IRR OF

R.A. 9266
“AN ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF
ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES”

AR. ALLYN JOY V. BANAAG, UAP

THE IMPLEMENTING RULES AND
REGULATIONS (IRR) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO.
9266, AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORE
RESPONSIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE
REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION,
LICENSING AND PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE,
REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT
NO. 545, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN
AS “AN ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF
ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES,” AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

01
RULE 1
TITLE, POLICY
STATEMENT,
DEFINITION OF TERMS,
AND SCOPE OF
PRACTICE
 “THE RULES AND
REGULATIONS
IMPLEMENTING THE
PROVISIONS OF
REPUBLIC ACT NO.
9266”
“IRR OF THE ARCHITECTURE ACT OF
2004”

01
 ASSOCIATION

any formal grouping of two or more

architects or architectural firms working in
joint venture on a project basis

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 ARCHITECTURAL
COMPANY
a juridical entity that shall be synonymous
with an Architectural Partnership
registered with the SEC

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 ARCHITECTURE
CORPORATION
a group of professionals in architecture and
allied professions, incorporated with
Architects for the purpose of delivering
professional service in architecture and
allied professions

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 ARCHITECTURE
CORPORATION
If an existing Architectural Corporation
does not comply with the 75% composition
requirement:
shall comply
register again with SEC and the BOA

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 ARCHITECTURAL
DOCUMENTS
architectural drawings, specifications, and
other outputs of an Architect that only an
Architect can sign and seal

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 ARCHITECTURAL
DOCUMENTS
consists of the ff.:
vicinity maps, site development plans,
architectural program, perspective
drawings, architectural floor plans,
elevations, sections, ceiling plans,
schedules, detailed drawings, technical
specifications and cost estimates, and
other instruments of service in any form

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 ARCHITECTURAL
INTERIORS
a detailed planning and design of the
indoor/enclosed areas of any proposed
building/structure, and which shall cover all
architectural and utility aspects

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 ARCHITECTURAL
PARTNERSHIP
a group of two or more Architects duly
registered with the SEC and then with the
BOA

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 ARCHITECTURAL
PLANS
a two (2)-dimensional representations
reflecting a proposed development/
redevelopment of an enclosed/ semi-
enclosed or open area showing features or
elements

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 ARCHITECTURAL
PLANS
the representation of a lateral section for a
proposed building/ structure and at a
height of from 1.0 – 1.5 meters above the
finished floor

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 CERTIFICATE OF
REGISTRATION
a certificate bearing a registration
number, issued to an individual, by the
PRC through the PRBoA
signifying that the individual has
successfully passed the Licensure
Examination and is registered to
practice his/her profession as Architect

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 CODE OF ETHICAL
CONDUCT
contains the norms and principles
governing the practice of the profession
of architecture in the highest standards of
ethical conduct

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 CONTRACT
DOCUMENTS
The documents attached to the agreement
including all additions, deletions, and
modifications, thus, includes the ff:
Special Provisions or conditions
General Conditions
Drawings
Specifications
Other Bid Documents

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 COPYRIGHT/COPYRIGHT
OWNERSHIP
the intellectual proprietary
rights retained by an Architect over any
architectural documents/ work that he/she
prepares unless there is a written
stipulation to the contrary

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 COPYRIGHT/COPYRIGHT
OWNERSHIP
includes the right to control the erection
of any building which reproduces the
whole or a substantial part of the work

shall not include the right to control the

reconstruction or rehabilitation

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 DIVERSIFIED ARCHITECTURAL
EXPERIENCE
post-baccalaureate, pre-licensure
experience of 2 years required prior to
taking the licensure examination

consisting of a variation of experiences

in the different phases of architectural
service

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 FILIPINO
COUNTERPART
The local Philippine architect, partnership
or corporation that must work in
association with a foreign architect,
partnership or corporation, on a project on
Philippine soil

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 PHYSICAL PLANNER

An Architect who specializes in the detailed

physical planning of land or property on
which vertical structures and horizontal
developments are to be proposed

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 PHYSICAL PLANNING

Detailed physical planning of land or

property on which vertical structures and
horizontal developments are to be
proposed

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 PROFESSIONAL
IDETIFICATION CARD
Document bearing the ff:
registration number
date of issuance with an expiry date
due for periodic renewal
signed by the PRC chairperson
release of ID: upon payment of the
annual registration fees for 3 years

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 SITE PLANNING

It is the detailed site development planning

of all areas surrounding a building/
structure and/or a group of buildings/
structures but only within the property
limits of the land on which such
buildings/structures are to be erected

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 STANDARDS OF
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
It defines all aspects of professional service,
prescribes minimum basic fees
and establishes the rights and obligations
of both the Architect and the client

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 SOLE
PROPRIETORSHIP
It is an individual Architect practicing and
delivering architectural services, duly
registered with the DTI, BOA and the PRC

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 SYLLABI

Outlines embodying topics and concepts of

major subjects prescribed in specific course
of study to serve as basis for test questions
in the ALE

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 URBAN DESIGN
A more comprehensive physical and
systemic design undertaken by an
Architect on a community and urban
plane

an extension of the architecture of

buildings, spaces between buildings,
entourage, utilities and movement
systems

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 ACRONYMS AND LAWS:
ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004 – R.A. No. 9266
BOA – Board of Architecture
CHED – Commission on Higher Education
CIAC – Construction Industry Arbitration
Commission
CPD – Continuing Professional
Development
DOLE – Department of Labor and
Employment

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 ACRONYMS AND LAWS:
DTI – Department of Trade and Industry
IAPOA – Integrated Accredited Professional
Organization of Architects
Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines
– R.A. No. 8293
PCAB – Philippine Contractors Accreditation
Board
PDCB – Philippine Domestic Construction
Board

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
 ACRONYMS AND LAWS:
PRB – Professional Regulatory Board (the
same as BOA for the profession of
architecture)
PRC – Professional Regulation Commission
PRC Modernization Act of 2000 – R.A. No.
8981
SEC – Securities and Exchange Commission
UAP – United Architects of the Philippines,
Inc.

Section 3. Definition
01
of Terms
RULE II
PROFESSIONAL
REGULATORY BOARD
OF ARCHITECTURE:
ORGANIZATION,
POWERS, AND
FUNCTIONS
 QUALIFICATION/S:

not be an elective officer of the Integrated

and Accredited Professional Organization of
Architects and other Professional
Organization of Architects.

01
 ADDITIONAL POWERS, FUNCTIONS
AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
BOARD:

Prescribe and adopt the “IRR of the

Architecture Act of 2004” for carrying out the
provisions of R.A. No. 9266;

01
 ADDITIONAL FOR GROUNDS FOR
SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL:

The Commission in the conduct of the

investigation shall be guided by Sec. 7(s) of
R.A. No. 8981

01
 SECTION 7. POWERS, FUNCTIONS
AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
COMMISSION

(s) To investigate motu proprio or upon the filing

of a verified complaint, any member of the
Professional Regulatory Boards for neglect of
duty, incompetence, unprofessional, unethical,
immoral or dishonorable conduct, commission of
irregularities in the licensure examinations which
taint or impugn the integrity and authenticity of
the results of the said examinations and,

01
 SECTION 7. POWERS, FUNCTIONS
AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
COMMISSION

if found guilty, to revoke or suspend their

certificates of registration and professional
licenses/identification cards and to recommend
to the President of the Philippines their
suspension or removal from office as the case
may be;

01
ARTICLE III
EXAMINATION,
REGISTRATION
AND LICENSURE
 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:

Certificate of Live Birth in National Statistics

Office (NSO) Security Paper
Marriage Contract in NSO Security Paper for
married female applicants
College Diploma with indication therein of
date of graduation and Special Order
Number unless it is not required
Baccalaureate Transcript of Records with
indication therein of date of graduation and
Special Order Number unless it is not required

01
 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Accomplished Diversified Training (DT Form
001)
Accomplished Diversified Training (DT Form
002)
Architect-Mentor Affidavit
Photocopy of Architect-Mentor’s valid
Professional Identification Card, PTR and
IAPOA number
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
Clearance
Other documents the Board may require.

01
 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS LINKS:
LOGBOOK
https://www.united-
architects.org/assets/files/media-
files/UAP%20Logbook%202021%20FINAL%20
VERSION%20.pdf

01
(1) HISTORY AND THEORY
OF ARCHITECTURE;
PRINCIPLES OF
PLANNING AND
ARCHITECTURAL
PRACTICE
01
 PART I: HISTORY OF
ARCHITECTURE
A. Rationale and Description
1. Analysis of architectural manifestations from
the beginning of civilization to contemporary
periods of development

01
 PART I: HISTORY OF
ARCHITECTURE
2. Analysis of the influences of environmental,
historical, and sociocultural factors and their
relevance to the development of art, buildings,
structures, as well as of human settlements.

01
 PART II: THEORY OF
ARCHITECTURE
A. Rationale and Description
1. Understanding of the theories and principles
of design and architectural design process;
2. Analysis of anthropometric, proxemic, and
kinesthetic requirements of space in relation
to architectural design;

01
 PART II: THEORY OF
ARCHITECTURE

3. Analysis of sociocultural and technological

trends which are contributory to the
development of contemporary architecture.

01
 PART III: ARCHITECTURAL
PRACTICE
A. Rationale and Description
1. Understanding of the role, legal rights and
obligations, and responsibilities of the
architect
2. Analysis and application of the various
statutes, codes, and regulations affecting the
practice of architecture in the Philippines

01
 PART III: ARCHITECTURAL
PRACTICE
3. Understanding of the various aspects of the
professional practice of architecture,
including tools and techniques related to
production, construction, resource allocation, and
project management, as well as the efficient
conduct of client and business relations for
building design and construction projects.

01
 PART IV: THEORY AND
PRINCIPLES OF PLANNING
A. Rationale and Description
1. Analysis of the concepts and techniques in
the general planning process, regional
planning, land use planning, and human
settlements planning

01
 PART IV: THEORY AND
PRINCIPLES OF PLANNING

2. Understanding of the art and science of site

planning with emphasis on ecological, socio-
psychological, aesthetic, and functional basis of
site planning.

01
(2) STRUCTURAL DESIGN,
BUILDING MATERIALS,
AND ARCHITECTURAL
SPECIFICATIONS, AND
METHODS OF
CONSTRUCTION AND
UTILITIES
01
 PART I: STRUCTURAL
DESIGN
A. Rationale and Description
1. Understanding of the fundamentals of
mechanics, strength of materials, and theory
of structures
2. General design, principles, and analysis of the
structural elements of various types of
construction materials and systems.

01
 PART II: BUILDING
MATERIALS AND METHODS
OF CONSTRUCTION
A. Rationale and Description
1. Understanding of the properties of building
construction and finishing materials; their
application and articulation; systems and
methods of specifying and construction;

01
 PART II: BUILDING
MATERIALS AND METHODS
OF CONSTRUCTION
2. Application of the principles of design and
construction methods of various types of
materials used in construction.

01
 PART III: UTILITIES
A. Rationale and Description
1. Understanding of the basic practices,
principles, general design and installation,
and/or construction of utilities required for a
building or structure and its premises;
2. Analysis of utility, facility, and equipment
requirements in relation to aesthetic, function,
and strength of a building or structure and its
premises.

01
(3) URBAN DESIGN AND
ARCHITECTURAL
INTERIORS

01
 PART I: URBAN DESIGN
A. Rationale and Description
1. Analysis of the concepts and techniques in
the general planning process of the physical
and systematic design on a community and
urban plane on a more comprehensive
manner.
2. Understanding of the art and science of
urban design with emphasis on ecological,
socio-psychological, aesthetic and functional
basis of urban design.

01
 PART II: ARCHITECTURAL
INTERIORS
A. Rationale and Description
1. Understanding of the theories and principles
of Architectural Interiors.
2. Analysis of anthropometric, proxemic, and
kinesthetic requirements of space in relation
to Architectural Interiors.

01
(4) ARCHITECTURAL
DESIGN AND SITE
PLANNING

01
 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
AND SITE PLANNING
A. Rationale and Description
1. Application of logical approach to architectural
interiors, urban design and site planning
solutions to architectural and planning
problems with emphasis on design
methodology, quantitative and qualitative
aspects of space, circulation, and
interrelationships of space, structural and form
envelopes, and building utilities and facilities.

01
 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
AND SITE PLANNING
2. Application of skills and ability to visualize
architectural design problems and present
solutions in appropriate graphical language.

The PRBoA, subject to the approval of PRC, may

revise or exclude any of the subjects and their
syllabi, and add new ones as the need arises to
conform to technological changes brought about
by continuing trends in the profession.

01
 RATING IN THE LICENSURE
EXAMINATION
The Board may adopt its own internal
procedures on the implementation of this
provision.

01
 SEAL
The Board shall prescribe the design, size, and
contents of the dry seal to be used in signing
and sealing of architectural plans, drawings,
specifications, contract documents and
architectural permit prepared by or under his/her
direct supervision.

01
 SEAL DESIGN

01
 The Board in the written statement shall state
the period for the deferment of the
registration if the offense or act committed
does not call for indefinite period and/or
perpetual deprivation of the chance to
register.

01
 The rules on administrative investigation
issued by the Commission shall govern the
hearing or investigation of the case, subject to
applicable provisions of R.A. No. 9266, R.A. No.
8981, and the Rules of Court.

01
 The Board shall issue a Resolution, subject to
approval by the Commission, in granting a
petition for reinstatement to the practice of
architecture.

01
RULE IV
PRACTICE OF
ARCHITECTURE
(SUNDRY PROVISIONS)
 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR THE FOREIGN
APPLICANTS OF THE LICENSURE EXAM:

original or certified copy of any official document

issued by the Bureau of Immigration and
Deportation allowing the applicant to enter and
reside in the Philippines;
Present his passport for examination and for
photocopying of pertinent information about the
applicant;

01
 Original or authenticated copy of transcript of
records or equivalent document of the course for
licensure examination issued by the institution of
higher learning where he studied, duly authorized
or accredited by his country/state; and
Other documents which may be required to be
submitted by the Board

01
 programs shall be maintained through an
overall CPD program for architects developed
by UAP
programs shall be formulated by the
Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
Council for Architects based on the existing
guidelines of PRC with levels of compliance and
proficiency evaluation as a rating factor.
Accreditation of CPD/CPE providers by the
Board of Architecture shall be based on the
said guidelines.

01
 Government and private employees who are
not RLA shall not perform architectural works
w/o the direct supervision of an Architect
penalized in accordance with Sec. 29 of RA
9266

Any public official who shall order a non-

architect to perform architectural works
administratively liable
guilty of misdemeanor
penalized in accordance to Sec. 30 of RA
9266

01
 Penalties for the violation of Sec. 7 - sub-
paragraph (L) of RA 8981 by the Heads of
Government Agencies or Officers of Private
entities/institutions
IMPRISONMENT: not less 6 mons and 1 day
but not more than 6 yrs
FINE: not less than Php 50,000 but not more
than Php 500,000
OR BOTH

01
 SEC. 7 - SUB-PARAGRAPH
(L) OF RA 8981
(l) To supervise foreign nations who are
authorized by existing laws to practice their
professions either as holders of a certificate of
registration and a professional identification card
or a temporary special permit in the Philippines;
to ensue that the terms and conditions for their
practice or of their employment are strictly
complied with;

01
 to file upon due process request for
deportation with the Bureau of Immigration
and Deportation (BID); and to supervise
professionals who were former citizens of the
Philippines and who had been registered and
issued a certificate of registration and a
professional identification card prior to their
naturalization as foreign citizens, who may,
while in the country on a visit, sojourn or
permanent residence, practice their profession:

01
 to require the hiring or employing government
agency or private entity/institution to secure a
temporary special permit from the concerned
Board subject to approval by the PRC and to
file a criminal complaint against the head of
the government agency or officers of the said
private entity/institution, who shall be liable
under the penalty provided for in the
concerned professional regulatory law or the
penalty imposed pursuant to this Act, when the
professional was hired and allowed to practice
his/her profession without permit;

01
 Provided, That, prior to the practice of their
profession they shall have first been issued a
special permit and updated professional
identification card by the Board concerned
subject to approval by the Commission and
upon payment of the permit and annual
registration fees;

01
 15 YEARS CIVIL LIABILITY under Article 1723 of
the Civil Code of the AoR
authorized signature
official seal
PTR
PRC registration number and
the IAPOA membership number and
Official Receipt (O.R.) number

01
 AoR = architectural documents
not professionally responsible and liable to
other signing professionals including the
AICC and the CA unless under direct
employment
shall apply to both architects in government
and private entities

architectural documents prepared by

architectural firms
Board of Architecture Registry Number and
SEC or DTI Registry Number

01
 All national and local agencies are prohibited
to collapse existing plantilla positions for
architects
all existing plantilla whose job description
includes the practice of architecture shall be
reclassified as Architect positions
Government AoR - collect from concerned
national or local agency an incentive pay to
cover civil liabilities
1.5% of the project cost per project
not exceed 50% of his annual salary
be paid upon full completion of the project
shall include to program if work

01
 The Board subject to approval by the
Commission shall issue a certificate of
registration to such firm, company,
partnership, corporation or association upon
grant of registration.

01
 REGISTRATION AND/OR ISSUANCE
OF TEMPORARY/SPECIAL PERMITS
TO FOREIGN ARCHITECTS
PROCEDURE:
Visa/work permit
Secure Temporary/Special Permit from Board
subject to approval of PRC
DOLE - issuance of the employment
permit

01
 REGISTRATION AND/OR ISSUANCE
OF TEMPORARY/SPECIAL PERMITS
TO FOREIGN ARCHITECTS
PROCEDURE:
In the absence of a bilateral agreement, the
foreign national shall submit documentary
proof or evidence allowing Filipino architects
to practice the profession in their home
country without any limitation.

01
 REGISTRATION AND/OR ISSUANCE
OF TEMPORARY/SPECIAL PERMITS
TO FOREIGN ARCHITECTS
PROCEDURE:
Technology transfer and/or specialization
must be identified and substantiated
consistent with his expertise.
A Filipino counterpart shall be the architect-
of-record

01
 REGISTRATION AND/OR ISSUANCE
OF TEMPORARY/SPECIAL PERMITS
TO FOREIGN ARCHITECTS
PROCEDURE:
Advertisements and billboards for
marketing/promotion purposes shall
prominently display the name of the
architect-of-record. Failure to comply shall be
subject to penalties in accordance with the
rules promulgated by PRC.

01
 REGISTRATION AND/OR ISSUANCE
OF TEMPORARY/SPECIAL PERMITS
TO FOREIGN ARCHITECTS
PROCEDURE:
Upon issuance of the temporary/special
permit, the foreign national may become
member of the United Architects of the
Philippines, Inc. subject to the rules and
procedures of UAP membership.

01
ARTICLE V
FINAL
PROVISIONS
 Board Resolution No. 3, series of 2004
United Architects of the Philippines, Inc.
existing integrated and accredited
professional organization of registered
architects
accredited by Board
approved by Commission
registered with SEC as non-profit, non-
stock corporation governed by bylaws
democratic election of officials

01
 RLA under PRC = automatically a member of
UAP upon payment of fees and dues

Members of UAP practicing the architectural

profession shall include the ff:
official IAPOA no. and receipt
PRC registration number and PTR
on official documents prepared by them for the
purpose of obtaining governmental regulatory
permits and licenses

01
 FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES OF UAP AS
IAPOA
Nominations to the vacancy of positions to
the BOA
Responsibility of preparing a program of CPD;
Endorsement of the practice of foreign
nationals to be issued temporary/special
permit;
Recommendation of compliance with liability
insurance under a temporary/special permit;

01
 FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES OF UAP AS
IAPOA
Monitoring compliance and endorsing to/or
filing a complaint with the Board and/or
Commission
Some other functions, duties and
responsibility as may be prescribed by the
BOA from time to time.

01