Republic Act No. 8495 (The Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998)

Republic Act No. 8495

a law that regulates the practice of mechanical engineering in the Philippines.
- It establishes guidelines for the profession, qualifications for practitioners, and the responsibilities of the Board of Mechanical Engineering.

Article I. General Provisions

Title and Policy Statement:
Definition of Terms:

Title and Policy Statement:

The Act recognizes the importance of mechanical engineers in national development and aims to nurture highly skilled professionals through regulatory measures.

• It seeks to promote competence, ethical practice, and global competitiveness among mechanical engineers.

Definition of Terms:

The Act defines key terms, including the scope of mechanical engineering practice, machinery, equipment, and processes covered by the law.

It also elaborates on mechanical processes, plant capacities, and the classification of professional roles.

Practice of Mechanical Engineering

A person shall be deemed to be [ ]

or rendering mechanical engineering service within the meaning and intent of this Act when he performs the following:

1) Consultation, valuation, investigation and management services requiring mechanical engineering knowledge;

2) Engineering design, preparation of plans, or processes of any mechanical works, projects, or plants;

(3) Management or supervision of the erection, installation, alteration, testing and commissioning of mechanical equipment,

(4) Management, supervision, operation, tending or maintenance of any mechanical equipment, machinery or processes in mechanical work, projects or plants;

(5) Management or supervision of the manufacture, sale, supply or distribution of mechanical equipment parts or components;

Article II. Board of Mechanical Engineering

Creation and Composition:

Qualifications of Board Members:

Functions and Powers:

Creation and Composition:

The Board consists of a chairman and two members appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list submitted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in consultation with accredited mechanical engineering organizations.

Qualifications of Board Members:

o Natural-born Filipino citizen

o At least 35 years old

o Holder of a valid Professional Mechanical Engineering license

o Minimum of ten years of active practice

o Not affiliated with educational institutions or review centers three years before appointment

o No criminal conviction involving moral turpitude

Functions and Powers:

o Promulgation of rules and regulations

o Supervision of licensing, accreditation, and mechanical engineering practice

o Administration of examinations and issuance of certificates

o Enforcement of ethical and professional standards

o Investigation of violations and imposition of disciplinary actions

Article III. Examination, Registration, and Licensing

Licensure Examination:

Categories of Registration:

• Qualifications for Each Category:

Mechanical Engineer:

Certified Plant Mechanic:

Issuance of Certificates and Licenses:

Renewal and Revocation:

Licensure Examination:

Required for all aspiring mechanical engineers and plant mechanics.

Categories of Registration:

o Professional Mechanical Engineer (PME)

o Mechanical Engineer (ME)

o Certified Plant Mechanic (CPM)

Professional Mechanical Engineer:

▪ Valid Registered Mechanical Engineer license

▪ Minimum four years of practice

▪ Submission of a technical engineering report

▪ Endorsement from two PMEs

Mechanical Engineer:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution

• Passing the licensure examination

Certified Plant Mechanic:

• At least two years of vocational or trade school education

• One year of relevant experience in mechanical plant operation

• Passing the CPM licensure examination

Issuance of Certificates and Licenses:

o Certificates include the registrant’s name, registration number, and official seal.

o Licenses must be renewed periodically and require compliance with Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements.

Renewal and Revocation:

o Licenses must be renewed every three years.

o The Board can revoke or suspend licenses due to violations, incompetence, or ethical breaches.

Article IV. Practice of the Profession

• Scope of Practice:

Personnel Requirements

Use of Professional Seal

Foreign Reciprocity:

Scope of Practice:

o Engineering consultation, investigation, and management

o Design, installation, operation, and maintenance of mechanical systems

o Teaching professional mechanical engineering subjects

o Government employment requiring mechanical engineering expertise

Personnel Requirements:

o Plants of 100 kW – 300 kW: Must have at least a CPM or ME.

o Plants of 300 kW – 2000 kW: Must have at least an ME or PME.

o Plants above 2000 kW: Must have a PME in charge.

Use of Professional Seal:

• Professional Mechanical Engineers must affix their seal on official documents such as designs, feasibility studies, and reports.

Foreign Reciprocity:

• Foreign engineers can practice in the Philippines only if their home country grants Filipino engineers similar rights.

Article V. Penal and Concluding Provisions

• Penalties for Violations:

Implementation and Regulation:

Transitory Provisions:

Penalties for Violations:

o Fine of P50,000 – P200,000

o Imprisonment of six months to three years

o Both fine and imprisonment at the court’s discretion

Implementation and Regulation:

o The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) enforces this law and oversees compliance.

Transitory Provisions:

o Existing practitioners automatically registered under this Act.

o Faculty members must obtain at least an ME license or a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering within five years of the law’s enactment.

RA 8495

ensures that mechanical engineering in the Philippines adheres to high professional standards.

• It establishes clear guidelines for licensing, practice, and ethical conduct, ensuring that mechanical engineers contribute effectively to national development.

• Compliance with this law is crucial for maintaining professional integrity and upholding safety standards in engineering projects.