Introduction and Overview of Fundamental Laws
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.
Branches of Government
Under the Constitution, governmental power in the Philippines is divided among three
institutions:
• The Executive branch
• The Legislative branch
• The Judicial branch
LAWS IN THE CIVIL ENGINEERING PROFESSION
CONSTRUCTION REGULATORY
• RA 4566 - Contractors' License Law. AN ACT CREATING THE PHILIPPINE
LICENSING BOARD FOR CONTRACTORS, PRESCRIBING ITS POWERS,
DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFORE, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
• PD 1746 – CREATING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUTHORITY OF THE
PHILIPPINES (CIAP)
• PD 1167 – DEVELOPING AND REGULATING THE OVERSEAS
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, PROVIDING INCENTIVES THEREFORE, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
• RA 9184 – GOVERNMENT REFORM ACT - AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE
MODERNIZATION, STANDARIZATION AND REGULATION OF THE
PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION CODES
• PD 1096: NATIONAL BUILDING CODE.
• PD 1185 – FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
• PD 856 – CODE ON SANITATION OF THE PHILIPPINES.
• BP 344 – ACCESSIBILITY LAW.
CIVIL ENGINEERNG LAWS, ETHICS AND CONTRACTS ENGR. JOSEPH MANUEL G. GALAPON
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 544 – THE CIVIL ENGINEERING LAW.
An act to regulate the practice of Civil Engineering in the Philippines
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, lighthouses, and dry docks; buildings, fixed structures
for irrigation, flood protection, drainage, water supply and sewerage works;
demolition of permanent structures; and tunnels.
• The term "civil engineer" as used in this Act shall mean a person duly registered
with the Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers
ARTICLE 2.0
• Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers
• 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 Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
ARTICLE 3.0
• Examination and Registration
• Section 8. Examination requirement. — All applicants for registration for the
practice of civil engineering shall be required to pass a technical examination as
hereinafter provided.
• 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:
1. Be at least twenty-one years of age;
2. Be a citizen of the Philippines;
3. Be of good reputation and moral character; and
4. Be a graduate of a four-year course in civil engineering from a school,
5. institute, college or university recognized by the Government
CIVIL ENGINEERNG LAWS, ETHICS AND CONTRACTS ENGR. JOSEPH MANUEL G. GALAPON