SECTION 5: TOTAL PROJECT COST

PROBABLE COST IS A MAJOR CONCERN OF THE CLIENT THROUGHOUT THE PLANNING

DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION PHASES OF A PROJECT.
THE PROBABLE TOTAL CAPITAL COST IS MADE UP OF:
1. PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING COSTS

A CIVIL ENGINEER IS OFTEN ENGAGED TO MAKE A STUDY AND TO RENDER A

PLANNING REPORT ON THE CONTEMPLATED PROJECT INCLUDING ALTERNATIVE
SOLUTIONS, LAYOUTS, AND LOCATIONS ALONG WITH INITIAL ESTIMATES OF THE
PROBABLE COST. THIS MAY INVOLVE ALTERNATIVE OR PHASE IMPLEMENTATION
SCHEMES WHICH ADD FLEXIBILITY TO THE PROJECT.

2. CONSTRUCTION COST

IS THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF CONSTRUCTING THE FACILITY TO BE

COVERED BY THE PROPOSE DETAILED DESIGN OR CONTRUCTION SUPERVISION
SERVICES, EXCLUDING THE FEES AND OTHER COSTS OF SUCH SERVICES, THE COST OF
LAND AND RIGHT OF WAY, AND LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES OF THE AGENCY.
THE ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COST MUST BE APPROVED BY THE CLIENT
BEFORE THE INVITATION TO SUBMIT TECHNICAL PROPOSAL IS ISSUED.

3. LEGAL, LAND, ADMINISTRATION, STAFFING AND FINANCIAL COSTS

THESE COSTS WHICH INCLUDE AUDITS, THE COST OF ISSUING BONDS, LAND COSTS,
AND INTEREST FOR BORROWED MONEY DURING CONSTRUCTION, ARE PART OF THE
PROBABLE TOTAL PROJECT COST AND CAN BE ESTIMATED IN COOPERATION WITH THE
CLIENT BECAUSE THEY ARE USUALLY OUTSIDE THE KNOWLEDGE AND CONTROL OF
THE CIVIL ENGINEER.

4. CONTINGENCY ALLOWANCE

TO PROVIDE FOR INTANGIBLE COSTS, CONTINGENCIES SHOULD ROUTINELY BE ADDED

TO THE BASIC COST ESTIMATE. IT IS COMMON PRACTICE TO ADD 20% OR MORE TO THE
ESTIMATED PROBABLE TOTAL PROJECT COST AT THE COMPLETION OF THE STUDY END
REPORT PHASE, REDUCING THIS TO PERHAPS 10% AT THE COMPLETION OF THE FINAL
DESIGN AND PERHAPS TO 5% WHEN THE CONSTRUCTION BIDS BECOME KNOWN.
LARGER OR MORE COMPLEX MAY REQUIRE HIGHER CONTINGENCIES.

ESTIMATE OF PROBABLE TOTAL PROJECT COST SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY REVISED BY THE

ENGINEERS AS THE DESIGN MOVES FORWARD AND MORE INFORMATION BECOMES KNOWN.
THE CLIENT IS NORMALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING ESTIMATES OF THOSE COSTS WHICH
MAY LIE OUTSIDE THE CIVIL ENGINEERS KNOWLEDGE OR EXPERTISE, SUCH AS THOSE IN THE
LEGAL, LAND, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND FINANCIAL AREAS.
REPUBLIC ACT 544: AN ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING IN THE
PHILIPPINES
"THE CIVIL ENGINEER IS CONSTANTLY CHALLENGED TO DESIGN AND BUILD DEVELOPMENTS
IN A MANNER THAT IS ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND, SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE, AND GLOBALLY
COMPETITIVE.”
ARTICLE I. TITLE OF THE ACT AND DEFINITION OF TERMS
1.1. TITLE OF THE ACT
THIS ACT SHALL BE KNOWN AS THE “CIVIL ENGINEERING LAW.”
1.2. DEFINITION OF TERMS
A. 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, PORTWORKS, CANALS, RIVERS AND SHORE IMPROVEMENTS, LIGHTHOUSES,
AND DRYDOCKS; BUILDINGS, FIXED STRUCTURES FOR IRRIGATION,FLOOD PROTECTION,
DRAINAGE, WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE WORKS; DEMOLITION OF PERMANENT
STRUCTURES; AND TUNNELS.
B. THE TERM “CIVIL ENGINEER” AS USED IN THIS ACT SHALL MEAN A PERSON DULY
REGISTERED WITH THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS IN THE MANNER
AS HEREINAFTER PROVIDED.
ARTICLE II. BOARD OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
2.1. COMPOSITION OF BOARD
THE BOARD MEMBERS SHALL HOLD OFFICE FOR A TERM OF THREE (3) YEARS AFTER THEIR
APPOINTMENT. THE FIRST BOARD MEMBERS HOLD OFFICE FOR THE FOLLOWING TERMS:

 CHAIRMAN - THREE YEARS

 2 MEMBERS - FOR TWO YEARS
 2 MEMBERS - FOR ONE YEAR
EACH MEMBER WILL BE QUALIFIED BY TAKING PROPER OATH OF OFFICE. AND ANY
MEMBER MAY BE REMOVED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES AFTER GIVEN
OPPORTUNITY TO DEFEND HIMSELF IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION OF THE
COMMISSION. DURING INVESTIGATION, THE MEMBER IS SUSPENDED UNDER THE POWER OF
THE PRESIDENT AND A TEMPORARY MEMBER IS APPOINTED. GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION
ARE:

 NEGLECT OF DUTY
 INCOMPETENCE
 MALPRACTICE
 UNPROFESSIONALISM
 UNETHICAL
 IMMORALITY
 DISHONORABLE CONDUCT
VACANCIES IN THE BOARD SHALL BE FILLED ONLY ON THE UNEXPIRED TERM.
2.2. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD
THE BOARD HAS THE AUTHORITY TO:
1. ADMINISTER OATHS, ISSUE, SUSPEND, REVOKE, AND REINSTATE CERTIFICATES OF
REGISTRATION AND PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION CARD FOR THE PRACTICE.
2. ISSUE AND REVOKE SPECIAL TEMPORARY PERMITS
3. INVESTIGATE SUCH VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT AND THE REGULATIONS, AND ISSUE
SUBPOENA AND SUBPOENA DUCE TECUM IN CONNECTION WITH CHARGES
PRESENTED TO THE BOARD
4. INSPECT
a. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OFFERING COURSES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
b. CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS, PROJECTS, OR CORPORATIONS
5. DISCHARGE SUCH POWERS AND DUTIES AS MAY AFFECT ETHICAL AND
TECHNOLOGICAL STANDARDS OF THE PROFESSION
2.3. QUALIFICATIONS OF BOARD MEMBERS
AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT EACH BOARD MEMBER SHALL BE:
1. A CITIZEN AND RESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
2. AT LEAST 30 YEARS OLD AND OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER
3. A HOLDER OF A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING FROM A RECOGNIZED
INSTITUTION
4. A CIVIL ENGINEER DULY QUALIFIED TO PRACTICE IN THE PHILIPPINES
5. HAS PRACTICED FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN 10 YEARS BEFORE HIS
APPOINTMENT. AT LEAST 5 YEARS AS
a. CIVIL ENGINEER-OF-RECORD
b. CIVIL ENGINEER IN-CHARGE OF CONSTRUCTION
c. CIVIL ENGINEER PRIME PROFESSIONAL
6. NOT A MEMBER OF FACULTY OF ANY INSTITUTE TEACHING CIVIL ENGINEERING
COURSE
7. AN ACTIVE MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF THE PICE
2.4. FEES COMPENSATION OF THE BOARD
THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS SHALL CHARGE FOR EACH APPLICATION
FOR EXAMINATION THE SUM OF FORTY FIVE PESOS PAYABLE TO THE COLLECTING AND
BIBURSING OFFICER OF THE BUREAU OF CIVIL SERVICE
THE COMPENSATION IS COMPUTED AS:
1. 20PHP EACH APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION
2. 20PHP FOR EACH CERTIFICATE REGISTRATION
3. 5PHP FOR EACH APPLICANT EXAMINED (EACH BOARD MEMBER)
AN APPOINTED BOARD MEMBER IN THE SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT SHALL RECEIVE
COMPENSATION AS STATED ABOVE IN ADDITION TO HIS SALARY IN THE GOVERNMENT.
2.5. ANNUAL REPORT
THE BOARD SHALL SUBMIT TO THE COMMISSION A DETAILED REPORT OF ITS ACTIVITIES
AND PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD COVERED AT THE END OF EACH FISCAL YEAR.
ARTICLE III. EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION
3.1. EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT
ALL APPLICANTS FOR REGISTRATION FOR THE PRACTICE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING SHALL BE
REQUIRED TO PASS A TECHNICAL EXAMINATION AS HEREIN PROVIDED.
3.2. HOLDING OF EXAMINATION
THE PLACES OF EXAMINATION ARE THE FOLLOWING:
1. MANILA
2. BAGUIO
3. CAGAYAN DE ORO
4. CEBU
5. DAVAO
6. ILOILO
7. LUCENA
8. PAGADIAN
9. TACLOBAN
10. TUGUEGARAO
11. ZAMBOANGA
3.3. SUBJECTS OF EXAMINATION
APPLICANTS FOR REGISTRATION FOR THE CIVIL ENGINEERING PRACTICE SHALL BE EXAMINED
IN:

MATHEMATICS
1. ALGEBRA
2. PLANE AND SPHERICAL TRIGONOMETRY
3. ANALYTICS, DESCRIPTIVE AND SOLID GEOMETRY
 4. DIFFERENTIAL AND INTEGRAL CALCULUS
5. RATIONAL AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS
SURVEYING
1. HIGHWAY AND RAILROAD SURVEYING
2. PLANE
3. TOPOGRAPHIC AND HYDOGRAPHIC SURVEYING
4. ADVANCE SURVEYING
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF:
1. HIGHWAY AND RAILROADS
2. MASONRY STRUCTURES
3. WOODEN AND REINFORCED CONCRETE BUILDINGS
4. BRIDGES
5. TOWERS
6. WALLS
7. FOUNDATIONS
8. PIERS
9. PORTS
10. WHARVES
11. AQUEDUCTS
WATER RESOURCES AND HYDRAULICS ENGINEERING
1. SANITARY ENGINEERING WORKS
2. WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
3. DIKES
4. DAMS
5. IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE CANALS

1. MATHEMATHICS
2. SURVEYING
3. TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING
4. HYDRAULICS
5. GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
6. STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
7. CONSTRUCTION

3.3. QUALIFICATIONS FOR EXAMINATION

APPLICANTS FOR THE EXAMINATION SHOULD SATISFY THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS"

1. BE AT LEAST TWENTY-ONE YEARS OLD

2. BE A CITIZEN OF THE PHILIPPINES
3. BE OF GOOD REPUTATION AND MORAL CHARACTER
4. BE A HOLDER OF A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING FROM A RECOGNIZED
AND LEGALLY CONSTITUTED SCHOOL, INSTITUTE, COLLEGE, OR UNIVERSITY

3.5. OATH OF CIVIL ENGINEERS

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE A PROFESSIONAL OATH BEFORE THE
BOARD OR COMMISSION AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF
THE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION.

3.6. SEAL AND USE OF SEAL

THE DESIGN OF THE SEAL IS AS AUTHORIZED BY THE BOARD. THE SERIAL NUMBER OF
THE CERTIFICATE SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE DESIGN OF THE SEAL.

ALL OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS (ESTIMATES, DESIGNS, AND SPECIFICATIONS) AND PLANS

SHALL BE SEALED AND SIGNED BY THE ENGINEER.

3.7. REFUSAL TO ISSUE CERTIFICATE

THE CERTIFICATE SHALL NOT BE ISSUED TO ANY PERSON
1. CONVICTED OF AY CRIMINAL OFFENSE
2. GUILTY OF IMMORAL OR DISHONORABLE CONDUCT
3. OF UNSOUND MIND
4. A CANDIDATE WHO HAS NOT TAKEN THE OATH OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
IN THE VENT OF REFUSAL, THE BOARD SHALL SEND A WRITTEN STATEMENT TO THE
APPLICANT STATING THE REASON FOR REFUSAL.

3.8. SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATES

AFTER DUE NOTICE AND HEARING (THE REGISTRANT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEFEND
HIMSELF) THE BOARD CAN SUSPEND OR REVOKE THE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION DUE TO:
  MALPRACTICE
 UNPROFESSIONAL
 UNETHICAL
 IMMORAL
 DISHONORABLE CONDUCT
 NON-MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD STANDING IN PICE FOR THREE (3) CONSECUTIVE YEARS

3.9. RE-ISSUE AND REPLACEMENT OF CERTIFICATES

AFTER A YEAR WHEN THE CERTIFICATE IS REVOKED, THE REGISTRANT CAN APPLY FOR A
NEW CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION WITH THE FORM PRESCRIBED FOR EXAMINATION, AND
THE BOARD MAY EXEMPT THE APPLICANT FROM THE EXAMINATION.
THE APPLICATION FOR THE PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION CARD SHALL BE
ACCOMPLISHED SIMILAR AS RENEWAL.

3.10. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

UPON THE EFFECTIVITY OF RA 544,
1. REGISTERED STATUS OF EACH CIVIL ENGINEER SHALL RETAIN.
2. CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION SHALL HAVE THE SAME FORCE AND EFFECT.
3. CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION FOR ADVANCED STRUDIES, RESEARCH AND
SPECIALIZED TRAINING IN ANY SPECIALIZED BRANCH SHALL BE REPLACED BY
EQUIVALENT CERTIFICATES OF SPECIALIZATION BY THE PICE.
4. CERTIFICATES OF SPECIALIZATION PREVIOUSLY ISSUED SHALL HAVE THE SAME
FORCE AND EFFECT.

ARTICLE IV. ENFORCEMENT OF ACT AND PENAL PROVISIONS

4.1. ENFORCEMENT OF THE ACT BY OFFICERS OF THE LAW
OFFICERS OF THE NATIONAL, PROVINCIAL, CITY, AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS, OR ANY
POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS HAVE THE DUTY TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT.
4.2. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES ARE OFFERED ONLY AFTER OBTAINING PROPER
CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION FROM THE BOARD.
4.3. PENAL PROVISIONS
THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE CONSIDERED GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND CAN BE
SENTENCED TO A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN 100,000 PHP NOR MORE THAN 1,000,000 PHP OR
SUFFER IMPRISONMENTS OF NOT LESS THAN SIX MONTHS NOR MORE THAN THREE YEARS OR
BOTH AT COURT'S DISCRETION.
1. ANY PERSON WHO PRACTICES AND OFFERS TO PRACTICE CIVIL ENGINEERING IN THE
PHILIPPINES WITHOUT ANY REGISTRATION WITH THIS ACT.
2. ANY PERSON WHO PRESENTS OR USE THE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION/ PRC ID F A
REGISTERED CIVIL ENGINEER AS HIS OWN.
3. ANY PERSON WHO PRESENTS FALSE OR FORGED EVIDENCE OF ANY KIND TO THE
BOARD
4. ANY PERSON WHO IMPERSONATES ANY REGISTERED CIVIL ENGINEER OF A DIFFERENT
NAME.
5. ANY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTS TO USE A REVOKED OR SUSPENDED CERTIFICATE OF
REGISTRATION/PRC ID.
6. ANY PERSON WHO ADVERTISES, USES OR ASSUMES ANY TITLE OR DESCRIPTION GIVING
THE IMPRESSION THAT HE IS A CIVIL ENGINEER WITHOUT A VALID CERTIFICATE OF
REGISTRATION.
7. FOREIGN NATIONALS WHO ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE WITHOUT A SPECIAL TEMPORARY
PERMIT

ARTICLE V. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

4.1. PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SUPERVISION OF CONSTRUCTION BY REGISTERED CIVIL
ENGINEER
ANY CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, OR ALTERATION OF ANY BUILDING OR
STRUCTURE FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES SHOULD BE EXECUTED UNDER THE DIRECT
SUPERVISION OF A REGISTERED CIVIL ENGINEER. DESIGNS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND PLANS
SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MUNICIPAL OR CITY ORDINANCE.
4.2. INDIVIDUAL AND PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS
ADMISSION IS DETERMINED UPON QUALIFICATIONS BECAUSE THE PRACTICE OF CIVIL
ENGINEERING IS CONSIDERED AS A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE.
4.3. PARTNERSHIPS AND CORPORATIONS ENGAGED IN CIVIL ENGINEERING AND MULTI-
DISCIPLINARY CONSULTANCY

 SUCH ENTITY IS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY DULY REGISTERED CIVIL ENGINEERS AND

THE PROPRIETORSHIP, PARTNERSHIP OR CORPORATION HAS BEEN ISSUED A
CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION BY THE BOARD.
 THE ENTITY MAY FURTHER OFFER AND ENGAGE IN PROVIDING MULTI-DISCIPLINARY
CONSULTANCY SERVICES PROVIDED THAT PROFESSIONS ARE CLOSELY RELATED TO OR
ALLIED WITH CIVIL ENGINEERING.
4.4. ROSTER OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
A LIST OF NAMES AND PLACES OF BUSINESS OF ALL REGISTERED CIVIL ENGINEERS SHALL
BE PERIODICALLY PREPARED BY THE COMMISSION THROUGH THE BOARD WHEREBY COPIES
ARE PLACED ON FILE WITH THE PICE AND FURNISHED TO ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES OR
AUTHORITIES UPON REQUEST.
4.5. REPEAL
ALL LAWS OR PARTS IN CONFLICT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT ARE REPEALED. NO
LAW SHALL LIMIT THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING NOR EXCLUDE A CIVIL
ENGINEER FROM PRACTICING HIS PROFESSION.
4.6. CONSTRUCTION OF ACT
IF ANY PART OR SECTION OF THIS ACT SHALL BE DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL, SUCH
DECLARATIONS SHALL NOT INVALIDATE THE OTHER PROVISIONS HEREOF.
4.7. EFFECTIVITY
THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT UPON ITS APPROVAL. (APPROVED, JUNE 17,1950)