Engineering Ethics and Values

• Engineering decisions are guided by project management variables like cost, schedule, and quality, as well as moral values.
• Ethical decisions are based on learned ethical theories and observed ethical behavior.

General Ethics and Ethical Values

• Engineers must adhere to a standard of professional behavior.
• Ethics, from Greek origin, relates to moral principles.
• Guiding ethical principles in work are called occupational ethics.
• Civil engineers with varying work experience perceive ethics as a concept and make consistent analyses based on moral judgment.
• Ethics and ethical reasoning are crucial in engineering, potentially determining life or death.

Importance of Laws and Ethics in Civil Engineering

• Studying engineering laws and ethics is important in the Philippines to provide a strong base for responsible and professional practice.
• Civil engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure affecting public safety, environmental sustainability, and societal progress.
• Adhering to laws like the National Building Code, Water Code, Clean Air Act, and Environmental Impact Assessment System ensures project compliance, minimizes risks and promotes sustainable development.
• Laws and ethics ensure civil engineering projects meet safety standards, protecting public health and reducing risks from infrastructure failures.
• Compliance with environmental laws ensures sustainable construction, minimizing harm to ecosystems and promoting long-term environmental stewardship.
• Ethical guidelines help engineers maintain honesty, transparency, and accountability, fostering trust.
• Laws and regulations provide clear standards for design, construction, and maintenance, helping engineers avoid legal liabilities.
• Ethics guide engineers in rejecting corrupt practices, ensuring quality and safety are not compromised for financial gain.
• Adherence to laws and ethical principles strengthens the reputation of the engineering profession.
• Ethical engineers balance the needs of society, the environment, and future generations.
• Engineers are held responsible for their decisions and actions, ensuring that mistakes are addressed promptly.

Scope of Engineering Ethics

• Engineering ethics encompasses principles, responsibilities, and moral considerations in professional and personal conduct.
• The primary obligation is prioritizing public safety and welfare in all aspects of work.
• Meeting the highest safety and reliability standards in designs, constructions, and maintenance of infrastructure is a must.
• Engineers must avoid compromising safety for financial gain, as per the Code of Ethics for Engineers.
• Engineers must consider the environmental impact of their projects.
• Compliance with laws like the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System is expected.
• Ethical engineers should minimize resource consumption, reduce waste, and protect natural ecosystems.
• Engineers are expected to uphold integrity by being truthful and transparent with clients, colleagues, and the public.
• Accurately reporting data, avoiding misrepresentation, and refusing corrupt practices is important.
• Engineers must identify and avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise their impartial judgment.
• Engineers are accountable for their actions and decisions.
• Projects should be executed within the scope of applicable laws, standards, and best practices.
• Engineers have an ethical responsibility to address errors promptly and mitigate harm.
• Engineers should foster respect, collaboration, and professionalism among peers.
• Acknowledging contributions, sharing knowledge, and mentoring junior engineers maintains the profession's integrity and reputation.
• In a diverse country, engineers must consider the social and cultural implications of their projects.
• Respecting traditions, values, and rights of local communities ensures projects benefit society without harm.
• Ethical practice requires staying updated on advancements in technology, materials, and methods for innovative and effective solutions.

Questionable Engineering Practices

• Questionable engineering practices are unethical, unprofessional, or legally non-compliant actions that compromise the engineering profession, public safety, or the environment.
• Accepting or offering bribes to secure project approvals, permits, or contracts constitutes bribery and corruption.
• Collusion to manipulate bidding processes or misuse government funds also falls under bribery and corruption.
• Failing to adhere to the National Building Code of the Philippines, environmental laws, or safety standards is non-compliance.
• Using substandard materials to reduce costs can lead to structural failures or accidents.
• Engaging in projects with undisclosed financial or personal interests is a conflict of interest.
• Favoring specific contractors or suppliers for personal gain disregards qualifications or quality of work.
• Fabricating or altering engineering reports, test results, or certifications is falsification of documents.
• Misrepresenting qualifications, licenses, or experience to obtain projects or contracts is also included.
• Failing to conduct proper site investigations, feasibility studies, or risk assessments is negligence and incompetence.
• Overlooking critical design flaws and assigning unqualified personnel to critical tasks is also negligence and incompetence.
• Inflating project costs or billing for unnecessary items and services is overbilling and mismanagement of funds.
• Diverting funds for personal use is also mismanagement.
• Ignoring environmental regulations and proceeding without obtaining an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) are environmental violations.
• Skipping quality assurance processes and failing to properly inspect and supervise construction activities are poor quality control and oversight.
• Copying designs without acknowledgment or using outdated designs is plagiarism in engineering designs.
• Prioritizing profit over safety and neglecting disaster-resilience measures disregards public safety and welfare.
• Employing workers under unfair conditions, such as low wages or lack of safety gear, is exploitation of workers.
• Withholding project information and avoiding responsibility are a lack of transparency and accountability.

Newstories Relating to Unethical Practices of Civil Engineering

• Unethical practices like environmental violations, negligence, bribery, and corruption in civil engineering can lead to consequences like environmental degradation, public health risks, and legal repercussions.
• The development of the New Manila International Airport involved coercive displacement and threatens biodiversity and stronger EU laws were called for to prevent companies from profiting from projects linked to human right violations.
• In 2024, the Ombudsman suspended the Marikina City’s chief engineer and other local officials because of bribery and grave misconduct when they solicited bribes for facilitating the issuance of building permits and highlights the ongoing issue of local government corruption.

Ways of Becoming an Ethical Engineer

• Becoming an ethical engineer requires technical competence, moral principles, and a commitment to upholding professional standards.
• Familiarizing yourself with the Code of Ethics for Engineers in the Philippines and laws like RA 544 and RA 6713 is necessary.
• Always prioritizing the safety and well-being of the community means avoiding cutting corners or using substandard materials.
• Continuously upgrade your knowledge and skills through training, seminars, certifications, and higher education.
• Ensure compliance with national and local laws, including the National Building Code and Environmental Impact Assessment laws.
• Be truthful in professional dealings and avoid corruption, bribery, or fraudulent practices.
• Disclose any personal, financial, or professional interests that may compromise objectivity and refrain from accepting questioned projects or roles.
• Design and implement projects with sustainability and minimize harm to the environment and follow regulations.
• Give proper credit to colleagues for their work and ideas and avoid plagiarism.
• Communicate openly with stakeholders and take responsibility for mistakes or oversights.
• Ensure that workers are provided with safe working conditions, fair wages, and proper training.
• Regularly assess your decisions and actions to align with ethical principles, seek feedback, and learn from past experiences.

Newstories of Outstanding Ethical Engineers

• Jose Ramon Aliling, president of Jose Aliling Construction Management Inc. (JACMI), is committed to integrity, ensuring client protection from risks.
• JACMI is known for its transparency, high standards of quality control, and triple ISO certification.
• Aliling promotes empowerment by offering opportunities to engineers from provincial areas.
• In January 2025, the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Engineering and Holcim Philippines collaborated for a sustainable future.
• Engineering students participated in hands-on field activities aboard the "Circular Explorer" to improve environmental practices.

Terms and Definitions

• Ethics: A code or system of rules defining moral behavior for a particular society. Most professional societies have their own.
• Ethics (Moral Philosophy): Rules and guidelines that engineers should follow as a moral obligation.
• Etiquette: Rule of acceptable personal behavior and courtesy when interacting with others in a social setting.
• Laws: A system of rules and punishments clearly defined and established by a society to maintain a safe and orderly social environment,.
• Morals: Personal rules of right and wrong behavior derived from person's upbringing, religious beliefs and societal influences.
• Values: Individual beliefs that motivate people to act one way or another, and serve as a guide for human behavior.

Conclusion

• Becoming an ethical engineer involves a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and social responsibility, including adhering to the Code of Ethics and relevant laws.
• Ethical engineers prioritize public safety, environmental sustainability, and compliance with legal standards.
• Maintaining technical competence, practicing transparency, and avoiding conflicts of interest are key.
• Respect for colleagues, fair treatment of workers, and accountability are essential traits.
• Ethical engineers uphold the profession's dignity and contribute to sustainable and equitable development.