CE – 27

CE LAWS, CONTRACTS,
SPECIFICATIONS AND ETHICS
ENGR. VERBEN H. SIEGA
 PHILIPPINE LEGAL SYSTEM
Having been under the colonial rule of Spain and subsequently the United States,
it is not surprising that the Philippines would base much of its laws and court system
On the Spanish and American Models.
 PHILIPPINE LEGAL SYSTEM
Branches of Government
Under the Constitution, governmental powers in the Philippines is divided
Among three institutions:
* Executive
* Legislative
* Judicial
 PHILIPPINE LEGAL SYSTEM
Branches of Government
Under the Constitution, governmental powers in the Philippines is divided
Among three institutions:
* Executive
* Legislative
* Judicial
 RA 544 – Civil Engineering Law

An Act to Regulate the Practice of

Civil Engineering in the Philippines
RA-544 – Civil Engineering Law

Article 1.0
The practice of civil engineering within the meaning and intent of this Act shall
embrace services in the form of consultation, design, preparation of plans,
specifications, estimates, erection, installation and supervision of the construction
of streets, bridges, highways, railroads, ports and hangars, portworks, canals, river
and shore improvements, lighthouse, and dry docks; buildings, fixed structures for
irrigation, flood protection, drainage, water supply and sewerage works; demolition
of permanent structures; and tunnels.

Article 1.0
The term “civil engineer”as used in this Act shall mean a person duly registered
with the Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers
RA-544 – Civil Engineering Law
Article 2.0
• Board of Examiners for Civil Engineering
• Section 3. Composition of Board
Within thirty days after the approval of this Act there shall be created a Board of Examiners
for Civil Engineers, hereinafter referred to as the Board, to be composed of a chairman and
two members who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon
recommendation of the Commissioner of Professional Regulation Commission(PRC)

Article 3.0
• Examination and Registration
• Section 8. Examination Requirements
All applicants for registration for the practice of civil engineering shall be required to pass a
technical examination as hereinafter provided. Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers
RA-544 – Civil Engineering Law

• Section 12.
Qualifications for examination
Any Person applying for admission to the civil
engineering examination as herein provided shall, prior to
the date of the examination, establish to the satisfaction of
the Board that he has the following qualifications:
(a) Be at least twenty-one years of age
(b)Be a citizen of the Philippines
(c) Be of good reputation and moral character
(d)Be a graduate of a four-year course in civil engineering
from a school, institute, college or university recognize
by the Government or the State wherein it is
established.
CODE OF ETHICS
Civil engineers should uphold and advance the
integrity, honor and dignity of the civil engineering
profession by:
* using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement
of human welfare and the environment;
* being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity
the public, their employers/employees and clients;
* striving to increase the competence and prestige of
the civil engineering profession; and
* supporting the professional and technical societies of
their discipline.
CODE OF ETHICS
FUNDAMENTAL CANONS
* Civil Engineers shall hold paramount the safety,
health and welfare of the public and shall strive to
comply with the principles of sustainable
development in the performance of their duties.
* Civil Engineers shall perform services only in areas of
their competence.
* Civil Engineers shall issue public statements only in
an objective and truthful manner.
* Civil Engineers shall act in professional matters for
each employer or client as faithful agents or
trustees, and shall avoid conflict of interest.
CODE OF ETHICS
FUNDAMENTAL CANONS

* Civil Engineers shall build their professional

reputation on the merit of their services and shall
not compete unfairly with others.
* Civil Engineers shall act in such a manner as to
uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and
dignity of the civil engineering profession.
* Civil Engineers shall continue their professional
development throughout their careers, and shall
provide opportunities for the professional
development of those civil engineers under their
supervision.
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

* The standard practice is for Civil engineers to be

given the responsibility for studying, conceiving,
designing, observing construction, and assisting in the
programming for operating and maintaining
engineering works.
CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Typical services may include:

* Design, consultation and advice

* Feasibility studies
* Field investigations and engineering data collection
* Environmental assessments, impact statements or
engineering reports
* Opinions of probable construction cost
* Preliminary and final designs, drawings,
specifications and construction bidding documents
CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Typical services may include:
* Appraisals and rate studies
* Value engineering
* Expert testimony
* Assessment of risks
* Structural remediation or rehabilitation
* Assistance in securing construction bids and in awarding
contracts
* Construction administration and observation
* Arrangements for or performance of testing materials
and equipment
CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Typical services may include:

* Assistance in start-up, assessment of capacity, and

operation of facilities
* Preparation of operation and maintenance manuals
* Project Management and controls
* Provision of supplemental temporary staff
* Teaching
CLASSIFICATION OF ENGINEERING SERVICES

* Consultations, research, investigations, and reports

* Design services for construction projects
* Construction services
* Special services for construction projects
* Engineering support services
* Academic services
* Services as employees
TYPES OF INFRASTRUCTURES UNDER THE DOMAIN OF
CIVIL ENGINEERING PURSUANT TO RA 544 AS
AMENDED

* Streets, bridges, highways and railroads

* Airports and hangars
* Portworks, canals, river and shore improvements,
light houses and drydocks
* Buildings
* Fixed structures for irrigation, flood protection,
drainage, water supply and sewerage works
* Tunnels