Certificate of Registration and Issuance
- Applicants must pass an examination to obtain registration certificates, except the first Board members and qualified practitioners with 10 years of experience may obtain registration without examination.
- Certificates include registrant’s full name, serial number, signatures of the Board, and official seal.
- Certificate serves as proof of the right to practice while valid.
Board Examination and Admission Requirements
- All applicants must pass a technical examination unless exempted.
- Admission qualifications include minimum age 21, Philippine citizenship (or qualified foreign), good moral character, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering or equivalent.
- Temporary qualification for holder of associate certificates or relevant licenses with 5 years practice within 3 years of Act approval.
Examination Procedures and Standards
- Examinations are held biannually, typically in Manila or other locations determined by the Board.
- The examination covers subjects prescribed by the Board.
- Passing requires an average of 70% and no grade below 50%; applicants failing some subjects may retake failing subjects within two years.
Reporting and Fees
- Examination results reported within 90 days to the Commissioner of Civil Service.
- Fees are prescribed for examination (P45), registration (P10), registration without examination (P55), and duplicate certificates (P10).
Roster and Public Notification
- An annual roster with names and addresses of registered engineers is prepared and distributed to government agencies and available to the public.
Board Composition and Appointment
- The Board consists of a Chairman and two members appointed by the President with Commission on Appointments’ consent.
- Members must be registered electronics and communications engineers with recognized standing.
- The first Board is appointed within two years of the Act, drawn from certified qualified members of a recognized professional association.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Administer and enforce the Act, issue/suspend/revoke certificates, administer oaths.
- Maintain ethical and professional standards, study profession conditions, cooperate with educational bodies.
- Regulate curricula and recommend school authorizations.
- Investigate violations, subpoena witnesses, establish codes of ethics, adopt advances in the profession.
- Refuse registration or revoke certificates for crimes involving moral turpitude, unethical conduct, incompetence, or fraud.
- Appeals to the President are final.
- May reinstate or replace certificates upon application and payment.
Qualifications and Term of Board Members
- Must be Filipino citizens, at least 31 years old, good moral character.
- Registered engineers with 10 years active practice.
- No financial interest or teaching role in schools offering relevant courses during or 3 years preceding appointment.
- Board members serve three-year terms; initial staggered appointments apply.
Board Administration
- Commissioner of Civil Service serves as Executive Officer.
- Secretary of the Board maintains records and manages examinations.
- Board members receive fees for examinations and registrations.
- President may suspend or remove members for neglect, malpractice, or unethical conduct after hearing.
Publication and Reporting
- Board’s rules, regulations, and ethics codes must be published in the Official Gazette and take effect after 15 days.
- Board submits an annual report with recommendations to the President.
Definitions
- "Board" refers to the Board of Examiners for Electronics and Communications Engineers.
- "Communications" involves sending/receiving messages by radio or electronic devices.
- "Electronics" relates to devices and systems involving electron flow in various media.
- "Electronics and Communications Engineer" means a registered professional entitled to the "E.C.E." title.
Enforcement and Foreign Reciprocity
- Law enforcement officers must enforce the Act and prosecute violations.
- Secretary of Justice acts as legal adviser to the Board.
- Foreigners may only take the exam or be registered if their countries allow equal reciprocity with Filipinos.
Penal Provisions
- Violations punishable by fines (P2,000 to P5,000), imprisonment (6 months to 6 years), or both.
- Violations include false statements, unauthorized use of certificates, impersonation, illegal wire-tapping, unlicensed systems, and other breaches.
Appropriations and Financial Provisions
- P10,000 appropriation for Board expenses from the National Treasury.
- All collected fees go to the National Treasury.
- Initial collections may be used as operating funds for the Act’s first year.
Repealing, Separability, and Effectivity
- Conflicting laws and regulations are repealed or amended.
- Unconstitutional provisions do not affect the remainder of the Act.
- The Act takes effect upon approval.