1.1. REPUBLIC ACT NO.

9266 (“THE ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004”)

REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 545 TO PROVIDE A MORE RESPONSIVE AND
COMPREHENSIVE REGULATION FOR THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES.
IT WAS A LAW CREATED AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR FOR THE STATE RECOGNIZES THE
IMPORTANCE OF ARCHITECTS IN NATION BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT.
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY – BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE (PR- BoA) IS RESPONSIBLE
FOR CONDUCTING AN ARCHITECTURE LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR THE ASPIRING
FILIPINO ARCHITECTS. THE BOARD IS ALSO IN CHARGE OF THE LICENSURE (OATH-TAKING,
REGISTRATION, AND ISSUANCE OF LICENCE), MONITOR (THE CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE
PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE, AND THE COMPLIANCE OF ARCHITECTURE SCHOOLS),
FORMULATE CODE OF ETHICAL STANDARDS AND STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE,
ISSUES TEMPORARY OR SPECIAL PERMIT TO PRACTICE ARCHITECTURE, HEAR AND DECIDE
ADMINISTRATIVE CASES.

1.2. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1581 (“AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION THIRTY-FOUR OF REPUBLIC
ACT NUMBERED FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE, ENTITLED “AN ACT TO REGULATE THE
PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES”)
SECTION 1. SECTION THIRTY-FOUR OF REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-
FIVE IS HEREBY AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
“SEC. 34. CORPORATIONS CANNOT REGISTER. — THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE IS A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE, ADMISSION TO WHICH SHALL BE DETERMINED UPON THE BASIS OF
INDIVIDUAL, PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS. NO FIRM, COMPANY, PARTNERSHIP, ASSOCIATION
OR CORPORATION MAY BE REGISTERED OR LICENSED AS SUCH FOR THE PRACTICE OF
ARCHITECTURE: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT PERSONS PROPERLY REGISTERED AND
LICENSED AS ARCHITECTS MAY, AMONG THEMSELVES OR WITH A PERSON OR PERSONS
PROPERLY REGISTERED AND LICENSED AS CIVIL ENGINEERS, FORM, AND OBTAIN
REGISTRATION OF, A FIRM, PARTNERSHIP OR ASSOCIATION USING THE TERM “ARCHITECTS”
OR “ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS,” BUT, NOBODY SHALL BE A MEMBER OR PARTNER OF
SUCH FIRM, PARTNERSHIP OR ASSOCIATION UNLESS HE IS A DULY REGISTERED AND
LICENSED ARCHITECT OR CIVIL ENGINEER, AND THE MEMBERS WHO ARE ARCHITECTS
SHALL ONLY RENDER WORK AND SERVICES PROPER FOR AN ARCHITECT AS DEFINED IN THIS
ACT, AND MEMBERS WHO ARE CIVIL ENGINEERS SHALL ALSO ONLY RENDER WORK AND
SERVICES WHICH ARE PROPER FOR A CIVIL ENGINEER AS DEFINED UNDER THE LAW
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING; INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF SUCH FIRM,
PARTNERSHIP OR ASSOCIATION SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE ACTS.”

1.3. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 545 - AN ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE IN
THE PHILIPPINES

SEC. 34.    CORPORATIONS CANNOT REGISTER. — THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE IS A

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE, ADMISSION TO WHICH SHALL BE DETERMINED UPON THE BASIS OF
INDIVIDUAL, PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS. NO FIRM, COMPANY, PARTNERSHIP, ASSOCIATION
OR CORPORATION MAY BE REGISTERED OR LICENSED AS SUCH FOR THE PRACTICE OF
ARCHITECTURE, BUT THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS PREVENTING SUCH
COMBINATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL PERSONS FROM USING THE TERM "ARCHITECT": PROVIDED,
THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE PARTNERSHIP, FIRM OR ASSOCIATION IS PROPERLY
REGISTERED AND LICENSED. INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF A PARTNERSHIP ARE RESPONSIBLE
FOR HIS OWN ACT.
IN SHORT,
1. “ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS” ARE NOT DEFINED IN RA 544, 545, 9266 NOR PD 1096.
 2. “ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS” ARE ONLY DEFINED IN THE IRR OF PD 1096,
HOWEVER…
3. IRRS “ARE CONFINED TO DETAILS FOR REGULATING THE MODE OR PROCEEDINGS TO
CARRY INTO EFFECT THE LAW AS IT HAS BEEN ENACTED”
4. IRRS “CANNOT BE EXTENDED TO AMEND OR EXPAND THE STATUTORY
REQUIREMENTS”
5. IRRS CANNOT BE USED TO “EMBRACE MATTERS NOT COVERED BY THE STATUTE”
6. IRRS MUST ALWAYS BE IN HARMONY WITH THE LAW, THEREFORE;
7. THE DEFINITION OF “ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS” IN THE IRR OF PD 1096 DO NOT
COUNT.

1.4. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8981 (AN ACT MODERNIZING THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
COMMISSION, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NUMBERED TWO
HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE, ENTITLED "CREATING THE PROFESSIONAL
REGULATION COMMISSION AND PRESCRIBING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS," AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES)
ON DECEMBER 5, 2000, PRESIDENT JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA SIGNED REPUBLIC ACT NO.
8981 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE PRC MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2000. THE IMPLEMENTING
RULES AND REGULATIONS WERE ADOPTED ON FEBRUARY 15, 2001 THROUGH PRC
RESOLUTION NO. 1 SERIES OF 2001. WITH THE PASSING OF RA 8981, THE COMMISSION
EXERCISES THREE FUNCTIONS: 1) EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS; 2) QUASI-LEGISLATIVE
FUNCTIONS; AND 3) QUASI-JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS. IT HAD ALSO SET ITS NEW THRUSTS AND
PRIORITIES SUCH AS CUSTOMER-FOCUSED SERVICE, MODERNIZATION THROUGH FULL
COMPUTERIZATION AND RE-STRUCTURING, INTEGRITY OF LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS,
GOOD GOVERNANCE, PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF FILIPINO PROFESSIONALS AND
SUPPORT TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES.
PRC PERFORMS TWO IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS, WHICH ARE:
1) TO CONDUCT AND ADMINISTER LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS TO ASPIRING
PROFESSIONALS, AND
2) TO REGULATE AND SUPERVISE THE PRACTICE OF THE PROFESSIONS EXERCISED IN
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FORTY-THREE (43) PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARDS
(PRBS) IN THE FIELDS OF HEALTH, BUSINESS, EDUCATION, SOCIAL SCIENCES,
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY. THE PRBS GOVERN THEIR RESPECTIVE
PROFESSIONS’ PRACTICE AND ETHICAL STANDARDS AND ACCREDIT THE
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING THE PROFESSIONALS.

1.5. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 223 (“CREATING THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

COMMISSION AND PRESCRIBING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS”)

WHEREAS, THE REGULATIONS OF THE VARIOUS PROFESSION PRESENTLY REGULATED BY

THE OFFICE OF THE BOARDS OF EXAMINERS IS SO EXTENSIVE, PRACTICALLY COVERING ALL
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LIFE OF THE COUNTRY;

WHEREAS, THE EXISTENCE OF THE BOARDS OF EXAMINERS IS MISCONSTRUED FOR A

NUMBER OF YEARS NOW AS NOTHING MORE THAN AN EXAMINING UNIT, THOUGH ALL THE
PROFESSIONAL LAWS CREATING THE VARIOUS BOARDS HAVE CHARGED THEM WITH THE
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION OVER THE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN THE PHILIPPINES;
AND

WHEREAS, TO EFFECTIVELY ENFORCE THE LAWS REGULATING THE VARIOUS PROFESSIONS,

THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO CREATE A THREE-MAN COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER,
IMPLEMENT, COORDINATE AND SUPERVISE THE VARIOUS BOARDS OF EXAMINERS;
1.6. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 386 (“AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND INSTITUTE THE CIVIL CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES”)
IT IS THE PRODUCT OF CODIFICATION OF PRIVATE LAW IN THE PHILIPPINES.
PUBLIC LAW- DEALS WITH ISSUES THAT AFFECT THE GENERAL PUBLIC OR STATE, THE
SOCIETY AS A WHOLE.
PRIVATE LAW- AFFECTS THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES,
BUSINESSES AND SMALL GROUPS AND EXISTS TO ASSIST CITIZENS IN DISPUTES THAT
INVOLVE PRIVATE MATTER. ITS SCOPE IS MORE SPECIFIC THAN PUBLIC LAW.
CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES IS THE BASIC LAW GOVERNING PERSONS AND FAMILY
RELATIONS, PROPERTY AND PROPERTY RIGHTS, OWNERSHIP OF MODIFICATIONS, THE
MODES OF ACQUIRING OWNERSHIP, AND THE OBLIGATIONS AND CONTRACTS.

1.7. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 546 (“CREATING A MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION AND

COMMUNICATIONS”)
SEC. 6. CREATION OF A MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS. THERE IS
HEREBY CREATED A MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS, HEREINAFTER
REFERRED TO AS THE MINISTRY, WHICH SHALL BE THE PRIMARY POLICY, PLANNING,
PROGRAMMING, COORDINATING, IMPLEMENTING, REGULATING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
ENTITY OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE PROMOTION,
DEVELOPMENT, AND REGULATION OF A DEPENDABLE AND COORDINATED NETWORK OF
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS.

1.8. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160 (“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF
1991”)
SECTION 76. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND STAFFING PATTERN. – EVERY LOCAL
GOVERNMENT UNIT SHALL DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT ITS OWN ORGANIZATIONAL
STRUCTURE AND STAFFING PATTERN TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION ITS SERVICE
REQUIREMENTS AND FINANCIAL CAPABILITY, SUBJECT TO THE MINIMUM STANDARDS AND
GUIDELINES PRESCRIBED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION.
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS ALSO CALLED THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE PARTS OF A NATION.
ITS LEVELS VARY ACCORDING TO THE POLITICAL PATTERN AND EXPERIENCE OF EACH AND
EVERY NATION LIKE THE PHILIPPINES. 
MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. ROADS AND BRIDGES
B. SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND OTHER FACILITIES FOR PUBLIC, ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY
SCHOOLS;
C. CLINICS, HEALTH CENTERS AND OTHER HEALTH FACILITIES
D. SMALL WATER IMPOUNDING PROJECTS
E. FISH PORTS; ARTESIAN WELLS, SPRING DEVELOPMENT, RAINWATER COLLECTORS AND
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS;
F. SEAWALLS, DIKES, DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL;
G. TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND ROAD SIGNS; AND SIMILAR FACILITIES;

1.9. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1096 “ADOPTING A NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES (NBCP) THEREBY REVISING REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED SIXTY-FIVE
HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (R.A. NO. 6541)”
REPUBLIC ACT OR RA 9266 IS THE ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004 WHICH TOOK EFFECT 10 APRIL
2004, WHILE ITS IRR TOOK EFFECT 01 DECEMBER 2004;
SECTION OF THE 2005 REVISED IRR OF THE NBC (PD1096) IS ALREADY FULLY HARMONIZED
WITH RA9266 AND ITS PROVISIONS LIMITING THE PREPARATION, SIGNING AND SEALING OF
ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS ONLY TO REGISTERED ARCHITECTS;
CIVIL ENGINEERS (CES) WHO SHALL CONTINUE TO SIGN AND SEAL ARCHITECTURAL PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS SHALL STILL BE SUBJECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE
SEVERE PENALTIES UNDER RA 9266 & ITS IRR (REFERENCE SEC. 29 OF RA 9266);
THE DPWH CAN STILL LEGALLY BAR CES FROM SIGNING AND SEALING ARCHITECTURAL
PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS BY INVOKING MULTIPLE PROVISIONS UNDER RA
9266 (SECTIONS 20, 29, 31, 32, 34, ETC.) AND ITS IRR, SPECIFICALLY SEC OF RA 9266 WHICH
PROHIBITS ACTING BUILDING OFFICIALS/ BUILDING OFFICIALS (OR ANY OTHER OFFICER OR
EMPLOYEE OF THE REPUBLIC) FROM ACCEPTING OR APPROVING ANY ARCHITECTURAL
PLANS OR SPECIFICATIONS NOT PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH RA9266 AND SEC. 44
WHICH MANDATES ALL PUBLIC OFFICIALS TO ENFORCE RA9266.

1.10. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6541 (“AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND INSTITUTE A NATIONAL BUILDING
CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES”)
SECTION 1.01.02: DECLARATION OF POLICY
IT IS HEREBY DECLARED TO BE THE POLICY OF THE STATE TO SAFEGUARD LIFE, HEALTH,
PROPERTY, AND PUBLIC WELFARE, CONSISTENT WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL; AND TO THIS END, MAKE IT THE PURPOSE OF THIS CODE TO
PROVIDE FOR ALL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURED, A FRAMEWORK OF MINIMUM STANDARDS
AND REQUIREMENTS BY GUIDING, REGULATING, AND CONTROLLING THEIR LOCATION,
SITING, DESIGN, QUALITY OF MATERIALS, CONSTRUCTION, USE, OCCUPANCY, AND
MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING THEIR ENVIRONMENT, UTILITIES, FIXTURES, EQUIPMENT, AND
MECHANICAL ELECTRICAL, AND OTHER SYSTEMS AND INSTALLATIONS.

1.11. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1185 (“FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES”)

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICIES. THE FOLLOWING ARE DECLARED POLICIES OF THE
STATE:
(A) THE GOVERNMENT, WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, SHALL DEVELOP
AND PROMULGATE SETS OF STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION
THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN FIRE TECHNOLOGY SUITABLE TO PHILIPPINE CONDITIONS;
(D) THE FIRE SERVICE SHALL BE PROFESSIONALIZED. FOR THIS PURPOSE, EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS SHALL ENDEAVOR TO INCLUDE IN THEIR CURRICULA, COURSES ON FIRE
TECHNOLOGY AND FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING.

1.12. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9263 (“BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION AND BUREAU OF JAIL
MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY PROFESSIONALIZATION ACT OF 2004”)
SEC. 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY AND PRINCIPLES. — IT IS THE DECLARED POLICY OF THE
STATE TO MAINTAIN PEACE AND ORDER, PROTECT LIFE, LIBERTY AND PROPERTY, AND
PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE ENJOYMENT BY ALL THE PEOPLE OF
THE BLESSINGS OF DEMOCRACY (ARTICLE II, SECTION 5 OF THE PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION).
MOREOVER, IT RECOGNIZES THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STATE TO STRENGTHEN
GOVERNMENT CAPABILITY AIMED TOWARDS THE STRENGTHENING OF THE DELIVERY OF
BASIC SERVICES TO THE CITIZENRY THROUGH THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF HIGHLY
EFFICIENT AND COMPETENT FIRE AND JAIL SERVICES.
1.13. BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344 ACCESSIBILITY LAW (“AN ACT TO ENHANCE THE
MOBILITY OF DISABLED PERSONS BY REQUIRING CERTAIN BUILDINGS, INSTITUTIONS,
ESTABLISHMENTS AND PUBLIC UTILITIES TO INSTALL FACILITIES AND OTHER
DEVICES.”)
PURPOSE PROVIDE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS TO MAKE BUILDINGS,
FACILITIES AND UTILITIES FOR PUBLIC USE ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED PERSONS.
APPLICATION
 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND RELATED STRUCTURES FOR PUBLIC USE
 STREETS AND HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC UTILITIES
 PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINALS INCLUDING THOSE OF LRT.

1.14. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 957 (“THE SUBDIVISION AND CONDOMINIUM BUYERS'
PROTECTIVE DECREE”)
SECTION 10. REGISTERS OF SUBDIVISION LOTS AND CONDOMINIUM UNITS. A RECORD OF
SUBDIVISION LOTS AND CONDOMINIUM UNITS SHALL BE KEPT IN THE AUTHORITY WHEREIN
SHALL BE ENTERED ALL ORDERS OF THE AUTHORITY AFFECTING THE CONDITION OR
STATUS THEREOF. THE REGISTERS OF SUBDIVISION LOTS AND CONDOMINIUM UNITS SHALL
BE OPEN TO PUBLIC INSPECTION SUBJECT TO SUCH REASONABLE RULES AS THE AUTHORITY
MAY PRESCRIBE.

1.15. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6552 REALTY INSTALLMENTBUYER PROTECTION ACT (“AN ACT
TO PROVIDE PROTECTION TO BUYERS OF REAL ESTATE ON INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS”)
THE MACEDA LAW, RA 6552, IS THE REAL ESTATE EQUIVALENT OF THE RECTO LAW. LIKE
THE RECTO LAW, IT ALSO COVERS FINANCING OF SALES OF REAL PROPERTY (WHICH IS WHY
MORTGAGES ALSO COME IN.) IT DOESN’T APPLY, HOWEVER, TO THE FOLLOWING SALES:
1. INDUSTRIAL LOTS
2. COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND LOTS
3. LANDS UNDER THE CARP LAW
MACEDA LAW (RA6552) MACEDA LAW IN THE PHILIPPINES APPLIES TO THE PURCHASER OF
REAL PROPERTY BY INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS WHEN THE PURCHASE BECOMES CANCELLED
BY A DELINQUENCY IN PAYMENT. IT PROVIDES THEBUYER WITH A RIGHT TO A REFUND AS A
REQUISITE FOR CANCELLATION OF CONTRACT DUE TO DELINQUENCY WHEN THE BUYER
HAS PAID AT LEAST TWO YEARS. THE REFUND IS 50% OF TOTAL PAYMENTS; ADDITIONAL 5%
PER YEAR AFTER 5TH YEAR.

1.16. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4726 THE CONDOMINIUM ACT (“AN ACT TO DEFINE
CONDOMINIUM, ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR ITS CREATION, AND GOVERN ITS
INCIDENTS”)
SECTION 2. A CONDOMINIUM IS AN INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY CONSISTING OF SEPARATE
INTEREST IN A UNIT IN A RESIDENTIAL, INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL BUILDING AND AN
UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN COMMON, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE LAND ON WHICH IT IS
LOCATED AND IN OTHER COMMON AREAS OF THE BUILDING. A CONDOMINIUM MAY
INCLUDE, IN ADDITION, A SEPARATE INTEREST IN OTHER PORTIONS OF SUCH REAL
PROPERTY. TITLE TO THE COMMON AREAS, INCLUDING THE LAND, OR THE APPURTENANT
INTERESTS IN SUCH AREAS, MAY BE HELD BY A CORPORATION SPECIALLY FORMED FOR THE
PURPOSE (HEREINAFTER KNOWN AS THE "CONDOMINIUM CORPORATION") IN WHICH THE
HOLDERS OF SEPARATE INTEREST SHALL AUTOMATICALLY BE MEMBERS OR
SHAREHOLDERS, TO THE EXCLUSION OF OTHERS, IN PROPORTION TO THE APPURTENANT
INTEREST OF THEIR RESPECTIVE UNITS IN THE COMMON AREAS.
1.17. BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 220 (“AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN
SETTLEMENTS TO ESTABLISH AND PROMULGATE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF STANDARDS
AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIALIZED HOUSING PROJECTS
IN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS FROM THOSE PROVIDED UNDER PRESIDENTIAL DECREES
NUMBERED NINE HUNDRED FIFTY-SEVEN, TWELVE HUNDRED SIXTEEN, TEN HUNDRED
NINETY-SIX AND ELEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY-FIVE”)
HOUSING UNITS WHICH ARE WITHIN THE AFFORDABILITY LEVEL OF THE AVERAGE AND
LOW-INCOME EARNERS WHICH IS THIRTY PERCENT (30%) OF THE GROSS FAMILY INCOME AS
DETERMINED BY THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FROM TIME TO
TIME. GOVERNMENT-INITIATED SITES AND SERVICES DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION
OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIALIZED HOUSING PROJECTS IN DEPRESSED AREAS.

1.18. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 90 AMENDING EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 84 DATED SEPTEMBER
6, 1967, ENTITLED, “AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY TRANSFER OF THE ARCHIVES OF
THE REPUBLIC FROM THE BUREAU OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT TO THE NATIONAL
LIBRARY.”
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 84 DATED SEPTEMBER 6, 1967, ENTITLED, “AUTHORIZING THE
TEMPORARY TRANSFER OF THE ARCHIVES OF THE REPUBLIC FROM THE BUREAU OF
RECORDS MANAGEMENT TO THE NATIONAL LIBRARY”, IS HEREBY AMENDED BY REQUIRING
THAT ONLY THOSE RECORDS WHICH ARE 25 YEARS OLD OR OVER SHALL BE TRANSFERRED
TO, CLASSIFIED, RECORDED AND KEPT BY THE NATIONAL LIBRARY. ALL OTHER RECORDS
SHALL REMAIN WITH THE BUREAU OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT.

1.19. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1067 (“A DECREE INSTITUTING A WATER CODE,
THEREBY REVISING AND CONSOLIDATING THE LAWS GOVERNING THE OWNERSHIP,
APPROPRIATION, UTILIZATION, EXPLOITATION, DEVELOPMENT, CONSERVATION AND
PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCES”)
(GENERAL RULE) NO PERSON, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT INSTRUMENTALITIES OR
GOVERNMENT-OWNED CORPORATIONS, SHALL APPROPRIATE WATER WITHOUT A WATER
RIGHT, WHICH SHALL BE EVIDENCED BY A DOCUMENT KNOWN AS A WATER PERMIT.
(EXCEPTION) ANY PERSON MAY APPROPRIATE OR USE NATURAL BODIES OF WATER
WITHOUT SECURING A WATER PERMIT FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: 1. APPROPRIATION OF
WATER BY MEANS OF HAND CARRIED RECEPTACLES; AND 2. BATHING OR WASHING,
WATERING OR DIPPING OF DOMESTIC OR FARM ANIMALS, AND NAVIGATION OF
WATERCRAFTS OR TRANSPORTATION OF LOGS AND OTHER OBJECTS BY FLOATATION.

1.20. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6234 (“AN ACT CREATING THE METROPOLITAN WATERWORKS
AND SEWERAGE SYSTEM AND DISSOLVING THE NATIONAL WATERWORKS AND
SEWERAGE AUTHORITY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”)
SECTION 1. DECLARATION OF POLICY. THE PROPER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
WATERWORKS SYSTEM TO INSURE AN UNINTERRUPTED AND ADEQUATE SUPPLY AND
DISTRIBUTION OF POTABLE WATER FOR DOMESTIC AND OTHER PURPOSES AND THE PROPER
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SEWERAGE SYSTEMS ARE ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVICES
BECAUSE THEY ARE VITAL TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY. IT IS THEREFORE DECLARED A
POLICY OF THE STATE THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SUCH
SYSTEMS MUST BE SUPERVISED AND CONTROLLED BY THE STATE.
1.21. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9286 (“AN ACT FURTHER AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO.
198, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE PROVINCIAL WATER UTILITIES ACT OF 1973", AS
AMENDED”)
SECTION 1. SECTION 13 OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 198, AS AMENDED, IS HEREBY
AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
"SEC. 13. COMPENSATION. - EACH DIRECTOR SHALL RECEIVE PER DIEM TO BE DETERMINED
BY THE BOARD, FOR EACH MEETING OF THE BOARD ACTUALLY ATTENDED BY HIM, BUT NO
DIRECTOR SHALL RECEIVE PER DIEMS IN ANY GIVEN MONTH IN EXCESS OF THE
EQUIVALENT OF THE TOTAL PER DIEM OF FOUR MEETINGS IN ANY GIVEN MONTH.
" ANY PER DIEM IN EXCESS OF ONE HUNDRED FIFTY PESOS (P150.00) SHALL BE SUBJECT TO
THE APPROVAL OF THE ADMINISTRATION. IN ADDITION, THERETO, EACH DIRECTOR SHALL
RECEIVE ALLOWANCES AND BENEFITS AS THE BOARD MAY PRESCRIBED SUBJECT TO THE
APPROVAL OF THE ADMINISTRATION."

1.22. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1378 (“AN ACT TO REGULATE THE TRADE OF MASTER PLUMBER”)
SECTION 2. (A) THE PRACTICE OF PLUMBING WITHIN THE MEANING AND INTENT OF THIS ACT
SHALL EMBRACE SERVICES IN THE FORM OF CONSULTATIONS, DESIGNING, PREPARATION OF
PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ESTIMATES, ERECTION, INSTALLATION AND SUPERVISION OF
PLUMBING WORK INCLUDING THE INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF MATERIALS USED
THEREIN EXTENSION AND ALTERATION OF ALL PIPINGS TO FIXTURES, APPLIANCES, AND
APPURTENANCES IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: STORM AND SANITARY
DRAINAGE, FACILITIES OF BUILDINGS, THE SANITARY VENTING OF FIXTURES, HOT OR COLD
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS WITHIN OR ADJACENT TO ANY BUILDING, STORM DRAINS,
SEWERAGE SYSTEM OF ANY PREMISES AND/OR CONNECTION WITH ANY PUBLIC DISPOSAL
OR ANY ACCEPTABLE TERMINAL. THE ENUMERATION IN THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL NOT BE
CONSTRUED AS EXCLUDING ANY OTHER WORK REQUIRING PLUMBING KNOWLEDGE AND
APPLICATION.
(B) THE TERM "MASTER PLUMBER" AS USED IN THIS ACT SHALL MEAN A PERSON DULY
REGISTERED WITH THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR MASTER PLUMBERS IN THE MANNER AS
HEREINAFTER PROVIDED.

1.23. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1586 (“ESTABLISHING AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

STATEMENT SYSTEM, INCLUDING OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT RELATED
MEASURES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”)
DEFINES THE FRAMEWORK FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EIA AS THE MECHANISM TO
RECONCILE THE IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ON SOCIETY AND THE PHYSICAL
ENVIRONMENT.

1.24. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1152 (“PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENTAL CODE”)

DEFINES THE POLICY OBJECTIVES FOR THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT SUCH AS AIR AND WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT, NATURAL RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT, LAND MANAGEMENT AND WASTE MANAGEMENT.
SECTION 2. PURPOSES. THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE ARE:
(A) TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN SUCH LEVELS OF AIR QUALITY AS TO PROTECT PUBLIC
HEALTH; AND
(B) TO PREVENT TO THE GREATEST EXTENT PRACTICABLE, INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO
PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE AND PROPERTY, AND PROMOTE THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY.
1.25. REPUBLIC ACT 9003 (“ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2000”)
THIS LAW AIMS FOR THE REDUCTION OF SOLID WASTE THROUGH SOURCE REDUCTION AND
WASTE MINIMIZATION MEASURES, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES. (SEC. 2-C)
IT ALSO AIMS TO ENSURE THE PROPER SEGREGATION, COLLECTION, TRANSPORT, STORAGE,
TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE THROUGH THE FORMULATION AND ADOPTION
OF THE BEST ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICE IN ECOLOGICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
EXCLUDING INCINERATION.

1.26. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6713 (“CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC
OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES”)
SECTION 2 - PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES SHALL AT ALL TIMES BE ACCOUNTABLE TO
THE PEOPLE AND SHALL DISCHARGE THEIR DUTIES WITH UTMOST RESPONSIBILITY,
INTEGRITY, COMPETENCE, AND LOYALTY, ACT WITH PATRIOTISM AND JUSTICE, LEAD
MODEST LIVES, AND UPHOLD PUBLIC INTEREST OVER PERSONAL INTEREST.

1.27. COMMONWEALTH ACT NO. 294 (“MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LAW”)

AN ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING IN THE PHILIPPINES,
TO PROVIDE FOR LICENSING THE OPERATING PERSONNEL IN MECHANICAL PLANTS AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.

1.28. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8495 (“PHILIPPINE MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ACT OF 1998”)
SECTION 2. STATEMENT OF POLICY. – THE STATE RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF
MECHANICAL ENGINEERS IN NATION BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT. THEIR TALENTS
THROUGH SUSTAINABLE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SHALL BE PROMOTED. THUS, THE STATE
SHALL DEVELOP AND NURTURE COMPETENT, VIRTUOUS, PRODUCTIVE AND WELL-ROUNDED
MECHANICAL ENGINEERS WHOSE STANDARD OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND SERVICE
SHALL BE EXCELLENT, QUALITATIVE, WORLD-CLASS AND GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE
THROUGH REGULATORY MEASURES, PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.

1.29. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 49 (“DECREE ON THE PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL

PROPERTY”)
WHEREAS, TREMENDOUS STRIDES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HAVE MADE NECESSARY
UPDATING OF THE COPYRIGHT LAW TO GIVE FULLER PROTECTION TO INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY AND TO ENCOURAGE ARTS AND LETTERS, AS WELL AS STIMULATES SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCH AND INVENTION, AT THE SAME TIME SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO
CULTURAL INFORMATION;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, BY VIRTUE OF
THE POWERS VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF ALL THE
ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND PURSUANT TO PROCLAMATION NO. 1081 DATED
SEPTEMBER 21, 1972, AND GENERAL ORDER NO. 1 DATED SEPTEMBER 22, 1972, AS AMENDED,
DO HEREBY, ORDER AND MAKE AS PART OF THE LAW OF THE LAND THE FOLLOWING
MEASURE:
1.30. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 544 ("AN ACT TO ACCELERATE THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM BY CREATING AN AGRARIAN REFORM SPECIAL
ACCOUNT IN THE GENERAL FUND, PROVIDING THE NECESSARY FUNDS THEREFORE, AND
FOR THE OTHER PURPOSES")
SECTION 1. THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF SECTION SIXTEEN OF REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED SIX
THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY, AS AMENDED, IS HEREBY AMENDED TO READ AS
FOLLOWS:
"PRIVILEGES AND LIMITATION OF RURAL BANKS. — THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF LOANS THAT
MAY BE GRANTED AT ANY ONE TIME TO A SINGLE BORROWER UNDER THE PRECEDING
SECTION SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE ACTUAL NEED AND VIABILITY OF THE PROJECT TO
BE FINANCED AND THE CAPACITY OF THE BORROWER TO REPAY THE LOAN AT INTEREST
NOT EXCEEDING TWELVE PER CENT PER ANNUM, EXCLUDING SERVICE FEES AND OTHER
CHARGES."

1.31. PHILIPPINE ASSEMBLY ACT NO. 2985 (“AN ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF THE
PROFESSIONS OF ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECT”)
SIGNED INTO LAW ON FEBRUARY 23, 1921, PREPARED BY AIAAF. THIS LAW CREATED
SEPARATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR ARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING. THE LAW
ALSO ALLOWED PRACTICING MAESTRO DE OBRAS TO BE AUTOMATICALLY REGISTERED
AS ARCHITECTS   TOMAS MAPUA WAS GIVEN THE NUMBER 1 LICENSE AS ARCHITECT AND
CARLOS BARRETO AND ANTONIO TOLEDO AS NUMBERS 2 AND 3. ALL THE THREE OF THEM
GRADUATED IN ARCHITECTURE ABROAD.

1.32. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 184 ("ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LAW”)

SECTION 2. CREATION AND COMPOSITION OF A BOARD OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
EXAMINERS. -WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE APPROVAL OF THIS ACT, THERE SHALL BE
CREATED BY A BOARD OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING EXAMINERS TO BE COMPOSED OF A
CHAIRMAN AND TWO MEMBERS TO BE APPOINTED BY THE SECRETARY OF PUBLIC WORKS
AND COMMUNICATIONS.

1.33. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1364 ("SANITARY ENGINEERING LAW”)

SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS. -THE PRACTICE OF SANITARY ENGINEERING WITHIN THE
MEANING AND INTENT OF THIS ACT SHALL EMBRACE THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:
(A) SANITARY SURVEYS, REPORTS, DESIGN, DIRECTION, MANAGEMENT, CONSULTATION,
AND INVESTIGATION OF:
(1) WATER PURIFICATION PLANTS, WATER COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS,
RESERVOIRS, DRAINAGE AND SEWER SYSTEMS, SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS, MALARIA
CONTROL STRUCTURES, SEWAGE DISPOSAL TANKS, AND OTHER STRUCTURES FOR PUBLIC
HEALTH AND WELFARE.
(2) PROJECTS RELATING TO STREAM POLLUTION, INSECT AND VERMIN CONTROL OR
ERADICATION, RURAL AND CAMP SANITATION, AND MILK AND FOOD SANITATION.

1.34. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1378 (“AN ACT TO REGULATE THE TRADE OF MASTER PLUMBER”)
SAME AS 1.22.

1.35. UAP DOC. 200-211 (“ADOPTION AND PROMULGATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICAL
CONDUCT FOR REGISTERED AND LICENSED ARCHITECTS AND FOR HOLDERS OF
TEMPORARY/ SPECIAL PERMITS UNDER R.A. NO. 9266, KNOWN AS “THE ARCHITECTURE
ACT OF 2004”)
PURSUANT TO SECTION 7 (G). ARTICLE II OF R.A. NO. 9266, KNOWN AS THE “ARCHITECTURE
ACT OF 2004”, CITED AS IRR OF THE ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004”, THE PROFESSIONAL
REGULATORY BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE (HEREINAFTER- CALLED COMMISSION), RESOLVES,
AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, TO ADOPT AND PROMULGATE THE HEREUNDER CODE OF
ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR REGISTERED AND LICENSED ARCHITECTS AND FOR HOLDERS OF
TEMPORARY/SPECIAL PERMITS UNDER THE SAID R.A. NO.9266 AND BOARD RES. NO. 07 AS
PRESCRIBED AND ISSUED BY THE UNITED ARCHITECTS OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (UAP), THE
INTEGRATED AND ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ARCHITECTS (IAPOA) IN
THE PHILIPPINES BY VIRTUE OF BOARD RES. NO. 03, SERIES OF 2004 AS APPROVED BY THE
COMMISSION.