Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Republic Act No. 9266, or better known as the Architecture Act of 2004, is a significant legislation that aims to
protect the profession of Architecture in the country. The law mandates that architectural services should only be
provided by qualified professionals. However, despite the enactment of this law, there is still room for further
improvement in order to protect and empower our Architects.
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORE RESPONSIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE REGULATION 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.
ARTICLE 1
GENERAL PROVISION
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Architecture Act of 2004."
SECTION 2. Statement of Policy. - The State recognizes the importance of architects in nation-building and
development, aiming to cultivate competent, virtuous, and productive architects with excellent, qualitative, world-
class, and globally competitive standards through licensure examinations, regulatory measures, programs, and
activities.
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
1. Architecture is the art, science, or profession of planning, designing, and constructing buildings,
considering their environment, in accordance with the principles of utility, strength, and beauty.
2. An architect is a professionally and academically qualified person, registered and licensed under the Act,
responsible for advocating fair and sustainable development, welfare, and cultural expression of
society's habitat.
a. Architect-of-record: The architect responsible for the total design of a project and civil liability for
signed and sealed documents.
b. Architecture-in-charge of construction: The architect responsible for construction supervision.
c. Consulting Architect: An architect with exceptional expertise or specialization in any branch of
architecture.
3. General Practice of Architecture involves planning, designing, supervising, and administrating the
construction, enlargement, or alteration of buildings, considering scientific, aesthetic, and orderly
coordination.
4. Scope of the Practice of Architecture encompasses various professional services related to site
planning, design, construction, conservation, renovation, and more.
5. Structural Conceptualization is the act of conceiving and developing the structural elements of an
architectural work with consideration for safety, cost-effectiveness, functionality, and aesthetics.
6. Architectural Firm refers to a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation registered with proper
government agencies.
7. Authorship refers to the author or authors of architectural plans or specifications, in charge of their
preparation.
8. Board refers to the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture.
9. Commission means the Professional Regulation Commission.
10. Service Agreement is a notarized contract stipulating the scope of services and compensation for an
architect.
11. Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization is the official national organization of all architects
in the Philippines.
12. Continuing Professional Development refers to sustaining and progressive learning to enhance
architects' knowledge and abilities.
13. DTI: Department of Trade and Industry; and
14. SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission, respectively.
ARTICLE 2
SECTION 4. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board. - The Professional
Regulatory Board of Architecture has been established, a collegial body under the supervision of the
Professional Regulation Commission. The Board, consisting of a chairman and two members appointed by the
President of the Philippines, will be established within six months of the Act's effectivity. The Commission will
oversee the board's operations.
SECTION 5. Qualifications of Members of the Professional Regulatory Board. - Each member shall have at
the time of his/her appointment, possess the following qualifications:
SECTION 6. Term of Office. - The Board members serve a three-year term, with vacancies filled for the
unexpired term only. Reappointed members can serve for one full term. The first appointed members are
appointed as chairman for three years, two years, and one year. Members must take the proper oath before
performing duties. Incumbent members serve until a new board is properly organized.
SECTION 7. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall exercise the following specific powers,
functions and responsibilities:
a) Prescribing and adopting rules and regulations for implementing the provisions of the Architecture Act.
b) Supervising the registration, licensure, and practice of architects.
c) Administering oaths related to the Architecture Act.
d) Issuing, suspending, revoking, or reinstating Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification
Cards for architects.
e) Adopting an official seal for the Board.
f) Monitoring conditions affecting the practice of architecture and taking measures to maintain high
professional and ethical standards.
g) Prescribing and adopting the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice.
h) Hearing and deciding administrative cases, with the Board's decisions becoming final after 15 days
unless appealed to the Commission and subsequently to the Court of Appeals.
i) Prescribing guidelines for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program, though attendance
is not mandatory for license renewal.
j) Preparing, adopting, issuing, or amending syllabi for licensure examinations and overseeing the
examination process.
k) Approving, issuing, limiting, or canceling temporary or special permits to practice architecture.
l) Coordinating with the CHED to ensure compliance of architecture education with prescribed policies,
standards, and requirements.
m) Adopting a program for the full computerization of licensure examinations.
n) Performing other duties and functions deemed necessary for the enhancement of the architecture
profession and the development of architecture education.
SECTION 8. Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat and Support
Services. – The Commission will oversee the Board, custody of all records, and designate the Secretary. They
will provide support services and services to implement the Act's provisions.
SECTION 9. Grounds for Suspension or Removal of Members of the Board. – The President of the
Philippines has the authority, upon the recommendation of the Commission, to suspend or remove a member of
the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture for the following grounds:
SECTION 11. Annual Report. - The Board is required to submit an annual report to the Commission, detailing
its activities and offering any necessary recommendations.
ARTICLE 3
SECTION 12. Examination Required. – All applicants for registration as architects must undergo a licensure
examination designated by the Board in locations and dates determined by the Commission in accordance with
Republic Act No. 8981.
SECTION 13. Qualifications of Applicant for Examination. - Qualifications for examination include
establishing Filipino citizenship or eligibility as a foreign citizen, good moral character, a Bachelor of Science in
Architecture degree from a recognized institution, and at least two years of certified diversified architectural
experience. A Master's Degree in Architecture credits one year of practical experience. No convictions of crimes
involving moral turpitude are allowed.
SECTION 14. Subjects for Examination. - The licensure examination covers subjects such as History and
Theory of Architecture, Principles of Planning and Architectural Practice, Structural Design, Building Materials,
Architectural Specifications, Methods of Construction and Utilities, Urban Design and Architectural Interiors, and
Architectural Design and Site Planning. The Board, with Commission approval, may revise or add subjects to
adapt to technological changes in the architectural profession.
SECTION 15. Rating in the Licensure Examination. - Candidates must obtain a weighted general average of
70%, with no grade lower than 50%, to pass the licensure examination for architects.
SECTION 16. Report of Ratings. - The Board must submit candidate ratings to the Commission within 30 days
of the examination. Candidates will receive their ratings by mail within the same period.
SECTION 17. Oath. - Successful candidates must take an oath of profession before a Board member,
authorized government official, or a person authorized by law before practicing architecture.
SECTION 18. Issuance of Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Card. - Certificates of
Registration and Professional Identification Cards are issued to passing examinees upon payment of prescribed
fees. The documents bear signatures, official seal, and remain valid unless withdrawn, suspended, or revoked.
SECTION 19. Roster of Architects. - The Board maintains a roster of registered professional architects, and
copies are made available as necessary.
SECTION 20. Seal, Issuance and Use of Seal. - Licensed architects must affix a seal authorized by the Board
on architectural plans and documents prepared under their supervision. The use of the seal is regulated, and it is
unlawful to use an expired or revoked seal.
SECTION 21. Indication of Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card and Professional
Tax Receipt. - The architect must include their Certificate of Registration, Professional Identification Card, date
of issuance, validity duration, and professional tax receipt number on all documents related to their profession.
SECTION 22. Refusal to Issue Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card. - The Board
cannot issue a Certificate of Registration or Professional Identification Card to individuals who falsely swore or
misrepresented themselves, or those convicted of moral turpitude, immoral conduct, or unsound mind. If a
certificate is refused, the applicant must provide a written statement explaining the reason. However, registration
cannot be refused for political offenses or offenses that don't disqualify a person from practicing.
SECTION 23. Suspension and Revocation of Certificates of Registration, Professional Identification Card
or the Special/Temporary Permit. - The Board can suspend or revoke certificates for various reasons,
including fraudulent practices, unprofessional conduct, aiding unauthorized practitioners, and violating the
Architecture Act.
ARTICLE 4
PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE
SECTION 25. Registration of Architects Required. – Only registered architects can practice architecture, use
the title "Architect," or engage in related activities. Foreign architects working in the country without authorization
are considered engaged in unauthorized practice.
SECTION 26. Vested Rights: Architects Registered When this Law is Passed. - Architects registered before
the enactment of this law are automatically registered under its provisions.
SECTION 27. Reciprocity Requirements. - Non-Philippine citizens cannot take licensure exams unless they
prove they can practice the profession in their home country without restrictions or after passing an examination
with strict equality, including the recognition of prerequisite degrees from recognized institutions by the Philippine
government.
SECTION 28. Continuing Professional Development (CPD). - Architects must maintain a continuing
professional development program to promote public interest and protect life, health, and property, with
accreditation from the Board allowing other entities or organizations to become providers.
SECTION 29. Prohibition in the Practice of Architecture and Penal Clause. - In the Philippines, anyone
practicing architecture without proper registration or license, presenting false or forged evidence, impersonating
a registrant, using revoked or suspended permits, or knowingly allowing the use of plans from unlicensed entities
is guilty of a misdemeanor. Penalties range from P100,000 to P5,000,000, and imprisonment can be up to six
years.
SECTION 30. Prohibition in the Practice of Architecture. - Any entity that forces an architect to perform
services without a written contract is guilty of a misdemeanor and may face a fine of P200,000.00, imprisonment
for up to six years, or both at the court's discretion.
SECTION 31. Liability of Representatives of Non-Registered Persons. - The Act prohibits individuals or
corporations from avoiding provisions by having representatives or employees seek architectural work without
proper qualifications and registration. Solicitation of architectural work is considered an offering to practice
architecture.
SECTION 32. Signing of Architectural Plans, Specifications and Other Contract Documents. - The text
states that it is illegal for an architect to sign their name or seal on architectural plans or specifications under
another architect's supervision, and that the Architect-of-Record is responsible for all such documents. The
Board will establish rules for this.
SECTION 33. Ownership of Plans, Specifications and other Contract Documents. - Drawings,
specifications, and contract documents are the intellectual property of the architect, and duplication without
written consent is unlawful.
SECTION 34. Non-Registered Person Shall Not Claim Equivalent Service. - Non-registered individuals
cannot claim equivalent services to registered architects.
SECTION 35. Positions in Government Requiring the Services of Registered and Licensed Architects. -
Within three years, positions in government requiring architectural services must be filled by registered
architects.
SECTION 36. Collection of Professional Fees. - Only registered architects or their representatives can collect
fees for architectural services.
SECTION 38. Coverage of Temporary/Special Permits. - Temporary/special permits for foreign nationals
involved in specific projects, subject to conditions.
SECTION 39. Liability Insurance of a Person or Entity Allowed to Practice under a Temporary/Special
Permit. - Liability insurance required for foreign nationals practicing architecture under a temporary/special
permit, with specific conditions outlined.
ARTICLE 5
Final Provisions
SECTION 40. Integration of the Architecture Profession. – Integration of the architecture profession into a
national organization accredited by the Board and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SECTION 41. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Board, in coordination with the accredited
professional organization.
SECTION 42. Appropriations. - Inclusion of funding for the Act's implementation in the annual General
Appropriations Act.
SECTION 43. Act Not Affecting Other Professionals. - Clarifies that the Act does not affect other legally
recognized professions.
SECTION 44. Enforcement of the Act. - Empowers any person to report illegal practice or violations of the Act.
SECTION 45. Separability Clause. - Ensures the separability of the Act's provisions, with an unconstitutional or
invalid part not affecting the others.
SECTION 46. Repealing Clause. - Repeals Republic Act No. 545, as amended by Republic Act No. 1581, and
other inconsistent laws, orders, rules, regulations, or resolutions.
SECTION 47. Effectivity. - The Act takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or two
newspapers of general circulation.
PD 1096
ADOPTING A NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES THEREBY REVISING REPUBLIC ACT
NUMBERED SIXTY-FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE
Title of the Decree is the "National Building Code of the Philippines," referred to as the "Code."
Scope and application cover the design, construction, use, and maintenance of public and private buildings,
excluding traditional indigenous family dwellings.
General building requirements emphasize safe construction, suitability for purpose, and environmental
safeguards for manufacturing or production buildings.
Site requirements mandate sanitary, hygienic, and safe conditions for the land or site of a building, especially for
human habitation.
Definitions of words, terms, and phrases used in the Code are provided in Annex "A."
The Secretary of Public Works, Transportation and Communications is responsible for the administration and
enforcement of the Code.
The Secretary can constitute a professional staff to support the enforcement of building design and construction
standards.
SECTION 203. General Powers and Functions of the Secretary under this Code
Outlines the general powers and functions of the Secretary, including formulating policies, issuing regulations,
and evaluating referral codes.
The Secretary, with technical staff, provides professional and technical assistance, including testing laboratories,
for the implementation of the Code.
Building Officials are responsible for enforcing the Code in their jurisdiction, and the Secretary may designate
other officials for this role.
Qualifications for a Building Official include being a Filipino citizen, a registered architect or civil engineer, a
member of a professional organization, and having five years of relevant experience.
Duties of a Building Official involve enforcing the Code, inspecting buildings, issuing permits, and ordering work
stoppage or discontinuance of use for non-compliance.
Building Officials collect fees, and a portion is retained for operating expenses, while the rest is deposited in the
city or municipal treasury.
Public buildings and traditional indigenous family dwellings are exempt from building permit fees.
The Secretary can prescribe procedures for using net income from fees to cover operating expenses.
The Secretary formulates rules and regulations, and design and construction standards for buildings, which take
effect after publication.
The Secretary can prescribe and impose fines not exceeding ten thousand pesos for Code violations.
SECTION 213. Penal Provisions
Dangerous buildings are structurally unsafe, pose fire hazards, or are otherwise dangerous.
The Building Official can order the repair, vacation, or demolition of dangerous buildings.
The rights, actions, and remedies provided in the Code are additional to those available under existing laws.
Section 301: No building-related activities can occur without obtaining a building permit from the designated
Building Official.
Section 302: To obtain a building permit, applicants must submit a written application with specified details,
including work description, certified land title, intended use, and estimated cost, along with plans and
specifications.
Section 303: The processing of building permits, ensuring compliance with standards, falls under the overall
control of the Building Official and qualified professionals.
Section 304: The Building Official issues a building permit within fifteen days if satisfied that the work and
submitted plans conform to the Code's requirements.
Section 305: The issuance of a building permit does not authorize the permittee to disregard or violate any
provisions of the Code.
Section 306: The Building Official may order non-issuance, suspension, or revocation of building permits for
reasons such as errors in plans, incorrect data, or non-compliance with the Code.
Section 307: Applicants can appeal non-issuance, suspension, or revocation of permits to the Secretary, with a
final decision subject to review by the Office of the President.
Section 308: The building owner with a permit must engage a licensed architect or civil engineer for full-time
inspection and supervision of construction work, submitting a logbook and a Certificate of Completion upon
project completion.
Section 309: No building or structure can be used or occupied without a Certificate of Occupancy issued by the
Building Official, indicating compliance with the Code's provisions, to be displayed on the premises.
CHAPTER 4: TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
Section 401: Buildings are classified into five types (Type I to Type V) based on construction materials,
specifying permissible structural elements.
Section 402: Changes in the type of construction are prohibited unless compliance with the new type's
requirements is ensured, with exceptions approved by the Building Official.
Section 403: The Secretary shall establish standards and regulations for each type of construction, addressing
structural elements, walls, openings, floors, exits, stairs, and roofs, subject to the provisions of this chapter.
Section 501: Fire zones are designated areas with specific building restrictions based on use, construction type,
and fire resistance.
Section 502: If a building spans multiple fire zones, it is considered in the more restrictive zone if over one-third
of its floor area is located there.
Section 503: Buildings moved within or into any fire zone must comply with the requirements of that zone.
Section 504: Temporary structures in fire zones require special permits, are subject to specific conditions, and
must be removed after a limited time.
Section 505: The center line of an adjoining street or alley may be considered an adjacent property line for
measurement purposes.
Section 506: Existing buildings in fire zones not meeting new construction standards can only be demolished,
moved outside the zone, repaired within limits, or have fire-separated additions.
Section 507: The Secretary shall establish specific restrictions for each fire zone, with cities and municipalities
divided based on local planning and development plans.
Section 601: Fire-resistive rating is the ability of a material to withstand fire, determined by recognized testing
methods.
Section 602: Fire-resistive time period rating specifies the duration a material can resist burning, such as one,
two, three, or four hours.
Section 603: Construction materials and assemblies must be classified based on their fire-retardant or flame-
spread ratings, determined by accepted testing methods or by the Secretary.
Section 604: The Secretary establishes standards and regulations for testing construction materials.
CHAPTER 7: CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS BY USE OR
OCCUPANCY
Section 701: Buildings are classified into groups based on use, such as residential, hotels, education,
institutional, business, industrial, storage, assembly, and accessory.
Section 702: No change in occupancy or use is allowed unless the building complies with the requirements for
the new division or group, and changes are subject to approval if the new use is less hazardous.
Section 703: Buildings with mixed occupancy must adhere to the most restrictive requirement, with occupancy
separations classified by fire-resistive time periods.
Section 704: Buildings must have direct access to public space, yard, or street, and exterior walls must meet fire
resistance and opening protection requirements.
Section 705: Allowable floor areas are defined for different types of buildings and occupancies, with provisions
for separating portions of a building.
Section 706: Allowable floor areas may be increased under certain conditions based on the presence of public
space, streets, or yards.
Section 707: Maximum building height and number of stories are determined by the character of occupancy, type
of construction, and other factors.
Section 708: Minimum requirements for Group A dwellings include provisions for location, light, ventilation,
sanitation, foundation, posts, floor, roof, stairs, entrance, exit, electrical, and mechanical aspects.
Section 709: Rules and regulations will be established for each group occupancy, covering construction, height,
area, location, exit facilities, light, ventilation, sanitation, vertical openings, fire extinguishing systems, and
special hazards.
Section 801: Buildings must provide adequate light and ventilation, facing a street or approved private street,
and alterations or enlargements must adhere to specified size requirements.
Section 802: Measurement of site occupancy excludes courts, yards, and light wells, with exceptions for specific
projections.
Section 803: Minimum site occupancy is determined by the use, type of construction, height, and other factors,
subject to local zoning requirements.
Section 804: Minimum size and dimensions of courts are based on building characteristics, with a minimum
horizontal dimension for courts.
Section 805: Ceiling heights vary based on ventilation methods, with mezzanine floors having clear ceiling height
requirements.
Section 806: Minimum sizes and dimensions for rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms are specified.
Section 807: Minimum air space requirements for school rooms, workshops, factories, offices, and habitable
rooms are defined.
Section 808: Rooms without artificial ventilation must have windows with a total free area equal to at least 10%
of the room's floor area.
Section 809: Ventilation or vent shafts must meet specific requirements, including horizontal cross-sectional
area, skylights, and air ducts.
Section 810: Skylights must have a glass area not less than required for replaced windows and equipped with
movable sashes or louvers.
Section 811: Artificial ventilation requirements are outlined for various spaces, specifying air changes per hour
for different purposes, such as offices, kitchens, assembly rooms, institutional buildings, and other spaces.
CHAPTER 9: SANITATION
CHAPTER 10:
CHAPTER 3 PERMITS AND INSPECTION
No building-related activity can occur without obtaining a building permit from the designated Building Official.
No building-related activity can occur without obtaining a building permit from the designated Building Official.
The processing of building permits falls under the control of the Building Official, ensuring compliance with
zoning, structural, health, and safety standards.
The Building Official issues a building permit if satisfied with the application, plans, and specifications within
fifteen days of fee payment. The permit may cover only part of a building, and approved plans cannot be altered
without approval.
The issuance of a building permit does not authorize violations of the Code. Permits expire if work doesn't
commence within a year or is suspended or abandoned for 120 days.
Building permits may not be issued, or existing ones may be suspended or revoked due to errors in plans,
incorrect information, or non-compliance with the Code. Notice of such actions must be in writing.
Applicants can appeal non-issuance, suspension, or revocation within 15 days. The Secretary renders a decision
within fifteen days, subject to review by the Office of the President.
No building or structure can be used or occupied without a Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Official.
The certificate is issued within thirty days after a final inspection confirms compliance with the Code. The
certificate must be displayed on the premises. Non-issuance, suspension, or revocation of Certificates of
Occupancy can be appealed following similar procedures as for building permits.
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