Introduction to Ethics
Civil Engineering Code of Ethics
Ethics And the Law
Ethics is the study of the characteristics of morals, and involves the moral choices
made by individuals as they interact with other persons. Engineers need to be aware of
ethics as they make choices during their professional practice of engineering.
Engineering ethics will be defined as the rules and standards governing the
conduct of engineers in their roles as professionals. It is important for engineering
students to study engineering ethics so that they will be prepared to make difficult ethical
decisions during their professional careers.
Code of Ethics
• A code of ethics provides a framework for ethical judgment for a professional.
• Serves as a starting point for ethical decision making
• Express the commitment to ethical conduct shared by members of a profession
• A code defines the roles and responsibilities of professionals
Civil Engineering Code of Ethics in the Philippines
It shall be considered unprofessional and inconsistent with honorable and dignified
bearing for any registered Civil Engineer:
• To act for his clients* in professional matters otherwise than as a faithful agent or
trustee, or to accept any remuneration other than his stated charges for services
rendered his clients.
• To attempt to injure falsely or maliciously, directly or indirectly, the professional
reputation, prospects, or business of another Engineer.
• To attempt to supplant another Engineer after definite steps have been taken
toward his employment
• To participate in competitive bidding on a price basis to secure a professional
engagement.
• To compete with another Engineer for employment on the basis of professional
charges, by reducing his usual charges and in this manner attempting to underbid
after being informed of the charges named by another.
• To review the work of another Engineer for the same client, except with the
knowledge or consent of such Engineer, or unless the connection of such Engineer
with the work has been terminated.
• To advertise in self-laudatory language, or in any other manner derogatory to the
dignity of the Profession.
CIVIL ENGINEERNG LAWS, ETHICS AND CONTRACTS ENGR. JOSEPH MANUEL G. GALAPON
• To use the advantages of a salaried position to compete unfairly with Engineers in
private practice. To act in any manner or engage in any practice which will tend to
bring discredit on the honor or dignity of the Engineering Profession.
Fundamental Principles
Civil engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the civil
engineering profession by:
1. using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare and the
environment;
2. being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their
employers/employees and clients;
3. striving to increase the competence and prestige of the civil engineering
profession; and
4. supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines
*Adopted in September 2001 as part of the Manual of Professional Practice for Civil Engineers published
by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers.
Fundamental Canons
1. 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.
2. Civil Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Civil Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful
manner.
4. Civil Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as
faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflict of interest.
5. Civil Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their
services and shall not compete unfairly with others.
6. Civil Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor,
integrity, and dignity of the civil engineering profession.
7. 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.
*Adopted in September 2001 as part of the Manual of Professional Practice for Civil Engineers published
by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers.
CIVIL ENGINEERNG LAWS, ETHICS AND CONTRACTS ENGR. JOSEPH MANUEL G. GALAPON