PRC

• RA 8981, the PRC Modernization Act of 2000, modernizes the Professional Regulation Commission by creating a three-man commission attached to the office of the President for general direction and coordination
• The Commission is composed of one full-time Chairperson and two full-time Commissioners, appointed by the President for a term of seven years without reappointment
• The Chairperson of the Commission acts as the presiding and chief executive officer, responsible for implementing policies and programs adopted by the Commission
• The Chairperson receives compensation equivalent to that of a Department Secretary, while the Commissioners receive compensation equivalent to that of an Undersecretary
• The Commission's powers include administering, implementing, and enforcing regulatory policies of the national government, conducting licensure examinations, and maintaining professional and occupational standards and ethics
• The Commission is authorized to approve the results of examinations, appoint supervisors and room watchers, and publish the list of successful examinees
• The Commission can require the completion of a refresher course for examinees who have failed to pass three times, except as otherwise provided by law
• Examinations must be held on weekdays, and the Commission ensures the integrity and inviolability of licensure examinations
• The Chairperson or Commissioner must be at least 40 years of age, hold a valid certificate of registration/professional license, be familiar with professional regulation principles, and have at least five years of executive or management experience
• The Commission for the purpose of professional licensing exams has the following responsibilities:

  • Train examiners
  • Determine and fix the daily allowance for examiners
  • Publish the list of successful examinees
  • Provide educational institutions with sample test questions and syllabi for licensure exams
  • Impose penalties on examinees violating exam rules
• Successful examinees are admitted to practice, with their names entered in the registry book and computerized database
• Certificates of registration/professional license are issued, bearing the registrant’s name, picture, and registration number, signed by all the members of the Board concerned and the Chairperson, with the official seal of the Board and the Commission affixed
• The Commission has custody of all records of the various Boards, including examination papers, minutes of deliberation, records of administrative cases and investigations, and examination results
• The Commission determines and fixes the fees for examination, registration, professional identification card, certification, and other related services
• The Commission supervises foreign professionals practicing in the Philippines, ensuring compliance with practice terms and conditions
• The Commission monitors school performance in licensure exams and publishes the results in a national newspaper
• The Commission investigates members of Professional Regulatory Boards for neglect of duty, incompetence, unethical conduct, or irregularities in licensure exams
• The Commission issues summons, subpoena, and subpoena duces tecum for investigations
• The Commission prepares an annual report of accomplishments for submission to Congress
• Regional Offices are created by the Commission as necessary to carry out their functions
• Professional Regulatory Boards have powers to regulate the practice of professions, investigate violations, delegate hearings, prepare exam questions, and issue syllabi
• Members of the Professional Regulatory Boards shall receive compensation equivalent to at least two salary grades lower than the salary grade of the Commissioners
• The Chairperson of the Regulatory Board shall receive a monthly compensation of two steps higher than the members of the Board
• Members of the Professional Regulatory Boards are entitled to other allowances and benefits provided under existing laws
• All subjects for licensure examinations must be taught by persons who hold valid certificates of registration and valid professional licenses of the profession
• Law enforcement agencies must render assistance in enforcing the regulatory law of the profession, including prosecuting violators in accordance with the law and the rules of court
• The amount necessary to carry out the initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the Professional Regulation Commission
• The Commission is authorized to use its income, not exceeding Forty-five million pesos a year for five years after the Act's effectivity, to implement the program for full computerization of its operations
• Penalties for manipulation and corrupt practices in professional examinations:

  • Imprisonment of not less than six years and one day to not more than twelve years, or a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos to not more than One hundred thousand pesos, or both at the discretion of the court
  • Removal from office and perpetual absolute disqualification from public office for officers or employees of the Commission or members of the regulatory board
  • Accomplices face imprisonment ranging from four years and one day to six years, or a fine ranging from Twenty thousand pesos to not more than Forty-nine thousand pesos, or both at the discretion of the court
• Penalties for violation of Section 7 by Heads of Government Agencies or Officers of Private Entities/Institutions:

  • Imprisonment of not less than six months and one day to not more than six years, or a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos to not more than Five hundred thousand pesos, or both at the discretion of the court
• Within ninety days after the approval of this Act, the Professional Regulation Commission, along with representatives of various Professional Regulatory Boards, accredited professional organizations, the DBM, and the CHED, shall prepare and promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act
• The incumbent Commissioner and two incumbent Associate Commissioners shall serve as Chairperson and Commissioners respectively under the terms for which they have been appointed without the need for new appointments
• If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act or application of such provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such declaration
• Republic Act. No. 546, Presidential Decree No. 223, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 657, Republic Act No. 5181, and Executive Order No. 266, Series of 1995 are hereby repealed
• Section 23 (h) of Republic Act No. 7836, Section 4 (m & s) of Republic Act No. 7920, and Section 29 of Republic Act No. 8050, insofar as it requires completion of the requirements of the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) as a condition for the renewal of the license are hereby repealed
• This Act shall take effect after fifteen days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation, whichever is earlier
• Approved: December 05, 2000

  (Sgd.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA

  President of the Philippines
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) was created by PD No. 223 in 1973 to enforce laws regulating various professions
• PD No. 223 signed by Ferdinand E. Marcos, established PRC as a national government agency to enforce laws regulating professions
• RA No. 8981 modernized PRC, repealed PD 223, and empowered PRC to conduct exams for aspiring professionals and regulate professions in partnership with 43 Professional Regulatory Boards