TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

938 Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City

CE LAWS, ETHICS AND CONTRACTS CE

593– CEC41S4

REPORT NO. 1
Republic Act No. 544
An Act to Regulate the Practice of Civil Engineering in the Philippines

SUBMITTED BY: MACALINO,

MIA NICOLE G.
1911009

FEBRUARY 13, 2024

 Republic Act No. 544
(As Amended by R.A. 1582)
An Act to Regulate the Practice of Civil
Engineering in the Philippines
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Article I

TITLE OF THE ACT AND DEFINITION OF

TERMS
Section 1.

Title of Act.” This Act shall be known as the “Civil Engineering Law.”

Comment:

 This legislation is appropriately named the "Civil Engineering Law," clearly indicating its focus
on the field of civil engineering, encompassing the planning, construction, and maintenance of
infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. The title serves as a concise and
informative label, essentially acting as a prominent signpost that communicates the law's
specific relevance to those engaged in civil engineering. In essence, it streamlines the
understanding of the law's subject matter, allowing individuals to grasp its scope without
delving into the intricacies of the entire document.

Section 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, 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.

(b) 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.
Comment:

 Section 2 of the legislation provides a comprehensive overview of civil engineering, elucidating the
various responsibilities involved in the field, such as planning, designing, and overseeing the
construction of structures like roads, bridges, and buildings. The scope of civil engineering also
extends to tasks such as managing water supply systems and handling demolition work. Notably,
the law acknowledges that even if a specific job is not explicitly listed, it can still fall under the
purview of civil engineering if it requires similar skill sets. Furthermore, the section defines a "civil
engineer" as an individual officially registered with a board for civil engineers, adhering to the
regulations outlined in the law. To attain recognition as a civil engineer under this legislation, one
must undergo the registration process stipulated later in the document. Essentially, Section 2
serves as a foundational component, delineating the breadth of civil engineering activities and
establishing the criteria for individuals to be officially designated as civil engineers in accordance
with the provisions of the law.

Article II

BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR CIVIL

ENGINEERS

Section 3. 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 a chairman and two members who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner of PRC. The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of
three years after appointment or until their successors shall have been appointed and shall have
qualified. The first members of the Board appointed under this Act shall hold office for the following
terms: One member for one year; one member for two years; and one member for three years. Each
member of the Board shall qualify by taking the proper oath of office before entering upon the
performance of his duties. Any member of the Board may be removed by the President of the
Philippines, upon recommendation by the Professional Regulation Commission for neglect of duty,
incompetency, malpractice, unprofessional, unethical, immoral, or dishonorable conduct, after having
been given opportunity to defend himself in a proper administrative investigation: Provided, That during
the process of investigation, the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the PRC, shall
have the power to suspend such member under investigation and shall appoint a temporary member in
his place. Vacancies in the Board shall be filled for the unexpired term only.
Comment:

Section 3 of the law creates a team called the Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers, responsible for
overseeing civil engineering matters. The board consists of a chairman and two members, chosen by the
President of the Philippines with recommendations from the Commissioner of the Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC). Each board member serves a three-year term, starting with staggered lengths (one,
two, and three years).

Board members must take an oath before starting their roles. If a member doesn't fulfill their duties or
behaves improperly, the President can remove them based on PRC recommendations. During
investigations into their conduct, a member can be temporarily suspended, with a temporary replacement
appointed. Any vacant board positions are filled for the remaining term.

In summary, Section 3 ensures that those overseeing civil engineering are qualified, accountable, and can
be replaced if necessary to uphold the regulatory process's integrity.

Section 4. Powers and Duties of the Board.” The Board for Civil Engineers is vested with
authority, conformable with the provisions of this Act, to administer oaths, issue, suspend and revoke
certificates of registration for the practice of civil engineering, issue certificates of recognition to civil
engineers already registered under this Act for advanced studies, research, and/or highly specialized
training in any branch of civil engineering subject to the approval of the PRC, to investigate such
violations of this Act and the regulations, there under as may come to the knowledge of the Board and,
for this purpose, issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to secure appearance of witnesses in
connection with the charges presented to the Board, to inspect at least once a year educational
institutions offering courses in civil engineering, civil engineering works, projects or corporations,
established in the Philippines and, for safeguarding of life, health and property, to discharge such other
powers and duties as may affect ethical and technological standards of the civil engineering profession in
the Philippines. For the purpose of this Act, the Director of Public Works and/or his authorized
representative in the provinces and chartered cities shall be ex-officio agents of the Board and as such it
shall be their duty to help in the enforcement of the provisions of this Act. The Board may, with the
approval of the Professional Regulation Commission issue such rules and regulations as may be
deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. The board shall also adopt a code of ethics in
the practice of civil engineering and have an official seal to authenticate its official documents.
Comment:

Section 4 of the law outlines the responsibilities of the Board for Civil Engineers. Firstly, it can issue,
revoke, or temporarily suspend licenses for civil engineers. It also has the authority to recognize civil
engineers who have undergone advanced studies or special training. Secondly, the Board can investigate
any violations of the law, summon witnesses, and inspect schools teaching civil engineering to ensure they
meet standards. It can collaborate with local authorities to enforce rules and create new ones if necessary.
The Board is also tasked with establishing a code of ethics for civil engineers and having an official stamp
for its documents. In simple terms, this section empowers the Board to ensure that civil engineers follow the
rules, uphold high standards, and prioritize public safety.

Section 5. Qualifications of Board Members.” Each member of the Board shall, at the time of his
appointment:

a. Be a citizen and resident of the Philippines;

b. Be at least thirty years of age and of good moral character;
c. Be a graduate of civil engineering from a recognized and legally constituted school,
institute, college or university.
d. Be a registered civil engineer duly qualified to practice civil engineering in the Philippines;
e. Have practiced civil engineering, with a certificate as such, for a period of not less than ten
years prior to his appointment.
f. Not be a member of the faculty of any school, institute, college, or university where civil
engineering course is taught, nor have a pecuniary interest in such institutions;
g. No former members of the faculty of any school, institute or university where civil
engineering is taught can become a member of the Board unless he had stopped teaching
for at least three consecutive years.

Comment:

Section 5 of the law outlines the qualifications for individuals who want to be part of the Board of Civil
Engineers. They must be Filipino citizens, at least thirty years old, and possess good character.
Additionally, they need a civil engineering degree from a recognized school and a decade of practical
experience. To ensure fairness, they cannot have any ties to civil engineering schools or financial interests
in them. If they previously taught civil engineering, they can only join the Board after three years of not
teaching. These requirements aim to ensure that Board members are skilled, experienced, and unbiased
when overseeing the civil engineering field.
 Section 6. Fees and Compensation of Board.” The Board for Civil Engineers shall charge for
each application for examination the sum of P100 (one hundred) payable to the collecting and disbursing
officer of the PRC upon filing of said application, and for each certificate of registration, fifty pesos. Each
member of the Board shall receive a compensation of fifteen pesos for each applicant examined. A civil
engineer in the service of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines appointed as member of the
Board shall receive the compensation as herein provided, in addition to his salary in the Government. All
authorized expenses of the Board, including the compensation provided for herein, shall be paid by the
collecting and disbursing officer of the PRC out of such appropriation as may be made for the purpose.
(See RA 6511 & PD 223)

Comment:

Section 6 of the law talks about the fees and payments for the Board for Civil Engineers. When someone
wants to take the civil engineering exam, they need to pay a fee of P100. There's also a fifty-peso fee for
getting a registration certificate. Each Board member gets fifteen pesos for every person they examine. If a
government civil engineer serves on the Board, they receive this payment in addition to their government
salary. All the costs, including these payments, are covered by the funds of the Professional Regulation
Commission. This section makes sure that Board members are fairly paid for their work overseeing civil
engineering matters, and it ensures that the necessary expenses are taken care of.

Section 7. Annual Report.” The Board shall, 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.

Comment:
Section 7 of this law mandates that the Board for Civil Engineers provides an annual report to the
Professional Regulation Commission. This report details the activities and proceedings of the Board
throughout the fiscal year. By submitting this report, the Board ensures transparency and accountability in
its operations. It also allows for the evaluation of the Board's performance and effectiveness in regulating
the civil engineering profession.
 Article III

EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION

Section 8. Examination Requirement.” All applicants for registration for the practice of civil
engineering shall be required to pass a technical examination as hereinafter provided.

Comment:

Section 8 of the law states that anyone who wants to be a civil engineer must pass a special test. This test
is there to make sure they have the right knowledge and skills for the job. It's like a way to check if they are
qualified to be a registered civil engineer. This rule is in place to ensure that the people who build important
things like roads and bridges are well-trained and capable, keeping everyone safe. So, if you want to be a
civil engineer, you have to pass this test first.

Section 9. Holding of Examination.” Examination of candidates desiring to practice civil

engineering in the Philippines shall be given in the City of Manila of each year, provided that such days
do not fall on official holidays, otherwise the examinations shall be held on the days next following.

Comment:

Section 9 of the law tells us where and when the test for people who want to be civil engineers will happen.
It says the exam will take place in the City of Manila every year, except if it's on official holidays. In that
case, the exams will happen on the following days. This helps everyone by having a consistent location
and date for the test, making it easier for people from different parts of the country to join. It's like planning
a big event on a fixed day and place so everyone knows when and where it's going to be. This section is all
about making the exam process simpler and fairer for people who want to become civil engineers.
 Section 10. Subjects of Examination.” Applicants for certificate of registration as civil engineer
shall be examined, in the discretion of the Board, on the following subjects: mathematics, including
algebra, plane and spherical trigonometry, analytics, descriptive and solid geometry, differential and
integral calculus, and rational and applied mechanics; hydraulics; surveying, including highway and
railroad surveying; plane, topographic and hydrographic surveying, and advance surveying; design and
construction of highways and railroads, masonry structures, wooden and reinforced concrete buildings,
bridges, towers, walls, foundations, piers, ports, wharves, aqueducts, sanitary engineering works, water
supply systems, dikes, dams and irrigation and drainage canals.

Comment:

Section 10 of the law tells us what topics applicants for a civil engineering certificate will be tested on. The
subjects include math topics like algebra and trigonometry, surveying methods, and designing structures
such as buildings and bridges. It's like a comprehensive test that covers everything you need to know to be
a civil engineer. This test ensures that people aiming to become engineers understand all the important
concepts and skills required for the job. So, if you want to be a certified civil engineer, you'll need to know
these subjects well.

Section 11. 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. He shall designate any subordinate officer of the Professional Regulation Commission to act
as the Secretary and custodian of all records including examination papers and minutes of the
deliberation of the Board.

Comment:

Section 11 of the law states that the leader of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) will also
oversee the Board for Civil Engineers. This person will supervise the planning and running of the exams
conducted by the Board. They will assign someone from the PRC to take care of all the records, including
exam papers and meeting notes. It's like having a boss overseeing the Board's work and making sure
everything stays organized. This arrangement helps make sure that the Board's activities go well, and all the
important documents are kept in order.
 Section 12. Qualifications for Examination.” Any person applying for admission to the civil
engineering examination as herein provided shall, prior to the date of the examination, establish to the
satisfaction of the Board that he has the following qualifications:

a. Be at least twenty-one years of age;

b. Be a citizen of the Philippines;
c. Be of good reputation and moral character; and
d. Be a graduate of a four-year course in civil engineering from a school, institute, college or
university recognized by the Government or the State wherein it is established.

Comment:

Section 12 of the law gives the conditions for people who want to take the civil engineering exam. First,
they need to be at least twenty-one years old. Second, they must be Filipino citizens. Third, they should
have a good reputation and be morally upright. Fourth, they need to have completed a four-year civil
engineering course from a recognized school. These rules are in place to ensure that only qualified and
trustworthy individuals are allowed to take the exam and become certified civil engineers.

Section 13. Oath of Civil Engineers.” All successful candidates in the examination shall be
required to take a professional oath before the Board of Civil Engineers or other Government Officials
authorized to administer oaths, prior to entering upon the practice of the civil engineering profession.

Comment:

Section 13 of the law says that everyone who passes the civil engineering exam must take a professional
oath before they can work as civil engineers. This oath is like a promise to follow the rules and ethical
standards of the civil engineering profession. It's a formal way of committing to being responsible and
ethical in their job. This rule makes sure that civil engineers are dedicated to doing their work with integrity
and competence. It's like a pledge to do their job well and ethically, which is crucial for keeping the public's
trust and ensuring safety in civil engineering. In simple terms, this section highlights the importance of good
behavior and responsibility among civil engineers.
 Section 14. Seal and Use of Seal.” All registered civil engineers shall obtain a seal of such
design as the Board shall authorize and direct: Provided, however, That the serial number of the
certificate issued by the Board shall be included in the design of the seal. Plans and specifications
prepared by, or under the direct supervision of a registered civil engineer shall be stamped with said seal
during the life of the registrant’s certificate, and it shall be unlawful for any one to stamp or seal any
documents with said seal after the certificate of registrant named thereon has expired or has been
revoked, unless said certificate shall have been renewed or re-issued.

Comment:

Section 14 of the law says that all registered civil engineers must have a special seal, as instructed by the
Board. This seal must include the serial number from the engineer's certificate. When civil engineers make
plans or specifications, they need to put this seal on them or have them checked directly by a registered civil
engineer. It's like a signature that shows the work has been approved by a qualified professional. This rule
ensures that only certified engineers can endorse important documents for civil engineering projects, making
sure they meet quality and safety standards. It also stops people from using the seal without authorization if
an engineer's certification has expired or been taken away. In simple terms, this section is about making sure
registered civil engineers do their work professionally and responsibly, protecting the quality of their work.

Section 15. Exemption from Registration.”

1. Registration shall not be required of the following persons:

a. Officers or enlisted men of the United States and Philippine Armed Forces, and civilian
employeesof the Government of the United States stationed in the Philippines while
rendering civil engineering services for the United States and/or Philippines.
b. Civil engineers or experts called in by the Philippine Government for consultation, or
specific designand construction of fixed structures as defined under this Act, provided
that their practice shall be limited to such work.

2. Any person residing in the Philippines may make plans on specifications for any of the
following:

a. 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.
b. Any wooden building enlargement or alteration which is to be used for farm purposes
only and costingnot more than ten thousand pesos.
 c. 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.

3. Nor shall anything in this Act prevent draftsmen, student clerk-or-work, superintendents, and
other employees of those lawfully engaged in the practice of civil engineering under the provisions of
this Act, from acting under the instruction, control or supervision of their employer.

4. Nor shall anything in this Act prevent any person who prior to the approval of this Act have
been lawfully engaged in the practice of “maestro de obras” to continue as such, provided they shall not
undertake the making of plans supervision for the following classes of work:

a. Building of concrete whether reinforced or not.

b. Building of more than two stories.
c. Building with frames of structural steel.
d. Building of structures intended for public gathering or assemblies such as
theaters, cinematographs, stadia, churches, or structures of like nature.

5. Nor shall anything in this Act prevent professional architects and engineers to
practice their professions.

Comment:

Section 15 of the law tells us who doesn't have to register as a civil engineer. Firstly, members of the US and
Philippine Armed Forces and US government workers in the Philippines don't need to register when working
on civil engineering projects for their governments. Also, foreign experts hired by the Philippine government
for specific projects are exempt, but only for those projects. Secondly, people living in the Philippines can
design plans for certain small buildings without a civil engineer, if they follow local rules. But for bigger or
more complicated buildings, they still must follow the law. Thirdly, certain workers like draftsmen or students
don't need to register if they work under the supervision of a registered civil engineer. Lastly, those who were
already working in construction before this law came into effect can continue, but they have limits on the type
of projects they can oversee. This section ensures that, while some people are exempt, important safety
standards are still followed in construction.
 Section 16. Refusal to Issue Certificate.” The Board for Civil Engineers shall not issue a
certificate to any person convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal offense involving
moral turpitude, or to any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct, or to any person guilty of
immoral or dishonorable conduct, or to any person of unsound mind. In the event of a refusal to issue a
certificate to any person, the Board shall give to the applicant a written statement setting forth its reason
for such action, which statement shall be incorporated in the records of the Board.

Comment:

Section 16 of the law says that the Board for Civil Engineers won't give a certificate to anyone who has been
convicted of a serious crime involving dishonesty or immorality, or to someone who has shown immoral or
dishonorable behavior. Also, individuals who are not mentally sound won't get a certificate. If the Board
decides not to give a certificate to someone, they have to provide a written explanation explaining why. This
makes sure the process is fair and clear. Basically, this section is about making sure that only people with
good morals and mental fitness can become certified civil engineers. It's a way to protect the reputation and
standards of the civil engineering profession by certifying only those who meet ethical and mental fitness
criteria.

Section 17. Suspension and Revocation of Certificates. “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.

Comment:

Section 17 of the law gives the Board the power to temporarily suspend or permanently take away a civil
engineer's certificate if there are good reasons. They have to inform the person, and there will be hearings
to make it fair. This rule ensures that the Board can act if a registered civil engineer does something wrong
or breaks the standards mentioned in the previous section. It's like a safety measure to keep the civil
engineering profession honest and professional. In simple terms, this section highlights how important it is
for civil engineers to be accountable and follow ethical standards.
 Section 18. Re-issue and Replacement of Certificates. “The Board may, after the expiration of
one year from the date of certificate of registration is revoked and for reasons it may deem sufficient,
entertain an application for a new certificate of registration from the registrant concerned. Such
application shall be accomplished in the same form prescribed for examination, but the Board may, in its
discretion, exempt the applicant from taking the requisite examination.

Comment:

Section 18 of the law explains how civil engineers can get a new certificate if their old one was taken away.
It says that after one year, they can apply for a new certificate by filling out an application, similar to what
they did for the exam. The Board might let them skip the exam if they think it's okay. Basically, this rule
provides a chance for people who lost their certificate to get it back after some time, if the Board agrees. It's
like a second opportunity for those who had problems before. In simple terms, it's about giving chances for
civil engineers to regain their certification if it was taken away.

Section 19. Transitory Provisions.” As soon as this Act takes effect, any person desiring to
practice the profession of civil engineering shall be required to obtain a certificate of registration in the
manner and under the conditions hereinafter provided. All civil engineers duly licensed under the
provisions of Act Numbered Twenty-nine hundred and eighty-five, as amended, at the time this Act takes
effect, shall be automatically registered under the provisions hereof. Certificates of registration held by
such persons in good standing shall have the same force and effect as though the same have been
issued under the provisions of this Act. All graduates in civil engineering from a school, institute, college,
or university recognized by the Government who have passed the civil service examination for senior
civil engineer and have been practicing or employed in the Government as such during five years are
exempted from taking examination.

Comment:

Section 19 of the law explains what happens when the new rules start. People who want to work as civil
engineers need to get a registration certificate following the new rules. If someone already has a license
from the old law, they will automatically be registered under the new law, and their license will still be valid.
Also, those who graduated from recognized schools and have worked as senior civil engineers in the
government for five years don't need to take the exam. This section makes sure the transition to the new
rules is smooth and fair for everyone already working as civil engineers. Overall, it's about ensuring that
everyone follows the new rules while recognizing the experience of those already in the field.
 Article IV

ENFORCEMENT OF ACT AND PENAL PROVISIONS

Section 20. Enforcement of the Act by officers of the law.” It shall be the duty of all duly
constituted law officers of the national, provincial, city and municipal governments, or any political
subdivisions thereof, to enforce the provisions of this Act and to prosecute any person violating the
same.

Comment:

Section 20 of the law says that all law enforcement officers at different levels must make sure that people
follow the rules in this Act. It's like their job to ensure everyone obeys these rules about civil engineering. If
someone breaks these rules, the officers have to take legal action against them. Basically, this section
highlights how important it is to follow and enforce the regulations in the law to keep things in order and
ensure safety in civil engineering. It's about making sure that everyone, including individuals and
businesses, follows the law to maintain the quality of civil engineering projects. In simple terms, it's about
ensuring that people are responsible and follow the law to protect the public and maintain standards in civil
engineering.

Section 21. Registration required.” Unless exempt from registration, no person shall practice or
offer to practice civil engineering in the Philippines without having obtained the proper certificate of
registration from the Board for Civil Engineers.

Comment:

Section 21 of the law makes it clear that anyone who wants to work as a civil engineer in the Philippines
must have a certificate of registration from the Board for Civil Engineers, unless they are exempt. It's similar
to saying you need a license to drive a car; without it, you can't legally drive. This rule ensures that only
qualified individuals who meet the standards set by the Board can practice civil engineering, promoting
safety and professionalism in the field. Essentially, it's about making sure that everyone working as a civil
engineer is properly trained and certified to do so, protecting the public and maintaining high standards in
construction projects. In simple terms, this section emphasizes the importance of certification and following
rules to make sure civil engineering is done properly and safely in the Philippines.
 Section 22. Penal provisions.” Any person who shall practice or offer to practice civil engineering
in the Philippines without being registered in accordance with the provisions of this Act or any person
presenting or attempting to use as his own the certificate of registration of a registered civil engineer, or
any person who shall give any false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board, or any person who shall
impersonate any registrant civil engineer of different name or any person who shall attempt to use a
revoked or suspended certificate of registration, or any person who shall use in connection with his name
or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that he is
a civil engineer, without holding a valid certificate of registration, or any person who shall violate any of
the provision of this Act, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to a
fine of not less than five hundred pesos nor more than two thousand pesos, or to suffer imprisonment for
a period of not less than six months not more than one year, or both, in the discretion of the court.

Comment:

Section 22 of the law states that if someone does civil engineering work without the right registration, lies to
get a certificate, or pretends to be a registered civil engineer, they've committed a crime. They could be fined
500 to 2000 pesos or put in jail for six months to one year, or both, depending on what the court decides. It's
similar to saying if you pretend to be a doctor without a license, you'll face consequences. This rule is meant
to stop people who are not qualified from doing engineering work, protecting the public and the reputation of
the profession. In simple terms, it's about making sure only properly trained and certified engineers do civil
engineering jobs.

ARTICLE V
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 23. Preparation of plans and supervisions of construction by registered civil engineer.” It
shall be unlawful for any person to order or otherwise cause the construction, reconstruction, or
alteration of any building or structure intended for public gathering or assembly such as theaters,
cinematographs, stadia, churches or structures of like nature, and any other engineering structures
mentioned in section two of this Act unless the designs, plans, and specifications of same have been
prepared under the responsible charge of, and signed and sealed by a registered civil engineer, and
unless the construction, reconstruction and/or alteration thereof are executed under the responsible
charge and direct supervision of a civil engineer. Plans and designs of structures must be approved as
provided by law or ordinance of a city or province or municipality where the said structure is to be
constructed.
 Comment:

Section 23 of the law states that certain types of buildings, like theaters and churches, must be designed and
supervised by registered civil engineers. It means you can't start building these structures without the
approval of an engineer who has signed off on the plans. This rule ensures that construction is done safely
and meets quality standards. It's like saying you need a driver's license to drive a car; here, you need a civil
engineer's approval to start building certain structures. In simple terms, it's about making sure buildings are
safe and well-built for everyone's protection.

Section 24. The practice of civil engineering is a professional service, admission to which must
be determined upon individual, personal qualifications. Hence, no firm, partnership, corporation or
association may be registered or licensed as such for the practice of civil engineering: Provided,
however, That persons properly registered and licensed as civil engineers may, among themselves or
with a person or persons properly registered and licensed as architects, form, and obtain registration of,
a firm, partnership or association using the term “Engineers” or “Engineers and Architects,” but, nobody
shall be a member or partner of such firm, partnership or association unless he is duly licensed civil
engineer or architect, and the members who are civil engineers shall only render work and services
proper for a civil engineer, as defined in this Act, and the members who are architects shall also only
render work and services proper for an architect, as defined in the law regulating the practice of
architecture; individual members of such firms, partnership or association shall be responsible for their
own respective acts.

Comment:

Section 24 of the law says that civil engineering is a professional service based on individual qualifications. It
means that firms or companies can't be registered or licensed to do civil engineering work as a group.
However, individual civil engineers can team up with architects to form a partnership, but everyone in that
partnership must be properly licensed. Civil engineers can only do civil engineering work, while architects can
only do architecture work, and each person is responsible for their own actions. Essentially, this section
ensures that only qualified individuals can provide civil engineering services, and everyone is responsible for
their work. In simple terms, it's about keeping high standards and professionalism in the field of civil
engineering.
 Section 25. Reciprocity requirements.” No person who is not a citizen of the Philippines at the time he
applies to take the examination shall be allowed to take it unless he can prove in the manner provided by
the Rules of Court that, by specific provision of law, the country of which he is a citizen, subject, or
national either admits citizens of the Philippines to the practice of the same profession without
restriction or allows them to practice it after an examination on terms of strict and absolute equality with
citizens, subjects, or nationals of the country concerned, including the unconditional recognition of degrees
issued by institutions of learning duly recognized for the purpose by the Government of the Philippines:
Provided, That if he is not a citizen of the Philippines, and was admitted to the practice of a profession in
the Philippines after December 8, 1941, his active practice in that profession, either in the Philippines or in
the state or country where he was practicing his profession, shall not have been interrupted for a period of
two years or more prior to July 4, 1946, and that the country or state from which he comes allows the
citizens of the Philippines by specific provision of law, to practice the same profession without restriction or
on terms of strict and absolute equality with citizens, subjects or nationals of the country or state
concerned.

Comment:

Section 25 of the law explains what non-Filipino citizens need to do if they want to take the civil engineering
exam in the Philippines. It says they have to prove that their country allows Filipino citizens to practice civil
engineering under fair and equal conditions, including recognizing degrees from Philippine institutions. If a
non-Filipino citizen has been working as a civil engineer in the Philippines or their home country since
before July 4, 1946, and their practice hasn't stopped for two years or more, they may be eligible. This
section is about making sure that foreign civil engineers are treated the same way as Filipino engineers,
and their qualifications are recognized fairly. In simple terms, it's about keeping things fair and equal in the
civil engineering profession, regardless of where someone is from.

Section 26. Roster of civil engineers.” A roster showing the names and places of business of all
registered civil engineers shall be prepared by the Commissioner of PRC periodically but at least once a
year. Copies of this roster shall be placed on file with the PRC and furnished to all department heads,
mayors of all chartered cities, to the Director of Public Works, to such other Bureaus, government entities
or agencies and municipal and provincial authorities as may be deemed necessary and to the public
upon request.

Comment:

Section 26 of the law states that the Commissioner of PRC will create a list of all registered civil engineers,
including their names and workplaces. This list will be updated at least once a year. Copies of this list will be
kept by the PRC and given to government departments, city mayors, and other relevant agencies. People can
also ask for a copy of this list if they want. Basically, it's about keeping track of all qualified civil engineers and
making sure the information is available to those who need it. Overall, it's about transparency and ensuring
everyone knows who is allowed to work as a civil engineer in the Philippines.
 Section 27. Repeal.” All laws, parts of laws, orders, ordinances, or regulations in conflict with the
provisions hereof; including parts of Act Numbered Twenty-nine hundred and eighty-five, as amended,
as pertains to the practice of civil engineering, are hereby repealed, except the provisions of Act
Numbered Thirty- one hundred and fifty-nine amending Act Numbered Twenty-nine hundred and eighty-
five, pertaining to the practice of “maestro de obras.”

Comment:

Section 27 of the law says that any old laws or rules that don't match the new ones are canceled. It means
that if there's a conflict between the old laws and the new ones about civil engineering, the new rules are
the ones that count. However, the changes made by Act Numbered Thirty-one hundred and fifty-nine
regarding "maestro de obras" are still valid. Basically, it's about making sure all the laws about civil
engineering make sense together. It's like tidying up the rules to avoid confusion. Overall, it's about keeping
things clear and consistent in the field of civil engineering.

Section 28. Construction of Act.” If any part or section of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional, such declarations shall not invalidate the other provisions hereof.

Comment:

Section 28 of the law makes sure that if any part of the Act is considered unconstitutional, it won't affect the
rest of the Act. It's like saying that if one piece of a puzzle is missing, the whole picture doesn't fall apart. This
provision protects the integrity of the law, ensuring that even if one part is challenged in court and found to be
unconstitutional, the remaining parts remain valid and enforceable. Basically, it prevents the entire Act from
being canceled just because one part is considered unconstitutional. In simple terms, it's about keeping the
law working and effective despite possible legal challenges.

Section 29. 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).

Comment:

Section 29 of the law simply says that once it's approved, it becomes active right away. It's like saying that
as soon as a switch is flipped, the light turns on. This provision ensures that the law starts working
immediately without any delay. Essentially, it means that the rules and regulations outlined in the Act are
ready to be enforced as soon as it's given the green light. In simple terms, it's about making sure that the
law comes into effect promptly to regulate civil engineering practices according to its rules.