Aseo, Jon Ray S.

E23-6052

PART I: ANALYSIS OF THE LAW

a. Summary of Republic Act No. 544 (Civil Engineering Law):

Article I: Title of the Act and Definition of Terms This section establishes the title of the act as the “Civil
Engineering Law” and defines terms related to civil engineering practice, including the scope of services
and the definition of a civil engineer.
Article II: Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers: This article outlines the composition, powers, and
duties of the Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers, responsible for administering examinations, issuing
certificates of registration, and ensuring ethical and technological standards in the civil engineering
profession.
Article III: Examination and Registration: It details the examination requirements, subjects, and
qualifications for civil engineering examination applicants. It also includes provisions regarding the oath
of civil engineers, the use of seals, and exemptions from registration.
Article IV: Enforcement of Act and Penal Provisions: This article assigns the duty of enforcing the act to
law officers and specifies penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment, for practicing civil
engineering without registration or using false evidence.
Article V: Miscellaneous Provisions: This section covers various aspects such as the requirement for plans
and construction supervision by registered civil engineers, restrictions on firm registrations, reciprocity
requirements for foreign applicants, and the preparation of a roster of registered civil engineers.

b. Summary of Republic Act No. 9184 (New Government Procurement Act):

Republic Act No. 9184, also known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act,” modernizes,
standardizes, and regulates government procurement activities. It applies to the procurement of
infrastructure projects, goods, and consulting services by all branches and instrumentalities of
government.
The act Is divided into 25 articles and 78 sections:
- General Provisions (Articles I and II): Cover the short title, declaration of policy, governing principles,
scope, and application.
- Procurement Planning (Article III): Provides guidelines for procurement planning.
- Procurement by Electronic Means (Article IV): Establishes a government electronic procurement system
(GEPS) for online procurement processes.
- Competitive Bidding (Article V): Details procedures for competitive bidding.
- Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) (Article VI): Outlines the composition and functions of the BAC.
- Bidding Procedures (Articles VII to XI): Cover preparation of bidding documents, invitation to bid,
receipt and opening of bids, bid evaluation, post-qualification, and contract award.
- Other Procurement Methods (Articles XII to XVI): Include provisions for provincial projects, lease
agreements, alternative methods of procurement, and post-qualification mechanisms.
- Dispute Resolution and Final Provisions (Articles XVII to XXV): Address dispute settlement, government
procurement policy board, penal clauses, civil liability, administrative sanctions, legal assistance, and
final provisions.
c) Top 10 Qualities of a Great Civil Engineer:
1. Technical Proficiency: A great civil engineer possesses a strong foundation in technical knowledge and
skills related to planning, design, and construction.
2. Problem-Solving Skills: They are adept at identifying and solving complex engineering problems
effectively and efficiently.
3. Creativity and Innovation: Great civil engineers are innovative thinkers who can develop new ideas and
solutions to address engineering challenges.
4. Attention to Detail: They pay meticulous attention to detail in design and construction processes to
ensure accuracy and quality.
5. Effective Communication: They excel in communicating with team members, clients, and stakeholders
to convey technical information clearly and concisely.
6. Leadership: They demonstrate leadership qualities by effectively managing projects, teams, and
resources to achieve project goals.
7. Ethical Conduct: Great civil engineers uphold ethical standards and integrity in their professional
practice, ensuring the safety and welfare of the public.
8. Adaptability: They are adaptable to changing circumstances and can effectively navigate challenges
and uncertainties in project environments.
9. Collaboration: They collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, fostering cooperation and
synergy to achieve project objectives.
10. Commitment to Continuous Learning: They have a lifelong commitment to learning and professional
development, staying updated on industry advancements and best practices.

PART II: CASE 1 ANALYSIS

A. Situationer:
Background: Engineer Joaquin Aragon, as the chief engineer in a large engineering firm, is responsible
for affixing his seal to plans prepared by registered and non-registered engineers under his general
direction and supervision.

Problem Statement: Engineer Joaquin Aragon’s practice of affixing his seal to plans not prepared by
registered engineers, as well as plans prepared by non-registered engineers, raises ethical and legal
concerns regarding compliance with engineering regulations.

Problem Analysis: The key issue revolves around Engineer Aragon’s belief that his general direction and
supervision suffice for ensuring the quality and compliance of the plans, despite not conducting detailed
reviews or checks personally. This practice raises questions about adherence to the standards set forth in
engineering laws and regulations.

B. Assumptions:
1. Availability of qualified engineers within the firm.
2. Confidence in the ability of engineers working under Engineer Aragon’s supervision.
3. Lack of time and resources for detailed review due to the volume of projects.

C. Alternatives:
1. Conduct a thorough review of all plans personally before affixing the seal.
2. Implement a more robust system of quality assurance and review within the firm.
3. Seek guidance from regulatory bodies or professional associations on best practices for seal affixation.
D. Recommendation:
Given the importance of adherence to engineering regulations and standards, it is recommended that
Engineer Aragon implements a more rigorous system of quality assurance and review within the firm.
This may involve establishing clear protocols for plan review, ensuring all plans are prepared by
registered engineers, and conducting periodic audits to verify compliance.

E. Implementation Plan:
1. Develop standardized procedures for plan review and seal affixation.
2. Provide training and guidance to all engineers on the importance of compliance with engineering
regulations.
3. Allocate sufficient resources and time for thorough plan review processes.
4. Establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of compliance with the implemented
procedures.
5. Seek collaboration with relevant regulatory bodies or professional associations for guidance and
support in ensuring compliance.

By implementing these measures, Engineer Aragon can uphold ethical and legal standards while
maintaining the firm’s commitment to quality and professionalism in engineering practice.

References:
Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9184. (2002). Retrieved from
www.prc.gov.file.

Republic Act No. 544 (As Amended by R.A. 1582). (1956). An Act to Regulate the Practice of Civil
Engineering in the Philippines. Retrieved from
https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/11976#:~:text=1582%2C%20June%2016%2C
%201956%20%5D.