The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) signed on Friday, October 3, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to share information and avoid professional misbehavior within the agency, in line with the vision of ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to promote clean and good governance.
At the MOA signing event held at Eton Centris, Quezon City, the collaboration aims to align the dedication of both organizations towards enhancing professional accountability, upholding ethical standards, fostering public trust, and safeguarding public welfare in delivering vital government services.
Additionally, the MOA seeks to efficiently tackle and avert breaches of the professionals’ Code of Ethics (COEs) and Professional Regulatory Laws (PRLs), along with their respective Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs).
DPWH Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon emphasized that, in collaboration with the PRC, government officials involved in controversial flood control projects must be held accountable.
Through the MOA, the PRC and DPWH will also create systems for sharing information, referring administrative grievances, collaborating in monitoring, and coordinating investigations of violations.
The scope extends beyond the professionals in the government service. It covers all professionals who aided and participated in the anomalous government projects, in collusion with public officers, officials, and employees.
PRC Chairperson Charito A. Zamora further explained that engaging in the profession with a revoked license is considered a new offense.
“(Kapag) nag-practice despite the revocation of their license at tinuloy nila ang pag-practice ng pagiging inhinyero nila or accountants or architect, illegal practice na po yun. It’s going to be another violation sa kanila, and that’s criminal action,” Chair Zamora reminded.
Chair Zamora and Assistant Commissioner Valera were joined by Commissioner Erwin M. Enad and Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture Chair Conrado T. Onglao, while Secretary Dizon was joined by Undersecretary Ricardo P. Bernabe III, Assistant Secretary Suzanne Ramos-Liwanag, and other DPWH representatives.
