Manuel S.

Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering

An Autonomous University

ENGINEERING LAWS , CONTRACTS

& ETHICS
Part 2

DR. GUILLERMO M. RAGO JR.

University Professor V
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

ETHICS
• the discipline relating to what is good or
bad, right or wrong, or with moral duty
and obligation

• means a group or moral principles or set

of values relating to the conduct of an
individual and his profession

• like the word morals, is an activity and

area of inquiry
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

WHAT IS ENGINEERING ETHICS?

ENGINEERING ETHICS IS:

1. The study of the moral issues and

decisions confronting individuals and
obligations engaged in engineering.

2. The study of related questions about the

morals ideals, character, policies and
relationships of people and corporations
involves in technological activity.
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

ENTRY OF THE ENGINEER TO

THE PROFESSION
An aspirant to practice engineering should observe his
relation to:

1. The general public

2. The profession and engineering society
3. The client and employer
4. with engineers
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

A. RELATIONSHIP TO THE
GENERAL PUBLIC
• The following acts are among those enjoined and must be
observed by an engineer.

• 1. Avoid misinformation
• 2. Avoidance of rendering opinions in
public on unverified engineering matters
• 3. Guard against public health and safety
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

B. RELATIONSHIP TO THE PROFESSION

AND ENGINEERING SOCIETY
• 1. Loyalty
• 2. Identification with legitimate enterprise
• 3. Continuous awareness of engineering laws
• 4. Avoid discussing engineering matters in public
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

C. RELATIONSHIP TO CLIENT AND

EMPLOYER
• 1. Protection to client or employer
• 2. Quality and dedicated service
• 3. Reasonable professional fees on commissions, rebates,
percentage, etc.
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

D. RELATIONSHIP WITH
ENGINEERS
• 1. Protection of fellow engineers
• 2. Fairness and tolerance
• 3. Merits not due
• 4. Review of colleague’s work
• 5. Controversies with colleagues
• 6. Solicitation of undertakings or clients
• 7. Signing plans and specifications, etc.
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

WHY STUDY ENGINEERING ETHICS?

Engineering ethics course is not about preaching
virtues so that the immoral and moral will adopt an
established set of beliefs.

It is a means to increase the ability of concerned

engineers to responsibly confront moral issues raised
by technological activity.

It identifies a specific precedence with respect to the

engineer's consideration for the public, clients,
employers, and the profession.
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

MORAL DILEMMAS
• are situations in which two or more moral obligations,
duties, rights, goods or ideals come into conflict with one
another.

THREE SORTS OF COMPLEXITY AND MURKINESS

MAY BE INVOLVED IN MORAL SITUATIONS
1. There are problems of vagueness.
2. There are problems of conflicting reasons
3. There are problems of disagreement
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

STEPS IN CONFRONTING MORAL

DILEMMAS
• Identify the relevant moral factors and reasons
• Gather all available facts
• Rank the moral considerations in order of importance as
they apply to the situation
• Consider alternative courses of action
• Talk with colleagues, seek their suggestions and alternative
perspectives on the dilemma
• Arrive at a carefully reasoned judgment
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

PROFESSIONS
• Profession is used as a synonym for “JOB” or occupation,
and to be a professional at some activity means merely to
earn one’s living through it.

• Profession can be applied only to certain occupations which

meet the following special criteria:
1. Knowledge
2. Organization
3. Public good
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

ENGINEERING AS A
PROFESSION:
•a profession is any
occupation that provides a
means by which to earn a
living. Professions are those
forms of work involving
advanced expertise, self
regulation, and concerted
service to the public good.
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

Engineering as an Ethical Profession

• What is a Profession?
• special expertise
• shared moral values
• dependent public
• self-regulation
• promote and protect right actions
• The responsibility to be ethical
• The right to be ethical
• Values embedded in technology
ETHICAL ISSUES
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

Whistleblowing
• A basic ethical dilemma is that an engineer has the duty to
report to the appropriate authority a possible risk to others
from a client or employer failing to follow the engineer's
directions. According to first principles, this duty overrides
the duty to a client and/or employer
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

Other ethical issues

1. Relationships with clients, consultants, competitors, and
contractors
2. Ensuring legal compliance by clients, client's contractors, and
others
3. Conflict of interest
4. Bribery and kickbacks, which also may include:
 Gifts, meals, services, and entertainment
5. Treatment of confidential or proprietary information
6. Consideration of the employer’s assets
7. Outside employment/activities (Moonlighting)
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

Current ethical issues

Currently, bribery and political corruption is
being addressed very directly by several
professional societies and business groups around
the world. However, new issues have arisen, such
as offshoring, sustainable development, and
environmental protection, that the profession is
having to consider and address.
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

Code of Ethics for

Engineers
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

Code of Ethics for Engineers

PREAMBLE
• Engineering is an important and learned profession. As
members of this profession, engineers are expected to exhibit
the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
• Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life
for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by engineers
require honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must be
dedicated to the protection of the public health, Safety and
welfare.
• Engineers must perform under a standard of professional
behavior that requires adherence to the highest principles of
ethical conduct.
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

I. Fundamental Canons
Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:
1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
2. Perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful
manner.
4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.
5. Avoid deceptive acts.
6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and
lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of
the profession.
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

II. Rules of Practice

• 1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and
welfare of the public.
• 2. Engineers shall per form services only in the areas of
their competence.
• 3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an
objective and truthful manner.
• 4. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful
agents or trustees.
• 5. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

III. Professional Obligations

• 1. Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards
of honesty and integrity.

• 2. Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest.

• 3. Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives the public.

• 4. Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information

concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or
former client or employer, or public body on which they serve.
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

III. Professional Obligations

• 5. Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional duties by
conflicting interests.

• 6. Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement or

professional engagements by untruthfully criticizing other engineers, or by
other improper or questionable methods.

• 7. Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or

indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment
of other engineers. Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or
illegal practice shall present such information to the proper authority for
action.
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

III. Professional Obligations

• 8. Engineers shall accept personal responsibility for their
professional activities, provided, however, that engineers
may seek indemnification for services arising out of their
practice for other than gross negligence, where the
engineer’s interests cannot otherwise be protected.

• 9. Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those

to whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary
interests of others.
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City College of Engineering
An Autonomous University

PRACTICAL EXERCISE 2 ( For ETEEAP)

2.1 Provide an analysis of the Code of Ethics /Canons
of Conduct of your profession

2.2 Provide a summary/analysis by article the

Intellectual Property Rights Law. (RA 8293)

Date of Submission – March 18, 2023

Computer generated output in short bond paper