Question & AnswerQ&A (PRC Resolution NO. 2008-462, S. OF 2008)
Under Republic Act No. 8981, the PRC is empowered to administer, implement, and enforce regulatory policies including conducting licensure examinations of various regulatory boards, as outlined in Section 7 Paragraphs (a) and (d).
The resolution prohibits any unauthorized person or entity from reproducing, copying, distributing, selling, or possessing test booklets or test questionnaires used in licensure examinations administered by the PRC.
The test booklets and questionnaires are the property of the Professional Regulatory Boards conducting the licensure examinations pursuant to Paragraph (h) Section 9 of R.A. No. 8981.
Per the operating guidelines of the PRC and the Boards, used test booklets and questionnaires are to be destroyed after every licensure examination.
Because these materials are obtained through theft or asportation, possession constitutes possession of stolen property, thus illegal under the law.
The resolution calls on the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police, local government units, and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute violators.
Violations are punishable under the Revised Penal Code, Presidential Decree No. 1612 (Anti-Fencing Law), and Republic Act No. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines), as applicable.
Violators may be prosecuted criminally under the applicable laws mentioned above, which may include penalties for theft, fencing, and intellectual property violations.
The resolution took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation, following adoption on August 1, 2008.
Under Section 7 Paragraph (v) of RA 8981, the PRC may call upon or request any government department, agency, or local government unit to assist in enforcing professional regulatory policies including this resolution.