The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC; Filipino: Komisyon sa Regulasyong Pampropesyonal[2]) is a three-man commission attached to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Its mandate is to regulate and supervise the practice of the professionals (except lawyers, who are handled by the Supreme Court of the Philippines) who constitute the highly skilled manpower of the country. As the agency-in-charge of the professional sector, the PRC plays a strategic role in developing the corps of professionals for industry, commerce, governance, and the economy.
History
On June 17, 1950, the Office of the Board of Examiners was created through Republic Act No. 546 on June 17, 1950, under the supervision of the Civil Service Commission.[3]
The Office of Board Examiners would later be renamed as Professional Regulation Commission through Presidential Decree No. 223 on June 22, 1973, which was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos.[4] The first PRC Commissioner, Architect Eric C. Nubla assumed office on January 2, 1974.
The PRC Coat-of-Arms designed by the Heraldry Commission was officially adopted on February 1, 1974. The Commission made its offices at the burned Civil Service Commission building at P. Paredes Street in Manila. The structure later became the PRC Main Building. The PRC began issuing certificates of registration in Filipino with English translation.
In the same year, also saw the computerization of the database of registered professionals with the assistance of the National Computer Center. The Implementing Rules and Regulations of Presidential Decree 223 are promulgated on December 9 of that year.
In 1975, PRC began issuing computer-printed registration cards with one-year validity. PRC starts accrediting professional organizations.
On December 5, 2000, President Joseph Estrada signed the Republic Act No. 8981, known as the PRC Modernization Act of 2000.[5] The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the act were adopted on February 15, 2001.
Functions
Executive
Administer, implements, and enforces the regulatory policies of the national government, including the maintenance of professional and occupational standards and ethics and the enforcement of the rules and regulations relative thereto.
Quasi-Judicial
Investigates cases against erring examinees and professionals. Its decisions have the force and effect of the decisions of a court of law, with the same level of authority as a Regional Trial Court. After the lapse of the period within which to file an appeal, Commission decisions become final and executory.
Quasi-Legislative
Formulates rules and policies on professional regulation. When published in the official gazette, these rules have the force and effect of law.
Mandate
Republic Act 8981, otherwise known as the "PRC Modernization Act Of 2000", mandates the following:[5]
Institutionalization of centerpiece programs
full computerization
careful selection of Professional Regulatory Board members, and
monitoring of school performance to upgrade quality of education
Updating of organizational structure for operational efficiency and effectiveness;
Strengthening of PRC's enforcement powers, including regulatory powers over foreign professionals practicing in the country;
Authority to use income for full computerization; and
Upgrading of compensation and allowances of Chairperson to that of a Department Secretary and those of the Commissioners to that of Undersecretary.
Regulated professions
Under the Commission are the forty-three (43) Professional Regulatory Boards which exercise administrative, quasi-legislative, and quasi-judicial powers over their respective professions. The 43 PRBs which were created by separate enabling laws, perform these functions subject to review and approval by the Commission:
Prepare the contents of licensure examinations. Determine, prescribe, and revise the course requirements
Recommend measures necessary for advancement in their fields
Visit / inspect schools and establishments for feedback
Adopt and enforce a Code of ethics for the practice of their respective professions
Administer oaths and issue Certificate of Registration
Eligibility to Work at any Government offices whether National or Local.
Investigate violations of set professional standards and adjudicate administrative and other cases against erring registrants
Suspend, revoke, or reissue Certificate of Registration for causes provided by law
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