Question & AnswerQ&A (PRC BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE BOARD Resolution NO. 03, S. OF 2008)
The Temporary/Special Permit allows foreign architects from countries with reciprocal architectural practice arrangements to legally practice architecture in the Philippines for a limited period and for a specific project, subject to compliance with legal guidelines and coordination with a Filipino counterpart.
1) Be a citizen of a country that permits Filipino professionals reciprocal practice; 2) Be legally qualified to practice architecture in their own country with relevant expertise; 3) Must work with a Filipino counterpart architect; 4) The hiring firms/agencies must secure the required permits.
They can engage in the general practice of architecture or any part of the scope of architectural practice defined under R.A. No. 9266, including preparing plans and supervising, but cannot act as the Architect-of-Record, a role reserved for the Filipino counterpart.
Violations can result in fines ranging from P100,000.00 to P5,000,000.00, imprisonment from six months to six years, or both, depending on the severity, as provided under Section 29, Article IV of R.A. No. 9266.
They must file an application and secure a Temporary/Special Permit from the Board and Commission and ensure the foreign architect works with a licensed Filipino counterpart.
No, the Temporary/Special Permit is valid for only one project; a separate permit application must be filed for additional projects.
The Architect-of-Record assumes full professional responsibility and civil liability for the architectural work, including signing and sealing architectural documents, while the foreign architect cannot assume this role.
The permit is valid for the period stated upon issuance and must be renewed before its expiry date by the applicant entities through filing an application with updated information and payment of prescribed fees.
They must file a written notice with the Board, after which the permit is canceled, and the foreign architect's name is removed from the authorized roster, requiring them to cease practicing architecture in the Philippines.
The Board issues a written Notice of Violation requiring immediate cessation of architectural practice by the foreign architect and filing of the permit application. Failure to comply may lead to charges and administrative sanctions against the firms or individuals.
The application, renewal, or request for re-issuance requires a fee of one hundred US dollars (USD100.00) or such fee as approved by the Office of the President.
R.A. No. 9266 and its IRR, the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice, R.A. No. 8981 and its IRR, and other related laws and regulations apply fully to foreign architects practicing under these permits.
Yes, teaching architectural subjects is included within the scope of practice as defined under R.A. No. 9266 and can be undertaken by foreign architects with valid Temporary/Special Permits.