Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by Representative Richelle Singson 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Through the ages, architecture has been a symbol of power, strength, 
development, and superiority. A lot of history can be learned and discovered from a 
nation’s history merely by studying the architecture of the buildings within its walls. 
Further, architecture may reflect a place’s or city’s character, values, and ideals that 
may similarly reflect its residents’ values and ideals.  
An architect does not merely design buildings. Architects do more than that; 
they build communities. An architecture has to consider culture, climate, and the 
values of the people that will live in it. As the architectural profession grows, the role 
of architects in building communities likewise grew. As it stands, architects, in making 
designs, consider the health, safety, and welfare of the people. Thus, architects’ 
continuing education and professional standards must always be in check to ensure 
not only their professional growth but stimulate their competence to be at par with the 
world’s best.  
It is undisputable that the State recognizes the invaluable contribution of 
architects in nation building.  Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9266 or “The Architecture 
Act of 2004” is instructive, to wit: 
“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.” 
More importantly, the State’s recognition of architectural industry’s invaluable 
contribution to nation building sparked public’s interest on sustainable  
December 6, 2022
9:26 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___________ 
Introduced by Representative Richelle Singson 
AN ACT  
STRENGTHENING THE ARCHITECTURE PROFESSION, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED NINE 
THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
“ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. SEC. 3 of Republic Act No. 9266, otherwise known as the Architecture 
Act of 2004, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
“SEC. 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 RENDERING OR OFFERING
TO RENDER SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE planning, designing
and constructing [buildings in their totality] A STRUCTURE OR GROUP OF
STRUCTURES WHICH HAVE AS THEIR PRINCIPAL PURPOSE HUMAN
HABITATION OR USE AND THE UTILIZATION OF SPACE WITHIN AND
SURROUNDING 
SUCH 
STRUCTURES 
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 TO PRACTICE ARCHITECTURE 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;
xxx 
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2
 
(11) “Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization OF ARCHITECTS 
(IAPOA)” means the 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; 
 
xxx 
 
15) “ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN,” ALSO REFERRED TO AS “DESIGN(S)” AS 
USED IN THIS ACT, MEANS THE ILLUSTRATED CONCEPT THAT 
FOCUSES ON THE FEATURES OR ELEMENTS OF BUILDING(S) OR 
STRUCTURE(S) AND THE UTILIZATION OF THE SITE AND SPACE 
WITHIN AND SURROUNDING SUCH BUILDING(S) OR STRUCTURE(S) 
AND UNIFIES THEM INTO A COHERENT AND FUNCTIONAL WHOLE, 
FOLLOWING A GENERALLY ACCEPTED APPROACH TO ACHIEVE 
THE OBJECTIVE(S), ABIDING BY SET NORMS AND CONSIDERING 
THE ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPLES OF UTILITY, STRENGTH, AND 
BEAUTY, EXCLUSIVELY PREPARED BY AN ARCHITECT; 
 
16) “ARCHITECTURAL 
DOCUMENTS,” 
ALSO 
REFERRED 
TO 
AS 
“DOCUMENTS” AS USED IN THIS ACT, MEANS THE ARCHITECTURAL 
DESIGNS, ARCHITECTURAL PLANS, DRAWINGS, SPECIFICATIONS, 
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS OF SERVICE 
PREPARED, 
SIGNED, 
AND 
SEALED, 
EXCLUSIVELY 
BY 
AN 
ARCHITECT; 
 
17) “ARCHITECTURAL PERMIT” MEANS A DOCUMENT DULY ISSUED BY 
ANY 
REGULATING 
GOVERNMENT 
ENTITY 
BASED 
ON 
ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION 
OF BUILDING(S) OR STRUCTURE(S) AND THE UTILIZATION OF THE 
SITE AND SPACE WITHIN AND SURROUND SUCH BUILDING(S) OR 
STRUCTURE(S); 
 
18) “ARCHITECTURAL PLANS,”ALSO REFERRED TO AS “PLANS” AS 
USED 
IN 
THIS 
ACT, 
MEANS 
THE 
LATERAL 
SECTION 
OR 
DIMENSIONAL REPRESENTATIONS OF A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 
OR REDEVELOPMENT OF BUILDING(S) OR STRUCTURE(S) AND THE 
UTILIZATION OF THE SITE AND SPACE WITHIN AND SURROUNDING 
SUCH BUILDING(S) OR STRUCTURE(S) SHOWING FEATURES OR 
ELEMENTS OF THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SUCH AS THE FLOOR 
PLANS, ELEVATIONS, CROSS AND LONGITUDINAL SECTIONS, 
PERSPECTIVE, REFLECTED CEILING PLAN, SITE DEVELOPMENT 
PLAN, ARCHITECTURAL INTERIORS, AND OTHER ARCHITECTURAL 
DETAILS PREPARED, SIGNED, AND SEALED, EXCLUSIVELY BY AN 
ARCHITECT. 
 
19) “MULTIPARTITE COUNCIIL” REFERS TO A BODY COMPOSED OF 
REPRESENTATIVES 
FROM 
THE 
PROFESSIONAL 
REGULATORY 
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE, THE INTEGRATED AND ACCREDITED 
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ARCHITECTS (IAPOA), THE 


 
3
ACADEME, 
PRIVATE 
PRACTITIONERS 
AND 
GOVERNMENT 
PRACTITIONERS.” 
 
SECTION 2. SEC. 4 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 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)] FOUR (4) members appointed by the President of the Philippines 
from a list 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 3. SEC. 5 (c) of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 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, PREFERRABLY 
WITH A POST-BACCALAUREATE DEGREE IN ARCHITECTURE, 
conferred by a school, college or university in the Philippines or abroad, 
WHOSE PROGRAM is 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)] 
FIFTEEN (15) years on the date of his/her appointment; 
 
(d)  not be a member of the faculty of any 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 FILED A LEAVE 
OF ABSENCEOR 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] ON THE DATE OF HIS/HER APPOINTMENT; 
 
(e)  has never been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude[.]; 
 
(F)  NOT BE AN ELECTIVE OFFICER OF THE INTEGRATED AND 
ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ARCHITECTS AND 
OTHER PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ARCHITECTS ON THE 
DATE OF HIS/HER APPOINTMENT; 
 


 
4
(G)  NOT BE AN ELECTIVE NOR APPOINTIVE LOCAL OFFICIAL UNLESS 
HE/SHE RELINQUISHES HIS INCUMBENT OFFICE ON THE DATE OF 
HIS/HER APPOINTMENT; 
 
(H)   NOT BE A CANDIDATE WHO HAS LOST IN ANY ELECTION, WITHIN 
ONE (1) YEAR PRIOR TO THE DATE OF HIS/HER APPOINTMENT. 
 
SECTION 4. SEC. 6 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 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)] TWO (2) MEMBERS for two (2) 
years, and [ONE (1)] TWO (2) MEMBERS for one (1) year.  
 
Each member of the Board 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 5. SEC. 7 (f) of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 7. Power and Functions of the Board. 
 
xxx 
 
(f)  Monitor LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARKS AND 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; 
 
xxx 
 
(N)  KEEP, MAINTAIN, PUBLISH, AND ANNUALLY UPDATE A ROSTER OF 
ARCHITECTS, A ROSTER OF PRACTICING ARCHITECTS, ROSTER OF 
FOREIGN ARCHITECTS WITH VALID TEMPORARY PERMITS, AND A 
ROSTER OF ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS; 
 
(O) KEEP A RECORD OF BOARD PROCEEDINGS AND MAKE AN ANNUAL 
REPORT TO THE COMMISSION, THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, THE 
SENATE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIIVES, THE CHED, AND THE 
MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL; AND 
 


 
5
[ (n) ] (P) 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. 
 
SECTION 6. SEC. 9 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 9. Grounds for Suspension or Removal of Members of the Board. –  
 
xxx 
 
(D)  SOLICITING AND/OR ACCEPTING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY 
GIFT, GRATUITY, FAVOR, ENTERTAINMENT, LOAN OR ANYTHING 
OF MONETARY VALUE FROM ANY SOURCE, IN THE COURSE OF 
THEIR 
OFFICIAL 
DUTIES 
OR 
IN 
CONNECTION 
WITH 
ANY 
OPERATION BEING REGULATED BY, OR ANY TRANSACTION WHICH 
MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE FUNCTIONS OF THEIR OFFICE; 
 
(E) Final judgment [ of crimes involving moral turpitude] FOR OFFENSES 
UNDER THE REVISED PENAL CODE, THE ANTI-GRAFT AND 
CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT, AND OTHER LAWS; [and] 
 
(F) 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[.]; AND 
 
(G)    ENGAGED IN UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE.” 
 
SECTION 7. SEC. 11 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 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. 
 
EVERY OTHER YEAR, THE ANNUAL REPORT SHALL BE SUPPLEMENTED 
BY A COMPETITIVENESS REPORT ASSESSING FILIPINO PROFESSIONAL 
ARCHITECTS, ARCHITECTURE SCHOOLS, THE BOARD, AND THE IAPOA VIS À 
VIS THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN COUNTRIES WITH WHOM THE PHILIPPINES HAS, 
IS NEGOTIATING, OR DESIRES TO NEGOTIATE MUTUAL RECOGNITION 
AGREEMENTS. 
 
COPIES OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND COMPETITIVENESS REPORT 
SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE FOLLOWING: 
(a) 
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES; 
(b) 
SENATE; 
(c) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES;  
(d) 
CHED; AND 
(e) 
THE MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL.” 
 
SECTION 8. SEC. 13 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 


 
6
 
“SEC. 13. Qualifications of Applicant for Examination. –  
 
xxx 
 
(c) He/she is a holder of a degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture conferred by 
a school, college, academy or institute IN THE PHILIPPINES OR ABROAD, WHOSE 
PROGRAM IS duly 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 IN THE PHILIPPINES OR ABROAD DULY ACCREDITED BY THE CHED, 
shall be credited one (1) year in his/her practical experience; PROVIDED, THAT, FOR AN 
APPLICANT THAT HOLDS A DEGREE FROM A SCHOOL, COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY 
OR INSTITUTE, WHOSE PROGAM IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCREDITED, THE 
APPLICANT SHALL SUBMIT SAID PROGRAM FOR ACCREDITATION BY THE 
CHED; PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT AN APPLICANT WHO HAS OBTAINED 
DIVERSIFIED EXPERIENCE FROM AN ARCHITECT REGISTERED/LICENSED 
ABROAD SHALL PROVE THAT THE COUNTRY  WHERE HE OBTAINED SUCH 
EXPERIENCE HAS RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS WITH THE PHILIPPINES, AND 
SHALL SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION FOR EQUIVALENCY ASSESSMENT BY THE 
PRC; and 
 
(d) He/she has not been convicted of any criminal offensive involving moral 
turpitude.” 
 
SECTION 9. SEC. 14 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 14. Subjects for Examination. –  
 
xxx 
 
The Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, AND UPON 
CONSULTATION WITH THE MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL, 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 10. A new section shall be inserted to read as follows: 
 
“SECTION 16-A. RE-EXAMINATION. - AN APPLICANT WHO FAILS TO PASS 
THE EXAMINATION FOR THE THIRD TIME SHALL BE ALLOWED TO TAKE 
ANOTHER EXAMINATION ONLY AFTER THE LAPSE OF ONE YEAR.” 
 
SECTION 11. SEC. 19 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 19. Roster of Architects. - A roster showing the names and place of business of 
all 
registered 
professional 
architects, 
PRACTICING 
ARCHITECTS, 
FOREIGN 
ARCHITECTS WITH VALID TEMPORARY PERMIT, AND ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS, 
shall be prepared and updated by the Board and copies thereof shall be made available to any 
party as may be deemed necessary.” 


 
7
 
SECTION 12. SEC. 20 (2) of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 20. Seal, Issuance and Use of Seal. –  
 
xxx 
 
(2) No officer or employee of this Republic, chartered cities, provinces and 
municipalities, now or hereafter charged with the enforcement of laws, 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 
EXCLUSIVELY BY AN ARCHITECT and submitted in full accord with all the 
provisions of this Act. Nor shall any payments be approved by such officer for any 
work, the plans and specifications which have not been so prepared 
EXCLUSIVELY and signed by an Architect. 
 
UPON APPROVAL OF THE ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS, THE 
CORRESPONDING ARCHITECTURAL PERMIT SHALL BE ISSUED; 
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NO BUILDING PERMIT OR OTHER 
DOCUMENT OF SIMILAR IMPORT SHALL BE ISSUED WITHOUT THE 
CORRESPONDING 
ARCHITECTURAL 
DESIGNS, 
PLANS, 
AND 
DOCUMENTS 
PREPARED 
EXCLUSIVELY 
AND 
SIGNED 
BY 
AN 
ARCHITECT.” 
 
 
SECTION 13. SEC. 25 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 25. Registration of Architects Required. -No person shall practice architecture 
in this country, or engage in preparing architectural plans, specification or preliminary data 
for the erection or alteration of any building located within the boundaries of this country or 
use the title “Architect”, [ or display or use any title, sign, card, advertisement, or other 
device] “ARCH.”, “ARCH’T.”, “AR.”, INCLUDING “ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN”, 
“ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS”, “ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES”, OR ANY OF 
THEIR DERIVATES OR TRANSLATIONS INTO OTHER LANGUAGES OR 
DIALECTS, IN CONNECTION WITH HIS OR HER NAME, STYLE, BUSINESS 
DESIGNATION, BUSINESS NAME, LOGO, OR ON PLANS, DRAWINGS, OR 
SPECIFICATIONS FOR BUILDINGS OR PARTS OF BUILDINGS to indicate THAT such 
person practices or offers to practice architecture, or is an architect, unless such person shall 
have received from the Board a Certificate of Registration and be issued a Professional 
Identification Card in the manner hereinafter provided and shall thereafter comply with the 
provisions of this Act.  
 
A foreign architect or any person not authorized to practice architecture in the 
Philippines, who shall stay in the country and perform any of the activities mentioned in 
Sections 3 and 4 of this Act, or any other activity analogous thereto, in connection with the 
construction of any building/structure/edifice or land development project, shall be deemed 
engaged in the unauthorized practice of architecture.” 
 
SECTION 14. SEC. 29 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 


 
8
“SEC. 29. Prohibition in the Practice of Architecture and Penal Clause. - Any person 
who shall practice or offer to practice architecture in the Philippines without being 
registered/licensed and who are not holders of temporary or special permits in accordance 
with the provisions of this Act; or any person presenting or attempting to use as his/her own 
the Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card or seal of another or 
temporary or special permit; or any person who shall give any false or forged evidence of any 
kind to the Board or to any member thereof in obtaining a Certificate of 
Registration/Professional Identification Card or temporary or special permit; or any person 
who shall falsely impersonate any registrant of like or different name, or any person who 
shall attempt to use a revoked or suspended Certificate of Registration/Professional 
Identification Card or cancelled special/temporary permit; or any person who shall use in 
connection with his/her name or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or description 
tending to convey the impression that he/she is an architect when he/she is not an architect; or 
any person whether Filipino or foreigner, who knowingly allows the use, adoption, 
implementation of plans, designs or specification made by any person, firm, partnership or 
company not duly licensed to engage in the practice of architecture; OR ANY PERSON, 
WHO IS A GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE CONNECTED WITH PERMITTING 
AUTHORITIES, 
WHO 
PREPARES, 
SIGNS 
AND 
SEALS 
ARCHITECTURAL 
DOCUMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPLYING FOR GOVERNMENT-ISSUED 
PERMITS, CLEARANCES AND LICENSES, SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, 
ARCHITECTURAL PERMITS, BUILDING PERMITS, OCCUPANCY PERMITS AND 
ZONING/LOCATIONAL CLEARANCES, BUSINESS PERMITS; or any person who shall 
violate any of the provisions of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations, the Code of 
Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice, or any policy of the Board and the 
Commission, shall be guilty of misdemeanor and charged in court by the Commission and 
shall, upon conviction be sentenced to 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 not less than six (6) months or not exceeding six (6) years, or both, 
at the discretion of the Court.” 
 
SECTION 15. SEC. 30 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 30. [ Prohibition in the Practice]COERCION, AIDING AND ABETTING 
ILLEGAL PRACTICE of Architecture.- Any person or entity, whether public or private, 
Filipino or foreigner, who/which shall entice, compel, coerce, require or otherwise force an 
architect registered and licensed under R.A. No. 9266 to undertake/perform any service under 
the general practice of architecture as defined under R.A. No. 9266, without first executing a 
written contract/service agreement; OR ANY PERSON WHO FACILITATES THE 
ISSUANCE OF A GOVERNMENT PERMIT FOR ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS 
PREPARED, SIGNED AND SEALED BY REGISTERED/LICENSED ARCHITECTS 
EMPLOYED IN GOVERNMENT PERMITTING AUTHORITIES; OR ANY PERSON OR 
ENTITY, WHO/WHICH SHALL AID AND ABET PERSONS OR ENTITITES IN 
COMMITTING THE PROHIBITED ACTS RELATIVE TO THE PRACTICE OF 
ARCHITECTURE AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 29 OF THIS ACT shall be guilty of a 
misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction be sentenced to a fine of not less than Two hundred 
thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or to suffer imprisonment for a period not exceeding six (6) 
years, or both, at the discretion of the Court.” 
 
 
 


 
9
SECTION 16. SEC. 35 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 35. Positions in Government Requiring the Services of Registered and 
Licensed Architects. -Within (3) years from the effectivity of this Act, all existing and 
proposed positions in the local and national government, whether career, permanent, 
temporary or contractual and primarily requiring the services of an architect shall be filled 
only by registered and licensed architects.  
 
ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS CONCERNED SHALL CREATE THE 
MANDATORY PROSITIONS OF PROVINCIAL ARCHITECT, CITY ARCHITECT, 
CITY ARCHITECT, AND MUNICIPAL ARCHITECT, TO BE HELD EXCLUSIVELY BY 
REGISTERED AND LICENSED ARCHITECTS, TO OVERSEE AND REVIEW THE 
PLANNING, DESIGN, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND 
FACILITIES, SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED, TO OFFICES, COURTS, SCHOOLS, 
HOSPITALS, CLINICS, FIREHOUSES, POLICE STATIONS, MARKETS, PUBLIC 
HOUSING. 
 
ALL 
OFFICES, 
AGENCIES, 
AND 
INSTRUMENTALITIES 
IN 
THE 
GOVERNMENT, SHALL HIRE ARCHITECTS IN THE DESIGN OF GOVERNMENT 
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES.” 
 
SECTION 17. SEC. 37 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 37. Limitation to the Registration of a Firm, Company, Partnership, 
Corporation or Association. –  
 
xxx 
 
(b)  Registered and licensed architects shall compose at least [ seventy-five percent 
(75%)] A MAJORITY of the owners, shareholders, members incorporators, 
directors, executive officers, as the case may be; 
 
xxx 
 
A FILIPINO REGISTERED AND LICENSED ARCHITECT MAY PRACTICE AS 
A ONE PERSON CORPORATION SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN 
THE REVISED CORPORATION CODE.” 
 
SECTION 18. SEC. 40 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 40. Integration of the Architecture Profession.- The Architecture profession 
shall be integrated into one (1) national organization which shall be accredited by the Board, 
subject to the approval by the Commission, as the Integrated and Accredited Professional 
Organization of Architects (IAPOA): Provided, however, that such an organization shall be 
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as a non-profit, non-stock 
corporation, WITH ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION SPECIFYING AS ONE OF ITS 
PURPOSES: TO INTEGRATE  ALL ARCHITECTS INTO ONE (1) NATIONAL 
ORGANIZATION, AND governed by By-laws providing for a democratic election of its 
officials[.]; PROVIDED FURTHER THAT  SUCH AN ORGANIZATION SHALL HAVE 
A ROBUST NETWORK OF LOCAL AND FOREIGN- BASED CHAPTERS LOCATED 


 
10
IN KEY CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES; PROVIDED FURTHER THAT an architect duly 
registered with the Board shall automatically become a member of the IAPOA and shall 
receive the benefits and privileges provided for in this Act upon payment of the required fees 
and dues. Membership in the IAPOA shall not be a bar to membership in other associations 
of architects; PROVIDED FINALLY THAT, UPON FILING FOR APPLICATION FOR 
ACCREDITATION OR RENEWAL OF ACCREDITATION, SUCH ORGANIZATION 
SHALL HAVE A MEMBERSHIP COMPRISING OF AT LEAST FIFTY PERCENT PLUS 
ONE (50% + 1) OF REGISTERED/LICENSED ARCHITECTS POSSESSING CURRENT 
AND VALID PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS (PICs.) 
THE IAPOA SHALL, IN ADDITION TO THE PURPOSES STATED IN ITS BY-
LAWS, HAVE THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 
 
(1) 
REPRESENT THE PROFESSION FOR WHICH SUCH ORGANIZATION 
HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED AND ACCREDITED; 
(2) 
SUBMIT NOMINEES FOR VACANT POSITIONS IN THE BOARD; 
(3) 
REPRESENT 
THE 
PROFESSION 
IN 
THE 
MONITORING 
COMMITTEESFOR 
MUTUAL 
RECOGNITION 
ARRANGEMENTS 
(MRA) IN THE ASEAN AND APEC; 
(4) 
DEFINE THE STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OF ITS 
MEMBERS; 
(5) 
ENSURE THAT ITS MEMBERS ADHERE TO THE CODE OF ETHICS, 
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE, AND HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL AND 
TECHNICAL STANDARDS; 
(6) 
LOOK INTO THE CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE PRACTICE OF THE 
ARCHITECTURE PROFESSION, LOCALLY AND ABROAD, AND TO 
PROPOSE POLICIES OR MEASURES TO THE BOARD AND/OR THE 
COMMISSION FOR ITS IMPROVEMENT; 
(7) 
ENSURE THE WELFARE, AND BEST INTEREST, AS WELL AS 
HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP AMONG ITS MEMBERS; AND 
(8) 
REPORT VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT TO THE BOARD AND/OR THE 
COMMISSION, THROUGH THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL SERVICE, 
FOR POSSIBLE PROSECUTION OR FILING OF COMPLAINT.” 
(9) 
SUBMIT TO THE BOARD, AT THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR: 
a. YEARLY 
AUDITED 
FINANCIAL 
STATEMENT 
OF 
THE 
ORGANIZATION, DULY SIGNED BY A CPA AUTHORIZED TO 
PRACTICE ACCOUNTANCY WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM 
THE SUBMISSION MADE TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE 
COMMISSION (SEC); 
b. AUTHENTICATED 
COPY 
OF 
THE 
LATEST 
GENERAL 
INFORMATION SHEET WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM THE 
CONDUCT OF NATIONAL ELECTION; AND 
c. REPORT ON SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS AS A CORPORATE 
BODY IN ATTAINING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION, 
IN THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS 
AND THE STATURE/PRESTIGE OF THE PROFESSION, AS WELL 
AS TANGIBLE PROGRAMS, WHICH MAY INCLUDE INSURING 
ITS MEMBERS; PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIP; AND CONDUCTING 
FREE CPD PROGRAMS FOR THE MEMBERS; LIFE, HEALTH, AND 
DEATH BENEFITS; AND OTHER BENEFITS, TO BE SIGNED BY 


 
11
THE BOARD, WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE FISCAL 
YEAR; AND 
(10) 
OTHER FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS MAY BE 
PRESCRIBED BY THE BOARD.” 
 
SECTION 19.  New sections shall be inserted to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 41. MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL FOR ARCHITECTURE. - A MULTI-
PARTITE COUNCIL FOR ARCHITECTURE IS HEREBY CREATED TO BE 
ATTACHED TO THE COMMISSION. 
 
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE MULTI-PARTITE COUNCIL SHALL BE AS 
FOLLOWS: 
 
A. 
PROVIDE A PLATFORM TO DISCUSS POLICY CONCERNS IN THE 
EDUCATION, 
INTERNSHIP, 
PROFESSIONAL 
REGULATION 
AND 
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT; AND 
B. 
PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION AMONG THE 
DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS IN THE REGULATION AND PRACTICE OF 
THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT PROFESSIONS. 
 
THE MULTI- PARTITE COUNCIL SHALL BE COMPOSED OF THE: 
 
A. 
CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD; 
B. 
PRESIDENT OF THE IAPOA; 
C. 
PRESIDENT OF THE ACADEMIC ORGANIZATION OR DEANS AND 
HEADS OF SCHOOLS DULY ACCREDITED BY THE PRC UPON THE 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE CHED; 
D. 
ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM PRIVATE PRACTICE; AND 
E. 
ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM GOVERNMENT PRACTICE. 
 
“SEC. 42. POWERS, DUTIES, AND FUNCTIONS OF THE MULTI-PARTITE 
COUNCIL. 
- THE 
MULTI-PARTITE COUNCIL SHALL PERFORM THE 
FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS; 
 
A. 
MONITOR 
LOCAL 
AND 
INTERNATIONAL 
BENCHMARKS 
IN 
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, INTERNSHIP, REGULATION AND PRACTICE; 
B. 
STUDY AND EVALUATE EDUCATIONAL INNOVATIONS THAT 
SHALL LEAD TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT; 
C. 
REGULARLY REVIEW OF THE SUBJECTS FOR EXAMINATION; 
D. 
DEVELOP 
AND 
REGULARLY 
REVIEW 
THE 
TABLE 
OF 
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE LICENSURE EXAMINATION; 
E. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW INTERNSHIP/GUIDELINES IN 
THE AREAS SUCH AS DIVERSIFICATION OF EXPERIENCE, DUTIES AND 
RESPONSIBILITIES OF MENTORS AND COLLABORATIVE WORK; 
F. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL 
DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES; 
G. 
DEVELOP 
AND 
REGULARLY 
REVIEW 
OF 
STANDARDS 
OF 
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN AREAS SUCH AS SCOPE OF SERVICES, 
SCHEDULE OF FEES, AND INTER-PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION; AND 


 
12
H. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, 
INTERNSHIP, REGULATION AND PRACTICE STANDARDS IN REFERENCE 
TO THE PHILIPPINE QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK ACT.” 
 
SECTION 20. The following sections of the same Act shall be renumbered as 
follows: 
 
SECTION 43 [41]. xxx 
 
SECTION 44 [42]. xxx 
 
SECTION 45 [43]. xxx 
 
SECTION 46 [44]. xxx 
 
SECTION 47 [45]. xxx 
 
SECTION 48 [46]. xxx 
 
SECTION 49 [47]. xxx 
 
SECTION 21. SEC. 44 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“SEC. 46. Enforcement of the Act.–xxx 
 
FOR CASES OF ILLEGAL PRACTICE LODGED BEFORE IT, the Board shall 
assist the Commission IN THE PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION AND in filing the 
appropriate charges through the concerned prosecution office in accordance with law and the 
Rules of Court.” 
 
SECTION 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Board and the IAPOA 
shall prepare the implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the implementation of this 
Act. The IRR shall be promulgated within ninety (90) days upon approval of this act. 
 
 
SECTION 23. Separability Clause. If, for any reason, any section or provisions of 
this Act is declared unconstitutional, or invalid, the other sections and provisions, which are 
not affected by it, shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
 
 
SECTION 24. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, agreements, 
rules, and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
 
SECTION 25. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after is 
complete publication in either the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
 
 
Approved.