Law Summary
Definition of Practice of Geodetic Engineering
- Professional and organized act of gathering physical data on the earth's surface using precision instruments.
- Includes scientific processing and presentation of data on graphs, plans, maps, charts, or documents.
- Encompasses various survey types: horizontal/vertical control, political boundary, land surveys for titling, subdivision/consolidation, engineering, gravimetric, photogrammetric, mineral and mining surveys, and installation of precision instruments.
- Includes educational transfer of geodetic engineering knowledge.
Definition of Geodetic Engineer
- A natural person issued a Certificate of Registration by the Board of Geodetic Engineering and has taken the Oath of Profession.
Creation and Composition of the Board of Geodetic Engineering
- Composed of a chairman and two members appointed by the President from recommendations by the accredited association of geodetic engineers.
- Organized within six months from the Act’s effectivity.
Qualifications for Board Members
- Natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines.
- At least 40 years old.
- Registered Geodetic Engineer with at least 10 years of active practice.
- No faculty/employment ties with educational institutions teaching geodetic engineering at appointment.
- No connection with review centers for three consecutive years before appointment.
- No conviction involving moral turpitude.
Term, Compensation, Vacancy, and Removal of Board Members
- Term of three years; staggered initial appointments.
- Reappointment allowed but no continuous service beyond six years.
- Compensation comparable to other professional boards.
- Vacancy filled for unexpired term.
- Removal grounds: neglect, incompetence, violation of the Act/code of ethics, or crime involving moral turpitude.
- Removal process includes notice, hearing, appeal to the President.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Promulgate rules and regulations for the Act’s implementation.
- Supervise examination, registration, licensure, and practice.
- Administer oath; issue, suspend, or revoke certificates and licenses.
- Adopt official seal.
- Maintain professional and ethical standards.
- Coordinate with CHED for educational standards compliance.
- Prescribe Code of Ethics.
- Hear administrative cases, subpoena witnesses, issue temporary licenses.
- Oversee continuing professional education and syllabi development.
Administrative Supervision and Secretariat
- Board under administrative supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
- PRC custodian of all Board records and provides secretariat and support.
Annual Reporting
- Board submits annual report to the President via the PRC detailing accomplishments and recommendations.
Examination Requirements
- Written technical examination required for registration.
Applicant Qualifications for Examination
- Filipino citizen.
- Graduate of BS Geodetic Engineering from a government-recognized school.
Fraudulent Applications
- Certificate of Registration may be suspended or revoked if obtained through misrepresentation.
Scope of Examination
- Covers mathematics, various surveying disciplines, cartography, geodesy, engineering surveys, natural resources laws, obligations and contracts, and professional ethics.
- Board may amend subjects to keep up with technological changes.
Passing and Reporting of Examination Ratings
- Passing: at least 70% general average, no subject below 55%.
- Those with subject scores below 55% must retake those subjects.
- Ratings reported within 20 days; examinees notified via mail.
Re-examination Rules
- Applicants failing three times must wait one year before reapplying.
Oath of Profession
- Successful candidates must take oath before practicing.
Certificates and Licenses
- Certificate issued upon passing and payment.
- Professional license issued with registration number, validity period.
- License required to practice legally.
Use of Seal
- Registered engineers obtain an official seal.
- All plans and specifications must be sealed during license validity.
- Unauthorized sealing or use after expiration prohibited.
- Government agencies shall only accept properly sealed documents.
- Engineers responsible for work under their seal.
- Board to regulate seal design and usage.
- Plans are property of the engineer unless accepted or paid.
Indication of License and Professional Tax Receipt
- License number, validity, and tax receipt must be indicated on signed documents.
Grounds for Suspension/Revocation of License
- Fraud in obtaining license, incompetence, negligence, illegal practice.
- Violations of Act, rules, regulations, or Code of Ethics.
- Appeals allowed to Commission within 15 days.
Automatic Registration of Practicing Engineers
- Registered Geodetic Engineers at the effectivity of the Act automatically registered under this law.
Practice Limitations for Firms and Corporations
- Practice limited to licensed individuals only.
- Firms, partnerships, associations may include only licensed Geodetic Engineers.
- Only licensed engineers may perform geodetic engineering tasks.
Professional Integration
- Single integrated national organization for Geodetic Engineers.
- Registered engineers automatically members; others have 3 years to register.
- Membership in other associations allowed.
Foreign Reciprocity
- Temporary licenses to foreign geodetic engineers granted only if reciprocity exists.
Rulemaking and Funding
- Board adopts implementing rules, Code of Ethics, subject to PRC approval.
- Funding included in General Appropriations.
- 50% of fees used for Board’s expenses and profession enhancement.
Enforcement and Complaint Resolution
- PRC enforces the Act and regulations.
- Conduct investigations and prosecute violations.
Transitory Provisions
- Existing Board continues until new is constituted.
- Junior Geodetic Engineer examinations cease.
- Junior geodetic engineers allowed 5 years to complete Bachelor’s degree to qualify.
Penalties
- Violations subject to fines from P50,000 to P200,000 or imprisonment 6 months to 6 years, or both.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any part does not affect the rest of the Act.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals R.A. No. 4374 and Presidential Decrees Nos. 202 and 335.
- Modifies or supersedes inconsistent laws or issuances.
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or a major newspaper, whichever is earlier.