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The Professional Regulation Commission (Filipino: Komisyon sa Pamamalakad ng mga Propesyonal), otherwise known as the PRC, is a three-man commission attached to the office of the President of the Philippines. Its mandate is to regulate and supervise the practice of the professionals who constitute the highly skilled manpower of the country. As the agency-in-charge of the professional sector, the PRC plays a strategic role in developing the corps of professionals for industry, commerce, governance, and the economy.

Short history[link]

The Commission was created with the signing of Presidential Decree No. 223 on June 22, 1973 by President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The first PRC Commissioner, Architect Eric C. Nubla assumed office on January 2, 1974.

The PRC Coat-of-Arms designed by the Heraldry Commission was officially adopted on February 1, 1974. The Commission made its offices at the burned Civil Service Commission building at P. Paredes Street in Manila. The structure later became the PRC Main Building. The PRC began issuing certificates of registration in Filipino with English translation. Proclamation No. 1276 is issued declaring June 22 to 29 of 1974 as "Professional Consciousness Week."

1974 also saw the computerization of the database of registered professionals with the assistance of the National Computer Center. The Implementing Rules and Regulations of P.D. 223 are promulgated on December 9 of that year.

In 1975, PRC began issuing computer-printed registration cards with one-year validity. PRC starts accrediting professional organizations.

1986 saw the Hon. Julio B. Francia assume office as Commission Chairman and launch drive against graft and corruption.

In 1992, the Hon. Hermogenes P. Pobre assumes office as third Commission Chairman.

The PRC Vision and Mission is adopted during the Annual Planning Conference in 1998.

In 1999 the commission was formally awarded ISO 9002 certification by the Anglo-Japanese-American Environmental Quality and Safety Certification Services for the licensing and certification of marine deck and engineer officers.

2001 saw Commissioner Alfonso G. Abad assume office as Acting Chairman in February. The Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 8981 are adopted on February 15. Hon. Antonieta Fortuna-Ibe assumed office as the first lady Chairperson on August 1.

Former Philippine Court of Appeals Justice Nicolas P. Lapeña Jr formally assumed office on August 26, 2008, as Chairman of the PRC succeeding Dr. Leonor T. Rosero, who finished her term last July. He joins incumbent PRC Commissioners Nilo L. Rosas and Ruth Raña Padilla.^[1]

Without finishing his term, Chairman Nicolas P. Lapeña Jr. retired on December 31, 2010. Commissioner Antonio S. Adriano assumed as Officer-in-Charge from January 1 to 9, 2011. Atty.Teresita R. Manzala assumed office as the new PRC Chairperson on January 10, 2010. The New Chairperson joins Commissioner Alfredo Y. Po and Commissioner Jennifer J. Manalili, who replaces Commissioner Nilo L. Rosas and Commissioner Antonio S. Adriano, respectively.

Functions[link]

Quasi-Judicial[link]

Investigates cases against erring examinees and professionals. Its decisions have the force and effect of the decisions of a court of law, with the same level of authority as a Regional Trial Court. After the lapse of the period within which to file an appeal, Commission decisions become final and executory.

Quasi-Legislative[link]

Formulates rules and policies on professional regulation. When published in the official gazette, these rules have the force and effect of law.

Executive[link]

Administer, implements, and enforces the regulatory policies of the national government, including the maintenance of professional and occupational standards and ethics and the enforcement of the rules and regulations relative thereto.

Vision and Mission[link]

Vision[link]

The Professional Regulation Commission is the instrument of the Filipino people in securing for the nation a reliable, trustworthy and progressive system of determining the competence of professionals by credible and valid licensure examinations and standards of professional practice that are globally recognized.

Mission[link]

To deliberately, scientifically, and consistently determine the competence of professionals through the provision of professional standards and judicious issuance of professional license.

Mandate[link]

"Nurture Filipino professionals towards technical proficiency and civic responsibility in the service of the Filipino nation"

Republic Act 8981, otherwise known as the "PRC Modernization Act Of 2000", mandates the following:

• Institutionalization of centerpiece programs

1. full computerization
2. careful selection of Professional Regulatory Board members, and
3. monitoring of school performance to upgrade quality of education

• Updating of organizational structure for operational efficiency and effectiveness;
• Strengthening of PRC's enforcement powers, including regulatory powers over foreign professionals practicing in the country;
• Authority to use income for full computerization; and
• Upgrading of compensation and allowances of Chairperson to that of a Department Secretary and those of the Commissioners to that of Undersecretary.

Regulated professions[link]

Professional Regulatory Boards

Under the Commission are the forty-three (43) Professional Regulatory Boards which exercise administrative, quasi-legislative, and quasi-judicial powers over their respective professions. The 43 PRBs which were created by separate enabling laws, perform these functions subject to review and approval by the Commission:

• Prepare the contents of licensure examinations. Determine, prescribe, and revise the course requirements
• Recommend measures necessary for advancement in their fields
• Visit / inspect schools and establishments for feedback
• Adopt and enforce a Code of ethics for the practice of their respective professions
• Administer oaths and issue Certificate of Registration
• Investigate violations of set professional standards and adjudicate administrative and other cases against erring registrants
• Suspend, revoke, or reissue Certificate of Registration for causes provided by law

Professional Regulatory Boards[link]

See also[link]

• Department of Labor and Employment (Philippines)
• Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture

References[link]

1. ^ gmanews.tv, Former CA justice is new PRC chief

2. Text of Republic Act 8981

External links[link]

• Professional Regulation Commission official website

Professional conduct is the field of regulation of members of professional bodies, either acting under statutory or contractual powers.^[1]

Historically, professional conduct was wholly undertaken by the private professional bodies, the sole legal authority for which was of a contractual nature. These bodies commonly established codes of conduct and ethical codes for the guidance of their members.

In certain areas, where the public interest is considered to be heavily engaged, legislation has been enacted, either replacing professional regulation by statutory legislation, or by a form of supervision of the professional body by a statutory body.^[2].

European Union[link]

The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) is the representative organisation of European lawyers through its member bars and law societies from 31 full member countries, and 11 further associate and observer countries. The CCBE has issued a Charter of core principles of the European legal profession and Code of Conduct for European lawyers^[3]. Activities include a committee on Deontology^[4] and a working group on Professional Indemnity Insurance^[5].

The European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE) aims to promote the highest technical and ethical standards, to provide a source of impartial advice, and promote co-operation with other pan-European organisations in the construction industry. The ECCE formulates standards for a European Code of Conduct of the Civil Engineering Profession and disciplinary procedures applicable throughout the Union^[6]. Other activities include the preparation of a review of the civil engineering profession in Europe, covering, e.g., demand for liability insurance^[7].

The Council of European Geodetic Surveyors (CLGE) represents the interests of the geodetic surveying profession in the private and public sector from 31 countries of Europe. As of September 2009, the CLGE adopted the CLGE Code of Conduct of the European Surveyor and initiated the ratification process amongst members ^[8]. It 'highly recommends that European surveyors hold professional indemnity insurance'^[9].

United Kingdom[link]

In the United Kingdom, where a professional body is a public body within the meaning of the Human Rights Act 1998 (such as is the case with medicine, the legal profession, and financial services), its professional conduct machinery must conform to the European Convention on Human Rights.^[10]

See also[link]

• Licensure
• National codes of conduct of the legal professions in Europe
• Professional abuse
• Professional ethics
• Professional responsibility

References[link]

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