board
(b) Exempt from BS Metallurgical Engineering or (c) Foreigners exempt from registration are subject to the following: of Metallurgical Engineering and
examination are Metallurgy Good reputation/ moral character; in the regular employ of said
holders of Doctorate BS Mining Engineering or Applicant’s CV and exemption application to be submitted to the Board firm/ co-partnership/ company/
Degree. Chemical Engineering with 5 of Metallurgical Engineering; corporation or association.
years metallurgical engineering Not to engage in private practice;
experience. For every applicant, one registered Filipino understudy shall be
BS in any engineering discipline employed by the firm; and
with 10 years metallurgical Applicant is legally qualified to practice in his country which also
engineering experience certified allows Filipinos to practice the profession within its territorial limits.
by applicant’s employer, provided (d) Exempt from examination are foreign metallurgists/ metallurgical engineers
this privilege is also given by who have been in actual/ bona fide metallurgy/ metallurgical engineering
other engineering professions to practice for at least 5 consecutive years in the Philippines.
graduates of metallurgy/
metallurgical engineering.
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 29

MINING ENGINEERING: CPC 883

RA 4274 (Amending RA 5677) 10 January 1986: Mining Engineering Law of the Philippines

Definition (Section 12): Mining Engineering Practice refers to services in the form of consultation, investigation, mining reports, valuation/ ore reserve calculation; taking charge of directing/
supervising underground/ surface mining, opencuts, pits/ quarries; and shaft sinking, tunneling, stopping, dredging, hydraulicking/ sluicing for minerals/ mineral products.

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/ Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 11, 14 Section 15 Sections 13, 15, 28

Passing the written (a) At least 21 years of age; (a) Exempt from registration: Corporate practice is not
examinations and issuance of (b) For foreigner- if foreign country accords Mining engineering practitioners engaged by government for consultation/ allowed.
Certificate of Registration are reciprocity with the Philippines; specific purpose or mining industry;
required to practice mining (c) Good reputation/ moral character; Foreigners employed by private firms as technical consultants if no
engineering in the Philippines. (d) BS Mining Engineering from duly qualified Filipino is available provided:
recognized school/ college/ university; and - Applicant’s CV is submitted to the Board of Mining Engineering prior
(e) BS in any engineering course/ geology to arrival in the Philippines;
plus at least 5 years of practical mining - Applicant will not engage in private practice;
engineering experience, provided - For every foreign applicant, one Filipino understudy registered shall be
other engineering professions give employed by private firm utilizing foreigner’s services during his
same privilege to mining engineering tenure;
graduates. - Exemption is only good for six moths renewable for another six
months;
- Certificate of exemption shall be secured; and
- Each private firm is allowed a maximum of 3 consultants at any one
time.
(b) A foreigner may be admitted to take the exam if foreign country accords
reciprocity with the Philippines; and
(c) Foreign mining engineers may be granted rights/ privileges if foreign country
permits Philippine mining engineers to practice within its territorial limits on
same basis as subjects/ citizens of such country.
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 30

NAVAL ARCHITECTURE AND MARINE ENGINEERING

RA 4565: 19 June 1965: The Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Law

Definition (Section 2): Practice of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering embraces services in the form of plans, specifications, estimates, or supervision of construction, alteration, or structural
survey of any floating vessel/equipment, self propelled or otherwise; plans/layouts, specifications, estimates or supervision of installation of marine power plants/associated equipment including screw
propeller, paddle wheel & Voith-Shneider propeller, or any other means of transmitting power from the main propulsion engine(s) to the buoyant fluid/marine auxiliaries, including refrigeration,
airconditioning, ventilation, & heating plants/equipment & hull machineries; management, maintenance/operation of any shipped, growing dock marine shipways, and any facility for salvage,
repair/maintenance of floating vessels/equipment.

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/ Qualifications Corporate Practice

Sections 9, 10, 16. 19 Section 11 Sections 18, 27 Sections 26

(a) Passing a technological exam and issuance of (f) At least 21 years of age; (d) Exempt from registration are the following: A firm / partnership /
Certificate of Registration are required to practice (g) Citizen the Philippines; Officers / enlisted men / civilian employees of corporation / association may
naval architecture & marine engineering in the (h) Good reputation/ good moral foreign governments stationed in the Philippines engage in practice of naval
Philippines. character; and while rendering naval architecture & marine architecture & marine
(b) Certificate of Registration shall not be issued to any (i) BS Naval Architecture & Marine engineering services to their respective engineering, provided such
person convicted of criminal offense involving Engineering from Philippine / foreign governments; and practice is carried out under the
moral turpitude/guilty of unprofessional, unethical, government recognized school / Foreign naval architects / marine engineers called in supervision of registered naval
immoral, dishonorable conduct/declared to be of college / institute / university. for construction or for specific design / construction architect & marine engineers.
unsound mind. / projects provided practice is limited to such work.
(c) Any person residing in the Philippines may make (e) A foreign Naval Architect & Marine Engineer may be
plans/specification for any boat / canoe / other allowed to take the exam if his country admits Filipino
floating vessel made of wood / or of ferrous/non- citizens to practice the profession without restriction or
ferrous or plastic material of 5 gross tons or less, allows them to practice after an exam on terms of
for pleasure / business; and may construct for strict/absolute equality with citizens/subjects/nationals
himself, personally or otherwise, any such boat, of said country, including unconditional recognition of
dugout, canoe/other floating vessel (not exceeding degrees.
5 gross tons) without utilizing the services of
registered naval architect & marine engine..
 PHILIPPINES: MATRIX ON LICENSING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR PROFESSIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC). October 2005 Page 38

SANITARY ENGINEERING: CPC 51330

RA 1364 (18 June 1955): Sanitary Engineering Law

Definition (Section 2): Practice of Sanitary Engineering embraces sanitary surveys/ reports/ design/ direction/ management/ consultation/ investigation, including professional research/ laboratory work
supporting the following activities: (a) Water purification plants/ water collection/ distribution systems/ reservoirs/ drainage & sewerage systems, sewerage treatment plants/ malaria control structures/
sewage disposal tanks/ other structures for public health and welfare; (b) Projects relating to stream pollution, insect/ vermin control/ eradication/ rural & camp sanitation/ milk & food sanitation; and (c)
Systems for prevention of atmospheric pollution/ control of indoor air, especially air of working spaces in industrial establishments (industrial hygiene engineering).

Professional Licensing Admission Requirements Foreign Reciprocity/Qualification Corporate Practice

Sections 11, 16, 21 Section 17 Section 30

(a) Passing a technical examination and (a) At least 21 years of age; A firm/ partnership/ corporation/ association
issuance of Certificate of Registration (b) Citizen of the Philippines; Section 32 may engage in the practice of sanitary
are required to practice sanitary (c) Good reputation/ moral character; and engineering, provided such practice is carried
engineering in the Philippines. (d) Graduate of Sanitary Engineering Course or BS A foreigner may be allowed to take the out under supervision of a sanitary engineer/s
(b) Certificate of Registration shall not be Civil Engineering from government-recognized examination provided his foreign country admits holding valid certificates issued by Board of
issued to any person convicted of any school/ institute/ college/ university. Philippine citizens to practice same profession Sanitary Engineering.
criminal offense involving moral without restriction or allows them to practice it on
turpitude/ guilty of immoral or terms of strict/ absolute equality with citizens/
dishonorable conduct/ of unsound mind. subjects/ nationals of the country concerned
including unconditional recognition of degrees.
 PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION
Manila, Philippines

ENGINEERING/INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP

PRBs/APOs SUMMARY OF RESPONSES ON GATS/AFAS/ASEAN/OTHERS

(11 August & 17 November 2005 Consultations)

GATS ASEAN AUSTRALIA CHINA EGYPT EU INDIA KOREA NZ TURKEY

PROFESSION

OF RQ OF RQ OF RQ OF RQ OF RQ OF RQ OF RQ OF RQ OF RQ OF RQ

1. Aeronautical Engg.

2. Agricultural Engg YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

3. Civil Engg YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

4. Chemical Engg. YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

5. Electrical Engg. YES YES

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
6. Electronics Engg.

7. Geodetic Engg. YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

8. Mechanical Engg. YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

9. Metallurgical Engg. YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

10. Mining Engg. YES YES

11. Sanitary Engg. YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

NOTES : 1. LEGEND: (a) OF = Offer (b) RQ = Request

2. YES indicates that the concerned profession makes either an Offer or a Request.