NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
V'X'c!.T- 
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‘22 JUL19 P6:45
SENA 
S. 3. No.
Introduced by SENATOR SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE ARCHITECTURE PROFESSION, AMENDING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
"ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Through the years, architecture has been a symbol of power, strength, 
development, and progress of a nation. A lot can be learned and discovered from a 
nation's history by merely studying its architecture as it reflects a nation's character, 
values, and ideal. Architecture encompasses everything in the designed and built 
environment.
As the architecture profession grows, the role of architects in designing and 
building structures and communities likewise grows. The invaluable contribution of 
architects in nation-building and development is undeniable. It is thus the duty of the 
State to ensure that every architect meets the minimum requirements to promote and 
safeguard the health, safety, and general welfare of the people. Thus, architects' 
continuing education and professional standards must always be in oheck to ensure not 
only their professional growth, but to stimulate their oompetence to be at par with the 
world's best.
The passage of Repubiio Aot No. 9266, otherwise known as the "Arohitecture Aot 
of 2004", was a very weioome development for the field of arohiteoture. It was a 
signifioant step of the State in proteoting and assuring the publio of its polioy in developing 
and nurturing competent, virtuous, produotive, and well-rounded arohiteots.
However, there appears to be areas whioh needed consideration and improvement 
to further strengthen the architecture profession. As a matter of fact, since 2013, several 
bills have been filed in Congress calling for the amendment of several provisions of 
Republic Act No. 9266.
Thus, trie proposed measure seeks to emphasize the call for the amendment of 
Republic Act No. 9266, incorporating additional provisions, while harmonizing the same 
with other prevailing laws. Among others, the bill intends to provide for a clearer definition


of several architectural terms in order to avoid vagueness and to promote accuracy in the 
implementation of the provisions of RA 9266, in relation to the proposed amendments. 
Further, the bill intends to provide additional requirements to the qualifications for 
membership to the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture C'Scard'O in order to 
ensure that the leaders enforcing our regulatory law have greater and more considerable 
qualifications in driving the profession towards competence, while preventing instances 
of conflict of interests and "politicization" of the profession. Lastly, the bill intends to 
ensure the qualifications and competence of future architects by imposing as a 
requirement upon applicants a one (l)-year break, after failing the third time in the 
architecture licensure examination.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENAl
o
S. B. No. (to
m& index
Introduced by SENATOR SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE ARCHITECTURE PROFESSION, AMENDING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
"ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004"
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9266, otherwise known as the
2 
Architecture Act of 2004, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3 
"SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall be
4 
defined as follows:
5 
(1) "Architecture" is the ert, science or profession of RENDERING OR
6 
OFFERING TO RENDER SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE
7 
planning, designing and constructing [buildings—ifi—their-totality] A
8 
STRUCTURE OR GROUP OF STRUCTURES WHICH HAVE AS THEIR
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PRINCIPAL PURPOSE HUMAN HABITATION OR USE AND THE
10 
U" ILI2ATION OF SP ACE WITHIN AND SURROUNDING SUCH
11 
STRUCTURES taking into account their environment, in accordance with the
12 
principles of utility, strength and beauty;
13 
(2) "Architect" means a person professionally and academically qualified,
14 
registered and licensed TO PRACTICE ARCHITECTURE under this Act with
15 
a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card issued by the
16 
Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture and tie Professional Regulation
17 
Commission, and who is responsible for advocating the fair and sustainable
18 
development, welfare and cultural expression of society's habitat in terms of
19 
space, forms and historical context;
20 
"xxx
21 
(11) "Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization OF ARCHITECTS
22 
(lAPOA)" means the existing official national organization of all architects of


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the Philippines in which all registered Filipino architects shall be members 
without prejudice to membership in other voluntary professional associations;
"xxx
(15) "ARCHITECTUkAL DESIGN," ALSO REFERRED TO AS "DESIGN" AS 
USED IN THIS ACT, MEANS THE ILLUSTRATED CONCEPT THAT 
FOCUSES ON THE FEATURES OR ELEMENTS OF BUILDINGS OR 
STRUCTURES AND THE UTILIZATION OF THE SITE AND SPACE 
WITHIN AND SURROUNDING SUCH BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES 
Af ^D UNIFIES THEM INTO A COHERENT AND . UNOTIONAL WHOLE, 
FOLLOWING A GENERALLY ACCEPTED APPROACH TO ACHIEVE THE 
OBJECTIVES, 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 
ARCHlfECT;
(17) "ARCHITECTURAL PERMIT" MEANS A DOCUMENT DULY ISSUED BY 
ANY REGULATING GOVERNMENT ENTITY BASED ON 
ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION 
OF BUILDINGS OR SfRUCTURES AND THE UTILIZATION OF THE 
SITE AND SPACE WITHIN AND SURROUNDING SUCH BUILDINGS 
OR STRUCTURES;
(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 BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES AND THE 
UTILIZATION OF THE SITE AND SPACE WITHIN AND 
SURROUNDING SUCH BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES SHOWING 
FEATURES OR ELEMENTS OF THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SUCH 
AS THE FLOOR PLANS, ELEVATIONS, CROSS <\ND LONGITUDINAL 
SECTIONS, PERSPECTIVE, REFLECTED CEILING PLAN, SITE 
DEVELOPMENT PLAN, ARCHITECTURAL INTERIORS, AND OTHER


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ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS PREPARED, SIGNED, AND SEALED,
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EXCLUSIVELY BY AN ARCHITECT.
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(19) "MULTIPARTITE COUNCIIL" REFERS TO A BODY COMPOSED OF
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REPRESENTATIVES i ROM THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY
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BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE, THE INTEGRATED AND ACCREDITED
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PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ARCHITECTS (lAPOA), THE
7 
ACADEME, PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS AND GOVERNMENT
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PRACTITIONERS."
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SEC. 2. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
10 
"SEC. 4. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board. - There is
11 
hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture, hereinafter referred
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to as the Board, a collegial body under the supervision and administrative control of
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the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission,
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to oe composed of a chairman and [two (2)] FOUR (4) members appointed by the
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President of the Philippines from a list of [three- (3-)] FIVE (5) recommendees
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chosen from a list of [five (5)] EIGHT (8) nominees for each position submitted to
17 
the Commission by the integrated and the accredited professional organization of
18 
architects. The Board shall be organized not later than six (6) months from the
19 
effectivity of this Act."
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SEC. 3. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
21 
"SEC. 5. Qualifications of Members of the Professional Regulatory Board. - Each
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member shall have at the time of his/her appointment, possess the following
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qualifications:
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(a) be a citizen and resident of the Philippines;
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(b) be a holder of a degree in Bachelor of Science in Architecture,
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PREFERRABLY WITH A POST-BACCALAUREATE DEGREE IN
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ARCHITECTURE, conferred by a school, college or university in the
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Ph;lippines or abroad, WHOSE PROGRAM is accredited by the Commission
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on Higher Education (CHED);
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(c) be an architect with a valid Certificate of Registration and Professional
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Identification Card and active practitioner of architecture for at least [ten
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(40)] FIFTEEN (15) years on the date of his/her appointment;
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(d) not be a member of the faculty of any good school, college, university or
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review institution where a regular course or review course in architecture is
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taught, nor have pecuniary interest in such institution. No former member of
36 
the faculty of any school, institute, university or review center where


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architecture is taught can become a member of the Board unless he/she had
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officially FILED A LEAVE OF ABSENCE OR resigned from such an institution
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and has completely stopped teaching, advising or reviewing activities [for-at
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least-five (5>^eaf5-prior to the nomination] ON THE DATE OF HIS/HER
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APPOINTMENT; [aed]
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(e) has never been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude[.];
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(F) NOT BE AN ELECTIVE OFFICER OF THE INTEGRATED AND
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ACCREDITED PflOFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ARCHITECTS AND
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OTHER professional ORGANIZATION OF ARCHITECTS ON THE
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DATE OF HIS/HER APPOINTMENT;
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(G) NOT BE AN ELECTIVE NOR APPOINTIVE LOCAL OFFICIAL UNLESS
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HE/SHE RELINQUISHES HIS/HER OFFICE ON THE DATE OF
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HIS/HER APPOINTMENT; AND
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(H) NOT BE A CANDIDATE WHO HAS LOST IN ANY ELECTION, WITHIN
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ONE (1) YEAR PRIOR TO THE DATE OF HIS/HER APPOINTMENT."
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SEC. 4. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows;
17 
"SEC. 6. Term of Office. - The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of
18 
three (3) years after appointment or until their successors si .all have beven appointed
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and duly qualified. Any vacancy occurring within the term of a member shall be filled
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for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each member of the Board may be
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reappointed for one full term of three (3) years. Of the members of the Board first
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appointed under this Act, one (1) member shall be appointed and hold office as
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chairman for three (3) years, [ONE (1-)] TWO (2) fnembeiJ for two (2) years, and
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[ONE'■(■I-)] TWO (2) members for one (1) year. Each member of the Board shall
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qualify by taking the proper oath prior to the performance of their duties. Provided,
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That the incumbent members of the Board shall continue to serve for the remainder
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of their term as members of the herein created Professional Regulatory Board of
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Architecture until a new Board shall have been properly organized."
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SEC. 5. Section 7 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
30 
"SEC. 7. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall exercise the following
31 
specific powers, functions and responsibilities:
32 
XXX
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(f) Monitor [the] LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARKS AND
34 
conditions affecting the practice of architecture and adopt such measures as
35 
may be deemed proper for the enhancement and maintenance of high
36 
professional, ethical and technical standards of the profession;


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(m) To adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination;
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[and]
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(N) KEEP, MAINTAIN, PUBLISH, AND ANNl ALLY UPDATE A ROSTER OF
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ARCHITECTS, A ROSTER OF PRACTICING ARCHITECTS, A ROSTER
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OF FOREIGN ARCHITECTS WITH VALID TEMPORARY PERMITS, AND
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A ROSTER OF ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS;
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(O) KEEP A RECORD OF BOARD PROCEEDINGS AND MAKE AN ANNUAL
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R!^POFT TO THE COI^ MISSION, THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT,
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PHILIPPINE SENATE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIIVES, THE CHED,
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AND THE MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL; AND
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[M] (p) Discharge such other duties and functions as may be deemed necessary
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for the enhancement of the architecture profession and the upgrading,
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de/elopment and growth of the architecture education."
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SEC. 6. Section 9 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
15 
"SEC. 9. Grounds for Suspension or Removal of Members of the Board. - xxx
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(a) xxx
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(b) xxx
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(c) Final judgment [of crimes involving moral turpitude] FOR CRIMES UNDER
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THE REVISED PENAL CODE, THE ANTI-GRAFT AND CORRUPT
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PRACTICES ACT, AND OTHER PENAL LAWS; [and]
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(d) Manipulation or rigging of the architecture licensure examination results,
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disclosure of secret and confidential information in the examination questions
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pnor to the conduct of the said examination or tampering of gradesH;
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(E) SOLICITING AND/OR ACCEPTING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY
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GIFT, GRATUITY, FAVOR, ENTERTAINMENT, LOAN OR ANYTHING
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OF MONETARY VALUE FROM ANY SOURCE, IN THE COURSE OF
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THEIR OFFICTAL DUTIES OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY
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OPERATION BEING REGULATED BY, OR ANY TRANSACTION WHICH
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MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE FUNCTIONS OF THEIR OFFICE;
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(F) ENGAGING IN UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE."
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SEC. 7. Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
32 
"SEC. 11. Annual Report. - The Board shall submit an annual report to the
33 
Commission after the close of each year giving a detailed account of its proceedings
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during the year and making such recommendations as it may deem proper.
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"THE ANNUAL REPORT SHALL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY A
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COMPETITIVENESS REPORT, WHICH SHALL BE SUBMITTED BIENNIALLY.


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THE COMPETITIVENESS REPORT SHALL CONTAIN ASSESSMENT OF
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FILIPINO PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTS, ARCHITECTURE SCHOOLS, THE
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BOARD, AND THE lAPOA VII A VIS THEIR COUNTERfARTS IN COUNTRIES
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WITH WHOM THE PHILIPPINES HAS NEGOTIATED, IS NEGOTIATING, OR
5 
DESIRES TO NEGOTIATE MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS.
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COPIES OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND COMPETITIVENESS REPORT SHALL
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BE SUBMITTED TO THE FOLLOWING:
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(a) OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES;
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(b) 
PHILIPPINE SENATE;
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(c) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES;
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(d) 
THE CHED; AND
12 
(e) 
THE MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL."
13 
SEC. 8. Section 13 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
14 
"SEC. 13. Qualifications of Applicant for Examination. - Any person applying for
15 
examination shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board that:
16 
XXX
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(c) He/she is a holder a degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture conferred
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by a school, college, academy or institute IN THE PHILIPPINES OR ABROAD,
19 
WHOSE PROGRAM IS duly recognized and/or accredited by the Commission on
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Higher Education (CHED) and in addition has a specific record of at least two (2)
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years or equivalent of diversified architectural experience duly certified by a
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registered/licensed architect: FYovided, however, That an applicant holding a
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Master's Degree in Architecture from a school, college, university or institute IN
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THE PHILIPPINES OR ABROAD DULY ACCREDITED BY THE CHED, shall be
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credited one (1) year in his/her practical experience: PROVIDED, FURTHER, FOR
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AN APPLICANT THAT HOLDS A DEGREE FROM A SCHOOL, COLLEGE,
27 
UNIVERSITY OR INSTITUTE, WHOSE PROGAM IS NOT CURRENTLY
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ACCREDITED BY THE CHED, THE APPLICANT SHALL SUBMIT SAID
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PROGRAM FOR ACCREDITATION BY THE CHED: PROVIDED,
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FURTHERMORE, THAT AN APPLICANT WHO HAS OBTAINED DIVERSIFIED
31 
EXPERIENCE FROM AN APXHITECT REGISTERED/LICENSED ABROAD
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SHALL 5RC/E THAT THE COUNTRY WHERE HE OBTAIMED SUCH
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EXPERIENCE HAS RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS WITH THE PHILIPPINES,
34 
AND SHALL SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION FOR EQUIVALENCY ASSESSMENT
35 
BY THE PRC; and


1 
(d) He/she has not been convicted of any criminal offense involving moral
2 
turpitude."
3 
SEC. 9. :i^ection 14 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
4 
"SEC. 14. Subjects for Examination. - 
xxx
5 
"xxx
6 
"The Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, AND UPON
7 
CONSULTATION WITH THE MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL, may revise or exclude
8 
any of the subjects and their syllabi, and add new ones as the need arises to conform
9 
to technological changes brought about by continuing trends in the profession."
10 
SEC. 10. A new section designated as Section 16-A is hereby added to read as
11 
follows:
12 
"SECTION 16“ A. RE EXAM I NATION. - AN A^^PLICANT WHO FAILS TO
13 
PASS THE EXAMINATION FOR THE THIRD TIME SHALL BE ALLOWED TO
14 
TAKE ANOTHER EXAMINATION ONLY AFTER THE LAPSE OF ONE YEAR."
15 
SEC. 11. Section 19 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
16 
"SEC. 19. Roster of Architects. - A roster showing the names and place of business
17 
of all registered professional ar chitects, PRACTICING ARCHITECTS, FOREIGN
18 
ARCHITECTS WITH VALID TEMPORARY PERMIT, AND ARCHITECTURAL
19 
FIRMS, shall be prepared and updated by the Board and copies thereof shall be
20 
made available to any party as may be deemed necessary."
21 
SEC. 12. Section 20 (2) of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as
22 
follows:
23 
"SEC. 20. Seal, Issuance and 
Use of Seal. - xxx
24 
xxx
25 
(2) No officer or employee of this Republic, chartered cities, provinces and
26 
municipalities, now or hereafter charged with the enforcement of laws,
27 
ordinances or regulations re lating to the construction or alteration of buildings,
28 
shall accept or approve any architectural plans or specifications which have not
29 
been prepared EXCLUSIVELY BY AN ARCHITECT and submitted in full
30 
accord with all the provisions of this Act; nor shall any payments be approved
31 
by any such officer for any work, the plans and specifications for which have
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not been so prepared EXCLUSIVELY and signed and sealed by [the author]
33 
AN ARCHITECT.
34 
"UPON APPROVAL OF THE ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS, THE
35 
CORRESPONDING ARCHITECTURAL PERMIT SHALL BE ISSUED;
36 
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NO BUILDING PERMIT OR OTHER


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DOCUMENT OF SIMILAR IMPORT SHALL BE ISSUED WITHOUT THE 
CORRESPONDING^ ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS, PLANS, AND 
DOCUMENTS PREPARED EXCLUSIVELY AND SIGNED BY AN 
ARCHITECT.
xxx"
SEC. 13. Section 25 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 25. Registration of Architects Required. - No person si iall practice architecture 
in this country, or engage in preparing architectural plans, specifications or 
preliminary data for the erection or alteration of any building located within the 
boundaries of this country or use the title "Architect", "ARCH.", "ARCHT.", "AR.", 
or display the word "Architect" together with another word 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 BUI LDI 'IGS OR PARTS OF BUILDINGS, [or display or use any-titicy signy 
card, advertisement, or other -device] 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.
"xxx"
SEC. 14. Section 29 of Republic Act No. 9266 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 temporar/ 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 an'/ 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/Professionai Identification Card or cancelled 
specia 1/temporaty permit, or any person who shal' use in connection with his/her


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name or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or description tending to
2 
convey the impression that he/she is an architect when he/she is not an architect,
3 
or any person whether Filipino or foreigner, who knowingly allows the use, adoption,
4 
implementation of plans, designs or specifications made by any person, firm,
5 
partnership or company not duly licensed to engage in the practice of architecture,
6 
OR ANY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE CONNECTED WITH THE PERMITTING
7 
AUTHORITIES WHO PREPARES, SIGNS AMD SEALS ARCHITECTURAL
8 
DOCUMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPLYING FOR GOVERNMENT-
9 
ISSUED PERMITS, CLEARANCES AND LICENSES, SUCH AS, BUT NOT
10 
LIMITED TO, ARCHITECTURAL PERMITS, BUILDING PERMITS,
11 
OCCUPANCY PERMITS AND ZONING/LOCATIONAL CLEARANCES, AND
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BUSINESS PERMITS, or any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this
13 
Act, its implementing rules and regulations, the Code of Ethical Conduct and
14 
Standards of Professional Practice, or any policy of the Board and the Commission,
15 
shall be guilty of misdemeanor and charged in court by the Commission and shall,
16 
upon conviction be sentenced to a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos
17 
(P100,000.00) but not more than Five Million pesos (P5,000,000.00) or to suffer
18 
imprisonment for a period not less than six (6) months or not exceeding six (6)
19 
years, or both, at the discretion of the Court."
20 
SEC. 15. Section 30 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
21 
"SEC. 30. [Pfohibltien-- in-the-i-’rae-t-iee] COERCION, AIDING AND ABETTING
22 
ILLEGAL PRACTICE of Architecture. - Any person or entity, whether public or
23 
private, Filipino or foreigner, who/which shall entice, compel, coerce, require or
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otherwise force an architect registered and licensed under this Act to
25 
undertake/perform any service under the general practice of architecture as defined
26 
under this Ad:, without first executing a written rontract/service agreement, OR
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ANY PERSON WHO FACILITATES THE ISSUANCE OF A GOVERNMENT
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PERMIT FOR ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS PREPARED, SIGNED AND
29 
SEALED BY REGISTERED/LICENSED ARCHITECTS EMPLOYED IN
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GOVERNMENT PERMITTING AUTHORITIES, OR ANY PERSON OR ENTITY,
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WHO/WHICH SHALL AID AND ABET PERSONS OR ENTITITES IN
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COMMITTING THE PROHIBITED ACTS RELATIVE TO THE PRACTICE OF
33 
ARCHITECTURE AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 29 OF THIS ACT shall be guilty
34 
of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction be sentenced to a fine of not less than
35 
Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or to suffer imprisonment for a period
36 
not exceeding six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of the Court."


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SEC. 16. Section 37 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
2 
"SEC. 37. Limitation to the Registration of a Firm, Company, Partnership,
3 
Corporation or Association. - xxx
4 
xxx
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(b) Registered and licensed architects shall compose at least [scvcnty-ftvepercent
6 
(75%)] A MAJORITY of the owners, shareholders, members incorporators,
7 
directors, executive officers, as the case may be;
8 
xxx
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"A FILIPINO REGISTERED AND LICENSED ARCHITECT MAY PRACTICE AS
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A ONE PERSON CORPORATION SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF
11 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11232, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE REVISED
12 
CORPORATION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES."
13 
SEC. 17. Section 40 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
14 
"SEC. 40. Integration of the Architecture Profession.- The Architecture profession
15 
shall be integrated into one (1) national organization which shall be accredited by
16 
the Board, suoject to the approval by the Commission, as the [IJIntegrated and
17 
[a]Accredited [p]Professional [©jOrganization of [aJArchitects (lAPOA): Provided,
18 
however. That such an organization shall be registered with the Securities and
19 
Exchange Commission, as a non-profit, non-stock corporation, WITH ARTICLES
20 
OF INCORPORATION SPECIFYING AS ONE OF ITS PURPOSES THE
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INTEGRATION OF ALL ARCHITECTS INTO A NATICiiAL ORGANIZATION,
22 
AND to be governed by by-laws providing for a democratic election of its officialsH:
23 
PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT SUCH ORGANIZATION SHALL HAVE A
24 
ROBUST NETWORK OF LOCAL AND FOREIGN- BASED CHAPTERS LOCATED
25 
IN KEY CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES: PROVIDED, FURTHERMORE, THAT
26 
[A]An architect duly registered \ /ith the Board shall automatically become a member
27 
of the [ff^egroted—and accredited—professional—organization—of architects]
28 
lAPOA and shall receive the benefits and privileges provided for in this Act upon
29 
payment of the required fees and dues[r]: PROVIDED, FURTHERMORE, THAT
30 
Membership in the [integrated and accredited -prefessienal—organization - of
31 
aFchitects] lAPOA shall not be a bar to membership in other associations of
32 
architectsH: PROVIDED FINALLY THAT, UPON FILING FOR APPLICATION
33 
FOR ACCREDITATION OR RENEWAL OF ACCREDITATION, SUCH
34 
ORGANIZATION SHALL HAVE A MEMBERSHIP COMPRISING OF AT LEAST
35 
THE MAJORITY OF REGISTERED/LICENSED ARCHITECTS POSSESSING
36 
CURRENT AND VALID PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS.
10


1 
"THE lAPOA SHALL, IiM ADDITION TO THE PURPOSES STATED IN ITS BY-
2 
LAWS, HAVE THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND
3 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
4 
(1) REPRESENT THE PROFESSION FOR WHICH SUCH ORGANIZATION
5 
HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED AND ACCREDITED;
6 
(2) SUBMIT NOMINEES 'OR VACANT POSITIONS IN THE BOARD;
7 
(3) REPRESENT THE PROFESSION IN THE MONITORING COMMITTEES
8 
FOR MUTUAL RECOGNITION ARRANGEMENTS (MRA) IN THE
9 
ASEAN AND APEC;
10 
(4) DEFINE THE STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OF ITS
11 
MEMBERS;
12 
(5) ENSURE THAT ITS MEMBERS ADHERE TO THE CODE OF ETHICS,
13 
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE, AND HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL AND
14 
TECHNICAL STANDARDS;
15 
(6) LOOK INTO THE CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE PRACTICE OF THE
16 
ARCHITECTURE PRCjFESSION, LOCAlLY AND ABROAD, AND TO
17 
PROPOSE POLICIES OR MEASURES TO THE BOARD AND/OR THE
18 
COMMISSION FOR ITS IMPROVEMENT;
19 
(7) ENSURE THE WELFARE, AND BEST INTEREST, AS WELL AS
20 
HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP AMONG ITS MEMBERS;
21 
(8) REPORT VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT TO THE BOARD AND/OR THE
22 
COMMISSION, THROUGH THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL SERVICE,
23 
FOR POSSIBLE PROSECUTION OR FILING OF COMPLAINT;
24 
(9) SUBMIT TO THE BOARD, AT THE END OF EVERY FISCAL YEAR, THE
25 
FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:
26 
A. YLARLY AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE
27 
ORGANIZATION, DULY SIGNED BY A CERTIFIED PUBLIC
28 
ACCOUNTANT WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM THE
29 
SUBMISSION MADE TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
30 
COMMISSION (SEC);
31 
B. AUTHENTICATED COPY OF THE LATEST GENERAL
32 
INFORMATION SHEET WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM THE
33 
CONDUCT OF NATIONAL ELECTION; AND
34 
C. REPORT ON SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS AS A CORPORATE
35 
BODY m ATTAINING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE
36 
ORGANIZATION, ON ENHANCEMENT OF THE WELFARE OF ITS
11


1 
MEMBERS AND THE STATURE OF THE P^IOFESSION, AND ON
2 
TANGIBLE PROGRAMS SUCH AS MEMBERS' INSURANCE,
3 
SCHOLARSHIP, AND LIFE, HEALTH, AND DEATH BENEFITS, TO
4 
BE SIGNED BY THE BOARD WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER
5 
THE FISCAL YEAR; AND
6 
(10) OTHI R FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS MAY BE
7 
PRESCRIBED BY THE BOARD."
8 
SEC. 18. A new section designated as Section 40-A is hereby added to read as
9 
follows:
10 
"SEC. 40-A. MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL FOR ARCHITECTURE. - THERE IS
11 
HEREBY CREATED A MULfl-PARTITE COUNCIL FOR ARCMITECTURE
12 
WHICH SHALL PROVIDE A PLATFORM TO DISCUSS POLICY CONCERNS IN
13 
THE EDUCATION, INTERNSHIP, PROFESSIONAL REGULATION AND
14 
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND SHALL PROMOTE AND
15 
ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION AMONG THE DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS
16 
IN THE REGULATION AND PRACTICE OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
17 
PROFESSIONS.
18 
"THE MULTI- PARTITE COUNCIL, WHICH SHALL BE ATTACHED TO THE
19 
COMMISSION, SHALL BE COMPOSED OF:
20 
A. CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD;
21 
B. PRESIDENT OF THE lAPOA;
22 
C. PRESIDENT OF THE ACADEMIC ORGANIZATION (DEANS AND
23 
HEADS OF SCHOOLS) DULY ACCREDITED BY THE PRC UPON THE
24 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE CHED;
25 
D. ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM PRIVATE PRACTICE; AND
26 
E. ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM GOVERNMENT PRACTICE.
27 
SEC. 19. A new section designated as Section 40-B is hereby added to read as
28 
follows:
29 
"SEC. 40-B. POWERS, DUTIES, AND FUNCTIONS OF THE MULTI-PARTITE
30 
COUNCIL. - THE M U LTI - PARTITE COUNCIL SHALL PERFORM THE
31 
FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS:
32 
A. MONITOR LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARKS IN
33 
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, INTERNSHIP, REGULATION AND
34 
PRACTICE;
35 
B. 
STUDY AND EVALUAT E EDUCATIONAL INNOVATIONS THAT SHALL
36 
LEAD TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT;
12


1 
C. 
REGULARLY REVIEW OF THE SUBJECTS FOR EXAMINATION;
2 
D. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW THE TABLE OF
3 
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE LICENSURE EXAMINATION;
4 
E. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW INTERNSHIP/GUIDELINES IN
5 
AREAS SUCH AS DIVERSIFICATION OF EXPERIENCE, DUTIES AND
6 
RESPONSIBILITIES OF MENTORS AND COLLABORATIVE WORK;
7 
F. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL
8 
DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES;
9 
G. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW STANDARDS OF
10 
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN AREAS SUCH AS SCOPE OF SERVICES,
11 
SCHEDULE OF FEES, AND INTER-PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION; AND
12 
H. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION,
13 
INTERNSHIP, REGULATION AND PRACTICE STANDARDS IN REFERENCE
14 
TO THE PHILIPPINE QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK ACT."
15 
SEC. 20... Section 44 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
16 
"SEC. 46. Enforcement of the Act. - xxx
17 
"FOR CASES OF ILLEGAL PRACTICE LODGED BEFORE IT, [T]The Board shall
18 
assist the Commission IN THE PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION AND in filing
19 
the appropriate charges through the concerned prosecution office in accordance
20 
with law and the Rules of Court "
21 
SEC. 21. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The Board and the lAPOA
22 
shall promulgate the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Act within
23 
ninety (90) days from its effectivity.
24 
SEC. 22. Separability Clause - If for any reason, any part or provision of this Act
25 
is declared invalid or unconstitutional the remaining part^ or provisions not affected shall
26 
remain in full force and effect.
27 
SEC. 23. Repealing Clause - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
28 
rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
29 
repealed or modified accordingiy.
30 
SEC. 24. Effectivity. This Act s nail take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
31 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
13