Course Guide

MODULE ONE: Introduction to Engineering Profession

BACKGROUND
This module covers the introductory discussion on the nature of functions and duties of the
engineers, relationship with other professionals in terms of education, knowledge,
communication skills, traits, ethical and personal relations. This is also provides relevant topics
related engineering professional ethics, responsibility, standards and moral values as well as
professional development and benefits, including relevant definition of terms.
At the end of this module, it is expected that the student is able to:
 define what is profession, engineering, ethics or morality, professional ethics, and engineering
ethics;
 differentiate the various engineering tasks and their potential moral problems;
 familiarize with some impediments or obstacles to responsive professional action;
 aware the common traits of good engineers to become successful professionals; and
 explain the importance of engineering ethics

BASIC DEFINITION OF TERMS

ETHICS: a set of standards by which a particular group decides to regulate its behavior. It is a
system of moral principles by which human actions and proposals may be judged as good or
bad
MORALS: rules for right conduct for all individuals
MORALLY RESPONSIBILITY: It refers to
holding to people morally accountable for some past action or actions. It also means care,
welfare, or treatment of others as derived from the specific social role that one plays in the
society. It is likewise referring to one’s capacity for making moral or rational decisions on his
own.

BUSINESS ETHICS: Business is a complex enterprise that involves several activities: purchasing,
manufacturing, marketing, advertising, selling and accounting. It is the study of what is right
and wrong human behavior and conduct in business. It is also the study of the perceptions of
people about morality, moral norms, moral rules and ethical principles as they apply to people
and institutions in business. It is the study, evaluation, analysis, and questioning of ethical
standards, policies, moral norms, and ethical theories that managers and decision makers use in
resolving moral issues and ethical dilemmas affecting business
PROFESSION: consists of a group of people organized to serve a body of specialized knowledge
in the interests of a society. At the center of a profession is a set of skills, proficiencies,
techniques and competencies involving a line of work.
CODE OF ETHICS: As a set of principles that serve to guide the professionals in their daily work.
It is more than a minimum standard of conduct and requires that the professionals to who the
codes are aimed engage with them and develop a personal position/stand, which they can
defend in terms of code of ethics. Code of Ethics or Code of Conduct serves to maintain the
integrity of the profession so that its members serve “society’s best interests.” It also specifies
the moral considerations of professional life as well as penalties and sanctions for violating
them.
Codes of Ethics are not stand-alone guarantee of ethical conduct or substitute for an individual
conscience but are established as a guide for professionals in ethical dilemmas. Scientists and
engineers should develop and justify their own views and moral position within the context of
their relevant code.
IDEOLOGY: the body of doctrine, myth and symbols of a social movement, institution, class, or
large group
ENGINEERS: The profession in which the knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences
gained by study, experience and practice with judgment to develop ways to utilize economics,
materials and forces of nature for the progressive well-being of human kind.
II. PROFESSION AND ETHICS 2.1 What is profession?
• It referred to a free act of commitment to a way of life. The act or fact of professing – when a
person occupies a special social role that carries with it stringent moral requirements.

It referred to anyone who professed to be duly qualified

• It also means that an occupation which one professes (admits, agrees) to be skilled and to
follow.
• It is a vocation in which professed
knowledge of some branch of learning is
used in its application to the affairs of
others
• It is an example of social practice that has one or more aims or goods that are especially
associated with it or internal to it. It also provides a moral criterion for evaluating the behavior
of those who participate in the social practice and for resolving moral issues that might arise in
the practice.
2.2 A Socratic Account of Professionalism (based on Greek philosopher Socrates as proposed by
philosopher
Michael Davis)
A profession is a number of individuals in the same occupation voluntarily organized to earn a
living by openly serving a moral ideal in a morally permissible way beyond what law, market,
morality, and public opinion would otherwise require. Thus, a profession should:
a. Cannot be composed of only one person, rather composed of a number of individuals
b. Involves a public element – should openly “profess” to be a professional (engineer,
physician, etc.)
c. It is a way people earn a living and something that occupies them during their working hours
d. It is something that people enter into voluntarily and that they can leave voluntarily
e. It advocates of the social practice approach – serves morally praiseworthy goal by morally
permissible means
2.3 Key Characteristics of Modern Profession
a. substantial intellectual and practical training
b. provision of a specialized skill and service
c. high degree of professional autonomy and responsibility
d. an occupational organization controlling the profession
e. embargoes/restrictions on methods of attracting business
f. a trust relationship with the client

III. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ETHICS AND MORALITY

Ethics – derived from the Greek word ethos (Latin means “mores”) which means “characteristic
way of acting” which is proper to man as a rational being. As a science, is to investigate the
nature of the human act or human conduct. It is a practical science that guides us in our actions
that we may live rightly and well or it lays down the principles of right living. It is guided by
standards and judgments which people create.
Morality – refers to the quality of goodness or
badness in a human act. Good is described as
“moral” and bad as “immoral”. Morals is the
rules for right conduct for all individuals. It implies judgment and refers to what we would call
moral standards and moral conduct.
Therefore, it is viewed that MORALITY IS NOTHING ELSE BUT A DOING OF ETHICS. ETHICS is
used to refer to the formal study of those MORAL STANDS AND MORAL CONDUCT.
3.1 Engineering Professional Ethics
Two Models of Professionalism
Business Model – an occupation that is primarily oriented toward making a profit within the
boundaries set by law (regulations imposed by law)
Professional Model – an occupation that have an implicit trust relationship with the larger
public – trust relationship means as “social contract” with the public, are that professionals
agree to regulate their practice so that it promotes the public good. In other words, of most
engineering codes, they agree to hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public.
They agree to regulate themselves in accordance with high standards of technical competence
and ethical practice so that they do not take unfair advantage of the public.
3.2 Three Types of Ethics or Morality
Common Morality – is the set of moral beliefs shared by almost everyone. It is the basis or at
least the reference point compare to other types of morality. It primarily negative or it does
contain a positive or aspirational component in such precepts as “prevent killing.” It also makes
a distinction of action based on an application of the types of moral precepts we have been
considering, but an evaluation of the person himself is based on intention.

Personal Morality – or personal ethics is the set of moral beliefs that a person holds. This is
closely parallel the precepts of common morality. For Example, we believe that murder, lying,
cheating, and stealing are wrong. However, our personal moral beliefs may differ from common
morality in some areas.
Professional Ethic – is the set of standards adopted by professional in so far as they view
themselves acting as professionals. It is usually stated in a formal code. It is focus on the issues
that are important in that profession. It is supposed to take precedence over personal morality.
It also differs from personal morality in its degree of restriction of personal conduct. It has a
negative and a positive dimension – preventing and avoiding evil and doing or promoting good.
It related to “role morality” - it is the moral obligations based on special roles and relationships.
IV. IMPORTANCE ROLES OF PROFESSIONAL CODE OF ETHICS
a. Serving and protecting the
public or society
b. Guidance for the primary responsibilities
c. Inspiration, motivation and collective commitment
d. Shared standards for excellence and fair competition
e. Positive Support for responsible professionals
f. Education and mutual
understanding about moral responsibilities of professionals
g. Deterrence (prevention/restriction) and discipline
h. Contributing to the profession’s positive image
V. PROFESSIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
These are situations where professionals have an interest that, if pursued, might keep them
from meeting their obligations to their employers or clients. These interests involve serving in
some other professional role, or making substantial private investments in a competitor’s
company. These conditions may arise when these two conditions are met: (a) the professional
is in a relationship or role that requires exercising good judgment on behalf of the interest of an
employer or client, and (b) the professional has some additional or side interests of the
employer or client.
There ways that conflicts of interest may arise such as: gifts, bribes, kickbacks; interest in other
companies; and insider information. Note that conflict of interest is different from “conflicting
interests”. Conflicting interests means that a person has two or more desires that cannot all be
satisfied given the circumstances.

VI. PROFESSIONAL RIGHTS

These are special rights that arise from professional role and the obligations it involves. Three
professional rights have special importance: (a) the basic right of professional conscience, (b)
the right of conscientious refusal, and (c) the right of professional recognition.
The right of professional conscience – is the moral right to exercise professional judgment in
pursuing professional responsibilities and duties. Pursuing those responsibilities involves
exercising both technical judgment, and reasoned moral convictions. The right of conscientious
refusal is the right to refuse engage in unethical behavior and to refuse to do so solely because
one views it as unethical.
Right of Recognition – This is the right of professional for their work and accomplishments
which involves fair monetary remuneration, and nonmonetary forms of recognition.
Employee Rights –These are any rights, moral or legal that involves the status of being an
employee. Privacy Right – This is a right to pursue outside activities can be thought as a right to
personal privacy in the sense that is means the right to have a private life off the job. It is also
means the right to control the access to and the use of information about oneself.
Right to equal opportunity: preventing sexual harassment – It is the unwanted imposition of
sexual requirements in the context of a relationship of unequal power.
Right to equal opportunity: nondiscrimination – It relates to sex, color, age, or political or
religious outlook or affiliations.
Right to equal opportunity: affirmative action – It is giving preference or advantage to a
member of a group that in the past was denied equal treatment, in particular, women and
minorities (indigenous people) or people with disabilities.
LIST OF REFERENCE MATERIALS
Department of Budget and Management – MIMAROPA Region (n.d.). Training-Workshop on
Republic Act No.9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) and its 2016 Revised
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), Quezon City.
Fajardo, M.B. (1999). Specifications and Contracts, Manila: 5138 Trading.
Department of Budget and Management, Government Procurement Policy Board Technical
Support
Office (2015). Handbook Revised IRR of RA 9184 and Latest GPPB Issuances, Pasig City.
Harris, C.E., Pritchard, M.S. & Rabins, M.J. (2012). Engineering Ethics, Philippine Edition, Pasig
City:
Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd.
Macaranas, F.M. and Cabig, G.V. (2015a). Philippine Perspective in Engineering: Philippine
Engineers
in the Context of ASEAN and International Industry Needs, The Philippine Engineer Magazine,
Vol
1, No.1, pp. 8-17.
Martin, M.W. & Schinzinger, R. (2010). Introduction to Engineering Ethics, 2nd Edition, New
York:
MGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Martin, M.W. & Schinzinger, R. (2005). Ethics in Engineering, 4th Edition, New York: McGraw-
Hill
Companies, Inc.
Mead, D.W. (1978). Contracts, Specifications, and Engineering Relations, 3rd Edition, Manila:
Merriam & Webster Bookstore, Inc.
Mendoza, Q. C. (1998). Engineering Contracts, Specifications and Ethics, Revised Edition,
Manila: REX Book Store.
Moaveni, S. (2014). Engineering Fundamentals, Pasig City: Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd.
Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Inc. (2011). Manual of Professional Practice for Civil
Engineers,
3rd Edition, Manila: PICE.
Ramos, R.P. (2019). Fourth Industrial Revolution: Opportunities and challenges on higher
education
institutions (HEIs) towards 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda, A technical
paper presented during the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) 45th National
Convention and Technical Conference, Pasay City, Metro Manila.
Roa, F. C. (2011). Business Ethics and Social Responsibility, 2nd Edition, Manila: REX Book Store.
MODULE ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT/ASSIGNMENT #1: REFLECTIVE SHORT ESSAY
TITLE: The Role of Civil Engineering Education and Practice in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
(FIRe 4.0)
Write an essay of minimum of 300 words about the title above. The essay should contain your
own personal ideas and aspirations that explain why Civil Engineering Education and
Professional practice is very important and relevant in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Cite
situations and examples to support your answers. You can read the article entitled below to get
some ideas.
(a) FOURTHINDUSTRIALREVOLUTION:OPPORTUNITIESANDCHALLENGESONHIGHER EDUCATION
INSTITUTIONS (HEIs) TOWARDS 2030 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs) AGENDA
(b) THEPHILIPPINEPERSPECTIVESINENGINEERING
These articles is posted in the link: Reading Materials. These materials also available at
weebly.com site.
A handwritten essay and write it down in your notebook. Indicate the number of words. Take a
photo of your notebook and submit to the assigned link in Google Classroom account. The pdf
file name is: SURNAMEFIRSTNAMEINITIAL_ASSESSMENT#1
DEADLINE: 24 APRIL 2021, 23:59PM
“PLAGIARISM IS AN ACADEMIC CRIME, NOT BE TOLERATED.”

Course Description Study of code of ethics, legal procedure in the practice of Civil Engineers in
the Philippines, ethical relations of an engineer with fellow professionals, clients, and
obligations, specs, CE laws, national Building code and labor laws.

Course Objectives Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to do the
following: 1. Appreciate the importance of the code of ethics, CE laws and specs, national
building code, and labor laws in the practice of CE laws in the Philippines. 2. Understand the
legal procedure in the practice of civil engineering in the Philippines, relation of an engineer
with professional clients, and general public 3. Develop, design and construct a specification for
CE works. 4. To know the different types of contract and its elements. Course Distribution Week

TOPICS

Introduction 1. Professional and ethical relations—Limitation of enacted law, formation of

individual principles, specs of a man, Code of professional ethics, Canon of ethics for Engineers,
Application of ethics. 2. Legal Procedure in the practice of CE in the Philippine ethical relation—
Relation to the general public, relation to the profession and engineering society, relationship
to clients and employer, relationship with engineer. 3. Legal Relation, rights and responsibilities
of technical men—Employment in general Professional Employment, the engineer of an agent
and arbiter, The engineering legal proceeding. 4. Elements of contract—Classification of
contract, essential of a contract, competency of contracting parties, agency, mutual agreement,
There must be a lawful and sufficient valuable, subject matter of a contract must be lawful and
not contrary to small policy, legal requirements as to from penalties, and liquidated damages,
discharge of contracts, remedies for breach of contract preparing the contract. Prelim
Examination Elements of contract—Classification of contract, essential of a contract,
competency of contracting parties, agency, mutual agreement, There must be a lawful and
sufficient valuable, subject matter of a contract must be lawful and not contrary to small policy,
legal requirements as to from penalties, and liquidated damages, discharge of contracts,
remedies for breach of contract preparing the contract. 5. Obligation—Requisites of an
obligation, sources of an obligation, arising from how contract, quasi contract, crime and quasi
delete, kinds of obligation, modes of extinguishing obligation, modes of extinguishing obligation
6. Specification—Specification definition, Technical specs, material\ process Machinery, design
and specs, for civil works. Midterm Examination 7. Civil Engineering Law of the Philippines—PD
544, Qualification of the members of the board of examiner, qualification of admission from
registration, Panel Provision, power and duties of the board, the CE board examiner, and duties
of Philippines Institute of Civil Engineers Inc. (PICE). 8. National Building Code of the
Philippines--- PD 1096 General Provision, Administration and Enforcement, Permits and
Inspection, Types of construction, Classification and general requirement of all building be use
or occupancy, light and ventilation, Sanitation, Building projection and demolition, General
Design and construction requirements. 9. Labor Code of The Philippines Final Examination

References

Eng’g Ethics by: Charles Fledderman, 1997 Eng’g Contract, Specs, and Ethics by: Mendoza 1995
The National Building Code of The Philippines, 1997 Civil Engineering Laws in the Philippines by
the PRC Grades Distribution Components Seatworks/Short Quizzes Projects Assignments
Attendance Prelim Exam Midterm Exam Final Exam Total

CE 27 - CE LAWS, CONTRACTS AND ETHICS

AMENDMENTS TO THE CIVIL ENGINEERING LAW
7.2. ARTICLE III. EXAMINATION REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION
The Civil Engineering Board Examination is a requirement for registration of the practice.
According to RA 1080 as approved on (15th June 1954), board examinations are considered as
civil service examinations.
The following are the PRC requirements when applying for the examination, (including the
payment of 900Php):
NSO/PSA Birth Certificate
NSO/PSA Marriage contract (for married female applicants)
Transcript of Records with scanned picture and remarks "for Board Examination Purposes"
Valid NBI Clearance (for both new and retakers)
Two (2) Certificates of Good Moral Character from any 2 of the following:
Barangay
Church
School
Employer
7.2.1. HOLDING OF EXAMINATION
The places of Examination are the following:
Manila
Baguio
Cagayan de Oro
Cebu
Davao
Iloilo
Lucena
Pagadian
Tacloban
Tuguegarao
Zamboanga
7.2.2. SUBJECTS OF EXAMINATION
Resolution No. 02, Series of 1995, otherwise known as Promulgation of the Syllabi for the
Subjects in the Civil Engineering Licensure Examination states that the Board shall provide a
minimum of 500 questions for each subject from which the Commission's computer will
randomly select a few days prior to the examination.
The number of questions for each subject shall not be less than 20 at 4 points each. The
maximum number of questions shall not be more than 100 at 1 point each. Examinees shall be
given 10 computation and scratch sheets shall be submitted with the answer sheets.
The Examination questions and problems are prepared considering the following:

The areas covered by the examination shall be those included in the topics enumerated in the
syllabus for the particular subjects. The examination questions in each subject shall be
comprehensive and well-balanced in scope.
Questions and answers should relate to matters which are of general applicability in the civil
engineering practice in the Philippines.
Questions and answers shall be framed in a clear and concise manner taking into consideration
the degree or level of proficiency for each topic. Instructions or requirements should be clearly
stated.
The assigned weight and estimated time for each subject shall be indicated. Whenever
applicable, references shall be made to statements issued by:
The Board of Civil Engineering
The National Building Code of the Philippines
The National Structural Code of the Philippines
The National Standards Office
The National Water Resources Council
The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers
The Associate of Structural Engineers of the Philippines
Electronic and scientific calculators are not allowed.
*For areas not covered by Philippine sources, references may also be made to the setting
agencies int he United States:
ACI - American Concrete Institute
ASCE - American Society of Civil Engineers
ASHTO -Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
NSC - Nominated Sub-Contract
UBC - Uniform Building Code

and also international agencies such as:

IBO International Building Officials
FIDIC International Federation of Engineers
Applicants for registration for the Civil Engineering practice shall be examined in:
General Civil Engineering
Project planning, designs, and management
Manual of practice, codes and regulations
Economics
Environmental impact assessment
Materials testing and inspection
Surveying
Highway and railroad surveying
Plane, topographic and hydrographic surveying
Advanced surveying
Numerical methods for computer application
Mathematics (algebra, plane and spherical trigonometry, analytic, descriptive, and solid
geometry, differential and integral calculus, and rational and applied mechanics)
Construction management and engineering
Contracts
Environment
Cost estimates
Unit cost development
Construction schedule
Manpower and equipment scheduling and control
Material control
PERT-CPM
Bar char schedule
Project monitoring
S-curve
Network analysis
Time scheduling
Project activities
Project cost
Project control
Quality assurance
Bidding
Tender documents
Specifications
Construction supervision
Transportation engineering
Theory and practice of transportation engineering
Transportation and traffic engineering studies, planning
Design and construction of highways including pedestrian facilities, railways, ports and harbors,
and airports
Structural engineering
Theory of structures
Properties of materials
Lateral load analysis
Earthquake engineering
Wind engineering
Functional planning
Floor plans, elevations, sections, utilities
Design of wooden, reinforced concrete, steel, and composite buildings, bridges, towers, walls,
foundations, silos, and masonry structures.

Geotechnical engineering
Soil composition
Classification of soils
Compaction of soils
Flow of water in soils
Permeability
Seepage
Flow nets
Effective stress
Compressibility of soil
Shear strengths of soil
Lateral earth pressure
Soil bearing capacity
Slope stability
Solid waste disposal systems
Ground improvement
Water resources and hydraulics engineering
Hydrology
Hydraulics
Design of piers, ports, wharves, aqueducts, reservoirs, spillways, open channels, pressure
conduits, navigation canals and locks
Sanitary works
Water supply system
Dikes, dams, and irrigation and drainage canals
Hydropower
To pass the Civil Engineering Board Examination, a candidate must obtain a general average of
70% with no grades lower than 50% in any given subject.

Mathematics, Surveying, and Transportation Engineering = 35%

Hydraulics and Geotechnical Engineering = 30%
Structural Engineering and Construction = 35%
7.2.3. QUALIFICATIONS FOR EXAMINATION
Applicants for the Examination should satisfy the following qualifications"
Be at least twenty-one years old
Be a citizen of the Philippines
Be of good reputation and moral character
Be a holder of a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from a recognized and legally constituted
school, institute, college, or university
7.2.4. OATH OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
Successful candidates are required to take a professional oath before the Board or Commission
authorized government officials prior to the issuance of the certificate of registration.
7.2.5. CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION
The Board and the Commission issue individual certificates of registration to successful
examination candidates after taking the professional oath. The certificate is subject to payment
prescribed by the Commission.
7.2.6. MEMBERSHIP IN THE PICE
All registered Civil Engineers are automatic members of the Philippine Institute of Civil
Engineers (PICE) and shall comply with all the membership requirements therein.
7.2.7. PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION CARD
Individual professional identification cards are issued to registered Civil Engineers bearing the
following:
Name and picture of the registrant

Registration number
Date of issuance of card
Expiry date of card
Signature of the chairman of the Commission
* NO professional identification card shall be issued to a new registrant without certificate of
active membership issued by PICE.
* The same certificate is required for renewal of the professional card.
7.2.8. INDICATION OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION/PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION CARD
AND PROFESSIONAL TAX RECEIPT
The Civil Engineer shall be required to indicate the following on the plans and documents he
signs with his practice.
Certificate of Registration
Professional Identification Card, its date of issuance and duration of validity
Professional tax receipt number
7.2.9. SEAL AND USE OF SEAL
The design of the seal is as authorized by the Board. The serial number of the certificate shall be
included in the design of the seal.
All official documents (estimates, designs, specifications) and plans shall be sealed and signed
by the engineer.
7.2.10. REFUSAL TO ISSUE CERTIFICATE
The Certificate shall not be issued to any person
Convicted of ay criminal offense
Guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct
Of Unsound mind

A candidate who has not taken the oath of Civil Engineers

In the vent of refusal, the Board shall send a written statement to the applicant stating the
reason for refusal.
7.2.11. SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATES AND CANCELLATION OF
PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS
After due notice and hearing (the registrant has the opportunity to defend himself) the Board
can suspend or revoke the certificate of registration due to:
malpractice
unprofessional
unethical
immoral
dishonorable conduct
non-membership in good standing in PICE for three (3) consecutive years
7.2.12. RE-ISSUE AND REPLACEMENT OF CERTIFICATES AND PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION
CARDS
After a year when the certificate is revoked, the registrant can apply for a new certificate of
registration with the form prescribed for examination, and the Board may exempt the applicant
from the examination.
The application for the professional identification card shall be accomplished similar as renewal.
7.2.13. CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
PICE is responsible for developing a CPD program. Other organizations can also be CPD
providers upon PICE and Board accreditation.
All registered Civil Engineers shall maintain a program of professional development.

7.2.14. CERTIFICATE OF SPECIALIZATION

PICE has the authority to issue, suspend, and revoke a certificate of specialization to a
registered Civil Engineer who has demonstrated his advanced knowledge, experience,
education, and training.
Specialty organization of Civil Engineering (SOCE) can be formed in each recognized branch only
by specialists with the following conditions:
Such SOCE is affiliated to and recognized by the PICE.
Only one SOCE for each Civil Engineering branch, without membership prejudice to other
professional organizations.
7.2.15. SPECIALIST IDENTIFICATION CARD
All registered Civil Engineers with a certificate of specialization shall be issued individual
specialist identification card from PICE, which is renewed in accordance to PICE requirements.
7.2.16. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
Upon the effectivity of RA 544,
Registered status of each Civil Engineer shall retain.
Certificates of registration shall have the same force and effect.
Certificates of recognition for advanced strudies, research and specialized training in any
specialized branch shall be replaced by equivalent certificates of specialization by the PICE.
Certificates of Specialization previously issued shall have the same force and effect.
Republic Act No. 544* (As Amended by R.A. 1582)
An Act to Regulate the Practice of Civil Engineering in the Philippines
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
Article I
TITLE OF THE ACT AND DEFINITION OF TERMS
Section 1. Title of Act.” This Act shall be known as the “Civil Engineering Law.” Section 2.
Definition of Terms.”
(a) The practice of civil engineering within the meaning and intent of this Act shall embrace
services in the form of consultation, design, preparation of plans, specifications, estimates,
erection, installation and supervision of the construction of streets, bridges, highways,
railroads, airports and hangars, port works, canals, river and shore improvements, lighthouses,
and dry docks; buildings, fixed structures for irrigation, flood protection, drainage, water supply
and sewerage works; demolition of permanent structures; and tunnels. The enumeration of any
work in this section shall not be construed as excluding any other work requiring civil
engineering knowledge and application.
(b) The term “civil engineer” as used in this act shall mean a person duly registered with the
Board for Civil Engineers in the manner as hereinafter provided.
Article II
BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS
Section 3. Composition of Board.” Within thirty days after the approval of this Act there shall be
created a Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers, hereinafter referred to as the Board, to be
composed of a chairman and two members who shall be appointed by the President of the
Philippines, upon recommendation of the Commissioner of PRC. The members of the Board
shall hold office for a term of three years after appointment or until their successors shall have
been appointed and shall have qualified. The first members of the Board appointed under this
Act shall hold office for the following terms: One member for one year; one member for two
years; and one member for three years. Each member of the Board shall qualify by taking the
proper oath of office before entering upon the performance of his duties. Any member of the
Board may be removed by the President of the Philippines, upon recommendation by the
Professional Regulation Commission for neglect of duty, incompetency, malpractice,
unprofessional, unethical, immoral, or dishonorable conduct, after having been given
opportunity to defend himself in a proper administrative investigation: Provided, That during
the process of investigation, the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the
PRC, shall have the power to suspend such member under investigation and shall appoint a
temporary member in his place. Vacancies in the Board shall be filled for the un expired term
only.
Section 4. Powers and Duties of the Board.” The Board for Civil Engineers is vested with
authority, conformable with the provisions of this Act, to administer oaths, issue, suspend and
revoke certificates of registration for the practice of civil engineering, issue certificates of
recognition to civil engineers already registered under this Act for advanced studies, research,
and/or highly specialized training in any branch of civil engineering subject to the approval of
the PRC, to investigate such violations of this Act and the regulations, there under as may come
to the knowledge of the Board and, for this purpose, issue subpoena and subpoena duces
tecum to secure appearance of witnesses in connection with the charges presented to the
Board, to inspect at least once a year educational institutions offering courses in civil
engineering, civil engineering works, projects or corporations, established in the Philippines
and, for safeguarding of life, health and property, to discharge such other powers and duties as
may affect ethical and technological standards of the civil engineering profession in the
Philippines. For the purpose of this Act, the Director of Public Works and/or his authorized
representative in the provinces and chartered cities shall be ex-officio agents of the Board and
as such it shall be their duty to help in the enforcement of the provisions of this Act. The Board
may, with the approval of the Professional Regulation Commission issue such rules and
regulations as may be deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. The board shall
also adopt a code of ethics in the practice of civil engineering and have an official seal to
authenticate its official documents.
Section 5. Qualifications of Board Members.” Each member of the Board shall, at the time of his
appointment:
a. Be a citizen and resident of the Philippines;
b. Be at least thirty years of age and of good moral character;
c. Be a graduate of civil engineering from a recognized and legally constituted school, institute,
college or university.
d. Be a registered civil engineer duly qualified to practice civil engineering in the Philippines;
e. Have practiced civil engineering, with a certificate as such, for a period of not less than ten
years
prior to his appointment.
f. Not be a member of the faculty of any school, institute, college, or university where civil
engineering course is taught, nor have a pecuniary interest in such institutions;
g. No former members of the faculty of any school, institute or university where civil
engineering is taught can become a member of the Board unless he had stopped teaching for at
least three
consecutive years.
Section 6. Fees and Compensation of Board.” The Board for Civil Engineers shall charge for each
application for examination the sum of P100 (one hundred) payable to the collecting and
disbursing officer of the PRC upon filing of said application, and for each certificate of
registration, fifty pesos. Each member of the Board shall receive a compensation of fifteen
pesos for each applicant examined. A civil engineer in the service of the Government of the
Republic of the Philippines appointed as member of the Board shall receive the compensation
as herein provided, in addition to his salary in the Government. All authorized expenses of the
Board, including the compensation provided for herein, shall be paid by the collecting and
disbursing officer of the PRC out of such appropriation as may be made for the purpose. (See
RA 6511 & PD 223)
Section 7. Annual Report.” The Board shall, at the end of each fiscal year, submit to the PRC a
detailed report of its activities and proceedings during the period covered by the fiscal year
ended.
Article III
EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION
Section 8. Examination Requirement.” All applicants for registration for the practice of civil
engineering shall berequired to pass a technical examination as hereinafter provided.
Section 9. Holding of Examination.” Examination of candidates desiring to practice civil
engineering in the Philippines shall be given in the City of Manila of each year, provided that
such days do not fall on official holidays, otherwise the examinations shall be held on the days
next following.
Section 10. Subjects of Examination.” Applicants for certificate of registration as civil engineer
shall be examined, in the discretion of the Board, on the following subjects: mathematics,
including algebra, plane and spherical trigonometry, analytics, descriptive and solid geometry,
differential and integral calculus, and rational and applied mechanics; hydraulics; surveying,
including highway and railroad surveying; plane, topographic and hydrographic surveying, and
advance surveying; design and construction of highways and railroads, masonry structures,
wooden and reinforced concrete buildings, bridges, towers, walls, foundations, piers, ports,
wharves, aqueducts, sanitary engineering works, water supply systems, dikes, dams and
irrigation and drainage canals.
Section 11. Executive Officer of the Board.” The Commissioner of Professional Regulation
Commission shall be the executive officer of the Board and shall conduct the examinations
given by the said Board. He shall designate any subordinate officer of the Professional
Regulation Commission to act as the Secretary and custodian of all records including
examination papers and minutes of the deliberation of the Board.
Section 12. Qualifications for Examination.” Any person applying for admission to the civil
engineering examination as herein provided shall, prior to the date of the examination,
establish to the satisfaction of the Board that he has the following qualifications:
a. Be at least twenty-one years of age;
b. Be a citizen of the Philippines;
c. Be of good reputation and moral character; and
d. Be a graduate of a four-year course in civil engineering from a school, institute, college or
university recognized by the Government or the State wherein it is established.

Section 13. Oath of Civil Engineers.” All successful candidates in the examination shall be
required to take a professional oath before the Board of Civil Engineers or other Government
Officials authorized to administer oaths, prior to entering upon the practice of the civil
engineering profession.
Section 14. Seal and Use of Seal.” All registered civil engineers shall obtain a seal of such design
as the Board shall authorize and direct: Provided, however, That the serial number of the
certificate issued by the Board shall be included in the design of the seal. Plans and
specifications prepared by, or under the direct supervision of a registered civil engineer shall be
stamped with said seal during the life of the registrant’s certificate, and it shall be unlawful for
any one to stamp or seal any documents with said seal after the certificate of registrant named
thereon has expired or has been revoked, unless said certificate shall have been renewed or re-
issued.
Section 15. Exemption from Registration.”
1. Registration shall not be required of the following persons:
a. Officers or enlisted men of the United States and Philippine Armed Forces, and civilian
employeesof the Government of the United States stationed in the Philippines while rendering
civil engineering services for the United States and/or Philippines.
b. Civil engineers or experts called in by the Philippine Government for consultation, or specific
designand construction of fixed structures as defined under this Act, provided that their
practice shall be limited to such work.
2. Any person residing in the Philippines may make plans on specifications for any of the
following:
a. Any building in chartered cities or in towns with building ordinances, not exceeding the space
requirement specified therein, requiring the services of a civil engineer.
b. Any wooden building enlargement or alteration which is to be used for farm purposes only
and costingnot more than ten thousand pesos.
c. Provided, however. That there shall be nothing in this Act that will prevent any person from
constructing his own (wooden or light material) residential house, utilizing the services of a
person or persons required for the purpose, without the use of a civil engineer, as long as he
does no violate local ordinances of the place where the building is to be constructed.
3. Nor shall anything in this Act prevent draftsmen, student clerk-or-work, superintendents, and
other employees of those lawfully engaged in the practice of civil engineering under the
provisions of this Act, from acting under the instruction, control or supervision of their
employer.
4. Nor shall anything in this Act prevent any person who prior to the approval of this Act have
been lawfully engaged in the practice of “maestro de obras” to continue as such, provided they
shall not undertake the making of plans supervision for the following classes of work:
a. Building of concrete whether reinforced or not.
b. Building of more than two stories.
c. Building with frames of structural steel.
d. Building of structures intended for public gathering or assemblies such as theaters,
cinematographs, stadia, churches, or structures of like nature.
5. Nor shall anything in this Act prevent professional architects and engineers to practice their
professions.
Section 16. Refusal to Issue Certificate.” The Board for Civil Engineers shall not issue a
certificate to any person convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal offense
involving moral turpitude, or to any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct, or to any
person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct, or to any person of unsound mind. In the
event of a refusal to issue a certificate to any person, the Board shall give to the applicant a
written statement setting forth its reason for such action, which statement shall be
incorporated in the records of the Board.
Section 17. Suspension and Revocation of Certificates. “ The Board shall have the power, after
due notice and hearings to suspend or revoke the certificate of registration for any cause
mentioned in the preceding section.
Section 18. Re-issue and Replacement of Certificates. “ The Board may, after the expiration of
one year from the date of certificate of registration is revoked and for reasons it may deem
sufficient, entertain an application for a new certificate of registration from the registrant
concerned. Such application shall be accomplished in the same form prescribed for
examination, but the Board may, in its discretion, exempt the applicant from taking the
requisite
examination.

Section 19. Transitory Provisions.” As soon as this Act takes effect, any person desiring to
practice the profession of civil engineering shall be required to obtain a certificate of
registration in the manner and under the conditions hereinafter provided. All civil engineers
duly licensed under the provisions of Act Numbered Twenty-nine hundred and eighty-five, as
amended, at the time this Act takes effect, shall be automatically registered under the
provisions hereof. Certificates of registration held by such persons in good standing shall have
the same force and effect as though the same have been issued under the provisions of this
Act. All graduates in civil engineering from a school, institute, college, or university recognized
by the Government who have passed the civil service examination for senior civil engineer and
have been practicing or employed in the Government as such during five years are exempted
from taking examination.
Article IV
ENFORCEMENT OF ACT AND PENAL PROVISIONS
Section 20. Enforcement of the Act by officers of the law.” It shall be the duty of all duly
constituted law officers of the national, provincial, city and municipal governments, or any
political subdivisions thereof, to enforce the provisions of this Act and to prosecute any person
violating the same.
Section 21. Registration required.” Unless exempt from registration, no person shall practice or
offer to practice civil engineering in the Philippines without having obtained the proper
certificate of registration from the Board for Civil Engineers.*
Section 22. Penal provisions.” Any person who shall practice or offer to practice civil
engineering in the Philippines without being registered in accordance with the provisions of this
Act or any person presenting or attempting to use as his own the certificate of registration of a
registered civil engineer, or any person who shall give any false or forged evidence of any kind
to the Board, or any person who shall impersonate any registrant civil engineer of different
name or any person who shall attempt to use a revoked or suspended certificate of registration,
or any person who shall use in connection with his name or otherwise assume, use or advertise
any title or description tending to convey the impression that he is a civil engineer, without
holding a valid certificate of registration, or any person who shall violate any of the provision of
this Act, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to a fine of
not less than five hundred pesos nor more than two thousand pesos, or to suffer imprisonment
for a period of not less than six months not more than one year, or both, in the discretion of the
court.
Article V MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 23. Preparation of plans and supervisions of construction by registered civil engineer.”
It shall be unlawful for any person to order or otherwise cause the construction, reconstruction,
or alteration of any building or structure intended for public gathering or assembly such as
theaters, cinematographs, stadia, churches or structures of like nature, and any other
engineering structures mentioned in section two of this Act unless the designs, plans, and
specifications of same have been prepared under the responsible charge of, and signed and
sealed by a registered civil engineer, and unless the construction, reconstruction and/or
alteration thereof are executed under the responsible charge and direct supervision of a civil
engineer. Plans and designs of structures must be approved as provided by law or ordinance of
a city or province or municipality where the said structure is to be constructed.
Section 24. The practice of civil engineering is a professional service, admission to which must
be determined upon individual, personal qualifications. Hence, no firm, partnership,
corporation or association may be registered or licensed as such for the practice of civil
engineering: Provided, however, That persons properly registered and licensed as civil
engineers may, among themselves or with a person or persons properly registered and licensed
as architects, form, and obtain registration of, a firm, partnership or association using the term
“Engineers” or “Engineers and Architects,” but, nobody shall be a member or partner of such
firm, partnership or association unless he is duly licensed civil engineer or architect, and the
members who are civil engineers shall only render work and services proper for a civil engineer,
as defined in this Act, and the members who are architects shall also only render work and
services proper for an architect, as defined in the law regulating the practice of architecture;
individual members of such firms, partnership or association shall be responsible for their own
respective acts.
Section 25. Reciprocity requirements.” No person who is not a citizen of the Philippines at the
time he applies to take the examination shall be allowed to take it unless he can prove in the
manner provided by the Rules of Court that, by specific provision of law, the country of which
he is a citizen, subject, or national either admits citizens of the Philippines to the practice of the
same profession without restriction or allows them to

practice it after an examination on terms of strict and absolute equality with citizens, subjects,
or nationals of the country concerned, including the unconditional recognition of degrees
issued by institutions of learning duly recognized for the purpose by the Government of the
Philippines: Provided, That if he is not a citizen of the Philippines, and was admitted to the
practice of a profession in the Philippines after December 8, 1941, his active practice in that
profession, either in the Philippines or in the state or country where he was practicing his
profession, shall not have been interrupted for a period of two years or more prior to July 4,
1946, and that the country or state from which he comes allows the citizens of the Philippines
by specific provision of law, to practice the same profession without restriction or on terms of
strict and absolute equality with citizens, subjects or nationals of the country or state
concerned.
Section 26. Roster of civil engineers.” A roster showing the names and places of business of all
registered civil engineers shall be prepared by the Commissioner of PRC periodically but at least
once a year. Copies of this roster shall be placed on file with the PRC and furnished to all
department heads, mayors of all chartered cities, to the Director of Public Works, to such other
Bureaus, government entities or agencies and municipal and provincial authorities as may be
deemed necessary and to the public upon request.
Section 27. Repeal.” All laws, parts of laws, orders, ordinances, or regulations in conflict with
the provisions hereof; including parts of Act Numbered Twenty-nine hundred and eighty-five, as
amended, as pertains to the practice of civil engineering, are hereby repealed, except the
provisions of Act Numbered Thirty- one hundred and fifty nine amending Act Numbered
Twenty-nine hundred and eighty-five, pertaining to the practice of “maestro de obras.”
Section 28. Construction of Act.” If any part or section of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional, such declarations shall not invalidate the other provisions hereof.
Section 29. Effectivity.” This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved, June 17, 1950 (As amended by R.A. No. 1582, approved on June 16, 1956).