QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 1378)
RA 1378 is an Act “to regulate the trade of master plumber.” It establishes a regulatory system—through a Board of Examiners—for the practice of plumbing in chartered cities, including defining the practice, qualifying and licensing master plumbers, setting examination requirements, and penalizing unlicensed practice and prohibited acts.
It includes consultations, designing, preparation of plans, specification, estimates, erection, installation and supervision of plumbing work (including inspection and acceptance of materials), extension and alteration of all pipings to fixtures and related appliances, and work involving storm/sanitary drainage, sanitary venting, hot/cold water supply systems, storm drains, sewerage systems, and public disposal/terminal connections, plus other work requiring plumbing knowledge and application.
A “master plumber” is a person duly registered with the Board of Examiners for Master Plumbers in the manner provided by the Act.
The President appoints the Chairman and two members upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Civil Service, in consultation with a duly registered national association of master plumbers.
Regular terms are three years. For the first appointees, one member holds for one year, one for two years, and one for three years.
A Board member may be removed by the President for neglect of duty, incompetency, malpractice, or unprofessional/unethical/immoral/dishonorable conduct, but only after the member is given an opportunity to defend himself in an administrative investigation duly held.
The Board administers the Act and may issue, suspend, or revoke certificates of registration of master plumbers, and administer oaths connected with such certificates.
The Board may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum under the hand of its Chairman and the seal of the Board to compel attendance and production of books/documents in cases involving violations of the Act. If refused, the Board may petition the Court of First Instance for a court subpoena compelling compliance.
Examples include: provide pure and wholesome water and avoid unsafe supply/backflow; ensure adequate water volume/pressure for fixtures; design plumbing for minimum water consistent with proper performance; prevent explosion hazards in heating/storing water devices; require sewer connections where buildings abut on a street/alley/easement with a public sewer; ensure each family dwelling on sewer-abutting/private sewage system has at least one water closet and one kitchen-type sink; require smooth non-absorbent, non-concealed fouling fixtures; equip each fixture directly connected to drainage with a water-seal trap; design drainage to guard against fouling/clogging with cleanouts; require adequate air circulation in pipes to prevent siphonage/aspiration; and tests for leaks/defects.
He must be (1) a citizen and resident of the Philippines, (2) at least 30 years old and of good moral character, and (3) actively engaged in the master plumber trade for at least five years.
Section 7: PHP 35 for each examination applicant; PHP 10 for each certificate of registration.
The Commissioner of Civil Service is the executive officer of the Board, conducts the examinations, designates a subordinate officer as secretary of the Board, and keeps all Board records and minutes including examination papers.
Applicant must be at least 21 years old; a Philippine citizen; of good moral character; a high school graduate; and have at least five years of experience in actual plumbing work under the supervision of a registered master plumber.
Plumbing arithmetic (10%); Plumbing Code (10%); Sanitation, plumbing design and installation (40%); Practical problems (20%); Oral practical problems and experience (20%).
Liable if one engages in plumbing without registration; uses/attempts to use another’s certificate as one’s own; gives false or forged evidence; impersonates a master plumber; uses a revoked/suspended certificate; assumes/uses/advertises a title implying one is registered without holding a valid certificate; or violates provisions of the Act. Penalty: misdemeanor—fine of not less than PHP 500 nor more than PHP 2,000 and/or imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than one year, at the court’s discretion.
No. Exemptions include (1) officers/enlisted men of the Armed Forces of the United States and of the Philippines and civilian employees of the U.S. Government stationed in the U.S./Philippines; and (2) plumbing experts called in by the Philippine Government for consultations for specific construction, limited to such work.
Section 23 provides that the Act applies only in chartered cities. This affects territorial coverage and whether the licensing/exam requirements and penalties apply in a given area.