Ethics in Electronics Engineering

Practicing the ECE Profession

• Electronics engineers must uphold a code of ethics that prioritizes public welfare, integrity, and fairness.
• Engineers are expected to maintain confidentiality, disclose financial interests, and avoid conflicts of interest in their dealings with clients and employers.
• Fair dealings with peers, avoiding unjust harm to their reputations, and promoting proper compensation are crucial for ethical practice.
• The Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP) is the sole accredited professional organization for electronics engineers in the country.
• The IECEP focuses on promoting professional development, excellence, and global competitiveness among its members.
• The IECEP provides continuing education, protects member rights, and formulates codes and laws relevant to the electronics engineering profession.
• To become a Professional Electronics Engineer (PECE), individuals require a minimum of seven years of experience, certifications, and NBI clearance.
• PECEs are authorized to sign and seal documents and provide consultation services.
• They must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and use an authorized seal for all official documents.
• The Philippine Technological Council (PTC) serves as an umbrella organization for various engineering fields in the Philippines.
• The PTC promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development, and facilitates the mobility of engineers across national borders.

Advanced Level Engineer

• PECEs have the authority to sign and seal documents and provide consultation services.
• Applicants need at least two years in charge of significant engineering projects.
• PECEs must follow a strict Code of Ethics and use an authorized seal for all official documents.

Republic Acts Affecting ECE Professionals

• RA 10912 (Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016) mandates Continuing Professional Development Units (CPD) for ECE professionals to renew their Professional Identification Cards (PIC).
• RA 10929 (Free Internet Access in Public Places Act) ensures free internet access in public places like schools, hospitals, parks, and government offices.
• RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012) focuses on protecting personal information and ensuring its secure processing by both government and private entities.
• RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) addresses online crimes like cybersquatting, cybersex, child pornography, identity theft, and illegal data access.
• RA 11055 (Philippine Identification System Act) establishes the PhilSys, a national ID system designed to centralize personal information.
• RA 11165 (Telecommuting Act) permits employees to work remotely using telecommunication technologies, while ensuring they have the same rights and benefits as onsite workers.
• RA 11202 (Mobile Number Portability Act) allows mobile phone subscribers to retain their numbers when switching service providers, removing interconnection fees for domestic calls and SMS.
• RA 3846 (Radio Control Law) requires a government franchise to construct and operate radio stations, with exceptions.
• RA 4200 (Anti-Wiretapping Law) prohibits unauthorized wiretapping and recording of private communications.
• RA 10639 (Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act) mandates mobile service providers to send free disaster alerts to subscribers in affected areas.
• RA 8792 (E-Commerce Act of 2000) legally recognizes electronic documents, signatures, and data messages.

Executive Orders and Presidential Decrees Impacting ECE

• EO 810 Series 2009 (Certification Scheme for Digital Signatures) establishes guidelines for using digital signatures in e-government services.
• EO 109 Series 1993 (Improving Local Exchange Carrier Service) focuses on improving telecommunications access in underserved areas.
• EO 59 Series 1993 (Compulsory Interconnection of Telecommunications Carriers) mandates public telecommunications carriers to interconnect their networks for universal access.
• PD 576 Series 1974 (Regulating Ownership of Radio and Television Stations) limits ownership of multiple radio and TV stations to prevent media monopolies.

Department Orders and Memorandum Circulars Relevant to ECE

• NTC MC-07-12-2014 (Rules for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT)) mandates the transition to digital broadcasting and requires analog TV stations to simulcast their digital services.
• Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) Migration Plan outlines the transition from analog to digital TV, aiming for more efficient spectrum utilization and improved TV service quality.

This quiz explores the ethical standards and practices expected of electronics engineers. It covers topics such as confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and the role of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP) in promoting professional ethics. Test your knowledge on maintaining integrity and fairness in the engineering profession.