Definitions and Scope of Practice
- Practice of chemical engineering covers the rendering or offering of professional services with or without compensation.
- Definitions include industrial plant, unit process, unit operation, and professional chemical engineering subjects.
- A chemical engineer is a person registered and holding a valid Certificate and ID from the Board and PRC.
Scope of Chemical Engineering Services
- Services include consultation, investigation, estimation, planning, design, supervision, operation (excluding lab analysis), and R&D.
- Teaching and reviewing chemical engineering subjects in relevant educational institutions are part of the scope.
Creation and Composition of the Regulatory Board
- A Board of Chemical Engineering is created under the PRC, consisting of a Chairman and two members.
- Members are appointed by the President from nominees of the accredited national organization of chemical engineers.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Supervise and regulate the practice; evaluate applicant qualifications.
- Prescribe exam subjects, syllabi, and weights; construct and rate exam questions.
- Issue Certificates of Registration and special permits; enforce compliance through inspections.
- Coordinate with CHED to inspect educational programs.
- Adopt rules, regulations, Code of Ethics, and Technical Standards.
- Investigate professional violations, issue subpoenas, hear administrative cases, and prosecute criminal actions.
- Administer oaths, adopt official seal, submit annual reports, and prescribe CPE guidelines.
Qualifications and Terms for Board Members
- Must be natural-born Filipino citizens, registered engineers, with at least 10 years of active practice.
- Must not have pecuniary interest or faculty membership in education institutions offering qualifying degrees or reviews.
- Term is three years with possibility of reappointment; vacancies filled for unexpired terms.
Administrative Provisions
- Board has a Secretary appointed by the Commission.
- Board members may be removed or suspended for misconduct after due process.
- Compensation is prescribed by PRC regulations.
- Annual reports of proceedings and recommendations are submitted to the Commission.
Licensure Examination
- All practitioners must pass a licensure exam conducted twice a year by the Board.
- Exam covers physical/chemical principles, general engineering, and chemical engineering topics (at least 40%).
- Applicants must be Filipino citizens, morally upright, graduates of recognized BS Chemical Engineering programs, and free from offenses involving moral turpitude.
- Examination fees are prescribed by the Commission.
- Results are reported within 30 days after exam correction.
Registration and Certification
- Passing score requires a general average of 70%, with no subject below 50%.
- Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Cards are issued; these remain valid unless suspended or revoked.
- Registered chemical engineers must obtain a professional seal for stamping official documents.
- Registration fees are mandated by the Commission.
Exemptions from Registration
- Foreign chemical engineers may be exempted when invited by the Philippines for consultation or specific projects.
- Foreign chemical engineering professors contracted by Philippine education institutions may also be exempted.
Suspension, Revocation, and Reissuance of Certificates
- Grounds for suspension/revocation include misrepresentation, acts inimical to the profession, and immoral conduct.
- Complaints may be filed by anyone or initiated by the Board.
- Reissuance of revoked or lost certificates possible upon proper petition and fee payment.
Practice Regulations and Restrictions
- Existing registered chemical engineers at the law's effectivity are automatically registered.
- Only licensed and registered individuals may practice; no entities (partnerships, firms) may be registered to practice.
- Partnerships among licensed professionals allowed but entity naming regulated.
- Unlicensed practice, impersonation, or falsification are misdemeanors.
- A roster of registered chemical engineers shall be maintained and regularly updated.
- Government submissions of industrial plant plans/specifications require the signature and seal of a registered chemical engineer.
- Reciprocity required before foreign engineers may practice similarly in the Philippines.
- The law does not affect the practice of other recognized professions.
- Practitioners must indicate license numbers and Privilege Tax Receipt on documents.
- Membership in the integrated and accredited national organization is automatic upon registration and bars membership in other chemical engineer associations.
Penal Provisions
- Violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines ranging from ₱10,000 to ₱1,000,000 and/or imprisonment of 6 months to 5 years.
Enforcement and Implementation
- The Board and the PRC are responsible for enforcement and prosecution of violations.
- Government authorities shall assist in enforcement.
- The Board, with PRC approval, shall promulgate implementing rules, including ethical and technical codes.
- The law contains standard clauses on separability, repealing previous related laws (notably RA No. 318), and effectivity within 15 days after publication.