Establishment and Composition of the Board of Examiners for Master Plumbers
- Created within 30 days after Act approval.
- Composed of a Chairman and two members appointed by the President.
- Appointment upon recommendation of Civil Service Commissioner and national master plumbers association.
- Members serve a 3-year term with staggered initial terms.
- Members must take oath; may be removed for neglect, incompetency, malpractice, or unethical conduct.
- Vacancies filled for unexpired terms.
Powers and Functions of the Board
- Administers the Act and issues, suspends, revokes registration certificates.
- Administers oaths related to registration.
- Can issue subpoenas and subpoena duces tecum.
- Can compel attendance, witness testimony, and production of evidence.
- May petition Court of First Instance to enforce compliance.
- Reviews conditions affecting the plumbing trade and recommends rules for ethics, standards, and public welfare.
Regulatory Standards and Rules for Plumbing
- President authorized to promulgate rules with Board recommendation and master plumbers association consultation.
- Premises must have safe, pure water supply, protected from backflow.
- Fixtures require sufficient water volume and pressure.
- Plumbing must minimize water use, ensure heating devices prevent explosion hazards.
- Buildings with abutting sewers must connect to sewer systems.
- Minimum sanitary facilities specified for dwellings and other structures.
- Plumbing fixtures must be smooth, non-absorbent, free of fouling surfaces.
- Drainage designed to prevent fouling, clogs; cleanouts provided.
- Durable pipe materials and satisfactory workmanship required.
- Traps, ventilation, and tests mandatory to ensure safety and functionality.
- Prohibitions on harmful substances and contamination.
- Sanitary maintenance, proper installation, and treatment of sewage required.
Qualifications and Appointment of Board Members
- Must be Filipino citizen and resident.
- Minimum age: 30 years.
- Good moral character.
- Minimum five years experience as master plumber.
Fees, Compensation, and Administration
- Examination fee: 35 pesos; registration fee: 10 pesos.
- Board members receive 10 pesos per applicant examined.
- Expenses paid by Bureau of Civil Service.
- Commissioner of Civil Service serves as executive officer; handles exams and record-keeping.
Reporting and Documentation
- Annual report to the President detailing Board activities and recommendations.
- Annual roster of registered master plumbers prepared and distributed to key government offices and upon request to the public.
Requirements for Applicant Registration
- Must pass examination covering plumbing arithmetic, code, sanitation, design, practical problems, and oral practical.
- Must be at least 21 years old, Filipino citizen, good moral character, high school graduate.
- Five years experience under supervision of a registered master plumber required.
Examination and Certification Procedures
- Board reports exam results to Civil Service Commissioner within 120 days.
- Certificate issued by the Office of the President upon successful examination and fee payment.
- Certificate contains registrant’s details, serial number, signatures of Board members, President, and Commissioner, and Board seal.
- Certificate evidences entitlement to rights and privileges as master plumber.
Oath and Exemptions
- Successful candidates must take an oath before the Board or authorized official prior to practice.
- Exemptions include officers or enlisted personnel of US and Philippine Armed Forces and government civilian employees stationed therein.
- Plumbing experts consulted by Philippine Government are exempt if limited to specific work.
Restrictions on Certificate Issuance
- No certificate to persons convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude, immoral or dishonorable conduct, or unsound mind.
- Reasons for refusal must be provided in writing and recorded.
Suspension, Revocation, and Reinstatement of Certificates
- Board may suspend or revoke certificates with President's approval after due process.
- Reinstatement possible upon satisfactory application.
Penalties for Unauthorized Practice and Fraud
- Penalties include fines of 500–2,000 pesos, imprisonment of 6 months to 1 year, or both.
- Offenses include unregistered practice, fraudulent use or impersonation, false evidence, use of revoked certificates, unauthorized advertisement as master plumber.
Foreign Nationals and Reciprocity
- Non-citizens may only take the exam if their country allows Filipino plumbers equal practice rights under reciprocal arrangements.
Grandfather Clause and Coverage
- Existing registered master plumbers or those with 5 years continuous practice certified within one year after effectivity automatically registered.
- Act applies only in chartered cities.
Effectivity
- Act takes effect upon approval on June 18, 1955.