REPUBLIC ACT 544 CIVIL ENGINEERING LAW ARTICLE I TITLE OF T HE ACT AND DEFINITION OF TERMS SECTION I. “Title of act” This Act shall be known as the “Civil Engineering Law.” SECTION II. “Definition of Terms” The practice of civil engineering within the meaning and intent of this Act shall embrace services in the form of consultation, design, preparation of plans, specifications, estimates, erection, installation and supervision of the construction of streets, bridges, highways, railroads, airports and hangars, port works, canals, river and shore improvements, lighthouses, and dry docks; buildings, fixed structures for irrigation, flood protection, drainage, water supply and sewerage works; demolition of permanent structures; and tunnels. The enumeration of any work in this section shall not be construed as excluding any other work requiring civil engineering knowledge and application. The term “civil engineer” as used in this act shall mean a person duly registered with the Board for Civil Engineers in the manner as hereinafter provided. 01 Any Board member can be removed by the President of the Philippines based on Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) recommendation. Grounds for removal include neglect of duty, incompetency, malpractice, unprofessional, unethical, immoral, or dishonorable conduct. The member must be given a chance to defend themselves in an administrative investigation. The President, upon PRC recommendation, can suspend the member during investigation and appoint a temporary replacement.Vacancies in the Board are filled for the remaining term only. SECTION IV. “Powers and Duties of the Board” To administer oaths, issue, suspend and revoke certificates of registration, issue certificates of recognition. To investigate such violations of this Act and the regulations, issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to secure appearance of witnesses To discharge such other powers and duties as may affect ethical and technological standards of the civil engineering profession in the Philippines To inspect at least once a year educational institutions offering courses Adopt a code of ethics in the practice of civil engineering and have an official seal to authenticate its official documents. SECTION V. “Qualification of Board Members ” ARTICLE II BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS SECTION III. “Composition of Board” Within thirty days after the approval of this Act there shall be created a Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers, hereinafter referred to as the Board, to be composed of; Appointed by the President Chairman ROCA, Jomar T. BSCE 2 Member Member upon recommendation of the Commissioner of PRC. The first member hold office for one year; second for two years; and third for three years. Take proper oath of office before performing duties. Citizen and Resident of the Philippines At least 21 y/o and good moral character Graduate of civil engineering Be a registered civil engineer Not be a member of the faculty where civil engineering course is taught (stopped teaching for at least three consecutive years), nor have a pecuniary interest Have practiced civil engineering not less than 10 years SECTION VI. “Fees and Compensation of Board” FEES: P100; application P50; Certificate of Registration COMPENSATION; P15; each applicant SECTION VII. “Annual Report” At the end of each fiscal year, submit to the PRC a detailed report of its activities and proceedings during the period covered by the fiscal year ended 02 ARTICLE III EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION SECTION VIII. “Examination Requirement” All applicant must pass a technical examination. SECTION IX. “Holding of Examination” Once per year in the City of Manila, if it falls on official holiday, the examination shall be held on the days next following SECTION X. “Subjects of Examination” includes Mathematics, Hydraulics, Surveying, and Design and Construction of highway and railroad, masonry structures, wooden and reinforced structures, and etc. SECTION XI. “Executive Officer of the Board” The Commissioner of Professional Regulation Commission shall be the executive officer of the Board and shall conduct the examinations given by the said Board. SECTION XII. “Qualification for Examination” Citizen of the Philippines At least 21 years of age Graduate of civil engineering SECTION XIII. “Oath of Civil Engineer” Be of good reputation and moral character All successful candidates are required to take professional oath before the Board of Civil Engineer or other government official prior to the practice of Civil Engineering profession SECTION XIV. “Seal and Use of Seal” Any building in chartered cities or in towns with building ordinances, not exceeding the space requirement specified therein, requiring the services of a civil engineer. ARTICLE IV Provided, however. That there shall be nothing in this Act that will prevent any person from constructing his own (wooden or light material) residential house, utilizing the services of a person or persons required for the purpose, without the use of a civil engineer, as long as he does no violate local ordinances of the place where the building is to be constructed. SECTION XX. “Enforcement of the Act by officers of the Law” it is duty of all constituted of law to enforce and prosecute provisions of the Act. SECTION XXI. “Registration Requirement” no person shall practice without proper certificate of registration from the Board. SECTION XXII. “Penal Provisions” Practice without Registration Providing false or forged Presenting or attempting to use evidence to the Board. someone else's registration certificate. Using a title or description The Act does not prohibit draftsmen, student clerk-or-work, superintendents, and other employees of those lawfully practicing civil engineering from working under the supervision of their employer. The Act allows individuals previously engaged in the practice of "maestro de obras" before its approval to continue, with restrictions. They are not permitted to create plans or supervise construction for certain types of work, including concrete buildings (reinforced or not), buildings exceeding two stories, structures with steel frames, or buildings intended for public gatherings such as theaters, cinemas, stadiums, churches, or similar structures. Nor shall anything in this Act prevent professional architects and engineers to practice their professions. SECTION XVI. “Refusal to Issue Certificate” shall not issue a certificate of individuals convicted of criminal offenses, those engaged in immoral or dishonorable conduct, or those deemed mentally unsound. A written statement setting will be given. SECTION XVII. “Suspension and Revocation of Certificate” The Board shall have the power, after due notice and hearings to suspend or revoke the certificate of registration for any cause mentioned in the preceding section. SECTION XVIII. “Re-issue and Replacement of Certificates” After one year from the revocation of a registration certificate, the Board may consider an application Registered civil engineers must obtain a seal authorized by the Board, for a new certificate from the individual involved if it deems the reasons sufficient. which must include the serial number of their certificate. The application process will follow the same form as for examination, but the Board Plans and specifications prepared by or under the direct supervision of a has the discretion to exempt the applicant from taking the exam if it chooses to do registered civil engineer must bear this seal. It's illegal to use this seal after the engineer's certificate has expired or been so. revoked unless it has been renewed or re-issued. SECTION XIX. “Transitory Provisions” Upon the enactment of this Act, individuals wishing to practice civil engineering must obtain a registration SECTION XV. “Exemption from Registration” certificate as outlined. Civil engineers already licensed under previous Members of the US and Philippine Armed Forces, as well as civilian legislation are automatically registered under this Act, with their existing employees of the US government in the Philippines, can provide civil certificates remaining valid. Graduates in civil engineering from governmentengineering services for both countries. recognized institutions who have passed the civil service examination for senior civil engineer and have five years of government employment in that Civil engineers or experts called in by the Philippine Government for capacity are exempt from examination requirements. consultation, or specific design and construction of fixed structures as defined under this Act, provided that their practice shall be limited to such work. ENFORCEMENT OF ACT AND PENAL PROVISIONS Impersonating a registered civil engineer. Attempting to use a revoked or suspended registration certificate. Any violation of the provisions within the Act. implying civil engineering expertise without proper registration. The penalties for these offenses include fines ranging from 500 to 2000 pesos, imprisonment for six months to one year, or both, as determined by the court. ARTICLE V MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS SECTION XXIII. “Preparation of plans and supervisions of construction by registered civil engineer” Ensure safety and compliance by hiring a registered civil engineer for the design, planning, and supervision of public gathering structures like theaters, churches, and stadiums. All plans must receive approval from local authorities before construction begins. SECTION XXIV. Entities like firms or partnerships cannot be licensed for civil engineering. Registered civil engineers can partner with architects to form joint entities using terms like "Engineers" or "Engineers and Architects." Each member is responsible for their own actions within these partnerships. SECTION XXV. “Reciprocity requirements“ Only Filipino citizens are eligible for civil engineering examinations. Non-citizens may qualify if their home country grants Filipinos equal professional rights. Non-citizens with uninterrupted practice in the Philippines or their home country since December 8, 1941, for at least two years before July 4, 1946, may also qualify. SECTION XXVI. “Roster of civil engineers“ The Commissioner of PRC will compile a roster of registered civil engineers at least once a year. Copies of this roster will be kept on file with the PRC and distributed to various government entities. and to the public upon request. SECTION XXVII. “Repeal“ Conflicting laws, orders, ordinances, or regulations are repealed by this Act, including parts of Act 2985. SECTION XXVIII. “Construction of Act“ If any part or section of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional, such declarations shall not invalidate the other provisions hereof. SECTION XXIX. “Effectivity“ This Act shall take effect upon its approval. Approved, June 17, 1950 (As amended by R.A. No. 1582, approved on June 16, 1956).
