Mechanical Engineer's Code of Ethics

Mechanical Engineer's Code of Ethics

• The Board of Mechanical Engineering Resolution No. 06 Series of 2003 establishes a Code of Ethical and Professional Standards for those in the Mechanical Engineering profession.
• Citing Republic Act No. 8495, known as the "Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998" and section 50, Rule XIII of Board Resolution No. 16, Series of 1998.
• Engineering is an old and important profession that is also a learned one.
• Mechanical engineers recognize their work's vital impact on the public's quality of life and are expected to be honest, fair, impartial, and just.
• Mechanical engineers must adhere strictly to ethical and professional conduct principles.

Fundamental Canons

• Mechanical engineers should prioritize public safety, health, and welfare in their professional duties.
• Mechanical engineers should only provide services within their areas of competence.
• When making public statements, mechanical engineers must be objective and truthful.
• Mechanical engineers must act professionally and as faithful agents/trustees for employers/clients.
• Mechanical engineers must avoid improper client/professional employment solicitation.

General Principles

• Mechanical engineers must practice by the Golden Rule, serve man and his environment, and maintain public confidence, integrity, and humanity.
• Mechanical engineers should maintain professional fees, uphold practice standards, safeguard colleagues' dignity/reputation, and fulfill duties as citizens of the Philippines.
• Mechanical engineers need to update skills through research, study, and professional development programs authorized by the Integrated Organization of Mechanical Engineers, the Board of Mechanical Engineering and the PRC, or state-supervised educational institutions.
• Ethical principles apply equally to mechanical engineers in partnerships, firms, and entities.

Relations with the State

• Mechanical engineers must honor and respect state authority, the general welfare, fundamental rights, and the Constitution of the Philippines.
• Mechanical engineers should cooperate with the state in national development, respect national security, promote peace and order, and assist in preventing/prosecuting unjust acts.
• Mechanical engineers should offer services and inventions for national development and defense.
• During national emergencies, mechanical engineers should offer their expertise to the State.

Relations with the Company

• Mechanical engineers must stay informed on technological progress and encourage standard mechanical equipment/machinery for safety, economy, and efficiency.
• When designing, an adequate factor of safety must be applied, and leeway provided for operating and maintenance.
• Mechanical engineers should report faulty equipment to the proper authority for correction.

Relations with Labor

• Mechanical engineers need to recognize labor as a major resource.
• Mechanical engineers should be familiar with State policies on labor/social justice and observe labor laws.
• Mechanical engineers should improve workers' skills, pay fair wages, and provide accident prevention instructions.

Relations with Clients and Employers

• Mechanical engineers must be punctual, honest, and fulfill contractual obligations in good faith.
• Mechanical engineers should maintain confidentiality regarding business/technical information.
• Mechanical engineers must disclose any business connections or interests that may influence judgment.
• Mechanical engineers are entitled to fair compensation, considering time, knowledge, skill, experience, reputation, and depreciation of materials.
• Mechanical engineers should only accept compensation from their clients or employers.

Relations with Colleagues and Associates

• Mechanical engineers must remain above suspicion in their relationships.
• "To thine ownself be true and thou cannot be false to any men" expresses a mechanical engineer's duty to himself and others.
• Mechanical engineers should use fair means for advancement without harming others' opportunities.
• Mechanical engineers shall avoid associating with entities of questionable reputation.
• Mechanical engineers should provide opportunities to improve colleagues' knowledge and skills.
• Mechanical engineers should clearly define authority and responsibility lines.
• Mechanical engineers should be receptive to new ideas and give careful attention to suggestions.
• Mechanical engineers should use tact and discretion, working out problems with courage.
• Engineers should give preference to understudies that have adequate education.
• Mechanical engineers should not expect others to face dangers they would not.
• Mechanical engineers should support accredited associations to enhance the profession.

Provisions on Disciplinary Action

• Violating the Code is grounds for revocation or suspension of registration, license, or permit under the "Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998" (R.A. No. 8495).

Effectivity

• The Code takes effect 15 days after its full publication in the Official Gazette or a general circulation newspaper, whichever is earlier.
• Approved in Manila on March 10, 2003.