QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 544)
RA No. 544 is titled the “Civil Engineering Law.”
It includes consultation, design, preparation of plans/specifications/estimates, erection/installation, and supervision of construction of specified public works (e.g., streets, bridges, highways, railroads, ports/wharves, canals, water supply, sewerage, tunnels, etc.), and also demolition of permanent structures and other work requiring civil engineering knowledge and application.
It refers to a person duly registered with the Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers, as provided by the Act.
A chairman and two members, appointed by the Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
Three years after appointment (or until their successors are appointed and qualified). The first appointees are staggered: one for one year, one for two years, and one for three years.
Neglect of duty, incompetency, malpractice, unprofessional/unethical conduct, immoral or dishonorable conduct—after opportunity to defend himself in a proper administrative investigation.
To administer oaths; issue/suspend/revoke certificates of registration; issue certificates of recognition for advanced studies/training (subject to approval); investigate violations (including subpoena powers); inspect educational institutions at least once a year; and adopt rules, a code of ethics, and an official seal for documents.
The Director of Public Works and/or his authorized representative in provinces and chartered cities, who must help enforce the Act.
They must be: (1) Philippine citizen and resident; (2) at least 30 years old and of good moral character; (3) civil engineering graduate from a recognized legally constituted school; (4) registered civil engineer qualified to practice; (5) practiced civil engineering for at least 10 years with a certificate; (6) not be a faculty member and have no pecuniary interest in schools where civil engineering is taught; and (7) former faculty may join only if they stopped teaching for at least three consecutive years.
They must pass a technical examination conducted as provided by the Act.
In the City of Manila beginning the second Monday of February and August of each year (or the next following day if those dates fall on official holidays).
Examples include: mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, analytics, geometry, calculus, mechanics); hydraulics; surveying (including highway/railroad and topographic/hydrographic); design and construction of highways and railroads; reinforced concrete and masonry buildings; bridges; foundations; ports/wharves; and sanitary/water supply/irrigation and drainage works.
Applicant must be at least 21 years old; be a Philippine citizen; have good reputation and moral character; and be a graduate of a four-year civil engineering course from a government-recognized institution.
They must take a professional oath before the Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers or other authorized government officials before entering practice.
Registered civil engineers must obtain an authorized seal bearing the certificate serial number. Plans/specifications prepared under their direct supervision must be stamped with the seal during their certificate’s life. It is unlawful to stamp/seal documents after the certificate has expired or been revoked unless renewed or re-issued.
Examples include: (1) certain U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces personnel and U.S. government civilian employees when rendering civil engineering services for the U.S. and/or Philippines; (2) civil engineers/experts called by the Philippine Government for consultation or specific defined work, limited to that work; (3) persons residing in the Philippines preparing plans for certain small/regulated building alterations/buildings; (4) draftsmen/student clerk-of-work/superintendents and other employees acting under control/supervision of authorized employers; (5) “maestro de obras” who may continue, but without making plans/supervision for specified kinds of construction (e.g., reinforced concrete, more than two stories, structural steel frames, public assembly structures); and (6) professional architects and engineers practicing their professions.
It is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than ₱500 nor more than ₱2,000, and/or imprisonment of not less than 6 months nor more than 1 year, at the discretion of the court.