ME LAWS

• The State recognizes the importance of mechanical engineers in nation-building and development
• The State aims to develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive, and well-rounded mechanical engineers
• Mechanical engineering practice includes consultation, valuation, investigation, management services, engineering design, preparation of plans, supervision of mechanical equipment, machinery, processes, and more
• Mechanical equipment or machinery includes prime movers, steam generators, heat exchangers, materials handling equipment, heating, air-conditioning, ventilating, refrigeration equipment, and more
• Mechanical processes, works, projects, or plants encompass various types of plants, machinery, and processes deriving power from different energy sources
• The Board of Mechanical Engineering is composed of a Chairman and two members appointed by the President of the Philippines
• Qualifications for Board members include being a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, holding a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, having a valid professional license, and more
• Board members hold office for three years, with a maximum of two regular terms, and receive compensation and allowances as per the General Appropriations Act
• The Board is under the general supervision of the Commission, and the Commission provides the Secretariat and support services for the Board
• The Board's powers include promulgating rules, supervising registration and licensure, issuing certificates of registration, adopting a Code of Ethics, and more
• The Board submits an annual report to the President through the Professional Regulation Commission, detailing its proceedings and accomplishments during the year
• The President, upon recommendation of the Commission, may remove a Board member for various grounds, including neglect of duty or violation of the Act or Code of Ethics
• All applicants for mechanical engineering practice must undergo and pass a written technical examination
• Certificates of registration for mechanical engineering practice are categorized as Professional Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and Certified Plant Mechanic
• Qualifications for applicants for Professional Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and Certified Plant Mechanic include citizenship, educational background, experience, and competency attestation by professional mechanical engineers
• The scope of examination for each category includes specific subjects and requirements tailored to the type of engineering work related to that category
• To pass the examination, candidates must obtain an average of 70% on all subjects, with no rating below 50% in any subject
• The Board submits the ratings obtained by each candidate to the Commission for further processing
• The Board must submit the ratings of each candidate to the Commission within fifteen (15) days after the examinations, unless extended for just cause
• An applicant who fails the exam for the third time can only retake it after one year
• Successful candidates must take an oath of profession before the Board or an authorized government official before practicing mechanical engineering
• Upon payment of the registration fee, the Board will issue a certificate of registration to applicants who meet all the specified requirements in the Act for their category
• Certificates of registration must be signed by all Board members and the Commission, and bear the official seal of the Commission
• A professional license, bearing the registration number, date of issuance, expiry date, and signed by the chairman of the Board, will be issued to registrants upon payment of professional fees
• Practice of mechanical engineering in the country is only allowed for those with a valid license
• Certificates of specialty may be issued by the Board to Professional Mechanical Engineers with specialized knowledge, training, and experience in specific fields
• A professional mechanical engineer must obtain a seal prescribed by the Board upon registration, to be used on professional documents
• The Board shall not issue a certificate of registration to individuals convicted of certain crimes or declared of unsound mind by a court
• The Board has the power to suspend or revoke a certificate of registration for various reasons, subject to appeal to the Commission
• The Board can revoke or suspend licenses for mechanical engineers for specified causes, subject to appeal and possible court intervention
• The Board may reinstate revoked certificates of registration and issue replacements for lost certificates under certain conditions
• Professional licenses must be renewed by paying the renewal fee corresponding to three consecutive years
• All practicing Mechanical Engineers registered at the time of the Act's effect are automatically registered
• Temporary/Special Permits may be required for certain individuals, subject to approval by the Board and Commission
• Licensed Mechanical Engineers must indicate their Professional License number and other details on documents related to their profession
• Unauthorized individuals are prohibited from engaging in various mechanical engineering activities unless duly licensed or qualified under the Act
• Every mechanical work project or plant must have a minimum number of resident licensed professional mechanical engineers, mechanical engineers, or certified plant mechanics based on the power capacity
• Fabrication, construction, or alteration of mechanical equipment must be done under the supervision of a Professional Mechanical Engineer
• The practice of mechanical engineering is a professional service, and firms or corporations cannot be registered or licensed for such practice
• Certificates of engineers and mechanics must be posted in a visible place within mechanical works, projects, or plants of a certain capacity