(" 
... ~ r.n,lt 'f I:' 
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
(:9fh~r tlf Up' ::?f'-r(d~H~ 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'11 
IIUG 17 
f) 6 :30 
SENATE 
COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 54 
Submitted jointly by the Committees on Civil Service and Government Reorganization; and 
Environment and Natural Resources; and Finance on A.UG 1 7 2U11 . 
RE: Senate Bill No. 
2941 
Recommending its approval in substitution of Senate Bill No. 317 
Sponsor: Senator Trillanes IV 
MR PRESIDENT: 
The Committee on Civil Service and Government Reorganization joint with the 
Committees on Environment and Natural Resources, and Finance, to which was referred S.B. 
No. 317 introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV, entitled: 
AN ACT 
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF GEOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING 
FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED FOUR THOUSAND TWO 
HUNDRED NINE (RA. NO. 4209), OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
'GEOLOGY 
PROFESSION ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES' AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
have considered the same and have the honor to report it back to the Senate with the 
recommendation that the attached Senate Bill No. 
:2 9 41 prepared by the Committees, 
entitled: 
AN ACT 
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF GEOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING 
FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED FOUR THOUSAND TWO 
HUNDRED NINE (RA. NO. 
4209), 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
'GEOLOGY 
PROFESSION ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES' AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
1 


be approved in substitution of Senate Bill No. 317 with Senator Trillanes IV as author thereof 
Respectfully submitted: 
Chairpersons 
~,~-
F 
ommittee on Finance 
Member, jamittee on Environment and 
. 
atural Resources 
ANTONIO F. TRILLANES IV 
Committee on Civil Service and Government 
Reorganization 
\ 
JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI 
Committee on Environment and Natural Re 0 
Member, Committee on Finance 
Vice-Chairpersons 
... .-
.. =-=---
:::::> 
~~--------~­
LeREN"'1f.LEGARDA 
Committee on Environment and Natural 
Resources 
Member, Committees on Finance; and Civil 
Service and Government Reorganization 
Members 
EDGARDO J. ANGARA 
Committees on Finance; and Environment and 
Natural Resources 
~ 
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
and overnment Reorganization 
Memb r, Committees on Finance; and 
Environment and Natural Resources 
MIRIAM DEFENSOR SANTIAGO 
Finance 
Finance; and Environment and 
Natural Re ources 
UELM.LAPID 
Committees on Finance; EnviMrient and 
Natural Resources; and Civil rs~~ice and 
Government Reorganization 
SE4R.~~ 
Committees on Finance; and Enviromnent and 
Natural Resources 
FERDINAND . MA.RCOS, JR. 
Committees on Fi ance; tnviromnent and 
Natural Resourc s; and Civil Service and 
Government Reorganization 
FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN 
Committees on Finance; Environment and 
Natural Resources; and Civil Service and 
Government Reorganization 
2 


I 
-; 
/f,:? 
,,/ 
} 
/. 
( 
j;/, - /' 
,RA .' Ii G. ru!lCfff" 
Committee~ on FinanSj:landE~viromnent and 
INatu~1 Resources 
I 
MANNY VILLAR 
Committees on Finance; and Environment and 
Natural Resources 
ltifCI"A.A ~ 
Committees on Finane' nvironment and 
Natural Resources; an Civil Service and 
Government Reorganization 
-
G REVILLA, JR. 
ee on F' ance; and Environment and 
tural Resources 
JOKER P. ARROYO 
Committees on Finance; and Environment and 
Natural Resources 
3 


Ex-Officio Members 
R "COMPANERO" S. 
CAYETANO 
Minority Leader 
RON. JUAN PONCE ENRILE 
President 
Senate 
resident Pro-Tempore 
Majority 
4 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
'11 
I\UG 17 P 6 :30 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.NO. 2941 
(In substitution of Senate Bill No. 317) 
Prepared by the Committees on Civil Service and Government Reorganization; 
Environment and Natural Resources; and Finance, with Senator Trillanes IV as author 
thereof 
AN ACT 
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF GEOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING 
FOR THE PURP~ REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED FOUR THOUSAND TWO 
HUNDRED 
NIN~ (R.A. NO. 
4209), OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "GEOLOGY 
PROFESSION AC'I;\THE PHILIPPINES" AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
1 
ARTICLE I 
2 
TITLE, STATEMENT OF POLICY, DEFINITION OF TERMS 
3 
AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE 
4 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Geology Profession Act of 
5 
2011. " 
6 
7 
SEC. 2. Statement of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
8 
supervise and regulate the practice of geology which is vital to national development; 
9 
upgrade geology education and the quality of geologists whose standards of professional 
10 
practice shall be excellent, world-class and globally competitive through regulatory 
11 
measures, programs and activities. 
12 
13 
SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act shall govern, but shall not be limited to, the 
14 
following: 
15 
(a) the examination, registration, and licensure of geology profession; 
16 
(b) the supervision, control and regulation of the practice of geology; 
1 


1 
(c) the development of the professional competence of geologists through continuing 
2 
professional education; and 
3 
(d) the integration ofthe geology profession. 
4 
5 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall 
6 
mean as follows: 
7 
(a) "Practice of geology" shall mean the offering or rendering of services of any of 
8 
the specialized branches of geology for a fee, reward or compensation, paid to 
9 
him/her or through another person or persons, or even without such reward or 
10 
compensation; 
11 
(b) "Board" shall mean the Board of Geology; 
12 
(c) "Accredited Professional Organization (APO)" shall mean the professional 
13 
organization duly accredited by the Professional Regulatory Board of Geologists 
14 
and the Professional Regulation Commission; 
15 
(d) "Continuing Professional Education (CPE)" shall mean the inculcation, 
16 
assimilation and acquisition of knowledge, skills, proficiency and ethical and 
17 
moral values, after the initial registration of a professional that raise and enhance 
18 
the professional's technical skills and competence. 
19 
20 
SEC.S. Scope of Practice. - A person shall be deemed to be practicing geology or 
21 
rendering geological service in government, industry and the academe when he/she 
22 
undertakes geological work for a fee, salary or remuneration. The scope of practice of a 
23 
geologist shall include, but not be limited, to the following: 
24 
(a) General geological surveyor mapping, whether onshore or offshore, to identify 
25 
different types of rocks, geologic structures, metallic and non-metallic mineral 
26 
deposits and/or energy resources such as petroleum, gas, coal, geothermal systems 
27 
as well as ground water resources; 
2 


1 
(b) Exploration for metallic and non-metallic mineral resources outside active mining 
2 
areas andlor mine exploration to locate extensions or mineral deposits inside mine 
3 
operating areas; 
4 
(c) Geological exploration for energy resources like petroleum, gas and coal, nuclear 
5 
minerals, andlor geothermal resources; 
6 
(d) Study of geohazards due to faulting, volcanism, ground subsidence, groundwater 
7 
pollution, weathering and erosion; their characteristics, and impact on housing 
8 
and infrastructure projects and the environment,; 
9 
(e) Hydrogeological studies which include search for underground water resources, 
10 
and determining their characteristics, location, depth and volume, including 
11 
groundwater vulnerability assessment; 
12 
(f) Investigation and study of the physical and geo-mechanical characteristics of 
13 
rocks and soils; 
14 
(g) Gathering, processing and evaluation of geologic data for environmental 
15 
assessment and management, including conservation and bio-diversity projects; 
16 
and 
17 
(h) Data processing, petrology, mineragraphy and laboratory studies that require 
18 
geological knowledge essential in data interpretation and in the preparation of 
19 
geological report; 
20 
(i) Preparation of geological reports in accordance with best practices and applicable 
21 
laws and regulations; 
22 
(j) Teaching of geological courses in any academe program leading to a professional 
23 
degree, including refresher and review courses; and 
24 
(k) Other geologic work or service which, in the assessment and opinion of the 
25 
Board, constitutes the practice of Geology. 
26 
The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may add to or exclude any act 
27 
as the need arises after consultation with the APO and the academe. 
3 


1 
ARTICLE II 
2 
CREATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF GEOLOGY 
3 
SEC 6. Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board of Geology. - There 
4 
is hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board of Geology, hereinafter referred to as 
5 
the Board, under the administrative control and supervision of the Professional 
6 
Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, composed of a 
7 
chairman and two (2) members to be appointed by the President of the Philippines from 
8 
among those recommended by the Commission from the nominees of the duly Accredited 
9 
Professional Organization (APO) of Geologists. The new Board shall be constituted not 
10 
later than six (6) months from the affectivity of this Act. 
11 
12 
SEC. 7. Powers and Duties of the Board. - The Board shall have the following 
13 
powers and duties: 
14 
(a) To supervise and regulate the practice of geology profession; 
15 
(b) To detennine and evaluate the qualifications of the applicants for registration; 
16 
(c) To prescribe the subjects in the licensure examinations, determine the syllabi of 
17 
the subjects and their relative weights, construct the test questions in the 
18 
examinations, score and rate the examination papers, and submit the examination 
19 
results to the Commission; 
20 
(d) To issue together with the Commission, Certificates of Registration and 
21 
Professional Identification Cards to applicants who have passed the licensure 
22 
examinations for professional geologists; 
23 
(e) To issue special/temporary permits to foreign geologists to practice the 
24 
profession; 
25 
(1) To inquire into conditions affecting the practice of the profession and adopt 
26 
measures for the enhancement and maintenance of high professional, ethical and 
27 
technical standards. Pursuant thereto, the Board may inspect establishments where 
28 
geologists practice their profession such as mines, plants, offices and the like in 
4 


1 
order to determine and enforce compliance with the provisions of this Act and 
2 
issue Certificates of Compliance for the purpose; 
3 
(g) In coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), inspect the 
4 
facilities, faculty, equipment and other aspects directly related to the geology 
5 
program of educational institutions; 
6 
(h) To adopt the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) necessary for carrying 
7 
out the provisions of this Act; 
8 
(i) To adopt a Code of Ethics and a Code of Professional and Technical Standards for 
9 
the practice of geology profession; 
10 
(j) To investigate, in accordance with the rules on administrative investigation 
11 
promulgated by the Commission, violations of this Act and its Implementing 
12 
Rules and Regulations, the Code of Ethics and the Code of Professional and 
13 
Technical Standards for geologists, administrative policies, orders and issuances 
14 
promulgated by the Board; 
15 
(k) To issue subpoena duces tecum to secure the attendance of witness or the 
16 
production of documents in connection with administrative cases before the 
17 
Board; 
18 
(1) To hear and decide administrative cases filed against geologists and firms 
19 
employing the same. The hearing shall be presided by the Chairman or a member 
20 
of the Board with the assistance of an Attorney of the Commission. The decision 
21 
of the Boards may be appealed to the Commission and to the Court within fifteen 
22 
(15) days from notice, otherwise the decision shall become final and executory; 
23 
(m)To administer oaths in connection with the performance of its functions; 
24 
(n) To adopt an official seal and prescribe the seal of the geology profession; 
25 
(0) To submit an annual report on the proceedings and accomplishments during the 
26 
year andlor recommendations of the Board to the Commission thirty (30) days 
27 
after the close of each calendar year; 
28 
(p) To prosecute or institute criminal action against any violator of this Act andlor 
29 
rules and regulations of the Board; 
5 


1 
(q) To prescribe guidelines and criteria on the Continuing Professional Education 
2 
(CPE) program for geology in consultation with the integrated and accredited 
3 
professional organization of geologists; and 
4 
(r) To perfonn regulatory, administrative, and quasi-legislative functions as 
5 
mandated under RA. 8981, otherwise known as the PRC Modernization Act, and 
6 
such other functions as may be necessary in order to implement the provisions of 
7 
this Act. 
8 
9 
SEC. 8. Qualifications of the Chairman and Members of the BoariL - The 
10 
chairman and members of the Board, at the time of the appointment shall be: 
11 
(a) A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines; 
12 
(b) A holder of at least a bachelor's degree in geology as conferred by a university or 
13 
school of good standing, recognized and accredited by the Government; 
14 
(c) A registered Geologist with a valid certificate of registration and professional 
15 
identification card and an active practitioner for not less than ten (10) continuous 
16 
years prior to his/her appointment; 
17 
(d) A person who does not have any pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly in any 
18 
university, college, school or institution conferring an academic degree necessary 
19 
for the admission to the practice of geology, or institutions where review classes 
20 
in preparation for the licensure examinations for geologists are being officially 
21 
offered or conducted; nor shall he/she be a member of the faculty or of the 
22 
administration thereof prior to appointment to the Board, and 
23 
(e) A member of the Accredited Professional Organization of Geology but not a 
24 
trustee or officer thereof. 
25 
26 
SEC. 9. Terms of Office. - The chairman and every member of the Board shall 
27 
hold office for a tenn of three (3) years or until their successors shall have been duly 
28 
appointed. They may be reappointed for another term of three (3) years immediately after 
6 


1 
the expiry of their term but in no case shall the whole term exceed six (6) years, Interim 
2 
vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term only, 
3 
The chainnan and members shall qualifY by taking the proper oaths prior to 
4 
assumption of office, 
5 
6 
SEC. 10. Compensation of the Board. - The chainnan and members of the Board 
7 
shall receive compensation and allowances comparable to that being received by the 
8 
chairman and members of other professional regulatory boards under the Commission as 
9 
provided for in the General Appropriations Act. 
10 
11 
SEC. 11. Custodian of Records, Secretariat and Support - All records of the 
12 
Board, including applications for examinations, examination papers and results, minutes 
13 
of meetings, deliberations of administrative and other investigative cases involving the 
14 
Board shall be kept by the Commission, The Commission shall designate the Secretary of 
15 
the Board and shall provide secretariat and other support services to implement the 
16 
provisions of this Act. 
17 
18 
SEC. 12. Grounds for Suspension or Removal of Board Members/Chairman. -
19 
The President, upon the recommendation of the Commission after due process and 
20 
administrative investigation conducted by the Commission, may remove or suspend a 
21 
chairman or member of the Board on any of the following grounds: 
22 
(a) gross neglect, incompetence or dishonesty in the discharge of their duty; 
23 
(b) violation of any of the causes/grounds and the prohibited acts provided in this Act 
24 
and the offenses in the Revised Penal Code, the Anti-Graft and Corruption 
25 
Practices, and other laws; or 
26 
(c) manipulation or rigging of the results of the geology licensure examination, 
27 
disclosure of secret and confidential information on the examination questions 
28 
prior to the conduct thereof, or tampering of grades, 
29 
7 


1 
SEC. 13. Annual Report. - The Board shall submit an annual report to the 
2 
Commission after the close of each fiscal year giving detailed account of Board 
3 
proceedings during the year and embodying such recommendations as the Board may 
4 
desire to make. 
5 
6 
ARTICLEm 
7 
LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION 
8 
SEC. 14. Passing of Licensure Examination Requirement. -
Except as 
9 
otherwise specifically allowed under this Act, applicants for registration for the practice 
10 
of geology shall be required to pass a licensure examination as provided for in this Act. 
11 
12 
SEC. 15. Holding of Examination. - Examination of candidates applying for 
13 
registration as geologist shall be given at least once a year in such places and dates as the 
14 
commission may designate in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8981, 
15 
otherwise known as the PRC Modernization Act. 
16 
17 
SEC. 16. Scope of Examination. - In the licensure examination for geologist, the 
18 
scope of examinations, methods and procedures shall be prescribed by the Board. The 
19 
licensure examination shall cover, but shall not be limited to, the following subjects: 
20 
(a) General Geology; 
21 
(b) Petrology and Mineralogy; 
22 
(c) Applied Geology; 
23 
The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may revise or exclude any of 
24 
the subjects and their syllabi, and add new ones as the need arises to conform to 
25 
technological changes brought about by continuing trends in the profession: Provided, 
26 
That a detailed syllabi of the above examinations covering the whole aspects of the 
27 
geology profession and practice shall be prepared by the Board. 
8 


1 
SEC. 17. Qualifications for Examinations. - The qualifications required for 
2 
applicants to the licensure examination for Geology are the following: 
3 
(a) He/she is a citizen of the Philippines or a foreign citizen whose country has 
4 
reciprocity agreement with the Philippines; 
5 
(b) A graduate of a school, institute, college or university recognized by the 
6 
Government and has been conferred the degree of Bachelor of Science in 
7 
Geology, Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering, Master of Science in 
8 
Geology, or their equivalent degrees; 
9 
(c) Has good moral character; and 
10 
(d) Has not been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of an offense 
11 
involving moral turpitude, 
12 
13 
SEC. 18. Examination Fees. - Any applicant admitted to take the geology 
14 
licensure examination shall pay such fees as may be prescribed by the Commission 
15 
before he/she is allowed to take the examination, 
16 
17 
SEC. 19. Rating in the Licensure Examination, -
To pass the licensure 
18 
examination for geology, a candidate must obtain a general weighted average of no less 
19 
than seventy per centum (70%) and a rating of no less than fifty per centum (50%) in any 
20 
examination subject. 
21 
22 
SEC. 20. Report of Ratings. - The Board shall complete the correction of 
23 
examination papers within three (3) days from the last day of examinations, The 
24 
Commission shall report the rating of examinees not more than ten (10) days after the 
25 
Board has completed the correction of examination papers, 
26 
27 
SEC. 21. 
Issuance of Certificates of Registration and Professional 
28 
Identification Card. - A certificate of registration shall be issued to those who are 
29 
registered with or without licensure examination subject to payment of fees prescribed by 
9 


1 
the Commission. It shall bear the signatures of the Chairperson of the Commission and of 
2 
the chairman and members of the Board, stamped with the official seal of the 
3 
Commission and of the Board, certifYing that the person named therein is entitled to the 
4 
practice of the profession with all the privileges appurtenant thereto. Until withdrawn, 
5 
revoked, or suspended in accordance with this Act, it shall remain in full force and effect. 
6 
A professional identification card bearing the registration number and date, its 
7 
validity and expiry duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission shall likewise be 
8 
issued to every registrant who has paid the prescribed fees. The said card shall be 
9 
renewed every three (3) years upon mandatory submission of the continuing professional 
10 
education (CPE) units, as may be required by the Board. 
11 
12 
SEC. 22. Issuance of Certificates of Specialization.. - Upon nomination of the 
13 
accredited professional organization of geologists, the Board shall issue a Certificate of 
14 
Specialization to an applicant who is a registered geologist and who has specialized 
15 
knowledge, training and experience in a specific field of geology and has documented 
16 
his/her expertise and competence on the same. 
17 
18 
SEC. 23. Seal of a Registered Geologist. -
Every geologist shall, upon 
19 
registration, obtain a seal as prescribed by the Board. Plans, specifications, reports, and 
20 
other professional documents prepared by or executed under the supervision of and 
21 
issued by the registrant shall be stamped on every sheet with the said seal when filed 
22 
officially or when submitted for professional use. 
23 
24 
SEC. 24. Fees for Registration. -
Every person issued a Certificate of 
25 
Registration shall pay to the Commission such fees as the Commission may prescribe. 
26 
27 
SEC. 25. - Issuance of Temporary/Special Permits. - Temporary/special permits 
28 
shall be issued to the following upon proper application with the Board: 
10 


1 
(a) foreign geologists, recognized as experts in their specific fields of geology, called 
2 
in by the Republic of the Philippines for consultation or for specific design, 
3 
installation or project: Provided, That their practice shall be confined to such 
4 
work only; 
5 
(b) foreign geologists who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of 
6 
specialization, contracted as professors or lecturers on geology subjects by 
7 
Philippine schools, colleges, institutes or universities on a direct hire or exchange 
8 
basis, subj ect to verification of credentials by the Board; or 
9 
(c) foreign geologists who are duly registered under bilateral or multilateral 
10 
agreements where the Philippines is a signatory. 
11 
PrOVided, That all the above shall secure a temporary/special permit from the 
12 
Board prior to arrival in the country; PrOVided, That the Department of Labor and 
13 
Employment (DOLE) shall not issue an alien employment permit to a foreigner who will 
14 
practice a profession in the Philippines unless he/ she shall have been issued by the Board 
15 
and Commission a temporary/ special permit pursuant to a resolution approved by the 
16 
foregoing bodies. 
17 
18 
SEC. 26. Exemption from Licensure Examination. - A graduate of Doctor of 
19 
Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geology or an equivalent degree in any of the specialized branch 
20 
of Geology from a duly recognized university shall be exempted from taking the 
21 
licensure examination upon evaluation of the Board. He/she shall be required to register 
22 
in the same manner as those who will pass the licensure examination. 
23 
24 
SEC. 27. Refusal to Register. - The Board shall not register any successful 
25 
applicant for registration, with or without licensure examination, who has been; 
26 
(a) convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent 
27 
jurisdiction, 
28 
(b) found guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct by the Board, 
11 


1 
(c) adjudged guilty for violation of the General Instruction to Examinees by the 
2 
Board; and 
3 
(d) declared of unsound mind by a court of competent jurisdiction. 
4 
In refusing such registration, the Board shall give the applicant a written 
5 
statement setting forth the reasons therefore and shall file a copy thereof in its records. 
6 
7 
SEC. 28. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration and 
8 
Cancellation of Temporary/Special Permit. - The Board shall have the power, upon 
9 
notice of hearing, to revoke or suspend the certificate of registration of a registered 
10 
Geologist or to cancel a temporary/special permit granted to a foreign geologist, for any 
11 
of the grounds or causes enumerated in Sec. 27 of this Act, except in letter (c) thereof, 
12 
and for any of the following grounds: 
13 
( a) violation of a provision of this Act, its IRR, Code of Ethics, and Code of 
14 
Professional and Technical Standards for the practice of geology; 
15 
(b) perpetration or use of fraud in obtaining his/her certificate of registration, 
16 
professional identification card, or temporary/special permit; 
17 
(c) gross incompetence, negligence or ignorance resulting to death, injury or damage; 
18 
(d) any act of misrepresentation in connection with an alleged performance of 
19 
geological activities; 
20 
(e) acts inimical to the geology profession; 
21 
(f) gross immorality; 
22 
(g) conviction by final judgment of any act involving moral turpitude; 
23 
(h) aiding or abetting the illegal practice of a non-registered and non-licensed 
24 
geologist by allowing him/her to use his/her certificate of registration andlor 
25 
professional identification card, or his/her special temporary pennit; 
26 
(i) illegally practicing the profession during his/her suspension from the practice 
27 
thereof; 
12 


1 
(j) clinically declared to be addicted to a drug or alcohol abuse impairing his/her 
2 
ability to practice hislher profession, or declared with an unsound mind by a court 
3 
of competent jurisdiction. 
4 
Any person, firm or association may file charges in accordance with the provision 
5 
of this Section against any registrant, or the Board may investigate violation of any of the 
6 
above-mentioned causes. An affidavit-complaint shall be filed together with the affidavits 
7 
of witnesses and other documentary evidence with the Board thru the Legal and 
8 
Investigation Office. The Board may motu proprio conduct an investigation which shall 
9 
be embodied in a formal charge to be signed by at least a majority of the members of the 
10 
Board. The rules on administrative investigation issued by the Commission shall govern 
11 
the hearing or investigation subject to applicable provisions of this Act, RA. No. 8981 
12 
and the Rules of Court. 
13 
14 
SEC. 29. Re-issuance of Revoked Certificate of Registration and Replacement 
15 
of Lost Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card.. - The Board 
16 
may, after two (2) years from the date of revocation of the Certificate of Registration, re-
17 
issue a certificate upon proper application. 
18 
A new Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card, or 
19 
temporary/special pennit, which has been lost, destroyed or mutilated, may be re-issued 
20 
after payment of the required fee prescribed by the Commission. 
21 
22 
23 
24 
ARTICLE IV 
PRACTICE OF GEOLOGY 
25 
SEC. 30. Prohibitioll from Practicillg Geology. - No person shall practice 
26 
Geology or render geological service without a valid Certificate of Registration and a 
27 
valid professional identification card or granted a temporary/special permit. 
13 


1 
SEC. 31. Who May Practice Geology. - Except as may be otherwise provided in 
2 
this Act, only persons properly licensed and registered may practice geology in the 
3 
country. Duly registered professional geologists may form partnerships among 
4 
themselves and use the title "Geologist" or "Registered Geologist" in their partnership 
5 
name. 
6 
7 
SEC. 32. Vested Rights. - All practicing geologists who are registered at the time 
8 
of the passage of this Act shall automatically be registered and issued certificates of 
9 
registration subject to existing rules and regulations. 
10 
11 
SEC. 33. Foreign Reciprocity. - No foreign geologist shall be granted any of the 
12 
rights and privileges under this Act unless the country of which he/she is a subject or 
13 
citizen grants the same or similar rights or privileges to Filipino geologists. 
14 
15 
SEC. 34. Indication of Certificate of Registration and Professional Tax Receipt. 
16 
- A registered geologist shall be required to indicate his/her Certificate of Registration 
17 
number, the duration of validity, including the professional tax and the APO membership 
18 
receipt number on the documents he/she signs, uses or issues in connection with the 
19 
practice of his/her profession. 
20 
21 
SEC. 35. Integration of the Geology Profession. - The geology profession shall 
22 
be integrated into one (1) national professional organization of geologists that is duly 
23 
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Board, subject to 
24 
approval by the Commission, shall accredit the said organization as the one and only 
25 
integrated and accredited professional organization CAPO) of geologists. All geologists 
26 
whose names appear in the Registry Book of Geologists shall ipso facto or automatically 
27 
become members thereof and shall receive all the benefits and privileges appurtenant 
28 
thereto upon payment of APO membership fees and dues. 
14 


1 
Membership in the integrated accredited professional organization shall not be a 
2 
bar to membership in other geology organizations. 
3 
4 
ARTICLE V 
5 
PENAL AND GENERAL PROVISIONS 
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SEC. 36. Penal Clause. - Any person who shall practice geology in the 
7 
Philippines, as defined in this Act, without a certificate of registration in accordance with 
8 
the provisions of this Act, unless declared exempt from registration, or any person 
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presenting or using as his/her own the certificate of registration of another, or any person 
10 
who shall give any false or forged evidence, or any person who shall impersonate any 
11 
registrant of like or different name, or any person who shall use a revoked or suspended 
12 
certificate of registration, or any person who shall assume, use, or advertise any title or 
13 
description tending to convey the impression that he/she is a geologist without having 
14 
graduated as such, or is engaged in the geology practice, without holding a valid 
15 
certificate of registration from the Board shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to a fine of 
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not less than Ten Thousand Pesos (PIO,OOO) but not more than One Million Pesos 
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(PI,OOO,OOO) or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month but not more than five (5) 
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years or both at the discretion of the Court. 
19 
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SEC. 37. Act Not Affecting Other Professions. - This Act shall not affect or 
21 
prevent the practice of any other legally recognized profession. 
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SEC. 38. Enforcement of the Act by the OjJicers of tlte Law. - The Board shall 
24 
be assisted by the Commission in carrying out the provisions of this Act, its 
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implementing rules and regulations and other policies. The lawyers of the Commission 
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shall act as prosecutors against illegal practitioners and other violators of this Act and its 
27 
rules. The duly constituted authorities of government shall likewise assist the Board and 
28 
the Commission in enforcing the provisions of this Act and its rules. 
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1 
SEC. 39. Implementing Rules and Regulation. - Subject to the approval of the 
2 
Commission, the Board, in consultation with other related agencies, shall adopt and 
3 
promulgate such implementing rules and regulations, the Code of Ethics, and the Code of 
4 
Professional and Technical Standards of Geologists to carry out the provisions of this Act 
5 
which shall be effective within ninety (90) days from the Constitution of the first Board. 
6 
7 
SEC. 40. Funding Provisions. The Chairperson of the Professional Regulation 
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Commission shall immediate include in its programs the implementation of this Act, the 
9 
funding of which shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act. 
10 
SEC. 41. Transitory Provisions.-
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(a) 
After the approval of this Act, all geologists possessing valid certificates 
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of registration issued under R.A. 4209 shall register with the Board and be issued 
14 
certificates as Geologists under this Act to replace their original certificates of 
15 
registration, upon payment of the required fees. 
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(b) 
Faculty Members currently teaching major geology subjects in 
17 
universities, colleges, institutes, or schools shall not be allowed to continue teaching after 
18 
five (5) years from the approval of this Act unless they are or they have become 
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registered geologists with valid certificates of registration and valid professional 
20 
identification cards. 
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(c) 
The incumbent chairman and members of the Board shall continue to 
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function as an interim Board until such time as a new Board shall be constituted under 
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this Act. 
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SEC. 42. Separability Clause.- If any section or portion of this Act shall be 
26 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such shall not invalidate any other section of this 
27 
Act. 
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1 
SEC. 43. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 4209 is hereby repealed. All 
2 
other laws, parts of law, orders, ordinances, or regulations relative to the practice of 
3 
geology which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
4 
modified accordingly. 
5 
6 
SEC. 44. Effectivity Clause.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
7 
pUblication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general 
8 
circulation. 
Approved, 
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