UAP and PIA: Architects Unite to Amend Law

The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), an Asean Association for Planning and Housing (AAPH) Institutional Member, and the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA), met in plenary during the Architects Forum to jointly finalize the draft of the proposed amendments to Republic Act 545 or the Architects Law.

In a show of unity and friendship, the two organizations appeared before the Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation of the Lower House of Congress during the first deliberation of the law for the 12th Congress on February 13, 2002 and submitted their joint proposal.

There are five proposed major amendments to the Architects Law. The first is the definition of "Accredited Professional Organization" or APO proposed by the PIA and accepted by the UAP based on the premise that the APO is the United Architects of the Philippines without prejudice to existing voluntary professional associations such as the Philippines Institute of Architects and that all architects are mandated to be members of the APO.

The second amendment is on the definition of the general practice of architecture which confirms the definition in the original law and integrates the international definition of architecture practice by the Union of International Architects in the light of globalization.

The third amendment is on corporate practice which would be allowed provided that only persons properly registered and licensed as architects may among themselves form a corporation.

The fourth amendment allows foreign nationals to perform professional services for as long as the following conditions are satisfied: that the foreigner is a citizen of a country that specifically permits Filipino professionals to practice within their territorial limits; that he is legally qualified to practice architecture in his own country and his expertise is necessary and advantageous to the Philippines; that he will work with a Filipino counterpart; and he shall secure the required permits from the PRC and the DOLE.

In the public interest and to safeguard life, health and property, the fifth amendment enjoins all architects to maintain a program of continuing professional development.