Ethics: RA 9297

• Republic Act No. 9297, also known as the "Chemical Engineering Law," regulates chemical engineering practices, repealing R. A. No. 318.
• Approved on May 13, 2004.

Statement of Policy

• The state aims to supervise and regulate chemical engineering practices for national development.
• It seeks to upgrade chemical engineering education to meet global standards
• Reserves the profession for Filipino citizens.

Definition of Terms

• Practice of chemical engineering involves professional services for a fee or compensation, synonymous with "rendering chemical engineering service."
• Industrial plant refers to any plant involving unit processes and/or operations, including pollution control.
• Unit process signifies the chemical change during the production of industrial or consumer goods.
• Unit operation denotes the physical operation controlling a step in an industrial process, like storage, heat transfer, and separation.
• Professional chemical engineering subjects include thermodynamics, industrial processes, and waste management.
• Chemical engineer refers to a registered individual holding a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card.
• Professional chemical engineering service includes consultation using chemical engineering knowledge related to industrial plants.

Scope of Practice

• Consultation using chemical engineering knowledge.
• Investigation.
• Estimation or valuation.
• Planning and preparation of feasibility studies.
• Designing and preparation of specifications.
• Supervision of installation and operation.
• Teaching chemical engineering subjects.

Professional Regulatory Board for Chemical Engineers

• A Board of Chemical Engineering is created under the Professional Regulation Commission's supervision.
• The Board consists of a chairman and two members appointed by the President.
• Nominees are recommended by the Commission from the integrated chemical engineers organization.

Powers and Duties of the Board

• Supervising and regulating chemical engineering practices.
• Determining applicant qualifications for registration.
• Prescribing subjects for licensure examinations.
• Issuing Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Cards.
• Issuing special permits for advanced studies.
• Inquiring into the profession's conditions and setting standards.
• Inspecting establishments with chemical engineers, in coordination with CHED.
• Adopting rules, ethics codes, and technical standards.
• Investigating violations and issuing subpoenas.
• Hearing administrative cases with an Attorney of the Commission.
• Decisions can be appealed within fifteen (15) days.
• Administering oaths, adopting an official seal, and submitting annual reports.
• Prosecuting violators, prescribing CPE guidelines, and implementing the Act.

Qualifications for the Board

• Must be a natural-born Filipino citizen and resident of the Philippines.
• Holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.
• Has been in active practice for at least ten (10) years.
• A member in good standing of the integrated chemical engineering profession
• Must not have conflicting financial interests or be part of faculty of an educational institution

Additional Information on the Board

• Board members serve a three (3) year term.
• The Board has a Secretary appointed by the Commission.
• The Chairman or any Member may be suspended or removed for neglect of duty.
• Compensation is determined by the Commission's rules.
• An annual report is submitted to the Commission.

Licensure and Examination

• All applicants must pass a licensure examination.
• Examinations are conducted twice yearly.

Scope of Examination

• Physical and Chemical Principles.
• General Engineering.
• Chemical Engineering, with a weight of at least 40%.

Qualifications for Examination

• Citizen of the Philippines.
• Of good moral character.
• A graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.
• Not convicted of moral turpitude.

Examination and Registration Details

• Examination fees are required.
• The Board must complete corrections within twenty (20) days.
• The Commission reports ratings within thirty (30) days after corrections.
• A general average of 70% and at least 50% in each subject is required to pass and receive Certification.
• A professional identification card is issued to registrants.
• Chemical engineers must obtain a seal with their name and registration number.
• Plans must be stamped with the seal.
• Registration fees are required.

Exemptions from Registration

• Foreign experts for specific projects.
• Foreign professors or lecturers.

Suspension/Revocation of Certificate

• Misrepresentation.
• Acts immoral to profession causing harm and damage.
• Gross immorality or moral turpitude.
• Noncompliance may lead to suspension of Certificates of Compliance.
• The Board may reissue certificates.

Chemical Engineering Practice

• Only licensed individuals may practice chemical engineering.
• Registered chemical engineers may form partnerships.
• Practicing without a certificate is a misdemeanor.
• The Commission maintains a roster of chemical engineers.
• Government submissions require a registered engineer's seal.
• Foreign reciprocity is contingent on similar rights for Filipino engineers.
• The Act does not affect other professions.
• Chemical engineers must indicate their license and PTR on documents.
• Membership in an Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization is automatic upon registration.

General Provisions

• Violations of the Act will result in penalties.
• The Board is assisted by the Commission.
• Rules will be effective 30 days after publication.
• Separability Clause: Invalid sections do not affect the rest of the Act.
• Repealing Clause: Republic Act No. 318 is repealed.
• Effectivity: The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days post-publication.