Creation and Attachment of the Commission
- PRC is composed of three members: one Chairperson and two Commissioners.
- Attached to the Office of the President for general direction.
Composition and Appointment of Commissioners
- Commissioners serve a 7-year term without reappointment.
- Must be at least 40 years old, hold valid certificates/licenses, and have at least 5 years of management experience.
- One commissioner must be a former board member or chairperson.
Powers and Functions of the Commission
- Exercise administrative, executive, and policy functions as a collegial body.
- Maintain high admission standards and ensure integrity of licensure exams.
- Chairperson presides meetings and implements policies.
Compensation and Benefits
- Chairperson paid equivalent to Department Secretary.
- Commissioners paid equivalent to Undersecretary.
- Entitled to retirement benefits under RA 1568 as amended by RA 3595.
Regulatory Functions
- Administer and enforce regulatory policies regarding licensing, standards, and ethics.
- Issue rules, contracts, resolutions, and administrative issuances.
- Review and approve policies promulgated by Professional Regulatory Boards.
Licensure Examinations
- Conduct licensure exams, fix schedules, and locations.
- Ensure at least one exam annually on weekdays.
- May require refresher courses after three failures.
- Ensure exam integrity by appointing supervisors and room watchers.
- Publish results and may suspend examinees for violations.
Registration and Certification
- Issue certificates of registration and professional licenses with proper authentication.
- Issue professional ID cards optionally upon payment.
- For marine officers, issue endorsement certificates per STCW Conventions.
- Certificates cannot be revoked except for just cause after due process.
Record Keeping and Fees
- Maintain custody of all records including exams and administrative cases.
- Fix and collect reasonable fees for various services subject to approval of the Office of the President.
Personnel and Organizational Structure
- Appoint officials and employees per the Civil Service laws.
- Organize or reorganize Commission structure, create or abolish positions as needed without affecting incumbents' rights.
Appointment of Board Members and Foreign Professionals
- Recommend licensed professionals for appointment to Boards.
- Approve registration of foreign professionals if conditions of reciprocity and equivalency are met.
- Issue temporary permits or special certificates to foreign professionals under certain conditions.
- Require securing special permits from PRC and DOLE for foreign professionals engaged by agencies or institutions.
Oversight and Enforcement
- Administer oaths, supervise foreign professionals.
- Monitor schools' performance in licensure exams.
- Exercise administrative supervision over Professional Regulatory Boards.
- Computerize licensure exams and registration by 2003.
- Investigate and decide administrative cases involving Commission personnel or Board members.
- Issue summons and subpoenas related to investigations.
- Request assistance from government entities to enforce regulations.
Regional Office Creation
- Authorized to establish regional offices to carry out functions.
Powers of Professional Regulatory Boards
- Regulate practice of professions per their regulatory laws.
- Monitor professional practice and conduct ocular inspections when needed.
- Hear and investigate violations, issue summons and subpoenas.
- Delegate administrative case hearings, conduct summary proceedings for minor violations.
- Recommend registration without examination and reissue or revoke licenses after due process.
- Prepare syllabi, examine questions, score exams, and submit results.
- Prepare annual reports for the Commission.
Compensation of Board Members
- Board members receive pay two salary grades lower than Commissioners.
- Board Chairperson receives higher remuneration than members.
Teaching of Licensure Subjects
- Subjects must be taught by licensed professionals meeting CHED requirements.
Assistance from Law Enforcement Agencies
- Law enforcement agencies shall assist the Commission and Boards in enforcing regulatory laws.
Budget and Appropriations
- Initial funding charged to PRC’s current appropriations.
- Subsequent funding included in annual General Appropriations.
- PRC authorized to use up to P45 million annually for five years for computerization.
Penalties for Corrupt Practices in Exams
- Manipulation, rigging, or disclosure of exam questions punishable by 6 to 12 years imprisonment and fines.
- Commission officials or Board members involved face removal and perpetual disqualification from public office.
- Accomplices and accessories face graduated imprisonment and fines.
Penalties for Hiring Unauthorized Professionals
- Heads of agencies or officers of private entities who allow unauthorized practice face imprisonment of 6 months to 6 years and/or fines.
Rulemaking and Implementation
- PRC, Boards, professional groups, DBM, and CHED to promulgate implementing rules within 90 days.
Transitional Provisions
- Incumbent Commissioners and Executive Director to continue without new appointments.
Separability and Repealing Clauses
- Invalid provisions do not affect remainder of the Act.
- Repeals previous regulations and laws inconsistent with this Act.
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspapers.