Code of Ethics

Republic of the Philippines

Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
Manila
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE Resolution No.
02 Series of 2006
ADOPTION AND PROMULGATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR
REGISTERED AND LICENSED ARCHITECTS AND FOR HOLDERS OF
TEMPORARY/SPECIAL PERMITS UNDER R.A. NO. 9266, KNOWN AS "THE
ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004"

Pursuant to Section 7 (g), Article II of R.A. No. 9266, known as the “Architecture Act of 2004”
and Section 7 (g), Rule II of Board Resolution No. 07, Series of 2004, cited as "IRR of the
Architecture Act of 2004", the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (hereinafter called
Board), subject to approval by the Professional Regulation Commission (hereinafter called
Commission), resolves, as it is hereby resolved, to adopt and promulgate the hereunder Code of
Ethical Conduct for Registered and Licensed Architects and for holders of temporary/special
permits under the said R.A. No. 9266 and Board Res. No. 07 as prescribed and issued by the United
Architects of the Philippines, Inc. (UAP), the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization
of Architects (IAPOA) in the Philippines by virtue of Board Res. No. 03, Series of 2004 as
approved by the Commission.
ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Traits of Architects. - The profession of Architecture calls for men and women of the
highest integrity, responsiveness, business acumen, sensibility, as well as artistic and technical
ability. Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities. - The Architect's honesty of purpose must be beyond
reproach; he/she acts as professional adviser to his/her Client and his/her advice must be
unprejudiced; he/she is charged with the exercise of mediation and conciliation functions between
Client and Contractor and must act with entire impartiality; he/she has moral responsibilities to
his/her professional associates and subordinates; and he/she is engaged in a profession which
carries with it grave responsibilities to the public. These duties and responsibilities cannot be
properly discharged unless his/her motives, conduct, sense of moral values, sensitivity, and ability
are such as to command respect and confidence.
 ARTICLE II
THE ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE PEOPLE
Section 3. Relations with the Public. - The Architect is engaged in a profession which carries with
it civic responsibilities towards the public, whether such responsibilities are the natural outcome
of good citizenship or of his/her professional pursuit, or whether they partake of informative and
educational matters or of his/her normal interest in public welfare; and, accordingly, he or she
3.1 shall respect and help conserve the systems of values and the natural, historic, and
cultural heritage of the community in which he/she creates architecture. He/she shall strive
to improve the environment and the life and habitat within it in a sustainable manner, fully
mindful of the effect of his/her work on the widest interests of all those who may reasonably
be expected to use the product of his/her work.
3.2 shall promote the interest of his/her professional organization and do his/her full part
of the work to enhance the objectives and services of the organization. He/she should share
in the interchange of technical information and experience with the other design
professions and the construction industry.
3.3 as a good citizen shall abide by and observe the laws and regulations of the the
government and comply with the Code of Ethical Conduct and the Standards of
Professional Practice. He/she shall at all times endeavor to properly observe the laws on
the practice of architecture and on the planning and design of buildings and their environs.
He/she shall at no time act in a manner detrimental to the best interest of the architectural
profession.
3.4 shall not use paid advertisement, nor use self-laudatory, exaggerated, or misleading
publicity. However, he/she may, in the context of advancing public knowledge of the
Architect’s function in society, as well as of architecture itself, opt to write books, be a
regular columnist of a publication, or be a contributor to the preparation of any other
literature, or activelv participate in any forum, seminar, workshop, or similar assemblies
through verbal or visual presentations and, in the process, show his/her own true worth as
a professional, in which case he/she may receive remuneration or honorarium for such
undertakings.
3.5 shall not solicit, nor permit to solicit, in his/her name, advertisements or other support
towards the cost of any publication presenting his/her work. He/she shall refrain from
taking part in paid advertisement endorsing any materials of construction or building
equipment.
3.6 shall not deceive the public as to his/her professional competence, nor claim any
professional specialization unless supported by academic qualification, track record or
relevant expertise, professional resources available to him/her which will enable him/her
to handle the work particularly requiring such specialization and sanction, by his/her peers
in the profession.
3.7 may exhibit his/her professional shingle outside his/her office, or display a project
billboard indicating relevant information, which may include pictorial reproduction
thereof, in a modest manner
 ARTICLE
III THE ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO HIS/HER CLIENT
Section 4. Relations with the Client. - The Architect's relation to his/her Client is dependent upon
good faith. To ensure the continued existence of such state of good relationship, the Architect's
position carries with it certain moral obligations to his/her Client and to himself/herself. The
Architect shall always endeavor to protect the Client's interests but never at the expense of higher
public interests and public welfare; and, accordingly, he/she
4.1 shall introduce to a prospective Client the professional services he/she is able to perform
provided it is limited to the presentation of examples of his/her professional-experience and does
not entail the offering of free preliminary sketches or other services without the benefit of an
agreement with the Client for legitimate compensation.
4.2 shall acquaint or ascertain from the Client, at the very inception of their business relationship,
the exact nature and scope of his/her services and properly inform the Client of the corresponding
professional fees.
4.3 shall advise a Client against proceeding with any project whose practicability may be
questionable due to financial or legal important and/or exigent conditions, even if such advice may
mean the loss of a prospective commission to the Architect.
4.4 shall explain the conditional character of estimates and in no case shall he/she guarantee any
estimates or cost of the work in order to secure a commission, unless provided for by law, as in
certain government projects.
4.5 shall consider the needs and stipulation of his/her Client and the effects of his/her work upon
the life and well-being of the public and the community as a whole and shall endeavor to meet the
aesthetic and functional requirements of the project commensurate with the Client's budget.
4.6 shall bill his/her Client for services rendered a professional fee commensurate with the work
involved and with his/her professional standing and experience based upon the Basic Minimum
Fee prescribed under the. "Standards of Professional Practice."
4.7 shall undertake the construction of a project even when the plans were prepared bv him/her
when it conforms with pertinent sections of the "Standards of Professional Practice".
4.8 shall be compensated for his/her services solely through his/her professional fee billed directly
to the Client. He/she shall not ask for any other returns in whatever form from any interested source
other than the Client.
4.9 shall be free in his/her investments and business relations outside of his/her profession from
any financial or personal interests which tend to weaker his/her standing as an unprejudiced and
honest adviser, free to act in his/her Client's best interests. If the Architect has any other business
interest's which would relate to, or affect the interest of the Client, he/she should inform the Client
of such a condition or situation.
4.10 shall include in his/her agreement with the Client a clause providing for negotiation,
mediation/conciliation and/or arbitration as alternative methods for the settlement of disputes.
4.11 shall carry out his/her professional work without undue delay and within an agreed reasonable
time limit.
4.12 shall keep the Client informed at all times of the progress of the work undertaken on the
Client's behalf and of any issue that may affect project quality and cost.
ARTICLE IV
THE ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE CONTRACTOR
Section 5. Relations with Contractor. - The Contractor depends upon the Architect to safeguard
fairly the Contractor's interest as well as those of the Client; and, accordingly he or she
5.1 shall give the Contractor every reasonable assistance to enable him/her to fully understand the
contents of the Contract Documents by furnishing clear, definite, and consistent information in all
pertinent contract documents to avoid unnecessary mistakes that may involve extra costs to either
the Contractor or the Client.
5.2 shall not knowingly call upon the Contractor to correct or remedy oversights or errors in the
Contract Document to the Contractor's or the Owner's financial disadvantage.
5.3 shall, immediately upon his/her personal knowledge and inspection, reject or condemn
material, equipment, or workmanship which is not in conformity with the Contract Documents in
order not to cause unnecessary delay and additional expense to the Contractor.
5.4 shall reject any offer of free professional engineering or allied design service/s, or receive any
substantial aid, gifts, commissions, or favors from any Contractor or Subcontractor which will tend
to place him/her under any kind of obligation to return such favors.
5.5 shall promptly inspect each phase of the work completed and if found according to the terms
of the Contract Documents, issue the corresponding Certificates of Payment and the Final
Certificate of Completion, respectively, to the Contractor.
ARTICLE V
THE ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO MANUFACTURERS,
DEALERS, AND AGENTS
Section 6. - Relations with Manufacturers, Dealers, and Agents. - An exchange of technical
information between the Architect and those who manufacture, supply, and handle building
materials or equipment is necessary and, therefore, encouraged and commended, provided that:
he/she
6.1 shall not solicit free professional engineering/allied design or other technical services from
manufacturers or suppliers of building materials or equipment when these are accompanied by an
obligation detrimental to the best interest of the Client, or which may adversely affect the
Architect's professional opinion.
6.2 shall not seek commissions, discounts, fees, gifts, or favors from agents or firms handling
building materials or equipment which may place him/her in a reciprocal frame of mind. All market
discounts shall be credited to the Client.
 ARTICLE VI
THE ARCHITECT'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO HIS/HER
COLLEAGUES AND SUBORDINATES
Section 7. Relations with his/her colleagues and subordinates (his/her big and small
brothers/sisters). - The Architect has moral responsibilities towards his/her profession, his/her
colleagues, and his/her subordinates; and, accordingly, he or she
7.1 shall not render professional services without a professional service agreement. He/she shall
neither offer nor provide preliminary services on a conditional basis prior to definite agreement
with the Client for the commission of the project.
7.2 shall abide by the Basic Minimum Fee prescribed under the "Standards of Professional
Practice". He/she shall not use donation of professional services as a device for obtaining
competitive advantage except for worthy civic or religious projects. Neither shall he/she submit
solicited or unsolicited sketches or drawings in competition with other Architects unless such
competitive arrangements are conducted substantially under the terms of me Architectural
Competition Code.
7.3 shall not, in any case, enter as competitor in any Architectural Competition when he/she has
direct involvement in the formulation of the Program thereof, or when he/she has been engaged to
act as Professional Adviser or Juror for such competition. Neither shall the Architect accept and
act as professional adviser or juror in any architectural competition when he/she has had any
information or has reviewed or assisted in the preparation of such competition. Nor shall be
retained as a professional adviser in a competition, accept employment as an Architect for the
competition project, except as Consulting Architect.
7.4 shall not, under any circumstances or through any means, solicit any project already known to
him/her as previously committed to another Architect, whether such a commitment is still in the
process of negotiation or has already been definitely agreed upon.
7.5 shall not undertake a commission for which he/she knows that another Architect has been
previously employed unless he/she notifies me other Architect of the fact in writing and has
conclusively determined that the original employment has been terminated and duly compensated
for.
7.6 shall not undertake a commission for additions, rehabilitation, or remodeling of any erected
structure undertaken previously by another Architect without duly notifying him of the
contemplated project even when the Client/Owner is no longer the same. When the greater mass,
area, or design of the original structure is substantially maintained, the new Architect should limit
his/her advertisement or claim only to the extent of the specific work he/she has done to me
structure. Whenever the nature of work involved examples of our architectural heritage, the
Architect must look at all possibilities of restoration.
7.7 shall not maliciously, or unfairly criticize, or discredit another Architect or the latter's work.
7.8 shall refrain from associating himself/herself with, or allowing the use of his/her name by any
enterprise that may negatively affect himself/herself or the architectural profession.
7.9 shall not affix his/her signature and seal to any plans or professional documents prepared by
other persons or entities and not done under his/her direct personal supervision.
7.10 shall provide employees and subordinates with a suitable work environment, compensate
them fairly, and facilitate their professional advancement. He/she shall tutor and mentor the young
aspirants towards the ideals, functions, duties, and responsibilities leading to the ethical practice
of the architectural profession.
7.11 shall unselfishly give his/her share in the transfer of technical knowledge and experience to
his/her colleagues and young aspirants and do his/her part in fostering unity in the furtherance of
the profession.
7.12 shall unselfishly give his/her time and effort to the advancement of the profession thru his/her
active and personal commitment and involvement with the Integrated and Accredited Professional
Organization of Architects (IAPOA) and in undertaking specific advocacy work to ultimately
benefit the architectural profession.
7.13 shall ensure that the conduct of his/her professional practice abides by appropriate and
effective internal procedures, including monitoring and review processes, as well as sufficient
qualified and supervised staff to enable the firm to function efficiently.
7.14 shall neither appropriate the intellectual property of, nor unduly take advantage of the ideas
of another architect without express authority from the originating architect.
7.15 shall build his/her professional reputation on the merits of his/her own service and
performance and shall strive to continuously update his/her professional know-how. He/she shall
recognize and give credit to others for professional work performed.
7.16 shall not, when offering services as an independent consultant, quote a fee without first
receiving an official invitation for him/her to do so. The Architect must have sufficient information
on the nature and scope of the project to enable him/her to prepare a fee proposal clearly indicating
the services covered by the fee in order to protect the Client and the public from under-resourcing
or under-pricing by some unscrupulous parties.
7.17 shall not undertake professional work unless the parties shall have clearly agreed in writing
to the terms of the architectural commission, to wit:
7.17.1 scope of work,
7.17.2 delineation of responsibilities,
7.17.3 any limitation of responsibilities,
7.17.4 fee or method of calculating it,
7.17.5 mode of alternative dispute resolution, and
7.17.6 any provision for termination.
7.18 shall continue to raise the standards of aesthetic excellence, functional logic, architectural
education, research, training, and practice.
7.19 shall, as appropriate, promote the allied arts and contribute to the knowledge and capability
of the construction industry.
7.20 if he/she possesses substantial information which leads to n reasonable belief that another
Architect has committed a violation of this Code, shall file a formal complaint with the designated
body.
7.21 if he/she is leaving his/her Architect-Employer shall not, without the permission of the latter,
take with him/her designs, drawings, data, or other relevant materials even if personally performed
by him/her. On the other hand, the Architect-Employer shall not unreasonably withhold such
permission, except when some confidentiality of any such documents must be reasonably
protected.
7.22 shall not discriminate on grounds of race, national origin, age, gender, marital status, religion,
or any disability which would hinder the performance of his/her professional work.
ARTICLE VII
ARCHITECTS CREDO
Section 8. Any registered and licensed architect shall recite with vigor, passion, and hope the
Architect's Credo during special or important occasion, e.g., mass oath-taking, lAPOA's affair,
PRBOA's event. The Architect's Credo shall be the following:
I shall work with this virtuous commitment: to exercise to the utmost my duty to myself, my
country, and my God.
I shall uphold the ideals, follow the norms of conduct of a noble profession, and endlessly endeavor
to protect and further its just ends.
I shall abide by the laws, rules, legal orders, statutory policies, and measures of my country; the
Code of Ethical Conduct and the Standards of Professional Practice; and the Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws of the Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of
Architects (IAPOA).
I shall humbly seek success not through the measure of solicited personal publicity, but by
industrious, meaningful application to my work, and strive to merit a reputation for quality of
service and for equitable dealing.
I shall ask for fair remuneration for my professional services from my Client, and hold his/her
interest over and above my own.
I shall disclose, whenever required, any private business investments or ventures that may tend to
create a conflict of interest, and ensure that such conflict does neither compromise the legitimate
interests of my Clients nor interfere with my duty to render impartial judgment.
I shall exercise my professional prerogatives always with the highest level of integrity.
I shall inspire by my behavior the loyalty of my associates and subordinates, and take upon me the
mentorship of the aspirants to the profession.
I shall confine my criticisms and praises within constructive and inspirational limits and never
resort to these means to promote any malicious motives.
I shall dedicate myself to the pursuit of creative endeavor towards the goal of enlightened Art and
Science, generously sharing the results of my research, experience, and expertise.
I shall treasure my being a holder of a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional
identification card as registered and licensed architect and of a valid membership card with the
lAPOA.
I shall consecrate myself to the highest standard of professionalism, integrity, and competence to
the public, to the Client, to the contractor, to the manufacturers, dealers, and agents, and to
colleagues and subordinates who are the direct and indirect users and beneficiaries of my
architectural services.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 9. Liabilities and Penalties. Any registered and licensed architect or a grantee of a
temporary/special permit who violates any provision of this Code shall be liable under Sec. 23 (f),
Art. III and Sec. 29, Art. lV of R.A. No. 9266 and under Sec. 23 (f), Rule III and Sec. 29, Rule IV
of Board Resolution No. 07, Series of 2004; and, accordingly, shall be meted out with the penalty
of suspension or revocation of the validity of certificate of registration, or cancellation of a
special/temporary permit by the Board, and/or of a fine of not less than One hundred thousand
pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) or to suffer
imprisonment for a period of not less than six (6) months or not exceeding six (6) years, or both at
the discretion of the court, respectively.
Section 10. Separability Clase. If any section or part of the herein Resolution shall be declared
unconstitutional or invalid, such declaration or judgment shall not affect, invalidate, or impair the
other sections or provisions thereof or part thereof directly involved in which such judgment has
been rendered.
Section 11. Effectivity Clause. The herein Resolution shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following its full and complete publication in the Official Gazette or any daily newspaper of
general circulation in the Philippines. Done in the City of Manila, this 5th day of April, 2006.
 Twelfth Congress

Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-eight day of July, two thousand and three.

Republic Act No. 9266 March 17, 2004

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORE RESPONSIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE REGULATION FOR THE
REGISTRATION, LICENSING AND PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC
ACT NO. 545, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "AN ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF
ARCHITECTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES," AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:

ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISION

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Architecture Act of 2004."

SECTION 2. Statement of Policy. - The State recognizes the importance of architects in nation building and
development. Hence, it shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive and well-rounded
professional architects whose standards of practice and service shall be excellent, qualitative, world-class
and globally competitive through inviolable, honest, effective and credible licensure examinations and
through regulatory measures, programs and activities that foster their professional growth and
development.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

(1) "Architecture" is the art, science or profession of planning, designing and constructing buildings in their
totality taking into account their environment, in accordance with the principles of utility, strength and
beauty;

(2) "Architect" means a person professionally and academically qualified, registered and licensed under
this Act with a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card issued by the Professional
Regulatory Board of Architecture and the Professional Regulation Commission, and who is responsible for
advocating the fair and sustainable development, welfare and cultural expression of society's habitat in
terms of space, forms and historical context;

(a) "Architect-of-record" means the architect registered and licensed under this Act, who is directly and
professionally responsible for the total design of the project for the client and who shall assume the civil
liability for the plans, specifications and contract documents he/she has signed and sealed;

(b) "Architecture-in-charge of construction" means an architect registered and licensed under this Act,
who is directly and professionally responsible and liable for the construction supervision of the project;
(c) "Consulting Architect" means the architect registered and licensed or permitted to practice under this
Act, who is professionally and academically qualified and with exceptional or recognized expertise or
specialization in any branch of architecture;

(3) "General Practice of Architecture" means the act of planning and architectural designing, structural
conceptualization, specifying, supervising and giving general administration and responsible direction to
the erection, enlargement or alterations of buildings and building environments and architectural design
in engineering structures or any part thereof; the scientific, aesthetic and orderly coordination of all the
processes which enter into the production of a complete building or structure performed through the
medium of unbiased preliminary studies of plans, consultations, specifications, conferences, evaluations,
investigations, contract documents and oral advice and directions regardless of whether the persons
engaged in such practice are residents of the Philippines or have their principal office or place of business
in this country or another territory, and regardless of whether such persons are performing one or all
these duties, or whether such duties are performed in person or as the directing head of an office or
organization performing them;

(4) "Scope of the Practice of Architecture" encompasses the provision of professional services in
connection with site, physical and planning and the design, construction, enlargement, conservation,
renovation, remodeling, restoration or alteration of a building or group of buildings. Services may include,
but are not limited to:

(a) planning, architectural designing and structural conceptualization;

(b) consultation, consultancy, giving oral or written advice and directions, conferences, evaluations,
investigations, quality surveys, appraisals and adjustments, architectural and operational planning, site
analysis and other pre-design services;

(c) schematic design, design development, contract documents and construction phases including
professional consultancies;

(d) preparation of preliminary, technical, economic and financial feasibility studies of plans, models and
project promotional services;

(e) preparation of architectural plans, specifications, bill of materials, cost estimates, general conditions
and bidding documents;

(f) construction and project management, giving general management, administration, supervision,
coordination and responsible direction or the planning, architectural designing, construction,
reconstruction, erection, enlargement or demolition, renovation, repair, orderly removal, remodeling,
alteration, preservation or restoration of buildings or structures or complex buildings, including all their
components, sites and environs, intended for private or public use;

(g) the planning, architectural lay-outing and utilization of spaces within and surrounding such buildings
or structures, housing design and community architecture, architectural interiors and space planning,
architectural detailing, architectural lighting, acoustics, architectural lay-outing of mechanical, electrical,
electronic, sanitary, plumbing, communications and other utility systems, equipment and fixtures;

(h) building programming, building administration, construction arbitration and architectural

conservation and restoration;
(i) all works which relate to the scientific, aesthetic and orderly coordination of all works and branches of
the work, systems and process necessary for the production of a complete building or structure, whether
for public or private use, in order to enhance and safeguard life, health and property and the promotion
and enrichment of the quality of life, the architectural design of engineering structures or any part thereof;
and

(j) all other works, projects and activities which require the professional competence of an architect,
including teaching of architectural subjects and architectural computer-aided design;

(5) "Structural Conceptualization" means the act of conceiving, choosing and developing the type,
disposition, arrangement and proportioning of the structural elements of an architectural work giving due
consideration to safety, cost-effectiveness, functionality and aesthetics;

(6) "Architectural Firm" means a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation registered with the
proper government agencies;

(7) "Authorship" refers to the author or authors of a set of architectural plans or specifications who are in
charge of their preparation, whether made by them personally or under their immediate supervision;

(8) "Board" refers to the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture;

(9) "Commission" means the Professional Regulation Commission;

(10) "Service Agreement" means a duly notarized written contract or equivalent public instrument
stipulating the scope of services and guaranteeing compensation of such services to be rendered by an
architect registered and licensed under this Act;

(11) "Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization" means the existing official national
organization of all architects of the Philippines in which all registered Filipino architects shall be members
without prejudice to membership in other voluntary professional associations;

(12) "Continuing Professional Development" refers to a sustaining and progressive learning process that
maintains, enhances, or increases the knowledge and continuing ability of architects;

(13) "DTI" shall mean the Department of Trade and Industry; and

(14) "SEC" shall mean the Securities of Exchange Commission.

ARTICLE II
PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF ARCHITECURE

SECTION 4. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board. - There is hereby created a
Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture, hereinafter referred to as the Board, a collegial body under
the supervision and administrative control of the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter
referred to as the Commission, to be composed of a chairman and two (2) members appointed by the
President of the Philippines from a lists of three (3) recommendees chosen from a list of five (5) nominees
for each position submitted to the Commission by the integrated and the accredited professional
organization of architects. The Board shall be organized not later than six (6) months from the effectivity
of this Act.
SECTION 5. Qualifications of Members of the Professional Regulatory Board. - Each member shall have
at the time of his/her appointment, possess the following qualifications:

(a) be a citizen and resident of the Philippines;

(b) be a holder of a degree in Bachelor of Science in Architecture conferred by a school, college or

university in the Philippines or abroad that is recognized and/or accredited by the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED);

(c) be an architect with a valid Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card and active
practitioner of architecture for at least ten (10) years on the date of his/her appointment;

(d) not be a member of the faculty of any good school, college, university or review institution where a
regular course or review course in architecture is taught, nor have pecuniary interest in such institution.
No former member of the faculty of any school, institute, university or review center where architecture
is taught can become a member of the Board unless he/she had officially resigned from such an institution
and has completely stopped teaching, advising or reviewing activities for at least five (5) years prior to the
nomination; and

(e) Has never been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.

SECTION 6. Term of Office. - The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years after
appointment or until their successors shall have been appointed and duly qualified. Any vacancy occurring
within the term of a member shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each member of
the Board may be reappointed for one full term of three (3) years. Of the members of the Board first
appointed under this Act, one (1) member shall be appointed and hold office as chairman for three (3)
years, one (1) member for two (2) years, and one (1) member for one (1) year. Each member of the Board
shall qualify by taking the proper oath prior to the performance shall qualify by taking the proper oath
prior to the performance of their duties. Provided, That the incumbent members of the Board shall
continue to serve for the remainder of their term as members of the herein created Professional
Regulatory Board of Architecture until a new Board shall have been properly organized.

SECTION 7. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall exercise the following specific powers,
functions and responsibilities:

(a) Prescribe and adopt the rules and regulations necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Act;

(b) Supervise the registration, licensure and practice of architects;

(c) Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;

(d) Issue, suspend, revoke, or reinstate the Certificate of Registration and the professional Identification
Card for the practice of the architecture profession;

(e) Adopt an official seal of the Board;

(f) Monitor the conditions affecting the practice of architecture and adopt such measures as may be
deemed proper for the enhancement and maintenance of high professional, ethical and technical
standards of the profession;

(g) Prescribe and/or adopt the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice;
(h) Hear and decide administrative cases involving violations of this Act, its implementing rules and
regulations, the Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice, and for this purpose, to
issue subpoena ad testifcandum and subpoena duces tecum to secure the appearance of witnesses and
the production of documents in connection therewith: Provided, That the decision of the Board shall,
unless appealed to the Commission, become final and executory after fifteen (15) days from receipt of
notice of judgment or decision. The decision of the Commission may be appealed to the Court of Appeals
in accordance with the procedure under the Rules of Court;

(i) Prescribe guidelines for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program in consultation with
the integrated and accredited professional organization of architects: Provided, That the attendance to
said CPD shall not be a mandatory requirement for the renewal of a professional license;

(j) Prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi of the subjects for examinations by determining and
preparing questions which shall be within the scope of the syllabi of the subject for examination as well
as administer, correct and release the results of the licensure examinations;

(k) Approve, issue, limit or cancel temporary or special permit to practice architecture;

(l) In coordination with the CHED, ensure that all higher educational instruction and offerings of
architecture comply with the policies, standards and requirements of the course prescribed by the CHED
in the areas of curriculum, faculty, library and facilities;

(m) To adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination; and

(n) Discharge such other duties and functions as may be deemed necessary for the enhancement of the
architecture profession and the upgrading, development and growth of the architecture education.

The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations, issued or promulgated by the Board shall be subject to
review and approval of the Commission. However, the Board's decisions, resolutions or orders rendered
in administrative cases shall be subject to review only if on appeal.

SECTION 8. Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat and Support
Services. - The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of the Commission. All records of the
Board, including applications for examination, and administrative and other investigative cases conducted
by the Board shall be under the custody of the Commission. The Commission shall designate the Secretary
of the Board and shall provide the secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions of
this Act.

SECTION 9. Grounds for Suspension or Removal of Members of the Board. - The President of the
Philippines, upon the recommendation of the Commission, after giving the concerned member an
opportunity to defend himself in a proper administrative investigation to be conducted by the
Commission, may suspend or remove any member on the following grounds:

(a) Neglect of duty or incompetence;

(b) Violation of tolerance of the violation of this Act, or its implementing rules and regulations or the Code
of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice;

(c) Final judgment of crimes involving moral turpitude; and

(d) Manipulation or rigging of the architecture licensure examination results, disclosure of secret and
confidential information in the examination questions prior to the conduct of the said examination or
tampering of grades.

SECTION 10. Compensation and Allowances of the Board. - The chairman and members of the Board shall
receive compensation and allowances comparable to that being received by the chairman and members
of existing regulatory Boards under the Commission as provided for in the General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 11. Annual Report. - The Board shall submit an annual report to the Commission after the close
of each year giving a detailed account of its proceedings during the year and making such
recommendations as it may deem proper.

ARTICLE III
EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION AND LICENSURE

SECTION 12. Examination Required. - All applicants for registration for the practice of architecture shall
be required to undergo a licensure examination to be given by the Board in such places and dates as the
Commission may designate in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8981.

SECTION 13. Qualifications of Applicant for Examination. - Any person applying for examination shall
establish to the satisfaction of the Board that:

(a) He/she is a Filipino citizen or a citizen of a foreign country qualified to take the examination as provided
for in this Act;

(b) He/she is of good moral character;

(c) He/she is a holder of a degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture conferred by a school, college,
academy or institute duly recognized and/or accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
and in addition has a specific record of at least two (2) years or equivalent of diversified architectural
experience duly certified by a registered/licensed architect: Provided, however, That an applicant holding
a Master's Degree in Architecture from a school, college, university or institute recognized by the
government shall be credited one (1) year in his/her practical experience; and

(d) He/she has not been convicted of any criminal offensive involving moral turpitude.

SECTION 14. Subjects for Examination. - The licensure examination for architects shall cover, but are not
limited to, the following subjects:

(1) History and Theory of Architecture; Principles of Planning and Architectural Practice;

(2) Structural Design, Building Materials, and Architectural Specifications, and Methods of Construction
and Utilities;

(3) Urban Design and Architectural Interiors; and

(4) Architectural Design and Site Planning.

The Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, may revise or exclude any of the subjects and their
syllabi, and add new ones as the need arises to conform to technological changes brought about by
continuing trends in the profession.

SECTION 15. Rating in the Licensure Examination. - To be qualified as having passed the licensure
examination for architects, a candidate must obtain a weighted general average of seventy percent (70%),
with no grade lower than fifty percent (50%) in any given subject.

SECTION 16. Report of Ratings. - The Board shall submit to the Commission the ratings obtained by each
candidate within thirty (30) calendar days after the examination, unless extended for just cause. Upon the
release of the results of the examination, the Board shall send by mail the rating received by each
examinee at his/her given address using the mailing envelope submitted during the examination.

SECTION 17. Oath. - All successful candidates in the examination shall be required to take an oath of
profession before any member of the Board, any government official authorized by the Commission or
any person authorized by law to administer oaths, prior to entering upon the practice of the profession.

SECTION 18. Issuance of Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Card. - A Certificate
of Registration and Professional Identification Card shall be issued to examinees who pass the licensure
examination subject to payment of fees prescribed by the Commission. The Certificate of Registration
shall bear the signature of the chairperson of the Commission and the chairman and members of the
Board, stamped with the official seal, indicating that the person named therein is entitled to the practice
of the profession with all the privileges appurtenant thereto. The said certificate shall remain in full force
and affect until withdrawn, suspended or revoked in accordance with this Act.

A Professional Identification Card bearing the registration number, date of issuance, expiry date, duly
signed by the chairperson of the Commission, shall likewise be issued to every registrant who has paid the
prescribed fee.

SECTION 19. Roster of Architects. - A roster showing the names and place of business of all registered
professional architects shall be prepared and updated by the Board and copies thereof shall be made
available to any party as may be deemed necessary.

SECTION 20. Seal, Issuance and Use of Seal. - A duly licensed architect shall affix the seal prescribed by
the Board bearing the registrant's name, registration number and title "Architect" on all architectural
plans, drawings, specifications and all other contract documents prepared by or under his/her direct
supervision.

(1) Each registrant hereunder shall, upon registration, obtain a seal of such design as the Board shall
authorize and direct. Architectural plans and specifications prepared by, or under the direct supervision
of a registered architect shall be stampede 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 the
registrant named thereon has expired or has been revoked, unless said certificate shall have been
renewed or re-issued.

(2) No officer or employee of this Republic. Chartered cities, provinces and municipalities, now or
hereafter charged with the enforcement of law, ordinances or regulations relating to the construction or
alteration of buildings, shall accept or approve any architectural plans or specifications which have not
been prepared and submitted in full accord with all the provisions of this Act; nor shall any payments be
approved by any such officer for any work, the plans and specifications for which have not been so
prepared and signed and sealed by the author.

(3) It shall be unlawful for any architect to sign his/her name, affix his/her seal or use any other method
of signature on architectural plans, specifications or other documents made under another architect's
supervision, unless the same is made in such manner as to clearly indicate the part or parts of such work
actually performed by the former, and it shall be unlawful for any person, except the architect-of-record,
to sign for any branch of work for any function of architectural practice, not actually performed by
him/her. The architect-of-record shall be fully responsible for all architectural plans, specifications and
other documents issued under his/her seal or authorized signature.

(4) Drawings and specifications duly signed, stamped or sealed, as instruments of service, are the
intellectual properties and documents of the architect, whether the object for which they are made is
executed or not, It shall be unlawful for any person, without the consent of the architect or author of said
documents, to duplicate or to make copies of said documents for use in the repetition of and for other
projects or buildings, whether executed partly or in whole.

(5) All architectural plans, designs, specifications, drawings and architectural documents relative to the
construction of a building shall bear the seal and signature only of an architect registered and licensed
under this Act together with his/her professional identification card number and the date of its expiration.

SECTION 21. Indication of Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card and Professional

Tax Receipt. - The architect shall be required to indicate his/her Certificate of Registration and
Professional Identification Card, its date of issuance and the duration of validity, including the professional
tax receipt number, on the documents he/she signs, uses or issues in connection with the practice of
his/her profession.

SECTION 22. Refusal to Issue Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card. - The Board
shall not register and issue a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card to any person
who has falsely sworn or misrepresented himself/herself in his/her application for examination or to any
person convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude or
guilty of immoral and dishonorable conduct or to any person of unsound mind. In the even of refusal to
issue certificate for any reason, the Board shall give the applicant a written statement setting forth the
reasons for such action, which statement shall be incorporated in the record of the Board: Provided,
however, That registration shall not be refused and a name shall not be removed from the roster of
architects on conviction for a political offense or for an offense which should not, in the opinion of the
Board, either from the nature of the offense or from the circumstances of the case, disqualify a person
from practicing under this Act.

SECTION 23. Suspension and Revocation of Certificates of Registration, Professional Identification Card
or the Special/Temporary Permit. - The Board shall have the power, upon notice and hearing, to suspend
or revoke the validity of a Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card, or shall cancel a
special permit granted under this Act to an architect, on any ground mentioned under Section 22 hereof
for the use of or perpetuation of any fraud or deceit in obtaining a Certificate of Registration and
Professional Identification Card or special/temporary or dishonorable conduct; or for any cause specified
hereunder: Provided, however, That such action of the Board shall be subject to appeal to the Commission
whose decision shall be final if he/she:

(a) has signed and affixed or permitted to be signed or affixed his name or seal on architectural plans and
designs, specification, drawings, technical reports, valuation, estimates, or other similar documents or
work not prepared by him/her or not executed under his/her immediate supervision; or

(b) has paid money except the regular fees provided for to secure a Certificate of Registration; or

(c) has falsely impersonated a practitioner, or former practitioner of alike or different name or has
practiced under an assumed, fictitious or corporate name other than that of the registered; or

(d) has aided or abetted in the practice of architecture any person not duly authorized to practice
architecture in the Philippines; or

(e) has openly solicited projects by actually undertaking architectural services without a valid service
agreement guaranteeing compensation of services to be rendered and/or has actually allowed
himself/herself to be exploited by undertaking architectural services without a valid sevice agreement,
both acts being prejudicial to other architects registered and licensed under this Act and inimical to the
interests of the profession; or

(f) has violated any provision of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations, the Code of Ethical
Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice.

The Board shall periodically examine the grounds for the revocation of the Certificate of Registration and
Professional Identification Card and update these as necessary under the implementing rules and
regulations.

Any person, firm or association, may prepare charges in accordance with the provisions of this section
against any registrant, or the Board may motu proprio investigate and/or take cognizance of act and
practices constituting sufficient cause for suspension or revocation of the Certificate of Registration by
proper resolution or order. Such charges shall be in writing and shall be sworn to by the person making
them and shall be filed with the Secretary of the Board.

SECTION 24. Re-issuance or Replacement of Revoked or Lost Certificates of Registration Professional

Identification Card or Special and Temporary Permit. - The Board may, after the expiration of two (2)
years from the date of revocation of a Certificate of Registration, Professional Identification Card or
special/temporary permit, and upon application and for reasons deemed proper and sufficient, reinstate
the validity of a revoked Certificate of Registration and in so doing may, in its discretion, exempt the
applicant from taking another examination.

A new Certificate of Registration or Professional Identification Card, temporary/special permit replace

those which have been lost, destroyed, or mutilated, may be re-issued, subject to the rules promulgated
by the Board and the Commission, upon payment of the required fees.