TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. 
House Bill No.  3856 
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 built development and 
the dangers and hazards of faulty architectural designs and its failure to comply with the 
standards set by the Architecture Act of 2004.  
In view of the foregoing, this humble representation confirms its belief of the need to 
strengthen the practice of the architecture profession by amending the Architecture Act of 
2004 and harmonizing it with other laws.  
In the proposed bill, a clear definition of architectural terms was proposed to avoid 
vagueness and promote accuracy in the implementation of the provisions of the Architecture 
Act and the proposed amendments. Further, additional requirements in the qualification of the 
members of the Professional Regulatory Board (“Board”) was proposed to ensure that the 
leaders have the qualification in driving the profession towards greater competence. The 
additional qualifications likewise aim to professionalize the Board by preventing instances of 
conflict of interest and “politicization” of the profession.  
August 20, 2025
8:00 am


Most importantly, the proposed bill intends to ensure the qualifications and 
competence of our new and future architects by keeping them on their toes through the 
requirement that an applicant who for the third time fails to pass the licensure examination 
shall not be allowed to take another until at least one (1) year has elapsed after his last 
examination. 
We trust that with the foregoing salient provisions, the proposed bill will be able to help 
improve the level of professional standards and competence of the industry.  
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested. 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR. 


TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. 
House Bill No.  3856 
AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING THE ARCHITECTURE PROFESSION, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED NINE THOUSAND 
TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX (R.A. NO. 9266), 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 
(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 
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, PREFERABLY 
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 
ABSENCE OR 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; 
 
(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, 
PHILIPPINE SENATE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE CHED, AND 
THE MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL; AND 
 
[(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) 
PHILIPPINE SENATE; 
(c) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES;  
(d) 
THE CHED; AND 
(e) 
THE MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL.” 
 
SECTION 8. SEC. 13 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
“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 PROGRAM 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.” 


 
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: 
 
“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 ENTITIES 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.” 
 
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 POSITIONS 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 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 COMMITTEES FOR 
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 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 (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 
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 are tasked 
to prepare the implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) required 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.