Definition of Key Terms
- "Practice of Mechanical Engineering" covers consulting, design, supervision, management, operation, sale, teaching, and government employment requiring mechanical engineering knowledge.
- "Mechanical equipment or machinery" includes prime movers, boilers, heat exchangers, material handling equipment, HVAC, pollution control, piping systems, and mechanical working machines.
- "Mechanical processes, works, projects or plants" include various power plants and mechanical operations deriving power from multiple energy sources.
- "Capacity" is measured by total kilowatt ratings of prime movers in plants.
Creation and Composition of the Board of Mechanical Engineering
- Board composed of a Chairman and two members appointed by the President from nominees submitted by Professional Regulation Commission and accredited mechanical engineers association.
- Board to be organized within six months of effectivity.
Qualifications and Terms of Board Members
- Natural born Filipino, at least 35 years old.
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent; licensed and active practitioner for at least 10 years.
- Restrictions against recent faculty or review center affiliation.
- No conviction for crimes involving moral turpitude.
- Appointed for a 3-year term, maximum of two regular terms.
Board Powers and Duties
- Promulgate rules and regulations for implementing the Act.
- Supervise registration, licensure, and practice.
- Administer oaths and issue certificates of registration and professional licenses.
- Suspend or revoke registrations/licenses for cause.
- Enforce Code of Ethics and conduct hearings on administrative cases.
- Prescribe guidelines for Continuing Professional Education (CPE).
- Prepare examination syllabi and issue temporary licenses.
- Submit annual reports to the President through the Commission.
Examination and Registration
- Mandatory written exams for registration under three categories: Professional Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Certified Plant Mechanic.
- Qualifications specific to each category including citizenship, criminal record, education, experience, and competency attestations.
- Scope of exams covers subjects relevant to each category with required passing grades.
- Board to report ratings within 15 days.
- Applicants failing three times must wait one year before reexamination.
- Successful examinees take an oath before practice.
Issuance and Renewal of Licenses
- Certificates of registration and professional licenses issued upon meeting requirements and payment of fees.
- Certificates evidence lawful practice rights; licenses indicate registration validity and fees paid.
- Specialty certificates may be issued for recognized expertise areas.
- Licenses renewed every three years upon payment.
Integration and Accreditation of Mechanical Engineers
- Creation of an integrated, accredited mechanical engineers organization.
- Automatic membership for registered professionals upon fee payment.
- Integration does not preclude voluntary mechanical engineering groups.
Professional Seal
- Professional Mechanical Engineers must obtain and use a seal bearing their name and certificate number.
- Seal required on all professional mechanical engineering documents filed or used professionally.
- Use of seal after revocation or cancellation is unlawful.
Prohibitions and Practice Regulations
- Only licensed Professional Mechanical Engineers may be in charge of plans, design, teaching, construction supervision, or high-capacity plant operations.
- Mechanical Engineers and Certified Plant Mechanics authorized under specified kilowatt capacities.
- Firm or corporate practice of mechanical engineering prohibited; only registered individuals may practice.
Mandatory Staffing in Mechanical Plants
- Prescribed minimum licensed personnel required depending on plant capacity and shift operations.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Professional Regulation Commission to enforce the Act and initiate investigations and prosecutions.
- Violations penalized with fines from P50,000 to P200,000 and/or imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years.
Others
- Foreign mechanical engineers must prove reciprocity to practice in the Philippines.
- Posting of registration certificates required at plants.
- Certificates not issued to individuals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or those of unsound mind.
- Suspension, revocation, and reinstatement provisions with due process.
- Renewal fees and continuous education prescribed.
- Special provisions on temporary permits for foreign experts.
- Transitional provisions for current practitioners and faculty.
- Separability and repealing clauses specified.
- Law effectivity set 15 days after official publication.