The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC; ) 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. 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. 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. 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:

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:

Professional Regulatory Boards

Agriculture Architecture and Design Business Communication and Information Science Education Engineering Health Sciences Natural Sciences Public Administration Social Sciences

Accredited Professional Organization (APO)

Agriculture Architecture and Design Business Communication and Information Science Engineering Health Sciences Natural Sciences Public Administration Social Sciences