EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
lntroduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez
House Bill No.
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 Iicensure
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 ol 2004.
ln 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.
ln 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 thai 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.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
March 23, 2022
5:55 pm
10830


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.
ln view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested.
RUF
B
UEZ


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
lntroduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE ARCHITEGTURE PROFESSION, AMENDING FOR THE
PURPOSE CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED NINE THOUSAND
TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-S|X (R.A. NO. 9266), OTHERWTSE KNOWN AS THE
"ARCHITECTURE ACT OF 2004"
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines rn 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 lN CONNECTION WITH THE planning, designing and
constructing [buildings in their totalityl A STRUCTURE OR GROUP OF
STRUCTURES WHICH HAVE AS THEIR PRINCIPAL PURPOSE HUMAN
HABITATION OR USE AND THE UTILIZATION OF SPACE WTHIN 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 qualifled, registered
and licensed TO PRACTICE ARCHITECTURE under this Act with a Certificate
of Registration and Professional ldentification 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
xxx
House Bill No. _
(11) "lntegrated 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;
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 WTHIN AND
SURROUNDING SUCH BUILDING(S) OR STRUCTURE(S) AND UNIFIES
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THEM INTO A COHERENT AND FUNCTIONAL WHOLE, FOLLOWNG 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 DOCU[iIENTS' ALSO REFERRED TO AS "DOCUMENTS"
AS USED IN THIS ACT, MEANS THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS,
ARCHITECTURAL PLANS, DRAWNGS, SPECIFICATIONS, TECHNICAL
DOCUMENTS AND OTHER INSTRUIVIENTS OF SERVICE PREPARED,
SIGNED, AND SEALED, EXCLUSIVELY BY AN ARCHITECT;
17) 'ARCHTTECTURAL pERMtT" tvlEANS A DOCUMENT DULY TSSUED By ANy
REGULATING GOVERNMENT ENTITY BASED ON ARCHITECTURAL
DOCUMENTS AUTHORTZTNG THE CONSTRUCTTON OF BUtLDtNG(S) OR
STRUCTURE(S) AND THE UTILIZATION OF THE SITE AND SPACE WTHIN
AND SURROUND SUCH BUtLDtNG(S) OR STRUCTURE(S);
18) 'ARCHITECTURAL PLANS'ALSO REFERRED TO AS "PLANS" AS USED IN
THIS ACT, IUEANS THE LATERAL SECTION OR DIIVENSIONAL
REPRESENTATIONS OF A PROPOSED DEVELOPIIENT OR
REDEVELOPMENT OF BUILDING(S) OR STRUCTURE(S) AND THE
UTILIZATION OF THE SITE AND SPACE WITHIN AND SURROUNDING SUCH
BUtLDtNG(S) OR STRUCTURE(S) SHOWTNG 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 BYAN 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 GOVERNIVIENT
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
WTH A POST-BACCALAUREATE DEGREE lN 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
ldentification Card and active practitioner of architecture for at least [ten (10)]
FIFTEEN (15) years on the date of his/her appointment;
(e) has never been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitudel.];
(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
RELINOUISHES HIS INCUMBENT OFFICE ON THE DATE OF HIS/HER
APPOINTMENT;
(H)
NOT BE A CANDIDATE WHO HAS LOST IN ANY ELECTION, WTHIN 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, IONE (1)l TWO (2) MEMBERS for two (2)
years, and IONE (1)l TWO (2) MEMBERS for one ('l) year.
Each member of the Board shall qualiry 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:
(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 architec{ure 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; andl ON THE DATE OF HIS/HER APPOINTMENT;
'SEC. 7. Power and Functions of the Board.
xxx


(f) Monitor LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL BENCHIvIARKS 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 WTH VALID TEMPORARY PERMITS, AND A
ROSTER OF ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS;
(O) KEEP A RECORD OF BOARD PROCEEDINGS AND MAKE AN ANNUAL
REPORT TO THE COMIUISSION, 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 ofthe architecture profession and the upgrading, development
and growth of the architecture education.
SECTION 6. SEC. I of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
'SEC. 9. Grounds for Suspension or Removal of Members ofthe 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 IUAY 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-GRAFTAND CORRUPT PRACTICES
ACT, AND OTHER LAWS; [andl
(F) Manipulation or rigging of the architecture licensure examination results,
disclosure of secrel 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 A VIS THEIR
COUNTERPARTS IN COUNTRIES WITH WHOM THE PHILIPPINES HAS, IS
NEGOTIATING, OR DESIRES TO NEGOTIATE MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS.


COPIES OF THE ANNUAL REPORTAND COMPETITIVENESS REPORT SHALL BE
SUBMITTED TO THE FOLLOWNG:
(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 lN THE PHILIPPINES OR ABROAD, WHOSE
PROGRAM lS 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 lN 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 PROGRAIVI IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCREDITED, THE APPLICANT SHALL
SUBMIT SAID PROGRAI\iI 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 RECIPROCIry AGREEMENTS WTH
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:
xxx
The Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, AND UPON CONSULTATION
WTH 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 ,I6-4. 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 1 1. 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."
'SEC. 14. Subjects for Examination. -
SECTION '10. A new section shall be inserted to read as follows:


SECTION { 2. SEC. 20 (2) of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
'SEC. 20. Seal, lssuance 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 PERIUIT SHALL BE ISSUED; PROV|DED,
HOWEVER, THAT NO BUILDING PERMIT OR OTHER DOCUMENT OF SIIVILAR
IMPORT SHALL BE ISSUED WTHOUT THE CORRESPONDING
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS, PLANS, AND DOCUNTENTS 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, speciflcation 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
DRAWNGS', "ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES", OR ANY OF THETR DERIVATES OR
TRANSLATIONS INTO OTHER LANGUAGES OR DIALECTS, IN CONNECTION W|TH HIS
OR HER NAME, STYLE, BUSINESS DESIGNATION, BUSINESS NAME, LOGO, OR ON
PLANS, DRAWNGS, 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 ldentification 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 ldentification 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 ortemporary 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 ldentification 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 architeclure; OR ANY PERSON, WHO lS A GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE
CONNECTED WTH 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 sentenc€d to a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos
(P100,000.00) but not more than Five t\ilillion 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. lProhibition in the Practicel 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
wriften 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,
WHOM/HICH SHALL AID AND ABET PERSONS OR ENTITIES IN COMMITTING THE
PROHIBITED ACTS RELATIVE TO THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE AS DESCRIBED
lN 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 GOVERNIUENT 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%)l 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. lntegration 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 lntegrated 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 barto 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 (PlCs.)
THE IAPOA SHALL, IN ADDITION TO THE PURPOSES STATED IN ITS BY-LAWS,
HAVE THE FOLLOWNG FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(1)
REPRESENT THE PROFESSION FOR WHICH SUCH ORGANIZATION HAS
BEEN ESTABLISHED AND ACCREDITED;
SUBMIT NOMINEES FOR VACANT POSITIONS IN THE BOARD;
REPRESENTTHE PROFESSION IN THE MONITORING COMMITTEES FOR
MUTUAL RECOGNITION ARRANGEMENTS (MRA) IN THE ASEAN AND
APEC;
DEFINE THE STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OF ITS
MEMBERS;
ENSURE THAT ITS MEMBERS ADHERE TO THE CODE OF ETHICS,
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE, AND HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL AND
TECHNICAL STANDARDS;
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;
2
3
(
( )
(4)
(5)
(6)


(7)
(8)
(e)
(10)
ENSURE THE WELFARE, AND BEST INTEREST, AS WELL AS
HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP AMONG ITS MEMBERS; AND
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.'
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 WTHIN 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
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,
A. 
CHAIRPERSON OFTHE BOARD;
B. 
PRESIDENT OF THE IAPOA;
C. 
PRESIDENT OF THE ACADEMIC ORGANIZATION (DEANS AND HEADS OF
SCHOOLS) DULYACCREDITED BYTHE 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 FOLLOWNG FUNCTIONS;
A. 
MONITOR LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARKS IN
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, INTERNSHIP, REGULATION AND PRACTICE;
THE MULTI- PARTITE COUNCIL SHALL BE COMPOSED OF THE:


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 lT, the Board shall assist
the Commission lN 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. lmplementing Rules and Regulations, The Board and the IAPOA are tasked
to prepare the implementing Rules and Regulations (lRR) 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. lf, 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
B. 
STUDY AND EVALUATE EDUCATIONAL INNOVATIONS THAT SHALL
LEAD TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT;
C. 
REGULARLY REVIEW OF THE SUBJECTS FOR DGMINATION;
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
DEVELOP[/IENT 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 441427.x\x
SECTION 45 [43]. xxx
SECTION 46l44l.xxx
SECTION 47 l45l. tt<x
SECTION 48 [46]. xxx
SECTION 49 1477. xxx