AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORE RESPONSIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE REGULATION FOR THE REGISTRATION

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of The Architecture Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9266)

Statement of Policy (Section 2)
- The State recognizes the importance of architects in nation building and development.
- It shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive and well-rounded professional architects with excellent standards through credible licensure examinations and regulatory measures.

Definitions (Section 3)
- Defines key terms such as "architecture", "architect", "general practice of architecture", "scope of the practice of architecture", "structural conceptualization", "architectural firm", "authorship", "service agreement", "integrated and accredited professional organization", and "continuing professional development".

Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (Sections 4-11)
- Creates the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture under the Professional Regulation Commission.
- Outlines the composition, qualifications, term of office, powers, functions, and compensation of the Board members.
- The Board shall supervise registration, licensure, and practice of architects, administer examinations, issue certificates, adopt ethical codes, hear disciplinary cases, and perform other regulatory functions.

Examination, Registration, and Licensure (Sections 12-24)
- Applicants must pass a licensure examination covering subjects like architectural design, planning, theory, structures, and construction methods. (Section 14)
- Outlines the qualifications for examination, such as being a Filipino citizen, holding a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, having at least two years of experience, and being of good moral character. (Section 13)
- Successful examinees shall take an oath and be issued a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card. (Sections 17-18)
- The Board shall maintain a roster of registered architects. (Section 19)
- Registered architects shall obtain and use a seal on all architectural plans and documents. (Section 20)
- Provisions for refusal, suspension, revocation, and reinstatement of certificates and permits. (Sections 22-24)

Practice of Architecture (Sections 25-39)
- Only registered and licensed architects can practice architecture or use the title "Architect". (Section 25)
- Existing registered architects at the time of the law's passage shall be automatically registered. (Section 26)
- Reciprocity requirements for foreign nationals to take the licensure examination. (Section 27)
- Architects shall maintain a program of continuing professional development. (Section 28)
- Penalties for unauthorized practice, misrepresentation, and other violations, including fines of up to ₱5,000,000 and imprisonment of up to 6 years. (Sections 29-30)
- Prohibitions on signing plans not prepared under one's supervision, duplicating plans without consent, and claiming equivalent services without registration. (Sections 31-34)
- Government positions requiring architectural services shall be filled by registered architects within 3 years. (Section 35)
- Only registered architects can collect fees for architectural services. (Section 36)
- Requirements for registration of architectural firms, including ownership by registered architects. (Section 37)
- Foreign architects can obtain temporary/special permits to work on specific projects, subject to reciprocity and liability insurance requirements. (Sections 38-39)

Final Provisions (Sections 40-47)
- The architecture profession shall be integrated into one national accredited organization. (Section 40)
- The Board shall adopt implementing rules, regulations, and a code of ethical conduct within 60 days. (Section 41)
- Appropriations for the implementation of the Act. (Section 42)
- The Act shall not affect other legally recognized professions. (Section 43)
- Enforcement provisions, including assistance from law enforcement agencies. (Section 44)
- Separability clause and repealing clause for inconsistent laws. (Sections 45-46)
- Effectivity clause stating the Act takes effect 15 days after publication. (Section 47)