EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session
55 E-FILED Ci'Z 
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SENATE
S. B. No. 2483
Introduced by SENATOR SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE ARCHITECTURE PROFESSION, AMENDING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9266, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
"ARCHnECTURE 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 check to ensure not 
only their professional growth, but to stimulate their competence to be at par with the 
world's best.
The passage of Republic Act No. 9266, otherwise known as the "Architecture Act 
of 2004", was a very welcome development for the field of architecture. It was a 
significant step of the State in protecting and assuring the public of its policy in 
developing and nurturing competent, virtuous, productive, and well-rounded architects.
However, there appears to be areas which 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, the 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 
("Board") 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 felling the 
third time in the architecture licensure examination.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 2483
RECEIVED
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 Architecture
2 
Act of 2004, is hereby amended to read as fofiows:
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 art, science or profession of RENDERING OR
6 
OFFERING TO RENDER SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE
7 
planning, designing and constructing [buildings in -their totality] A
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STRUCTURE OR GROUP OF STRUCTURES WHICH HAVE AS THEIR
9 
PRINCIPAL PURPOSE HUMAN HABITATION OR USE AND THE
10 
UTILIZATION OF SPACE WITHIN AND SURROUNDING SUCH
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STRUCTURES taking into account their environment, in accordance with
12 
the principles of utility, strength and beauty;
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(2) "Architect" means a person professionally and academically qualified,
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registered and licensed TO PRACTICE ARCHITECTURE under this Act
15 
with a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card issued
16 
by the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture and the Professional
17 
Regulation Commission, and who is responsible for advocating the fair and
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sustainable development, welfare and cultural expression of society's
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habitat in terms of space, forms and historical context;
20 
"XXX
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(11) "Integrated 
and Accredited Professional Organization OF ARCHITECTS
22 
(lAPOA)" means the existing official national organization of all architects


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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" 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 
AND UNIFIES THEM INTO A COHERENT AND FUNCTIONAL 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 ARCHITECT;
(17) "ARCHITECTURAL PERMIT" MEANS A DOCUMENT DULY ISSUED BY 
ANY REGULATING GOVERNMENT ENTITY BASED ON 
ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS AUTHORIZING THE 
CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES 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 AND 
LONGITUDINAL SECTIONS, PERSPECTIVE, REFLECTED CEILING 
PLAN, SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN, ARCHITECTURAL INTERIORS,


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AND OTHER ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS PREPARED, SIGNED, AND
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SEALED, EXCLUSIVELY BY AN ARCHITECT.
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(19) "MULTIPARTITE COUNCIIL" REFERS TO A BODY COMPOSED OF
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REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY
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BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE, THE INTEGRATED AND ACCREDITED
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PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ARCHITECTS (lAPOA), THE
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ACADEME, PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS AND GOVERNMENT
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PRACrmONERS."
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SECTION 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
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hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture, hereinafter
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referred to as the Board, a collegial body under the supervision and administrative
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control of the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the
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Commission, to be composed of a chairman and [twe-(2)] FOUR (4) members
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appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list of [throe (3)] FIVE (5)
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recommendees chosen from a list of [five (5)] EIGHT (8) nominees for each
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position submitted to the Commission by the integrated and the accredited
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professional organization of architects. The Board shall be organized not later than
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six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act."
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SECTION 3. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"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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Philippines 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 [tee
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(i©)] 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
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of 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
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had officially FILED A LEAVE OF ABSENCE OR resigned from such an
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institution and has completely stopped teaching, advising or reviewing
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activities [for ot Icost five (5) ycors prior to the nominotion] ON THE DATE
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OF HIS/HER APPOINTMENT; [and]
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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 PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ARCHITECTS
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AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ARCHITECTS ON
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THE 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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SECTION 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
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of three (3) years after appointment or until their successors shall have been
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appointed and duly qualified. Any vacancy occurring within the term of a member
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shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each member of ffie
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Board may be reappointed for one full term of ttiree (3) years. Of the members of
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the Board first appointed under this Act, one (1) member shall be appointed and
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hold office as chairman for three (3) years, [QNE-(4)] TWO (2) members for two
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(2) years, and [ONE (1)] TWO (2) members for one (1) year. Each member of
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the Board shall qualify by taking the proper oaffi prior to the performance of their
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duties. Provided, That the incumbent members of the Board shall continue to
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serve for the remainder of their term as members of the herein created
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Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture until a new Board shall have been
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properly organized."
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SECTION 5. Section 7 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
31 
"SEC. 7. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall exercise the
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following specific powers, functions and responsibilities:
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XXX
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(f) Monitor [the] LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARKS AND
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conditions affecting the practice of architecture and adopt such measures as


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may be deemed proper for the enhancement and maintenance of high
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professional, ethical and technical standards of the profession;
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(m) To adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure
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examination; [and]
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(N) KEEP, MAINTAIN, PUBLISH, AND ANNUALLY 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,
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AND A ROSTER OF ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS;
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(O) KEEP A RECORD OF BOARD PROCEEDINGS AND MAKE AN ANNUAL
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REPORT TO THE COMMISSION, 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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[(ft)] (P) Discharge such other duties and functions as may be deemed
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necessary for the enhancement of the architecture profession and the
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upgrading, development and growth of the architecture education."
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SECTION 6. Section 9 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as follows:
17 
"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; [aftd]
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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
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questions prior to the conduct of the said examination or tampering of
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grades[T];
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(E) SOLICITING AND/OR ACCEPTING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY,
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ANY GIFT, GRATUITY, FAVOR, ENTERTAINMENT, LOAN OR
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ANYTHING OF MONETARY VALUE FROM ANY SOURCE, IN THE
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COURSE OF THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES OR IN CONNECTION WITH
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ANY OPERATION BEING REGULATED BY, OR ANY TRANSACTION
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WHICH MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE FUNCTIONS OF THEIR OFFICE;
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(F) ENGAGING 
IN UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF ARCHirECTURE."
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SECTION 7. Section 11 of Republic 
Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:


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"SEC. 11. Annual Report. - The Board shall submit an annual report to Itie
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Commission after the close of each year giving a detailed account of its
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proceedings during the year and making such recommendations as it may deem
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proper.
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"THE ANNUAL REPORT SHALL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY A
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COMPEimVENESS REPORT, WHICH SHALL BE SUBMITTED
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BIENNIALLY. THE COMPETITIVENESS REPORT SHALL CONTAIN
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ASSESSMENT OF FILIPINO PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTS,
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ARCHITECTURE SCHOOLS, THE BOARD, AND THE lAPOA VIS A VIS
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THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN COUNTRIES WITH WHOM THE PHILIPPINES
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HAS NEGOTIATED, IS NEGOTIATING, OR DESIRES TO NEGOTIATE
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MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS.
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COPIES OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND COMPETITIVENESS REPORT
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SHALL 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
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(e) 
THE MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL."
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SECTION 8. Section 13 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as
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follows;
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"SEC. 13. Qualifications of Applicant for Examination. - Any person applying for
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examination shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board that:
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XXX
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(c) He/she is a holder of 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,
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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: Provided, 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 practicai experience: PROVIDED, FURTHER,
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FOR AN APPLICANT THAT HOLDS A DEGREE FROM A SCHOOL, COLLEGE,
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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
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DIVERSIFIED EXPERIENCE FROM AN ARCHITECT
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REGISTERED/LICENSED ABROAD SHALL PROVE THAT THE COUNTRY
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WHERE HE OBTAINED SUCH EXPERIENCE HAS RECIPROCITY
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AGREEMENTS WITH THE PHILIPPINES, AND SHALL SUBMIT
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DOCUMENTATION FOR EQUIVALENCY ASSESSMENT BY THE PRC; and
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(d) He/she has not been convicted of any criminal offense involving moral
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turpitude."
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SECTION 9. Section 14 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:
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"SEC. 14. Subjects for Examination. - xxx
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"xxx
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"The Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, AND UPON
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CONSULTATION WITH THE MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL, may revise or
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exclude any of the subjects and their syllabi, and add new ones as the need arises
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to conform to technological changes brought about by continuing trends in the
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profession."
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SECTION 10. A new section designated as Section 16-A is hereby added to read as
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follows:
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"SECTION 16-A. RE-EXAMINATION. - AN APPLICANT WHO FAILS TO
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PASS THE EXAMINATION FOR THE THIRD TIME SHALL BE ALLOWED TO
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TAKE ANOTHER EXAMINATION ONLY AFTER THE LAPSE OF ONE YEAR."
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SECTION 11. Section 19 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:
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"SEC. 19. Roster of Architects. - A roster showing the names and place of
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business of all registered professional architects, PRACTICING ARCHITECTS,
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FOREIGN ARCHITECTS WITH VALID TEMPORARY PERMIT, AND
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ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS, shall be prepared and updated by the Board and
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copies thereof shall be made available to any party as may be deemed necessary."
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SECTION 12. Section 20 (2) of Republic Act No, 9266 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:
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"SEC. 20. Seal, Issuance and Use of Seal. - xxx
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xxx
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(2) No officer or employee of this Republic, chartered cities, provinces and
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municipalities, now or hereafter charged with the enforcement of iaws,


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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 any such officer for any work, the plans and specifications for which have 
not been so prepared EXCLUSIVELY and signed and sealed by [the author] 
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.
XXX
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SECTION 13. Section 25 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as
17 
follows:
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"SEC. 25. Registration of Architects Required. - No person shall practice
19 
architecture in this country, or engage in preparing architectural plans,
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specifications or preliminary data for the erection or alteration of any building
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located within the boundaries of this country or use the Otie "Architect", "ARCH.",
22 
"ARCHT.", "AR.", or display the word "Architect" together with another word
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INCLUDING 
"ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN", "ARCHITECTURAL
24 
DRAWINGS", "ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES", OR ANY OF THEIR
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DERIVATES OR TRANSLATIONS INTO OTHER LANGUAGES OR DIALECTS,
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IN CONNECTION WITH HIS OR HER NAME, STYLE, BUSINESS
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DESIGNATION, BUSINESS NAME, LOGO, OR ON PLANS, DRAWINGS, OR
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SPECIFICATIONS FOR BUILDINGS OR PARTS OF BUILDINGS, [or dioptoy
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or use ony title, sign, cord, odvortisomcnt, or other device] to indicate THAT such
30 
person practices or offers to practice architecture, or is an architect, unless such
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person shall have received from the Board a Certificate of Registration and be
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issued a Professional Identification Card in the manner hereinafter provided and
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shall thereafter comply with the provisions of this Act.
34 
"XXX"
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SECTION 14. Section 29 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as
36 
follows:
10


1 
"SEC. 29. Prohibition in the Practice of Architecture and Penai Clause. - Any person
2 
who shall practice or offer to practice architecture in the Philippines without being
3 
registered/licensed and who are not holders of temporary or special permits in
4 
accordance with the provisions of this Act, or any person presenting or attempting
5 
to use as his/her own the Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification
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Card or seal of another or temporary or special permit, or any person who shall
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give any false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board or to any member
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thereof in obtaining a Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card or
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temporary or special permit, or any person who shall falsely impersonate any
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registrant of like or different name, or any person who shall attempt to use a
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revoked or suspended Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card or
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cancelled special/temporary permit, or any person who shall use in connection
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with his/her name or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or description
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tending to convey the impression that he/she is an architect when he/she is not
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an architect, or any person whether Rlipino or foreigner, who knowingly allows
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the use, adoption, implementation of plans, designs or specifications made by any
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person, firm, partnership or company not duly licensed to engage in the practice
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of architecture, OR ANY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE CONNECTED WITH THE
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PERMITTING AUTHORITIES WHO PREPARES, SIGNS AND SEALS
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ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPLYING FOR
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GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PERMITS, CLEARANCES AND LICENSES, SUCH
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AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ARCHITECTURAL PERMITS, BUILDING
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PERMITS, OCCUPANCY PERMITS AND ZONING/LOCATIONAL
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CLEARANCES, AND BUSINESS PERMITS, or any person who shall violate any
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of the provisions of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations, the Code of
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Ethical Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice, or any policy of the Board
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and the Commission, shall be guilty of misdemeanor and charged in court by the
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Commission and shall, upon conviction be sentenced to a fine of not less than One
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hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than Five Million pesos
30 
(P5,000,000.00) or to suffer imprisonment for a period not less than six (6)
31 
months or not exceeding six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of the Court."
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SECTION 15. Section 30 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as
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follows;
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"SEC. 30. [Prohibition in the Practiee] COERCION, AIDING AND ABETTING
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ILLEGAL PRACTICE of Architecture. - Any person or entity, whether public or
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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
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undertake/perform any service under the general practice of architecture as
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defined under this Act, without first executing a written contract/service
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agreement, OR ANY PERSON WHO FACILITATES THE ISSUANCE OF A
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GOVERNMENT PERMIT FOR ARCHITECTURAL DOCUMENTS PREPARED,
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SIGNED AND SEALED BY REGISTERED/LICENSED ARCHITECTS
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EMPLOYED IN GOVERNMENT PERMITTING AUTHORITIES, OR ANY
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PERSON OR ENTITY, WHO/WHICH SHALL AID AND ABET PERSONS OR
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ENTITITES IN COMMITTING THE PROHIBITED ACTS RELATIVE TO THE
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PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 29 OF THIS
11 
ACT shail be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction be sentenced to
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a fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00) or to suffer
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imprisonment for a period not exceeding six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of
14 
the Court."
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SECTION 16. Section 37 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:
17 
"SEC. 37. Limitation to the Registration of a Firm, Company, Partnership,
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Corporation or Association. - xxx
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xxx
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(b) Registered and licensed architects shall compose at least [sovonty-fivo
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percent (75%)] A MAJORITY of the owners, shareholders, members
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incorporators, directors, executive officers, as the case may be;
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xxx
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"A FILIPINO REGISTERED AND LICENSED ARCHITECT MAY PRACTICE
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AS A ONE PERSON CORPORATION SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF
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REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11232, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE REVISED
27 
CORPORATION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES."
28 
SECTION 17. Section 40 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as
29 
follows:
30 
"SEC. 40. Integration of the Architecture Profession.- The Architecbjre profession
31 
shall be integrated into one (1) national organization which shail be accredited by
32 
the Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, as the [ijlntegrated and
33 
[a]Accredited [pJProfessional [ejOrganization of [aJArchitects (lAPOA):
34 
Provided, however. That such an organization shall be registered with the
35 
Securities and Exchange Commission, as a non-profit, non-stock corporation,
36 
WITH ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION SPECIFYING AS ONE OF ITS
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PURPOSES THE INTEGRATION OF ALL ARCHITECTS INTO A NATIONAL
2 
ORGANIZATION, AND to be governed by by-laws providing for a democratic
3 
election of its offlcialsH: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT SUCH
4 
ORGANIZATION SHALL HAVE A ROBUST NETWORK OF LOCAL AND
5 
FOREIGN- BASED CHAPTERS LOCATED IN KEY CITIES AND
6 
MUNICIPALITIES: PROVIDED, FURTHERMORE, THAT [AJAn architect duly
7 
registered with the Board shall automatically become a member of tiie [integrated
8 
and occreditcd professionat organization of Ofchiteeto] lAPOA and shall receive
9 
the benefits and privileges provided for in this Act upon payment of the required
10 
fees and dues^; PROVIDED, FURTHERMORE, THAT Membership in the
11 
[integrated and-aecfedited-professionol organizotion-Qf-arehitects] lAPOA shall
12 
not be a bar to membership in other associations of architects^: PROVIDED
13 
FINALLY THAT, UPON FILING FOR APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION
14 
OR RENEWAL OF ACCREDITATION, SUCH ORGANIZATION SHALL HAVE A
15 
MEMBERSHIP COMPRISING OF AT 
LEAST THE MAJORITY OF
16 
REGISTERED/LICENSED ARCHITECTS 
POSSESSING CURRENT AND
17 
VALID PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS.
18 
"THE lAPOA SHALL, IN ADDITION TO THE PURPOSES STATED IN ITS BY-
19 
LAWS, HAVE THE FOLLOWING 
FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND
20 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
21 
(1) 
REPRESENT 
THE PROFESSION FOR WHICH SUCH
22 
ORGANIZATION HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED AND ACCREDITED;
23 
(2) SUBMIT NOMINEES FOR VACANT POSITIONS IN THE BOARD;
24 
(3) 
REPRESENT 
THE 
PROFESSION 
IN THE MONITORING
25 
COMMITTEES FOR MUTUAL RECOGNITION ARRANGEMENTS
26 
(MRA) IN THE ASEAN AND APEC;
27 
(4) DEFINE THE STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OF ITS
28 
MEMBERS;
29 
(5) ENSURE THAT ITS MEMBERS ADHERE TO THE CODE OF ETHICS,
30 
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE, AND HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL AND
31 
TECHNICAL STANDARDS;
32 
(6) LOOK INTO THE CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE PRACTICE OF THE
33 
ARCHHECTURE PROFESSION, LOCALLY AND ABROAD, AND TO
34 
PROPOSE POLICIES OR MEASURES TO THE BOARD AND/OR THE
35 
COMMISSION FOR ITS IMPROVEMENT;
13


1 
(7) ENSURE THE WELFARE, AND BEST INTEREST, AS WELL AS
2 
HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP AMONG ITS MEMBERS;
3 
(8) REPORT VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT TO THE BOARD AND/OR THE
4 
COMMISSION, THROUGH THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL SERVICE,
5 
FOR POSSIBLE PROSECUTION OR FILING OF COMPLAINT;
6 
(9) SUBMIT TO THE BOARD, AT THE END OF EVERY FISCAL YEAR,
7 
THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:
8 
A. YEARLY AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE
9 
ORGANIZATION, DULY SIGNED BY A CERTIFIED PUBLIC
10 
ACCOUNTANT WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM THE
11 
SUBMISSION MADE TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
12 
COMMISSION (SEC);
13 
B. AUTHENTICATED COPY OF THE LATEST GENERAL
14 
INFORMATION SHEET WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM THE
15 
CONDUCT OF NATIONAL ELECTION; AND
16 
C. REPORT ON SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS AS A CORPORATE
17 
BODY IN ATTAINING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE
18 
ORGANIZATION, ON ENHANCEMENT OF THE WELFARE OF ITS
19 
MEMBERS AND THE STATURE OF THE PROFESSION, AND ON
20 
TANGIBLE PROGRAMS SUCH AS MEMBERS' INSURANCE,
21 
SCHOLARSHIP, AND LIFE, HEALTH, AND DEATH BENEFITS, TO
22 
BE SIGNED BY THE BOARD WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER
23 
THE FISCAL YEAR; AND
24 
(10) OTHER FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS MAY BE
25 
PRESCRIBED BY THE BOARD."
26 
SECTION 18. A new section designated as Section 40-A is hereby added to read as
27 
follows:
28 
"SEC. 40-A. MULTIPARTITE COUNCIL FOR ARCHITECTURE. - THERE IS
29 
HEREBY CREATED A MULTI-PARTITE COUNCIL FOR ARCHITECTURE
30 
WHICH SHALL PROVIDE A PLATFORM TO DISCUSS POLICY CONCERNS
31 
IN THE EDUCATION, INTERNSHIP, PROFESSIONAL REGULAHON AND
32 
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND SHALL PROMOTE
33 
AND ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION AMONG THE DIFFERENT
34 
STAKEHOLDERS IN THE REGULATION AND PRACTICE OF THE BUILT
35 
ENVIRONMENT PROFESSIONS.
14


1 
"THE MULTI- PARTITE COUNCIL, WHICH SHALL BE ATTACHED TO THE
2 
COMMISSION, SHALL BE COMPOSED OF;
3 
A. 
CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD;
4 
B. 
PRESIDENT OF THE lAPOA;
5 
C. PRESIDENT OF THE ACADEMIC ORGANIZATION (DEANS AND
6 
HEADS OF SCHOOLS) DULY ACCREDITED BY THE PRC UPON THE
7 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE CHED;
8 
D. 
ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM PRIVATE PRACTICE; AND
9 
E. 
ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM GOVERNMENT PRACTICE.
10 
SECTION 19. A new section designated as Section 40-B is hereby added to read as
11 
follows:
12 
"SEC. 40-B. POWERS, DUTIES, AND FUNCTIONS OF THE MULTI-PARTITE
13 
COUNCIL. - THE MULTI-PARTITE COUNCIL SHALL PERFORM THE
14 
FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS:
15 
A. 
MONITOR LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARKS IN
16 
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, INTERNSHIP, REGULATION AND
17 
PRACTICE;
18 
B. 
STUDY AND EVALUATE EDUCATIONAL INNOVATIONS THAT
19 
SHALL LEAD TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT;
20 
C. 
REGULARLY REVIEW OF THE SUBJECTS FOR EXAMINATION;
21 
D. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW THE TABLE OF
22 
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE LICENSURE EXAMINATION;
23 
E. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW INTERNSHIP/GUIDELINES
24 
IN AREAS SUCH AS DIVERSIFICATION OF EXPERIENCE, DUTIES AND
25 
RESPONSIBILITIES OF MENTORS AND COLLABORATIVE WORK;
26 
F. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW CONTINUING
27 
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES;
28 
G. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW STANDARDS OF
29 
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN AREAS SUCH AS SCOPE OF SERVICES,
30 
SCHEDULE OF FEES, AND INTER-PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION;
31 
AND
32 
H. 
DEVELOP AND REGULARLY REVIEW PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION,
33 
INTERNSHIP, REGULATION AND PRACTICE STANDARDS IN
34 
REFERENCE TO THE PHILIPPINE QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK ACT."
35 
SECTION 20. Section 44 of Republic Act No. 9266 is hereby amended to read as
36 
follows:
15


1 
"SEC. 46. Enforcement of the Act. - xxx
2 
"FOR CASES OF ILLEGAL PRACTICE LODGED BEFORE IT, FJThe Board
3 
shall assist the Commission IN THE PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION AND in
4 
filing the appropriate charges through the concerned prosecution office in
5 
accordance with law and the Rules of Court."
6 
SECTION 21. Implementing Rules and Regulations — The Board and the lAPOA
7 
shall promulgate the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Act
8 
within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.
9 
SECTION 22. Separability Clause - If for any reason, any part or provision of this
10 
Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected
11 
shall remain in full force and effect.
12 
SECTION 23. Repealing Clause - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
13 
rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
14 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
15 
SECTION 24. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
16 
publication In the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
16