Law Summary
Powers and Functions of the Board
- Administers the provisions of the Act.
- Issues, suspends, or revokes certificates of registration for architects.
- Administers oaths related to registration.
- Has subpoena power to enforce compliance and investigate violations.
- Can recommend measures to maintain standards and ethics for architecture practice.
Qualifications and Terms for Board Members
- Must be Filipino citizens and residents.
- Must have a recognized architecture degree and at least 10 years of active practice.
- Cannot be faculty or have pecuniary interest in architectural schools unless not teaching for 3 years.
- Members serve a three-year term; initial appointments staggered for 1, 2, and 3 years.
Executive Officers, Vacancy and Compensation
- The Commissioner of Civil Service acts as the Board's executive officer and oversees examination administration.
- Vacancies filled by the Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
- Members may be removed for neglect, incompetence, or dishonorable conduct after due process.
- Compensation is set at five pesos per applicant examined or registered.
Board Rules, Reports, and Roster of Registered Architects
- Board can adopt rules and include penal provisions with fines and imprisonment.
- Must submit annual reports detailing activities and recommendations.
- Annual roster of registered architects is prepared and disseminated to relevant government agencies and the public.
Registration and Practice Requirements
- Certificates of registration authorize the practice of architecture.
- Only registered architects may practice architecture or use the title "Architect".
- Preparation of architectural plans and specifications is restricted to registered architects or duly registered civil engineers (with limitations).
Definition of Architect and Practice of Architecture
- Architect: Technically and legally qualified persons duly registered.
- Practice includes planning, designing, specifying, supervising, and administering construction projects.
- Authorship of plans is attributed to those responsible for preparation or supervision.
Automatic Registration and Exemptions
- Architects registered at enactment are automatically registered under this Act.
- Exemptions include certain plan preparations for farm buildings, personal use buildings, and other specified categories.
- Draftsmen, students, engineers, and "Maestro de Obras" have delineated exemptions with limitations.
- Temporary licenses for government-employed architects are possible.
Examination and Qualifications
- All applicants must pass a technical examination twice yearly unless exempted.
- Minimum qualifications include age, good character, high school education, a recognized architecture degree, and practical experience.
- Fraudulent applications may lead to suspension or revocation.
Examination Procedures and Subjects
- Exams held in Manila and other locations.
- Subjects cover architectural design, history, engineering, practice, materials, laws, ethics, and business functions.
- Ratings are reported to appropriate officials within 120 days.
- Applicants failing three times must wait one year before reexamination.
Issuance and Use of Certificates and Seal
- Certificates bear registrant's name, serial number, and official signatures and seals.
- Registrants receive a seal to authenticate architectural documents.
- Only sealed and signed plans by registered architects are acceptable.
- Unauthorized use and copying of documents are prohibited.
Fees and Grounds for Refusal
- Fees are collected for examination, registration, reinstatement, and replacement of certificates.
- Certificates will not be issued or renewed for convicted persons, those with immoral conduct, or unsound mind.
Suspension and Revocation of Certificates
- Certificates may be suspended or revoked for fraud, negligence, unprofessional conduct, or violation of regulations.
- Grounds include unauthorized signing, fraud in obtaining certificates, impersonation, or aiding unregistered practice.
- Appeals lie with the Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
Reissue of Certificates
- Reinstatement applications may be entertained after one year.
- Lost certificates may be replaced by the Board.
Prohibitions and Penalties for Unauthorized Practice
- Practicing without registration or title misuse is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.
Restrictions on Representation and Fee Collection
- Non-registered persons cannot represent or claim architectural work equivalency.
- Soliciting architectural work without registration is unlawful.
- Unregistered persons cannot collect architectural fees except as representatives of registered architects.
Corporate Practice and Reciprocity
- Architecture practice is limited to individuals, firms or corporations cannot be registered as architects.
- Reciprocity applies to foreign applicants based on equality of rights with Filipino architects.
Enforcement and Legal Assistance
- Law enforcement officials must prosecute violations.
- Secretary of Justice acts as legal adviser to the Board.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- The Act does not affect other professions.
- Invalidity of any part shall not affect the remainder.
- Repeals conflicting local or national provisions.
- Takes effect upon approval.