Definition of Geodetic Engineer
- A person legally and technically qualified under this Act to practice geodetic engineering.
- The term "Geodetic Engineer" supersedes "surveyor".
Creation and Composition of the Board
- Establishes a Board of Examiners for Geodetic Engineers composed of a Chairman and two Members.
- Members appointed by the President with the Commission on Appointments' consent.
- Members must be registered practicing geodetic engineers of recognized standing.
- Qualifications for Board members are outlined in Section 5.
- The previous Board of Examiners for Surveyors continues temporarily until the new Board is appointed.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Administers the Act, issues, suspends, or revokes registration certificates.
- Administers oaths.
- Studies conditions affecting geodetic engineering courses and profession.
- Cooperates with the Department of Education on academic program standards.
- Recommends opening of schools and courses in geodetic engineering.
- Investigates violations, issues subpoenas, and petitions courts for enforcement.
- May adopt measures to advance the profession and enforce the Act.
Qualifications of Board Members
- Must be Filipino citizen and resident.
- At least 31 years old and of good moral character.
- Registered geodetic engineer with at least ten years active practice.
- Not a current faculty member or financially interested in any geodetic engineering school.
Term of Office
- Board members serve three-year terms.
- Initial appointments staggered for Chairman (3 years), one member (2 years), and another member (1 year).
- Vacancies filled only for unexpired term.
- Members must take oath before office assumption.
Executive Officer and Secretary
- Commissioner of Civil Service is executive officer and oversees examinations.
- Secretary of the Board keeps all records, including exams and investigation documents.
Compensation of the Board
- Members receive ten pesos per applicant examined and per registration certificate granted without exam.
Removal of Board Members
- President may suspend or remove members for neglect, incompetence, irregularities, malpractice, or dishonorable conduct after due process.
Rules and Regulations
- Board may promulgate necessary rules, regulations, and code of ethics with approval.
- Penal provisions may include fines up to two hundred pesos or imprisonment up to six months.
- Approved rules published in the Official Gazette.
Annual Report
- Board submits an annual report to the President detailing activities and recommendations.
Prohibition on Unauthorized Practice
- Only registered geodetic engineers may practice geodetic engineering or use the title.
- Any use of title or practice without a valid certificate is prohibited.
Definition and Scope of Practice
- Practice includes professional geodetic engineering services, surveying, preparing plans for land registration without supervision, and technical instruction.
- Students/graduates performing supervised work for training are exempt.
- Military and nautical schools exempt from educational supervision.
Examination Requirement
- All applicants must undergo and pass a professional examination except as otherwise exempted.
Qualifications of Applicants
- Must be at least 21 years old, Philippine citizen or qualified foreigner.
- Must be in good health and of good moral character.
- Holder of Bachelor of Science in Geodetic Engineering from government-recognized institution.
- Curriculum includes thorough coverage of mathematics, physical sciences, laws relevant to natural resources, surveying, geodesy, photogrammetry, and cartography.
- Transitional provision for holders of Associate in Surveying with field experience to take exam within three years.
Examination Administration
- Exams held twice yearly, primarily in Manila or other approved place.
- Overseen by the Board with Civil Service and Presidential approval.
Scope of Examination
- Written tests on mathematics, surveying theory and problems, cartography, property law, geodesy, and other prescribed subjects.
Passing Criteria
- Minimum average rating of 70% with no less than 50% in any subject.
- Candidates partially passing may retake deficient subjects within two years.
- Failure after second attempt requires retaking all subjects.
Reporting and Approval of Results
- Board must report results within 120 days to the Commissioner of Civil Service.
- Commissioner forwards results with recommendations to the President for approval.
Issuance of Certificates
- Certificate issued upon passing exam and Presidential approval, after fee payment.
- Transitional provision allows registrants without exam within two years if holding certain qualifications or experience.
- Certificates bear registrant's name, serial number, Board signatures, Secretary attestation, and official seal.
- Certificate evidences legal right to practice while valid.
Professional Oath
- Registrants must take an oath before the Board or authorized official prior to practice.
Seal of Geodetic Engineers
- Each registrant must obtain an authorized seal.
- All plans and technical documents must be stamped with this seal.
- Registrant responsible for the accuracy and propriety of sealed work.
- Board regulates seal usage.
Fees
- Examination fee: forty-five pesos.
- Registration fee: ten pesos.
- Registration without examination: fifty-five pesos.
- Duplicate certificate: ten pesos.
- Annual registration fee: two pesos, due April 30 each year.
- Fees fund Board expenses and member compensation.
Refusal of Registration
- Board refuses registration to persons convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude, of immoral/unethical behavior, or unsound mind.
- Reasons must be given in writing and recorded.
Revocation and Suspension
- Certificates may be revoked or suspended for grounds as in refusal, or for malpractice, unprofessional conduct, or fraud in obtaining certificate.
Appeal Process
- Board decisions final after 30 days unless appealed.
- Appeals first to Commissioner of Civil Service, then to the President of the Philippines; Presidential decision is final.
Reinstatement and Replacement of Certificates
- Suspended certificates may be reinstated after two years.
- Revoked certificates may be replaced upon payment and after two years.
- Lost, destroyed, or mutilated certificates may be replaced under Board rules.
Prohibition of Corporate Practice
- Practice is strictly individual and personal.
- Firms, companies, partnerships, associations, or corporations cannot be registered.
- However, a group of geodetic engineers may use the term "Geodetic Engineer" if majority are registered.
- Individual members responsible for their acts.
Penal Provisions
- Violations punishable by fines of 200 to 5,000 pesos, imprisonment from six months to six years, or both.
- Offenses include practicing without certificate, fraudulent statements, use of another's certificate, use of revoked/suspended certificates, unauthorized use of title, unauthorized stamping/sealing, improper signing of documents, and other violations.
Enforcement
- Law enforcement officers at all levels must enforce the Act and prosecute violations.
- Secretary of Justice acts as legal adviser and provides assistance to the Board.
Foreign Reciprocity
- Foreigners can only be admitted if their home country grants Filipinos similar rights under equivalent conditions.
Repealing Clause
- Supersedes inconsistent laws, executive orders, rules, or regulations.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the rest of the Act.
Effectivity
- Law takes effect immediately upon approval.