Composition and Appointment of the Board of Examiners
- Board composed of a chairman and two members appointed by the Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
- Members serve three-year terms; initial staggered terms of 1, 2, and 3 years.
- Members take oath before assuming duties.
- Grounds for removal include neglect, incompetence, malpractice, unprofessional or immoral conduct, following an administrative investigation.
- Vacancies filled for unexpired terms.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Administer oaths; issue, suspend, revoke certificates of registration.
- Issue certificates for advanced studies and research, subject to Secretary approval.
- Investigate violations; issue subpoenas for witnesses.
- Inspect schools, projects, corporations offering civil engineering annually.
- Enforce ethical and technological standards.
- Director of Public Works and representatives serve as ex-officio agents aiding enforcement.
- May promulgate rules and regulations; adopts a code of ethics.
- Has an official seal for authenticating documents.
Qualifications for Board Membership
- Filipino citizen and resident; at least 30 years old; good moral character.
- Graduate of civil engineering from recognized institutions.
- Registered civil engineer with at least 10 years of practice.
- Not currently faculty or pecuniarily interested in civil engineering educational institutions.
- Former faculty must have ceased teaching for at least 3 years before appointment.
Fees and Compensation
- Examination fee: 40 pesos; registration certificate fee: 20 pesos.
- Board members receive 5 pesos per applicant examined.
- Government-employed members receive compensation plus salary.
- Operating expenses paid from Bureau of Civil Service appropriations.
Reporting and Accountability
- Annual detailed activity report submitted to the Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
Examination Requirements and Procedures
- Successful passing of technical examination required.
- Examinations held twice yearly in Manila (February and August).
- Subjects include mathematics, mechanics, hydraulics, surveying, structural design, sanitary engineering, water systems, dams, canals.
- Civil Service Commissioner acts as Board’s executive officer overseeing examinations.
- Qualifications to take exam: minimum 21 years old, Filipino citizen, good moral character, civil engineering graduate from recognized school.
Registration and Professional Practice
- Successful examinees must take a professional oath before practice.
- Registered engineers must obtain and use an authorized seal on plans and documents.
- Use of seal is tied to valid certificate; unlawful to use seal after certificate expiration or revocation without renewal.
Exemptions from Registration
- US and Philippine Armed Forces officers and civilian employees rendering engineering services.
- Foreign civil engineers or experts consulting or contracted for specific fixed structures.
- Persons may prepare plans for limited types of buildings without registration under specific conditions.
- Draftsmen, clerks, superintendents may work under registered engineers' supervision.
- "Maestro de obras" (master builder) practitioners before the Act may continue within defined limits.
- The Act does not restrict registered architects and engineers from practicing their professions.
Grounds for Refusal, Suspension, and Revocation of Certificates
- Refusal for persons convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or of unsound mind.
- Suspension or revocation possible after due process and Secretary’s approval.
- Board must provide written reasons for refusal; reasons are part of record.
Re-issuance and Replacement of Certificates
- Revoked certificates may be eligible for new registration after one year.
- The Board may waive re-examination at its discretion.
Transitional Provisions
- All practicing civil engineers must obtain certificates under this Act.
- Already licensed engineers at the time automatically registered without re-examination.
- Exemption from examination for graduates with five years government service after passing civil service examination.
Enforcement and Penal Provisions
- Law enforcement officers mandated to enforce the Act and prosecute violations.
- Certificate of registration mandatory to practice civil engineering unless exempt.
- Penalties for unlicensed practice or fraudulent use of certificates include fines (500-2000 pesos), imprisonment (6 months to 1 year), or both.
Regulation of Construction and Engineering Firms
- Construction of public gathering structures requires plans approved, prepared, signed, sealed by registered civil engineer.
- Firms and corporations may practice civil engineering only under supervision of registered engineer(s).
- Use of person’s name as firm’s name permitted only if person is registered engineer.
Reciprocity for Foreign Applicants
- Non-Filipinos may take the exam only if their country allows Filipinos to practice engineering on equal terms.
- Continuous professional practice without interruptions for specified periods required for eligibility.
Roster and Public Access
- Annual roster of registered engineers prepared and filed with government officials.
- Copies available to departments, local officials, and public upon request.
Repeal and Severability
- Conflicting laws and regulations repealed except provisions on "maestro de obras" practice.
- Unconstitutional sections of the Act do not invalidate the entire law.
Effectivity
- Act effective upon approval on June 17, 1950.