Fundamental Principles
1. using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare and the environment;
2. being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their employers and clients;
3. striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession; and
4. supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.
Fundamental Canons
1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and shall strive to comply
with the principles of sustainable development in the performance of their professional duties.
2. Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
4. Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees, and
shall avoid conflicts of interest.
5. Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall not compete
unfairly with others.
6. Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and dignity of the
engineering profession.
7. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers, and shall provide
opportunities for the professional development of those engineers under their supervision.
Enhancement of Human Welfare: Civil engineers must prioritize the safety, health, and welfare
of the public in all professional endeavors. This includes designing safe infrastructure and
responsibly using resources.
Honesty and Impartiality: Honesty in all professional communications is essential. Engineers
must provide truthful advice, acknowledge errors, and avoid deceptive practices.
Competence: Engineers are expected to practice only in areas where they possess the
necessary skills and knowledge, continually engaging in professional development to stay
current with advancements in the field.
Professional Accountability: Engineers should take responsibility for their actions and
decisions, striving to uphold the integrity of the profession.
Support for Professional Societies: Engineers should support the professional and technical
societies relevant to their disciplines.
The Civil Engineering Code of Ethics in the Philippines is not merely a set
of rules; it is a commitment to uphold the highest standards of
professional conduct. By adhering to these ethical principles, civil
engineers contribute significantly to the welfare of society, while also
enhancing the reputation and integrity of the profession.
Importance of Professional Ethics in Civil Engineering
1. Public Safety 2. Credibility 3. Accountability
Civil engineers must Adhering to ethical The code of ethics ensures
prioritize public safety in standards helps maintain civil engineers are held
all their work to prevent the credibility and accountable for their
accidents and disasters. reputation of the civil decisions and actions.
engineering profession.
Responsibilities to the Public
1. Public Safety 2. Environmental Impact 3. Equitable Access
Civil engineers must They must consider the Civil engineers should
ensure that their work environmental work to provide equitable
does not pose any risks to implications of their access to infrastructure
public health and safety. projects and strive to and services for all
minimize any negative members of the public.
effects.
Responsibilities to Clients and Employers
1. Loyalty 2. Confidentiality 3. Conflict of Interest
Civil engineers must be They must protect the Civil engineers must avoid
loyal to their clients and confidentiality of conflicts of interest that
employers, acting in their information entrusted to could compromise their
best interests. them by clients and professional judgment.
employers.
Responsibilities to the Profession
1. Upholding Standards 3. Mentorship
Civil engineers must uphold the high Civil engineers should mentor and share
standards of the profession and promote their knowledge with
its integrity. younger professionals in the field.
2. Continuing Education 4. Collective Responsibility
They must continuously update their They must work collectively to address
knowledge and skills to stay issues and challenges facing
at the forefront of the profession. the civil engineering profession.
Republic Act No. 544 (An Act to Regulate the Practice of Civil Engineering in the Philippines )
- it is known as the Civil Engineering Law
- enacted on JULY 17, 1950
- amended by RA No. 1582 on JUNE 16, 1956
- regulates the practice of CE in the Philippines
- standard and requirements for CE to ensure public safety and
professional integrity
“ CIVIL ENGINEER “
- a person duly registered with the Board for Civil Engineers.
Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers
- composed of a chairman and two members
- appointed by the President of the PH
- responsible for administering the licensure examination, issuing
certificates of registration, and enforcing compliance with the
law.
- member of the board; 3 years term, can remove for neglect of duty
or unethical conduct.
Qualification of Board Members:
a. citizen and resident of the PH.
b. at least 30 yrs. old and good moral character
c. graduate of CE , legally constituted school, institute, college or
university.
d. registered CE duly qualified to practice CE in the PH
e. practiced CE, with a certificate as such, not less than 10 yrs.
prior.
f. Not be a member of the faculty of any school, institute, collage
or university where CE course is taught
g. No former members of the faculty of any school, where CE is
taught can become a member of the board unless he had
stopped teaching for at least 3 consecutive yrs.
Composition of Board
Chairman:
- Engr. Praxedes P. Bernardo
Members:
- Engr. Romeo A. Estañero
- Pericles P. Dakay
Executive Officer of the Board
Commissioner:
- Atty. Erwin M. Enad
o Commissioner of the Professional Regulation Commission
(PRC)
o responsible for conducting the examinations
administered by the Board and may designate a
subordinate officer to act as the Secretary and custodian
of all records related to the Board’s activities
Examination and Registration
> To practice civil engineering, individuals must pass a technical
examination conducted by the board. Successful candidates are
required to take an oath and are issued a professional seal for use on
plans and specifications.
Qualification for Examinations
a. Be atleast 21 yrs old
b. Be a Citizen of the Philippines
c. Be of good reputation and moral character
d. Be a graduate from a four-year civil engineering program at a
government-recognized school
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 of
unsound mind.
Penal Provisions
1. Unregistered Practice:
Practicing without a valid certificate is illegal.
2. False Representation:
Using another's certificate or providing false evidence is prohibited.
3. Impersonation and Misrepresentation:
Pretending to be a registered engineer or using a revoked certificate is
punishable.
4. Advertising Violations:
Misleading advertising as a registered engineer without certification is
forbidden.
Penalties
• Fines:
₱500 to ₱2,000, depending on violation severity.
• Imprisonment:
6 months to 1 year, or both fines and imprisonment..
• Suspension or Revocation of License:
PRC may suspend or revoke the engineer’s license
