AN ACT REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF GEODETIC ENGINEERING IN THE PHILIPPINES

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of the Philippine Geodetic Engineering Act of 1998

Definition of Terms (Section 2):
- Practice of geodetic engineering: Gathering physical data on earth's surface using precision instruments, processing data, and presenting on maps/charts.
- Geodetic Engineer: A registered professional who has taken the Oath of Profession.

Board of Geodetic Engineering (Sections 3-10):
- Composition: Chairman and two members appointed by the President.
- Qualifications: Filipino citizen, at least 40 years old, registered geodetic engineer with 10+ years of practice.
- Term: 3 years, renewable for another 3 years (maximum 6 years).
- Powers and duties: Promulgate rules, supervise exams and registration, issue licenses, adopt Code of Ethics, hear cases, prescribe CPE guidelines.

Examination, Registration, and License (Sections 11-22):
- Applicants must pass a written technical exam covering subjects like surveying, geodesy, cartography, laws, and ethics (Section 14).
- Passing score: 70% weighted general average, with no subject below 55% (Section 15).
- Successful examinees must take the Oath of Profession and obtain a Certificate of Registration and Professional License (Sections 18-19).
- Geodetic Engineers must obtain and use a seal on documents (Section 20).
- Grounds for suspension/revocation of license include fraud, incompetence, negligence, and violation of the Act or Code of Ethics (Section 22).

Practice of Geodetic Engineering (Sections 23-26):
- Existing practicing geodetic engineers automatically registered (Section 23).
- Only individuals can practice geodetic engineering, not firms or corporations (Section 24).
- Integration into one national accredited organization is required for all registered geodetic engineers (Section 25).
- Foreign reciprocity allowed if the foreign country permits Filipino geodetic engineers to practice (Section 26).

General Provisions (Sections 27-34):
- The Board shall adopt implementing rules, regulations, and Code of Ethics (Section 27).
- Funding: 50% of fees from exams and licenses to be used by the Board (Section 28).
- Enforcement by the Professional Regulation Commission (Section 29).
- Penalties: Fine of P50,000 to P200,000 and/or imprisonment of 6 months to 6 years for violations (Section 31).
- Repeals previous laws on geodetic engineering (Section 33).
- Effectivity 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper (Section 34).