This module explains the Civil Engineering Code of Ethics which includes the fundamental

principles and canon.

Objectives:
1. Understand the Fundamental Principles of Civil Engineering Code of Ethics
2. Understand the Fundamental Canons
3. Discuss the Guidelines to practice under the Fundamental Canons of Ethics
Outline:
I. Introduction to General Ethics and Ethical Values
1. Fundamental Principles of Civil Engineering Code of Ethics
2. Fundamental Canons
3. Guidelines to practice under the Fundamental Canons of Ethics
I. INTRODUCTION
An engineering code of ethics is a set of principles that establishes professional conduct and moral guidelines that
professional engineers are obligated to follow. These principles require engineers to protect the public safety, put the
interests of clients and employers ahead of their own, and conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner at all
times. Engineering codes of ethics help foster public trust in the engineering profession which allows engineers to
innovate and develop new technologies to improve our moder society.
The scope of ethics has a very large scope in every profession, most especially when we are talking about civil
engineering ethics. Civil engineers work everywhere, locally and internationally, in groups or individual, and in
govemment or private sector. For us to be able to co-exist with our colleagues, employer, client and other
stakeholders we need to follow a certain norm. Ethics is basic in every profession. In fact, we can earn respect, trust
with money if we are fully aware on how we should work professionally as a civil engineer towards our employer,
clients, co-workers, and to our subordinates.
Why is ethics important in civil engineering profession?
Engineering code of ethics ensures that engineers put the safety of the members of the society first when doing their
work. It means that an engineer will work with standard and approved material and that they will follow the set
engineering procedures during their career. It reflects your values and integrity as a person. A code of ethics for
engineers ensures that they remain honest in all their transactions.
Even when faced with a dilemma or other pressures in their duty, when they adhere to the code of ethics, they will
remain honest. By following the code of ethics, engineers can be frank with their clients, and at all times ensure that
they keep the interests of the clients in mind.
There are more reasons why code of ethics is very important in our profession. Some of these reasons include;
maintaining safety, integrity and honesty, upholding proper decision making in issues of dilemma and maintaining
discretion in their jobs.
A. Fundamental Principles of Civil Engineering Code of Ethics
According to Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), Civil engineers uphold and advance
the integrity, honor and dignity of the civil engineering profession by:
1. using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare and the environment;
2. being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their employers/employees and clients;
3.
4.
striving to increase the competence and prestige of the civil engineering profession; and supporting the professional
and technical societies of their disciplines.
B. The Fundamental Canons
The word "canon" according to Oxford Languages, refers to a general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which
something is judged. In civil engineering profession, Its Fundamental Canon was adapted in September 2001 as part
of the Manual of Professional Practice for Civil Engineers published by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers.
It states that,
1. Civil Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and shall strive to comply with the
principles of sustainable development in the performance of
Civil Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.
Civil Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
1. Civil Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees,
and shall avoid conflicts of interest.
2. Civil Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall not compete
unfairly with others.
3. Civil Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and dignity of the
civil engineering profession.
4. Civil Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers, and shall provide
opportunities for the professional development of those civil engineers under their supervision.
C. Guidelines to practice under the Fundamental Canons of Ethics
Definitions of Key Terms.
 1. Bribe - A gift or favor, given or promised, with the intent to influence the judgment or conduct
2. Confidential or Proprietary Information - Information that is the property of the employer, which the employer
has the right to make available to or withhold from others within the firm or the general public, as he or she
alone deems appropriate (such as lists or other information concerning an employer's clients, suppliers,
personnel, or shareholders; competitive business strategies and plans; and special methods of operation).
Annual reports, quarterly reports, and annual or other periodic filings that are considered public information
once they are filed and press releases issued by the employer are not confidential or proprietary information.
Conflict of Interest - A conflict of interest is any activity, transaction, relationship, service, or consideration
that is, or appears to be, contrary to the individual's professional responsibilities or in which the interests of
the individual have the potential to be placed above his/her professional responsibilities.
4. Family Members - Family members include a spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, in-laws, or any
other person sharing the same home or otherwise in a close familial relationship
with the ASCE member.
1. Harassment - Harassment is any unwelcome and offensive verbal or physical conduct of one person toward
another based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law that
has the purpose or effect of creating a hostile work environment; interferes with the individual's work
performance; or otherwise affects or harms an individual's employment opportunities.
2. Kickback - The illegal giving back of a portion of a payment received for work or services as a means of
obtaining or otherwise influencing the judgment or actions of another, or with the expectation of receiving
special treatment not afforded to all.
3. Outside Employment - Providing work or services for pay for an employer, including yourself, who is not your
normal full-time employer.
Guidelines to Practice Under the Fundamental Canons of Ethics
CANON 1
Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public and shall strive to comply with the
principles of sustainable development in the performance of their professional duties.
a. Engineers shall recognize that the lives, safety, health and welfare of the general public are dependent upon
engineering judgments, decisions, and practices incorporated into structures, machines, products, processes and
devices.
b.
Engineers shall approve or seal only those design documents, reviewed or prepared by them, which are determined
to be safe for public health and welfare in conformity with accepted engineering standards.
C.
Engineers whose professional judgment is overruled under circumstances where the safety, health and welfare of the
public are endangered, or the principles of sustainable
development ignored, shall inform their clients or employers of the possible consequences.
d.
Engineers who have knowledge or reason to believe that another person or firm may be in violation of any of the
provisions of Canon 1 shall present such information to the proper authority in writing and shall cooperate with the
proper authority in furnishing such further information or assistance as may be required.
e.
Engineers should seek opportunities to be of constructive service in civic affairs and work for the advancement of the
safety, health and well-being of their communities, and the protection of the environment through the practice of
sustainable development.
Engineers should be committed to improving the environment by adherence to the principles of sustainable
development so as to enhance the quality of life of the general public.
CANON 2
Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.
a.
Engineers shall undertake to perform engineering assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the
technical field of engineering involved.
b.
Engineers may accept an assignment requiring education or experience outside of their own fields of competence,
provided their services are restricted to those phases of the project in which they are qualified. All other phases of
such project shall be performed by qualified associates, consultants, or employees.
C.
Engineers shall not affix their signatures or seals to any engineering plan or document dealing with subject matter in
which they lack competence by virtue of education or experience or to any such plan or document not reviewed or
prepared under their supervisory control.
CANON 3
Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner
Engineers should endeavor to extend the public knowledge of engineering and sustainable development, and shall
not participate in the dissemination of untrue, unfair or exaggerated statements regarding engineering.
Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony.
They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements, or testimony.
Engineers, when serving as expert witnesses, shall express an engineering opinion only when it is founded upon
adequate knowledge of the facts, upon a background of technical competence, and upon honest conviction.
Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on engineering matters which are inspired or paid for
by interested parties, unless they indicate on whose behalf the statements are made.
Engineers shall be dignified and modest in explaining their work and merit, and will avoid any act tending to promote
their own interests at the expense of the integrity, honor, and dignity of the profession.
CANON 4
Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid
conflicts of interest.
a. Engineers shall avoid all known or potential conflicts of interest with their employers or clients and shall promptly
inform their employers or clients of any business association, interests, or circumstances which could influence their
judgment or the quality of their
b.
services
Engineers shall not accept compensation from more than one party for services on the same project, or for services
pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed to and agreed to, by all interested parties.
1. Engineers shall not solicit or accept gratuities, directly or indirectly, from contractors, their agents, or other
parties dealing with their clients or employers in connection with work for which they are responsible.
2. Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or employees of a govemmental body or department
shall not participate in considerations or actions with respect to services solicited or provided by them or
their organization in private or public engineering practice.
3. Engineers shall advise their employers or clients when, as a result of their studies, they believe a project will
not be successful.
4. Engineers shall not use confidential information coming to them in the course of their assignments as a
means of making personal profit if such action is adverse to the interests of their clients, employers or the
public.
5. Engineers shall not accept professional employment outside of their regular work or interest without the
knowledge of their employers.
CANON 5
Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall not compete unfairly with
others.
a.
Engineers shall not give, solicit or receive either directly or indirectly, any political contribution, gratuity, or unlawful
consideration in order to secure work, exclusive of securing salaried positions through employment agencies.
b. Engineers should negotiate contracts for professional services fairly and on the basis of demonstrated competence
and qualifications for the type of professional service required.
C. Engineers may request, propose or accept professional commissions on a contingent basis
d.
only under circumstances in which their professional judgments would not be compromised.
Engineers shall not falsify or permit misrepresentation of their academic or professional qualifications or experience.
e.
Engineers shall give proper credit for engineering work to those to whom credit is due, and
accomplishments.
f. Engineers may advertise professional services in a way that does not contain misleading language or is in any
other manner derogatory to the dignity of the profession. Examples of permissible advertising are as follows:
o Professional cards in recognized, dignified publications, and listings in rosters or directories published by
responsible organizations, provided that the cards or listings are consistent in size and content and are in a
section of the publication regularly devoted to such professional cards.
o Brochures which factually describe experience, facilities, personnel and capacity to render service, providing
they are not misleading with respect to the engineer's participation in projects described.
o Display advertising in recognized dignified business and professional publications, providing it is factual and
is not misleading with respect to the engineer's extent of participation in projects described.
o A statement of the engineers' names or the name of the firm and statement of the type of service posted on
projects for which they render services.
o Preparation or authorization of descriptive articles for the lay or technical press, which are factual and
dignified. Such articles shall not imply anything more than direct participation in the project described.
o Permission by engineers for their names to be used in commercial advertisements, such as may be
published by contractors, material suppliers, etc., only by means of a modest, dignified notation
 acknowledging the engineers' participation in the project described. Such permission shall not include public
endorsement of proprietary products.
Engineers shall not maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, injure the professional reputation, prospects, practice
or employment of another engineer or indiscminately criticize another's work.
Engineers shall not use equipment, supplies, and laboratory or office facilities of their employers to carry on outside
private practice without the consent of their employers.
CANON 6
Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and dignity of the engineering
profession and shall act with zero tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption.
a.
Engineers shall not knowingly engage in business or professional practices of a fraudulent, dishonest or unethical
nature.
b. Engineers shall be scrupulously honest in their control and spending of monies, and promote effective use of
resources through open, honest and impartial service with fidelity to the public, employers, associates and clients.
C. Engineers shall act with zero tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption in all engineering or construction activities
in which they are engaged.
d. Engineers should be especially vigilant to maintain appropriate ethical behavior where payments of gratuities or
bribes are institutionalized practices.
e.
Engineers should strive for transparency in the procurement and execution of projects.
Transparency includes disclosure of names, addresses, purposes, and fees or commissions paid for all agents
facilitating projects.
f.
Engineers should encourage the use of certifications specifying zero tolerance for bribery. fraud, and corruption in all
contracts.
CANON 7
Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers, and shall provide opportunities for
the professional development of those engineers under their supervision.
a. Engineers should keep current in their specialty fields by engaging in professional practice, participating in
continuing education courses, reading in the technical literature, and attending professional meetings and seminars.
Engineers should encourage their engineering employees to become registered at the earliest possible date.
Engineers should encourage engineering employees to attend and present papers at professional and technical
society meetings.
d. Engineers shall uphold the principle of mutually satisfying relationships between employers and employees with
respect to terms of employment including professional grade descriptions, salary ranges, and fringe benefits.

I. PROFESSIONL RESPONSIBILITY
• The standard of practice is for Civil Engineers to be given responsibility for studying, conceiving,
designing, observing construction, and assisting in the programming for
operating and maintaining engineering works.
The health, safety, well-being, and comfort of the public in using the facility, and the ultimate facility cost, all depend
to a considerable extent on how well members of the project team fulfill their professional and contractual
responsibilities.
Civil Engineers shall conduct themselves in a highly Professional Manner and Serve as Faithful Trustees or agents of
their client or employers.
Civil Engineers are therefore bound by the Fundamental Canons of Ethics contained in this manual
o Care and protection of the environment is paramount in the Civil Engineer's work engagement.
o Civil Engineers must always strive to maintain the highest standard of Ethical Professional Practice in their
dealing with client employers, employees, competitors, and the community.
II. CLIENT-CIVIL ENGINEER RELATIONSHIP
Many public and private
entities, of necessity rely on Civil Engineers as their employees.
Independent civil engineering firms are also relied upon to accomplish projects which will require special expertise
beyond the normal capabilities of the client. More recently clients have been utilizing new concepts, such as program
management and design-build, to implement projects.
PROPER RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CIVIL ENGINEERS AND THEIR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE CLIENTS
1. OBLIGATIONS OF THE CIVIL ENGINEER
2. OBLIGATIONS OF THE CLIENT
3. LIABILITY OF THE CIVIL ENGINEER AND THE CLIENT
- LIMITATION OR CIVIL ENGINEER'S RESPONSIBILITY
-Damages
4. SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF SERVICES
SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
OWNERSHIP OF DATA, DESIGNS AND DOCUMENTS
II.I. OBLIGATIONS OF THE CIVIL ENGINEER
The Obligations of the Civil Engineer includes:
1. The Civil Engineer shall perform Scope of the services as stated in section 2
2. The Civil Engineer shall exercise reasonable skill, care, and diligence in the performance of
3. The Civil Engineer shall act independently and as required by the contract, perform with necessary skills and
professional judgement, when required to certify, decide or exercise discretion between the Client and a
Third party with whom the Client has a contract.
4. The Civil Engineer is authorized to act as the Client's faithful agent when required but only as implied in
section 2 or implied in the contract adopted for the project.
5. When aware of any matters which will change or has changed the scope of the services, the Civil Engineer
shall give written notice to the Client containing particulars of the change.
6. For Specified Staged Services, the Civil Engineer shall not initiate or proceed with any subsequent stage of
the Services without the approval of the Client.
7. When required, the Civil Engineer shall direct and co-operate with all other professionals and integrate their
work where applicable into that being undertaken by the Civil Engineer and other professionals but shall not
be professionally liable for their work.
8. The Civil Engineer may recommend specialist suppliers and/or contractors to design and execute certain
parts of the works, in which case the Civil Engineer shall co-ordinate the design of such part or parts with the
overall design of the works, but he shall be relieved of all responsibility for the design, manufacture,
installation and performance of any such part or parts of the works. The Civil Engineer shall not be liable for
acts of negligence, default or omission by such person or persons.
The Civil Engineer shall notify the Client of any interest the Civil engineer has which may significantly conflict
with the interests of the Client under their Contract.

IIII. OBLIGATIONS OF THE CLIENT

The Client has the following obligations:
1. The Client shall pay the Civil Engineer for his Services, the amount of fees and expenses set out in or determined
in their Agreement.
The Client shall provide the Civil Engineer within reasonable time (that does not result in delay to the provision of the
Services), all information required by the Civil Engineer in the perormance of his services and a decision in writing on
the performance of his services and a decision in writing on all matters properly referred to the Client in writing.
The Client shall cooperate with the Civil Engineer and shall not interfere with or obstruct the proper performance of
the Services.
1. The Client shall, as soon as practicable, make arrangements to enable the Civil Engineer to enter the site
and inspect facilities needed in the performance of his services.
2. The Client shall arrange for the provision of services from other professionals or others as may be required
and bear all costs.
3. When the Civil Engineer is required to administer the work of other professionals or other third parties who
are directly contracted by the Client or when the Civil Engineer is required to act as Engineer-to-the-Contract
for any contract on behalf of the client then all instructions by the Client shall be given through the Civil
Engineer.
4. When aware of any matter which will change or has changed the scope of the Civil Engineer's Services, the
Client shall notify in writing within 7 days the Civil Engineer containing, as far as is practicable, the
particulars of the change.
II.III. LIABILITY OF THE CIVIL ENGINEER AND THE CLIENT
The Civil Engineer shall only be liable to pay damages to the client arising out of or in connection with their
Agreement if a breach of duty of care is established against the Civil Engineer.
The Client shall only be liable to pay damages to the Civil id a breach of the Client's duty to the Civil Engineer is
established against the Client.
Resolution of any conflict arising from the Agreement between the Civil Engineer and the Client shall be done by
giving preference to the process of arbitration.
Establishment of the breach of duty on the part of the Civil Engineer and that of the breach of the Client's duty to the
Civil Engineer shall be undertaken by a third-party arbitrator mutually acceptable to the Client and the Civil Engineer.
a. Limitation or Civil Engineer's Responsibility
1. The Civil Engineer shall have no responsibility or liability for costs, loss or damage of whatsoever nature
arising from any errors in or omission from data, documents, plans, design or specifications not prepared by
the Civil Engineer, or other personnel under the direct control of the Civil Engineer, and arising from any act
or omission or lack of performance or any negligent or fraudulent act or omission by the Client or any Other
Consultant, Contractor or supplier to the Client or any employee or agent of the Client, Other Consultants,
Contractors or suppliers.
 2. Notwithstanding any recommendation or lack of recommendation made by the Civil Engineer to the Client,
the Civil Engineer shall not be held to have made any warranty or promise as to the suitability, competence
or performance of any Other Consultant, Contractor, supplier, or other
The Civil Engineer shall not be responsible for the techniques, method, programmers, sequences or procedures
adopted by any Contractor or other third party responsible for executing any aspects of the Project, nor for their
performance on time, their failure to carry out the work in accordance with any contract documents or for any other
acts or omissions.
b. Damages
If found that the Civil Engineer undertaking Services is liable to the Client, damages shall be payable on the following
terms:
1. Damages payable shall be limited to the amount reasonably foreseeable loss and damage suffered as a
direct result of such breach;
2. The maximum amount of damages payable in respect of liability, whether under the law or contract, or
otherwise, is limited to the amount specified in the Specific Provision or, if no such amount or provision is
specified, to the lesser of P300,000 or 10% of the total amount of damages of the portion of the work
attributable to the Civil Engineer's breach of duty or twenty five percent of the total fees payable under their
Agreement;
3. If found to be liable, in circumstances where the acts or omissions of a third party have contributed to the
loss or damage, the proportion of damages payable by the party found liable shall be limited to that
proportion which is attributable to that party's breach of duty, whether the claims are made under contract or
otherwise.
II.IV. LIABILITY OF THE CIVIL ENGINEER AND THE CLIENT
If circumstances arise for which the Civil Engineer is not responsible and which make it impractical or impossible for
the Civil Engineer to perform in whole or in part the Services in accordance with their Agreement then the Civil
Engineer shall promptly notify the Client of the same.
The Client may suspend all or part of the Services or terminate the Agreement by written notice of not less than 30
days to the Civil Engineer who shall immediately make arrangements to stop the services and minimize further
expenditure.
The Civil Engineer by written notice of no less than 30 days may terminate the Agreement or at his and or her
discretion without prejudice to the right to terminate, suspend the performance of the whole or part or the Services
under the following conditions:
1. When 30 days after the due date or payment of any account the Civil Engineer has not received payment of
that part of it which has not by that time been contested in writing, or
2. When Services have been suspended for a period exceeding 6 calendar months, or if it is clear to the Civil
Engineer that it will be impossible or impractical to resume the suspended Services before the period of
suspension has exceeded six months.
When the Services are suspended or terminated the Civil Engineer shall be entitled to payment for the
Services carried out including consequential costs,
expenses and disruption fees
incurred as a result of the suspension or termination, and remobilization fees on resumption.
Suspension or termination of the Agreement shall not prejudice or affect accrued rights or claims and liabilities of the
parties.
II.V. SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTIES
If a dispute arises on either party, then that party shall by notice in writing served on the other party of the details of
the dispute and request that the dispute be resolved by conciliation. If the matter in dispute is not resolved in
conciliation between the parties within the prescribed time, then the matter in dispute shall be referred to arbitration.

I.VI. OWNERSHIP OF DATA, DESIGNS AND DOCUMENTS

The design analyses,
drawings, specifications and reproductions thereof are instruments of
service owned by the Professional Engineer and shall be used only for the specific project covered by the agreement
between the Client and Engineer.
III. CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Civil Engineers and civil engineering firms' services
1. Design, consultations and advice
2. Feasibility studies
3. Field investigations and engineering data collection
4. Environmental assessments, impact statements or Engineering reports
5. Opinions of probable construction cost
6. Preliminary and final designs, drawings, specifications and construction bidding documents
7. Assistance in securing construction bids and in awarding contracts
8. Construction administration and observation
 9. Arrangements for or performance testing of materials and equipment
10. Assistance in start-up, assessment of capacity, and operation of facilities
11. Preparation of operation and maintenance manuals
12. Appraisals and rate studies
13. Value engineering
14. Export testimony
15. Assessment of risks
16. Structural remediation or rehabilitation
17. Project Management and controls
18. Provision of supplemental temporary staff
19. Teaching
Civil Engineers may also serve as construction manager or program managers and may employ other subconsultants
and subcontractors as part of their services.
Talents of various discipline of Professional Civil Engineering firms
1. economists,
2. planners
3. engineers and designers
4. estimators
5. architects scientists
1. technical analysts
2. specification writers
3. drafters
4. field representatives
5. surveyors
Civil engineering services must be performed in a competent and efficient manner, on a highly professional and
ethical plane, and in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.
Project implementation has become increasingly complex, involving financial, environmental, regulatory, technical
and managerial matters.
Program Management - one of the implementation approaches used by clients wherein they

retain a program manager to perform specialized task

Program manager - performs specialized tasks necessary to the development or construction of a specific project,
develop, define and oversee the program, prepare budgetary estimates of program costs, prepare program
schedules, evaluate and select members of the program team, and provide periodic program status reports, and
generally a Civil Engineer
IV. SPECIALIZATION IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
PICE (Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers)
 recognizes the initial five areas of specialization.
o awards certificate that will consider qualification for positions in the respective areas of specialization
SPECIALIZATION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS AND CIVIL ENGINEERING FIRMS
1. Structural and foundation
2. Geotechnical and environmental
Water resources and hydraulics
4.
5.
Transportation
Construction management and engineenng
A Civil Engineer who has specialized in any area of civil engineering may be considered as a specialist in the
appropriate field as enumerated.
V.SELECTION OF A CIVIL ENGINEER
Engagement of a Civil Engineer
- one of the most important decisions to be made during the development of an engineering project
Factors affecting and influencing economic feasibility of the undertaking
1. Experience
2. Organization
3. Skill
4. Integrity
5. Judgment of the civil engineer
The accomplishment of the client's objectives and commitment of financial resources, soundness of design, and
suitability of the prosed project for its intended function rest upon the
Cost of the full range of engineering services
- not less than 1 to 2% of the life-cycle cost of most construction projects
Continuity of service
- aids in developing a relationship between the Civil Engineer and the client, which will add to the success of the
project
Critical importance in selection of a Civil Engineer as a consultant
1. qualifications
1. reputation
2. quality of client service
2. expenence
Detailed scope of services greatly reduces the potential for misunderstandings or confusion
PICE (Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers) supports procedures such as those specified by
CIAP Documents 101 and 102, Executive Order 164, and PD 1594
Owner or the owner's engineering staff - responsible in applying procedures of the selection,

orocurement and administration of engineering services

PRIME PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Guidelines in this manual refer specifically to the engagement of engineering services where: Consulting Civil
Engineers - serves as prime professional
Client - serves as owner of the project
EMPLOYMENT
Guidelines in this manual refer to Civil Engineers employed by professional consulting firms, govemment agencies,
educational institutions, construction firms, manufacturing and commercial entities and other entities.
DESIGN COMPETITION
A process through which a Civil Engineer is selected above other competitors based on proposal or innovative
approach to solving a client's needs.
CONTINGENCY BASIS OF EMPLOYMENT
Canon 5c or PICE Code or Ethics provides that "Engineers may request, propose or accept professional
commissions on a contingency basis only under circumstances in which their professional judgments would not be
compromised."
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OF FOREIGN CIVIL ENGINEERS
Foreign Civil Engineers are allowed by law (RA 8981) to practice civil engineering in the Philippines under the
following instances:
1. The laws of the foreigner's state or country allow the citizens of the Philippines to practice civil engineering
on the same basis and grant the same privileges as those enjoyed by the citizens of such foreign state or
country.
2. Allowed under international agreement.
3. Consultants to be engaged in foreign-funded, joint venture or foreign-assisted projects of the govemment.
4.
5.
Employees of Philippines or foreign private institutions pursuant to law.
Civil Engineers who were former citizens of the Philippines, who had been registered and issued a certificate of
registration and a professional identification card prior to their naturalization as foreign citizens, and who, while in the
country on a visit, sojourn or permanent residence, desire to practice their profession.
Foreign civil engineers must still secure a certificate of registration/license or special permit from the Professional
Regulation Commission. Agencies, organizations or individuals, whether public or private, who secure the services of
a foreign Civil Engineer, are made responsible by law (R.A. 8981-Modemization Act 2000) for securing a special
permit from the PRC and the Department of Labor and Employment pursuant to their respective rules.

I. INTRODUCTION
The needs for professional civil engineering services vary, and the civil engineering firms that meet these needs vary
in organizational structure, size, and capability. Many civil engineering firms provide comprehensive services to the
client, while other firms specialize in areas of engineering.
Few engineering firms are qualified to provide complete service for all projects, and the use of associate
professionals to provide specialized services is common.
II. CONSULTATIONS, RESEARH, INVESTIGATIONS, AND REPORTS
Civil engineers can offer their services as a consultant where they work on short-term projects with different
organizations or companies. They can engage in research works too, where they can be technical researchers which
deals with the core of civil engineering like structural engineering, geotechnical and other areas of specialization.
What is investigation in civil engineering? Civil engineers are technical people who can do site investigations for
geotechnical engineering. They can be Forensic Civil Engineers applying engineering methods to the analysis of
evidence in civil and
criminal law. They can investigate why a bridge or a building has failed, the nature of foundation damage and soil
movement, and how water intrusions, windstorms, or earthquakes have damaged structures.

Understand the content and try to answer the following guided questions:
Can a civil engineer engage in Financial Matters services? How?
o How can a civil engineer take part in legal proceedings? Site an example on legal proceedings where
engineer can be a part of.
o Site an example where civil engineers can be part of a research and
o Can you a specific organization where engineers can work in appraisals, valuations and rate studies?
III. DESIGN SERVICES FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Civil engineering services are required for each of six typical phases of a construction project. It may require as much
as possible that all these services are preferably rendered by the same civil engineer for consistency and efficiency,
although at times services in various phases are furnished by different engineers or by the client. The services are
supplemented by special services which may be provided by the client, a specialized engineer, or another Civil
Engineer.
Activity C.1
Read the material in this link, pages 1-3:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1|GN61d1S8upAhPkZEwC2imVPQ CzHwLK5/view?usp=share link
Understand the content and try to answer the following guided questions:
o A civil engineer revising the estimates of probable total project costs, what particular phase is the engineer
rendering his services with?
How can a civil engineer assist the client in the bidding of a project?
o Who is the third party involving in the issuance of instructions from the client to the contractor?
o Why do civil engineers need to provide a manual for both operation and maintenance requirements? For
whom is the manual intended to?
IV. CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
A registered civil engineer may engage in construction contracting after being licensed as a contractor by the
Contractors Accreditation Board. It is considered unethical for a civil engineer to allow his license to be used by any
other construction company except his own.
A registered civil engineer may provide the services of a supporting technical employee as required of a construction
company. He shall be paid the professional fees in addition to his regular salary for any design work he performs for
which he signs as a professional civil engineer.
A civil engineer may be employed as a construction engineer, resident civil engineer, project engineer, quality control
engineer, cost engineer, or engineer inspector in a project. In accordance with Section 23 of RA 544 (to be discussed
in the next chapters), only registered civil engineers can take charge or supervise construction or alteration of any
building or structure and any other civil engineering works mentioned in Section 2 of the mentioned Republic Act. The
civil engineer when employed is similarly required to comply with the code of ethics of the profession as the
consulting civil engineer.
Understand the content and try to answer the following guided questions:
What is considered unethical in construction services as a registered civil engineer?
o How can a registered civil engineer get additional professional fee in a construction company aside from his
regular salary?
o Does an organization required to provide extra travel and subsistence for an engineer who is working under
the said organization?
What special service can an engineer offer to a client who are going for a litigation?
V. ACADEMIC SERVICES
These services involve full or part time teaching or training of prospective professionals and also the upgrading of
knowledge and skills of fellow professionals:
Teaching of civil engineering courses in engineering colleges/universities on part/full time basis.
As per RA 8981, all subjects for licensure examinations shall be taught by persons who are holders of valid
certificates of registration/professional licenses and professional identification cards, or special temporary permits, or
a valid certificate of competency for the profession
b)
issued by the commission, and who comply with the other requirements of CHED Lecturing in civil engineering
courses designed by PICE for practicing engineers who want to obtain CPD credits
C)
Conducting tutorials/refresher courses on civil engineering concepts and related subjects
d)
Serving as a resource speaker in technical session
e) Writing technical articles and pamphlets
Answer the following guided questions:
 o What is RA 8981? (Search on the intemet)
o What does the acronym CHED, PICE and CPD mean?
o Do you think civil engineering instructors/professors
should have ample
working
experiences on their field of studies before venturing into the academe? Why? Or why not?
• Do you think administration works imposed on faculty members are part of their academic services? Support your
answers.
VI. SERVICES AS EMPLOYEE
This is a condition when a civil engineer engages to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary being
paid by an employer. A civil engineer may be employed for any position or function in any commercial or institutional
organization. Where he is performing civil engineering functions, he is required to follow the code of ethics for civil
engineers and comply with the standards and guidelines. A licensed civil engineer may not allow his license to be
used by the company that employs him without the proper agreement for his professional services. Where the firm he
is working for uses his license to sign and seal the plans, specifications and contract document, the civil engineer
must charge the professional fee for said services. A civil engineer in part time employment with a firm is considered
to be an employee and at the same time a consultant of the firm. Any civil engineer employed as an individual
consultant of any firm, whether the firm is performing engineering, commercial, administrative, management, or
financial
services is required to comply with the requirements and the standards established for a consulting civil engineering
firm or consulting civil engineer.
Answer the following guided questions:
• A registered civil engineer was employed as project engineer by Contractor X. On the course of his employment,
Contractor X requested the said civil engineer to sign and seal the plans, specifications and other contract
documents. Should the engineer charge the Contractor X for signing and sealing the documents?
• A civil engineer is employed by Company A is also working as part-time instructor, who is the employer of the said
engineer? Can an engineer have two employers? What is ethical and not ethical in this case? Support your answer