Comprehensive Chemical Engineering Act

Seriale ilice of the serctary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ) OCT -1 P6 57 SENATE S.B. No. 1436 RECEIVED BY: INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE COMPREHENSIVE CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LAW, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The practice of chemical engineering plays a vital role in the industrial and technological development of the Philippines. With the rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and digital twins, as well as the increasing complexity of environmental and safety regulations, there is an urgent need to update and modernize the country's existing legal framework governing the profession. This proposed measure seeks to establish a Comprehensive Chemical Engineering Law that recognizes the expanding scope of chemical engineering practice and enhances the role of Filipino chemical engineers in national development. The bill aims to: 1. Enable Filipino chemical engineers to integrate emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation, into their professional practice; 2. Ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operation of industrial plants through the required involvement of licensed chemical engineers; and 3. Improve the global competitiveness and mobility of Filipino chemical engineers through alignment with international standards such as those under the Washington Accord. Key provisions of the bill include the formal recognition of diverse areas of chemical engineering practice such as technical consulting, process design, manufacturing operations, pilot testing, chemical analyses, and investigation of industrial incidents. The bill also introduces the classification of industrial plants, mandates the establishment of Risk Management Plans, and requires the annual inspection of industrial facilities. Furthermore, the bill creates specialized roles such as Chemical Engineering Specialists, and defines the distinctions between Professional Chemical Engineers, Chemical Engineering Technologists, and Chemical Process Technicians. It proposes

safeguards and benefits for practitioners, including mandatory hazard allowances, insurance coverage, and legal assistance. The proposed law also ensures the responsible use of hybrid technologies (AI, robots, digital twins), provides a voluntary licensure exemption pathway for internationally accredited graduates, and institutionalizes a Code of Ethics and Philippine Chemical Engineering Standards. This measure is essential in ensuring that the Philippines keeps pace with international best practices, safeguards industrial safety and environmental compliance, and supports the continuing development of a globally competitive chemical engineering profession. In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. saneros caraquel RISA HONTIVEROS Senator

Salinit Offite of the Seem are TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 OCT -1 P6:57 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. 1436 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE COMPREHENSIVE CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LAW, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: ARTICLE I TITLE, STATEMENT OF POLICY, DEFINITION OF TERMS, AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Comprehensive

Chemical Engineering Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

8 advance, supervise, and regulate the practice of chemical engineering with a strong 9 emphasis on public safety, environmental protection, and sustainable practices while 10 embracing a complete circular economy approach. This policy encompasses all stages of project conceptualization, design, and national development, establishing an ecosystem that fosters innovation and value creation. It also ensures that chemical engineering education integrates internationally recognized skills and attributes while offering career progression and specialization opportunities to promote competitiveness. Furthermore, the policy prioritizes Filipino chemical engineers in the practice of the profession within the Philippines.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

a) Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) refers to the professional association of all chemical engineers in the Philippines duly recognized and accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC);

b) (Bio)Chemically reactive systems refer to systems that involve chemical, biological, and biochemical reactions and processes that can result in the formation or breaking of chemical bonds, resulting in the conversion of organic compounds catalyzed by enzymes and the use of microorganisms into valuable products and energy; c) Certificate of industrial worthiness refers to a document issued by a certifying professional chemical engineer after an annual industrial inspection and with favorable technical findings; d) Certificate of recognition refers to the certificate issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Chemical Engineering in recognition of advanced studies, research, and accomplishments in chemical engineering; e) Certifying registered professional chemical engineer refers to a professional chemical engineer who is at least a Senior Level Chemical Engineer as listed in the chemical engineering register, jointly authorized by the local government unit (LGU) Engineer's Office and the local chapter of the AIPO to conduct industrial inspection and to issue Certificate of Industrial Worthiness; f) Chemical engineering refers to a discipline at the interface of molecular sciences and engineering closely linked with the fundamental subjects of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics. It involves applying computational science in collaboration with other engineering disciplines to design equipment, systems, and processes, operate an industrial plant, and manufacture products; g) Chemical engineering and process laboratory refers to any facility or installation in an industrial plant or academic institution that conducts bench-scale or prototypes, pilot-scale, experimentation or measurement, data gathering, process control, or testing of process parameters and material properties related to separation processes, transport processes or the chemical transformation of raw materials to in-process to finished products, excluding chemical analysis which requires a certificate of analysis and laboratory certificate of authority to operate; h) Chemical reaction engineering refers to the (bio)chemically reactive systems of engineering significance. It focuses on the understanding, design, optimization, and advancement of processes that involve chemical reactions and

(bio)chemically reactive systems, such as reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, transport phenomena processes, reactor design and operation, catalysis, and their applicability, regardless of scale; i) Digital twin refers to a virtual representation of an object or system that spans its lifecycle, is updated from real-time data, and uses simulation, machine learning, and reasoning to help with decision-making; j) Engineering and construction firms refer to establishments that offer services in engineering design, procurement of equipment and construction materials, and construction of industrial plants; k) Establishments refer to any business enterprise, national government agencies, LGUs, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and research centers engaged in chemical engineering practice activities; 1) Industrial plant refers to any plant or facility that involves unit processes or operations, including related pollution control and abatement processes and operations. These processes or operations shall include all types of manufacture, storage, distribution, and management of industrial or consumer products and goods, as well as industrial or waste treatment facilities and any other related products specified in production and manufacturing operation, except metallurgical plants as defined in Republic Act (RA) No. 10688, otherwise known as the "Metallurgical Engineering Act of 2015"; m) Industrial safety refers to the management of all operations and events within an industrial plant to protect its employees and assets by minimizing or eliminating hazards, accidents, and near misses; n) Industrial worthiness refers to various critical factors that industries must prioritize to ensure responsible and ethical industrial practices. These factors include technical compliance, sustainability, safety, and environmental responsibility of industrial plant processes and operations; o) Nuclear reactive systems refer to systems that use nuclear reactions to generate energy to produce electricity or other useful functions and purposes intended for medical applications, scientific research, safety, policy-making, and national defense. These systems involve a nuclear reactor, radioactive material, nuclear fuel and its isotopes, and other components that must be designed and

operated based on chemical and nuclear engineering principles applied in all operations of the nuclear reactive system; p) Practice of chemical engineering refers to activities within the scope of practice and areas of specialization in the chemical engineering profession. This practice includes having the designation and title of Professional Chemical Engineer (PChE) attached to the Professional Chemical Engineer's name; q) Process refers to a series of steps or actions to achieve a particular purpose; r) Process control refers to any unit process, operation, or design employed to prevent, reduce, or eliminate pollutants and mitigate their harmful impact on health and the environment; 5) Process equipment refers to equipment where unit process or unit operation takes place; t) Process instrumentation refers to the study, development, and implementation of tools, equipment, mechanisms, and machinery for a particular process to provide technical means of process control and performance; u) Production personnel refers to engineers, technologists, technicians, and other related technical people employed by establishments operating industrial plants and pollution control and abatement facilities; v) Professional Chemical Engineer refers to a natural person or a hybrid of a natural person and artificial intelligence (AI) or robots and digital twin, with the natural person being a duly registered professional who is a holder of a valid physical or digital certificate of registration, a professional identification card, a tamper-proof digital seal issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Chemical Engineering and the PRC, and a valid professional tax regulation; certified by the local chapter of the AIPO as a member of "good standing." The natural person shall register the use of Al, robots, or avatars with the application or renewal of the person's chemical engineering license. The natural person shall provide the signature and digital seal for the outputs created by AI, robots, or digital twins. The AI, robots, and digital twins by themselves shall not be considered professional chemical engineers to ensure public safety by preventing their misuse by anonymous and unscrupulous individuals or groups of individuals;

w) Professional chemical engineering subjects refer to any of the following and similar chemical engineering topics: chemical engineering thermodynamics; chemical engineering mathematics and calculations; physical and chemical principles; industrial chemistry; momentum transfer; heat transfer; mass transfer; separation processes; particle technology; chemical reaction engineering; environmental engineering; industrial waste management and control; process equipment and plant design; process dynamics and control; chemical process safety; biochemical, biomolecular, and bio-engineering; food and drug manufacturing; packaging technology; paints and coating technology; petrochemical engineering, energy engineering; nuclear engineering; semiconductor technology; nanotechnology; chemical engineering research; chemical engineering entrepreneurship and internship; and special topics on emerging technologies; x) Professional fee refers to a fee paid by any establishment to a licensed chemical engineer who rendered professional chemical engineering services; y) Risk management refers to the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of risks followed by the coordinated and economical application of resources to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events or to maximize the realization of opportunities. These include technical, operational, process, and industrial risks; z) Senior-level chemical engineer refers to a professional in the field of chemical engineering with a minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience, complying with the standards set forth by a nationally recognized chemical engineering register; aa) Systems thinking refers to the holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way that a system's constituent parts interrelate and how systems work over time and within the context of larger systems; bb) Technical compliance refers to adherence to globally accepted chemical engineering and industrial practices, relevant international and local standards and codes, and legal requirements, including all laws, rules, and regulations affecting process operations;

cc) Unit operation refers to any physical change or operation, including its equipment and control systems, by which the desired step in any industrial process in an industrial plant or facility is conducted, controlled, monitored, and optimized. It also refers to any physical operation, including equipment and control systems, unique to a specific industry mentioned in the Production or Manufacturing Operation. They may be combined or connected with other unit operations or unit processes to deliver sustainable, practical, cost-effective, and environment-friendly products, which include the following: 1. Storage, Transport, and Handling of Gas, Liquid, or Solids, which include chemicals of any type, industrial gases or gaseous fuels; solid fuels, be it synthetic or organic; granulates or granular solids; Newtonian or non- Newtonian fluids including pastes and slurries; raw materials for production of agricultural products, food and beverage, cement, energy-related industries, semi-conductor, and any other types of products as described in Production or Manufacturing Operation; 2. Heat Transfer, which involves conduction, convection, radiation, or phase change, which includes evaporation, sublimation, condensation, melting, combustion, pyrolysis, incineration, pasteurization, sterilization, cooling, freezing, liquefaction, and other new emerging heat transfer technologies; excluding minerals and metallurgical unit operations, metals and metal products manufacture, and vacuum and nuclear metallurgy; 3. Mass Transfer, which includes distillation, adsorption, absorption, humidification, extraction, leaching, mixing, homogenization, packaging, migration, diffusion, dispersion, and other new emerging mass transfer technologies, excluding minerals and metallurgical unit operations, metals and metal products manufacture, and vacuum and nuclear metallurgy; 4. Separation Processes, which include solid-liquid, gas-solid, and liquid-gas extraction in any industrial plant; screening, crystallization, fluidization, molecular sieving, coalescing, filtration, which consists of the use of osmosis, carbon filtration, any membrane separation, desalination and any other type of separation, including the use of chemicals, bio- chemicals, enzymes, catalysts, nanoparticles, and nanotechnology in water, waste, wastewater

treatment; polymer separation, biopolymer, bioengineered or biochemical separation technologies; and other new emerging separation technologies; excluding minerals and metallurgical unit operations, metals and metal products manufacture and vacuum and nuclear metallurgy; 5. Solid Processing and Particle Technology, which include size reduction, size enlargement, screening, crushing, pulverizing, solid mixing, flotation, and other new emerging solid processing and particle technologies, excluding minerals and metallurgical unit operations, metals and metal products manufacture and vacuum and nuclear metallurgy; and 6. Process Measurement, which measures dimensions using process instrumentation, such as pressure in process pipes or vessels, fluid level, fluid flow rate or velocity, temperature, product and manufacturing analytics, and other new emerging process measurement technologies, excluding minerals and metallurgical unit operations, metals and metal products manufacture, and vacuum and nuclear metallurgy; dd) Unit process refers to the chemical change, equipment, and control system involved in the manufacture and production of any industrial or consumer products either in solid, liquid, gaseous, or plasma form or the treatment of industrial, chemical, water, and wastewater which includes, the use and application of chemical treatment technologies; biological or use of micro- organism, bioengineered or biochemical technologies; nanoparticles and nanotechnology-related water treatment technologies; enzymes; catalysts; polymers such as biopolymers and synthetic polymers; nuclear level operations; chromatography and other products described under Production or Manufacturing Operation. It also refers to any chemical change, including its equipment and control system, that is unique to a specific industry as mentioned in Production or Manufacturing Operation or from the state-of-the- art development of emerging technologies, which may include the assistance or use of AI or Programming Languages: Provided, That minerals and metallurgical unit processes, metals and metal product manufacture, and vacuum nuclear metallurgy are excluded in this definition;

ee) Utility concessionaire refers to the producers and distributors of utilities such as water and electricity; ff) Waste treatment refers to the operations involved in achieving physical, chemical, and biological change in collected wastes to attain waste reduction, minimization, or elimination. 9g) Waste treatment facility refers to any installation, building, or structure engaged in the handling, treatment, storage, and disposal of solid, liquid, or gaseous wastes from industrial processes.

Sec. 4. Scope of Practice. - The practice of professional chemical engineers

shall include the following: a) Technical Consulting. Provides professional, independent advisory and technical solutions to persons, entities, industries, government agencies, non- government organizations, and multilateral institutions appertaining to concerns or issues in any field of specialization offered by Professional Chemical Engineers. It shall include process improvement and optimization, process and operational safety, raw materials treatment and processing, product realization, by-products generation, logistics and supply chain enhancement, water and wastewater treatment and disposal system management, quality and environmental system management, standard operating procedure development, and emerging technologies adoption and implementation. Moreover, the following services shall be considered as consulting services: 1. Process Analysis and Solution. Provides independent expert advice and solutions on how to proceed with various technological development, transfer, innovation, and upgrades; 2. Preparation of Feasibility Studies and Plant Design. Involves evaluation and analysis of the organizational processes, systems, technical, geospatial, market, and financial viability of constructing industrial plants, piloting, scaling up, and expanding production processes. It also includes engineering and operations audit and process streamlining; 3. Estimation and Valuation. Determines capital investments for constructing industrial plants, their units, or particular equipment, including material and installation costs. It also includes value engineering, cost minimization, cost

control, cost forecasting, and risk analysis. In addition, it pertains to the modeling of the size of natural resources, determining the value of the reserve for the clients' accounting books, and determining the net book value of industrial plants, except for metallurgical plants, or equipment for its intended sale; and 4. Planning, which pertains to project planning and consulting engagements. Project planning refers to a systematic analysis of identifying and listing things that must be undertaken to achieve the project's objectives, testing and validating the plan, and delivering it to end users. Planning includes the identification of risks and opportunities related to the plant operations. Rendering of consulting services requires the professional chemical engineer to provide a seal and signature on the appropriate pages of the documents of the documented outputs; b) Investigation and Expert Witnessing. Investigation is any inquiry, examination, or study that involves chemical engineering concepts and theories undertaken for the determination of the causative factors of any adverse event that took place inside or outside the vicinity of an industrial plant or any facility, establishment, or that which involves any commission or omission of acts which endangers the life, liberty, and property of a person, towards the determination of liability or obligation under any law, rules, and regulations. It utilizes science, technology, law, forensic principles and techniques, sustainability engineering and technologies, or chemical engineering knowledge, principles, and professional skills for the determination, discovery, and verification of facts to arrive at a valid, logical, or sound conclusion for any administrative, civil, criminal, or any related cases. It also includes investigating any persons, materials, substances, products, by-products, raw materials handling and storage, industrial and non-industrial waste handling, storage, disposal, and compliance, structures, components, equipment, industrial and non- industrial processes, and systems that fail to attain design capacities, efficiency, mandatory industrial process compliance, inspection and worthiness, sound environmental and safety requirements.

Industrial plant laboratories that perform tests and analyses involving unit operations equipment, unit processes, and pollution reduction shall be classified as chemical engineering laboratories and operated, supervised, or managed by a professional chemical engineer. A professional chemical engineer shall perform the tests and analyses conducted in chemical engineering laboratories and affix the PChE's seal and signature to the Terminal Report. A professional chemical engineer can conduct chemical analyses as long as they are related to or connected to the chemical engineer's function and professional practice. Any activity performed outside of the aforementioned laboratories, in- field or mobile, is considered chemical engineering practice and warrants a signature and seal of a registered professional chemical engineer on every page of the Terminal Report. Chemical engineering practice shall also include any activity, undertaking, engagement, or technique related to an investigation to be performed in a chemical engineering laboratory or facility, such as a unit operations laboratory, unit process laboratory, quality assurance laboratory, research and development laboratory, forensic evidence testing laboratory, pilot plant, and other related laboratories, which uses chemical engineering concepts and theories. This practice also includes expert witnessing, which provides specialized chemical engineering knowledge, theories, and applications through expert testimony and opinions in a legal proceeding. Expert witnesses shall assist the court or other decision-making bodies in comprehending complex or technical matters within chemical engineering; c) Designing C.1. Process, Plant, and Equipment Design. Any act to conceptualize and simulate processes, size process equipment and pipelines, strategically design the control systems, and consider the process and occupational safety requirements and layers of protection when designing an industrial plant or related facilities. This function includes Hazard and Operability Studies, Design Gap Analysis, Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability Studies. The

professional chemical engineer may use the latest design tools, technologies, and similar application software to conduct these activities. The signature and seal of the professional chemical engineer shall be affixed on every page of the output from these activities. In addition, a professional chemical engineer shall sign and seal the plan for pollution control and abatement facilities, such as wastewater treatment facilities, treatment and disposal of toxic and hazardous wastes, and other related technologies and devices that are part of building permit requirements. The City or Municipal Engineering Office shall include this in the building permit requirements. The output of the design process involves Process and Product Specifications, which include technical specifications of unit processes and unit operations. The professional chemical engineer is responsible for preparing these specifications. C.2. Preparation of Technical Specifications and Parameters. Any act or process of making a description or identification to provide clear instructions on project intent, performance, and construction of an industrial plant, process equipment, and chemical engineering laboratory. This process shall also include setting explicit technical standards for material, design, product, processes, systems, or services. The specifications may be set by government agencies, private entities, standard organizations, trade associations, corporations, and others referenced by a contract or procurement document. They shall mandatorily comply with the Philippine Chemical Engineering Technical Standards. A professional chemical engineer shall sign and seal them on each page of the specifications, such as product design, which is the process of creating and developing a new product or improving an existing one to meet specific customer needs and achieve commercial success; d) Installation Supervision, including Monitoring Construction Activities and Commissioning Industrial Plants. Any act or process of administration, management, inspection, direction, control, and overseeing the construction of an industrial plant related to chemical engineering design requirements in accordance with the approved design and its commissioning to ascertain that

the facility functions as intended. It also involves the technical acceptance of equipment supplied at the project site, including quality control appertaining the technical specifications and completeness against packing lists. It may also include functions such as progress monitoring constraints and activities, adjusting, when necessary, to ensure completion of installation on schedule and within budget or constraints, and accepting or closing the project; e) Production or Manufacturing Operation, including Integrated Management Systems and Systems Thinking. The operation, supervision, and management of the production or manufacturing facility of any establishment where unit operations, unit processes, chemical reaction engineering, and a series or combination thereof are involved, including the management of waste and waste disposal, the operation of pollution control and abatement facilities of industrial plants and other production or manufacturing establishments. This production or manufacturing operation encompasses industrial sectors that have unit operations or unit processes, or both, including food and beverage manufacturing, biotechnology, sugar and sugarcane byproduct manufacturing, packaging products manufacturing, paints, coats and ink manufacturing, glass manufacturing, rubber manufacturing, non- metallic products manufacturing, pulp and paper manufacturing, industrial chemical products manufacturing, industrial gases production, fuels, and biofuels production, textile manufacturing, semi-conductor equipment and products manufacturing, petroleum and petrochemical manufacturing, plastics and polymers manufacturing, pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturing, agro- industrial and agri-industrial manufacturing and other commercial products manufacturing. The professional chemical engineer shall also perform production planning, optimization, troubleshooting, and process re-engineering in cases where the scope is manageable. This function includes implementing integrated management systems to optimize unit operations and unit processes, identify interconnections, and address underlying problems; f) Pilot Testing. The process of conducting small-scale experiments or trials to evaluate and validate the feasibility, performance, and efficiency of a chemical

plant, process, or technology before implementing it on a larger scale. It serves as a crucial step in the development, optimization, and commercialization of chemical plants, processes, and equipment; g) Research and Development. Any work, activity, and engagement directed towards the discovery, development, introduction, innovation, and improvement of products, services, systems, operations, and processes involving the application of chemical engineering concepts and theories. It also pertains to basic research leading to breakthroughs in chemical engineering. It can also refer to multi-disciplinary research involving a substantial application of chemical engineering concepts and theories and metrology; h) Quality Assurance. Plan, execute, and oversee inspection and testing of products to confirm quality and conformance to specifications and deliverables. Assist production or manufacturing operations in tracking, documenting, and reporting quality levels. Analyze and investigate product complaints or reported quality issues to ensure resolution in accordance with company guidelines and external regulatory requirements; and i) Academia. Teaching, lecturing, reviewing, and conducting research in an academic environment involving applying and demonstrating chemical engineering principles shall be considered professional chemical engineering practice.

Sec. 5. Career Progression and Areas of Specialization. - The professional

chemical engineer shall engage in the following areas of specialization: a) Forensic Investigation. Any examination, study, inquiry, investigation, consultation, and review involving the application of science, technology, law, forensic principles, and other related techniques concerning chemical engineering knowledge, principles, and professional skills for the determination, discovery, and verification of facts to arrive at a valid, logical, or sound conclusion for any administrative, civil, criminal or any related cases; b) Quality Management System. Development and updating of company procedures to ensure capture, investigation, and proper documentation of complaints; monitoring of risk management procedures and maintenance of

problem logs for identifying and reporting issues to management and product development; c) Government Regulatory Functions. Regulation, inspection, and monitoring of compliance of an industrial plant to laws, rules, and regulations relating to good manufacturing practices; process safety; food safety; pollution control and abatement, including solid wastes and wastewater management; industrial gas emission; and chemical storage, handling, and transport shall be considered as an area of chemical engineering practice. As such, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Justice, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Space Agency, LGUs, and other related government agencies shall hire chemical engineers to dispose of the aforementioned regulatory functions. The certifying professional chemical engineers, as duly authorized by the Professional Regulatory Board of Chemical Engineers, shall be granted authority to assist the Board in inspecting industrial plants to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements on the process and operational safety, waste management, as well as on the compliance with Philippine National Standards; d) Entrepreneurship. Commercialization of chemical engineering technologies from its development to incubation, then to mainstream market adoption, sales, and distribution; e) Corporate Governance. The Philippine chemical engineer may assume Board Membership in utility concessionaires and establishments imbued with the public interest, where such establishments engage in operations that employ chemical engineering concepts and theories. Any professional chemical engineer engaged in chemical engineering entrepreneurship or assuming directorship in a corporation with chemical engineering-related business shall be considered involved in chemical engineering. The services of a professional chemical engineer shall also include the preparation of sustainability reports of

publicly listed companies as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission; f) Chemical Reaction Engineering and Catalysis. Deal with the (bio)chemically reactive systems of engineering significance and focus on the understanding, design, optimization, and advancement of processes that involve chemical reactions and (bio)chemically reactive systems such as reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, transport phenomena processes, reactor design and operation, catalysis, and their applicability regardless of scale; g) Nuclear Processes and Operations. Activities in chemical engineering and chemical reaction engineering performed in nuclear reactive systems. These shall include nuclear power generation, nuclear fuel cycle, radiation protection, reactor design and operation, fuel processing, nuclear waste treatment and management, nuclear strategies, policy-making, and peaceful and military purposes; h) Nanotechnology. The scientific and technological discipline of chemical engineering that involves manipulating matter at the Nanoscale, typically at dimensions of one to 100 nanometers. It encompasses the understanding, design, and control of materials and systems at the Nano scale level; i) Environmental Engineering and Management. Application of chemical engineering principles, methodologies, and techniques to solve environmental problems and address sustainability challenges. It involves designing, developing, and implementing processes and technologies that mitigate environmental pollution, promote sustainable practices, and protect human health and the ecosystem. Environmental engineering and management also include industrial waste management, pollution control, and other related activities; j) Sustainability Engineering. Application of chemical engineering principles and practices to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly processes within the chemical industry and other related sectors. It aims to minimize the environmental impact of chemical processes, reduce resource consumption, and develop sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical processes;

k) Biomedical Engineering. Combination of chemical engineering principles with biomedical sciences and technology to develop innovative solutions for healthcare and medical applications. It focuses on the application of chemical engineering principles, processes, and materials to advance the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases; 1) Biochemical Engineering. A combination of the principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering to develop processes, technologies, and products related to the production and utilization of biological materials. It focuses on applying engineering principles to understand, manipulate, and optimize biological systems for various applications, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, and environmental sustainability; m) Biomolecular Engineering. A combination of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering principles is needed to manipulate and engineer biological molecules and systems for various applications. It focuses on understanding the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, and leveraging that knowledge to design and create new molecules, materials, and technologies; n) Tissue Engineering. A combination of biology, engineering, and medicine principles to create functional, three-dimensional tissues or organs for medical applications. It aims to develop methods and technologies to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged or diseased tissues, ultimately restoring normal tissue function and improving patient outcomes. Tissue engineering also includes designing and optimizing biomaterials, controlling chemical reactions, and creating suitable microenvironments for cell growth and tissue formation; o) Materials Science and Engineering. Understanding of materials' structure, properties, processing, and performance. It involves the study, development, and design of new materials, as well as the improvement and optimization of existing materials, to meet specific technological, industrial, and societal needs; p) Corrosion Engineering. Understanding and prevention of the degradation of materials due to corrosion. This engineering includes studying the various factors contributing to corrosion, including environmental conditions, material composition, and electrochemical reactions. It aims to develop strategies to

mitigate corrosion, extend the lifespan of materials, and ensure the integrity and safety of structures and equipment; q) Energy Engineering and Management. Applying chemical engineering principles and techniques to address energy-related challenges, optimize energy utilization, and promote sustainable energy practices. It encompasses the design, analysis, and optimization of energy systems and processes, as well as the development and implementation of energy management strategies; r) Metrology. Scientific study and practice of measurement. It involves developing, implementing, and applying measurement techniques, standards, and instruments to ensure accurate and reliable measurements across various fields of science, industry, and commerce. It shall also include calibration of methods, procedures, substances, persons, materials, equipment, and measuring devices; and s) Emerging technologies that require chemical engineering knowledge, principles, and applications.

Sec. 6. Chemical Engineering Specialists. - A chemical engineering specialist

refers to an advanced qualification for chemical engineers in accordance with the specified requirements of the Philippine Qualifications Framework and as may be determined by the Professional Regulatory Board for Chemical Engineers. A chemical engineering specialist shall be certified as having specializations or specialties in certain areas of chemical engineering practice. The scope of practice and areas of specialization in chemical engineering shall be reserved for chemical engineering specialists' qualification, certification, and scope of practice.

Sec. 7. Chemical Engineering Technologist. - A Chemical Engineering

Technologist (ChET) refers to a Sydney Accord qualification, which can be availed by a holder of a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Chemical Engineering) or who completed at least 36 units of the professional courses of a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering program, duly registered by the PRC, and duly endorsed by the AIPO. A ChET may perform engineering functions in support of the professional chemical engineers' requirements. A ChET shall perform functions related to established engineering methods, techniques, tools, testing, and resources within the technology domain. A Cher

provides technical support to professional chemical engineers as needed in an industrial plant and other related chemical engineering areas. A ChET shall engage in the technology, equipment, and processes to convert raw materials into consumer 4 products and other related chemical engineering services.

Sec. 8. Chemical Process Technician. - A Chemical Process Technician (CPTech)

6 refers to a Dublin Accord qualification, which can be availed by a person who has 7 completed at least 18 units of the professional courses of a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Chemical Engineering) program duly registered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and duly endorsed by the AIPO. A CPTech is certified to expertly perform manufacturing equipment monitoring and operation functions and apply established practices and procedures that may require the performance of duties related to production or as a laboratory technician for chemical engineering laboratories in industrial plants and academic institutions. A CPTech shall monitor chemical processes and test product quality to ensure that they meet the standards and specifications, set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, maintain production equipment, and troubleshoot problems. ARTICLE II THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD FOR CHEMICAL ENGINEERS

Sec. 9. Creation of the Professional Regulatory Board for Chemical Engineers.

- There is hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board for Chemical Engineers, herein referred to as the Board, under the administrative control and supervision of the PRC, hereinafter called the Commission, which shall be composed of a Chairperson and four (4) members appointed by the President of the Philippines from the nominees recommended by the duly AIPO of Chemical Engineers and short-listed by the PRC. The AIPO of Chemical Engineers shall recommend three (3) nominees for every vacant position six (6) months before the end of the term. The recommendation and selection of short-listed nominees shall be made for one position at a time.

Sec. 10. Powers and Duties of the Board. - The powers and duties of the Board

shall include the following: a) Supervise, regulate, and uphold the practice of the chemical engineering profession in the Philippines in accordance with the provisions of this Act;

b) Determine the requirements and evaluate the qualifications of the applicants for registration and renewal of the license of a professional chemical engineer, chemical engineering technologist, and chemical process technician; c) Prescribe the subjects in the licensure examination aligned with the current minimum Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (B.S. Ch.E.) and Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BET-ChE) curriculum standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); determine the syllabi of the subjects and their relative weights; develop examination table of specifications; construct the test questions in the examination; score and rate the examination papers; and submit the examination results to the PRC; d) Issue, together with the PRC, Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Cards to applicants who have passed the professional licensure examinations for chemical engineers; e) Issue, together with the PRC, Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Cards to applicants who have been certified as chemical engineering technologists and chemical process technicians; f) Issue, together with the PRC, licensure examination exemptions, Certificates of Registration, and Professional Identification Cards to applicants who have graduated from Internationally Accredited B.S. Ch.E. and BET-Ch.E. programs; g) Issue special permits to persons admitted to the practice of the profession; h) Award Certificate of Recognition for advanced studies and research and accomplishments in the chemical engineering profession that contribute to its enrichment; i) Oversee the conduct of the continuing professional development (CPD) programs for professional chemical engineers, chemical engineering technologists, and chemical process technicians; j) Conduct on-site inspection, submit an inspection report to the PRC, and monitor compliance of industrial plants, facilities, institutions, and other

entities engaged in the scope of practice and areas of specialization of chemical engineering and shall seek the assistance of the AIPO to carry out these functions; k) Inquire into the conditions affecting the practice of the professional chemical engineer, chemical engineering technologist, and chemical process technician, and adopt measures to enhance and maintain high professional, ethical, and technical standards. Pursuant thereto, the Board may inspect establishments where chemical engineers practice their profession to determine and enforce compliance with the provisions of this Act; 1) Issue Certificates of Compliance to industrial plants, facilities, and institutions engaged in the scope of practice and areas of specialization of chemical engineering pursuant to the provisions of this Act; m) In coordination with the CHED, inspect the facilities, faculty, equipment, and other aspects directly related to the chemical engineering program of educational institutions and submit a monitoring report to the PRC; n) Adopt a Code of Ethics and a Code of Technical Standards for the practice of chemical engineering; o) Investigate, in accordance with the rules on administrative investigation promulgated by the PRC, violations of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations, the Code of Ethics and the Code of Technical Standards for chemical engineers, administrative policies, orders, and issuances promulgated by the Board; p) Issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to secure the attendance of witnesses or the production of documents in connection with any administrative case before the Board; q) Hear and decide administrative cases filed against chemical engineers and firms employing chemical engineers. The hearing shall be presided by the Chairperson or a Member of the Board with the assistance of a lawyer of the PRC. Any decision shall be concurred in by at least a majority of the Board. The decisions of the Board may be appealed to

the PRC within fifteen (15) days from notice; otherwise, such decisions shall become final and executory; r) Administer oaths in connection with the performance of its functions; 5) Adopt an official seal and prescribe the seal of the chemical engineering profession; t) Submit an annual report on the proceedings and accomplishments during the year or recommendations of the Board to the PRC, or both, thirty (30) days after the close of each calendar year; and furnish copies of the same annual report upon request of stakeholders; u) Conduct periodic consultations with the AIPO of chemical engineers and present quarterly accomplishment reports thereto; v) Prosecute or institute criminal action, or both, any violator of this Act or rules and regulations of the Board; w) Prescribe guidelines and criteria on the CPD program for professional chemical engineers, chemical engineering technologists, and chemical process technicians with the AIPO; x) In case of exigency of services, the Board may avail the professional services of qualified professional chemical engineers duly recommended by the AIPO to serve some of their functions, with due compensation; y) Support and adopt, in partnership with the AIPO, nationally and internationally recognized Philippine register for chemical engineers; z) Institutionalize technical and specialized skills development; i. Recognize chemical engineering specialties and subspecialties; ii. Adopt the implementing rules and regulations of this Act; and aa) Perform such other functions as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this Act. The two (2) members of the Board shall focus on conducting on-site inspections.

Sec. 11. Qualifications of the Board Chairperson and Members. - At the time

of their respective appointments, the members of the Board, including the Chairperson, must be: a) A natural-born Filipino citizen and resident of the Philippines;

b) At least a holder of a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering as conferred by an engineering school of good standing recognized and accredited by the Government; c) A professional chemical engineer who has been in active practice for at least ten (10) years; d) At least being conferred as Senior Specialist Chemical Engineer; e) A member of good standing of the AIPO; f) Must not be a faculty member or academic administrator of any university, college, school, or institution offering a baccalaureate or graduate degree program of chemical engineering or BET-Ch.E. program or must be separated from the aforementioned institutions at least one year before the oath-taking as Board Chairperson or Member; g) Must not have any affiliations with review centers or be associated with any groups or organizations that offer or conduct review classes or lectures for licensure examination preparation within one year prior to the oath-taking as Board Chairperson or Member; and h) Has never been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude.

Sec. 12. Term of Office. - The Chairperson and the Members of the Board shall

have a term of three (3) years with one reappointment only. Each chairperson or member of the Board shall serve for at most two (2) regular terms. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term only. The Chairperson and Members shall qualify by taking the proper oath before assumption of office: Provided, That the incumbent Chairperson and Members shall be allowed to serve for the remainder of their term until a new composition of the Board shall have been constituted. The replacement or selection of the Board members shall be made one at a time.

Sec. 13. Secretary of the Board. - The Board shall designate a Secretary

coming from the organic personnel of the PRC. The secretary shall record the minutes of the Board's meetings and perform other functions as the Board may require.

Sec. 14. Removal or Suspension of the Chairperson and Members. - The

Chairperson or any member of the Board may, upon the recommendation of the PRC, be suspended or removed by the President of the Philippines upon due notice and hearing for neglect of duties, incompetence, malpractice, commission, or tolerance of

1 irregularities in any examination given by the Board, manipulation or rigging of the 2 said examination, tampering of questions before the conduct of the said examinations, 3 or tampering of grades, or unprofessional or unethical conduct. The rights of the accused or respondent to be heard, to defend oneself, and to be assisted by counsel shall be respected in the proper administrative investigation to be conducted for the purpose.

Sec. 15. Compensation of the Board. - The Chairperson and Members of the

Board shall receive compensation or honorarium, subject to the prevailing government issuances of the rules and regulations on the matter.

Sec. 16. Annual Reports. - The Secretary shall prepare an annual report for

the Board's consideration and approval. After the close of each fiscal year, the Board shall submit an annual report to the PRC, giving a detailed account of its proceedings during the year and embodying such recommendations to the PRC as the Board may desire to make. The AIPO may request a copy of the annual report. ARTICLE III LICENSURE EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION AND EXEMPTION

Sec. 17. Licensure Examination Requirement. - Except as otherwise specifically

allowed under this Act, applicants for registration for the practice of chemical engineering shall pass a licensure examination as provided for in this Act, in such places and dates as the PRC may designate in the Resolution thereof on the Master Schedules for all licensure examinations, in accordance with Sec. 7 (d) of Republic Act No. 8981, otherwise known as the "PRC Modernization Act of 2000", as amended.

Sec. 18. Scope of Examination. - The licensure examination for professional

chemical engineers shall include Physical and Chemical Principles, General Engineering, and Chemical Engineering: Provided, That the relative weight of Chemical Engineering is at least forty percent (40%). At least seventy percent (70%) of the examination questions shall focus on the meaningful application of essential understanding, principles, competencies or skills, and professional chemical engineering practice in the real world. The Board shall revise the scope of the licensure examination, including specialty or specialization subjects, in case a specialized bachelor's degree in chemical

engineering is offered. The relative weight of specialty or specialization subjects is at most thirty percent (30%).

Sec. 19. Qualifications for the Professional Licensure Examination of Chemical

Engineer. - An applicant for the licensure examination for chemical engineer shall meet the following qualifications: a) Must be a citizen of the Philippines; b) Must be of good moral character; c) Must be a graduate of a school, institute, college, or university recognized by the Government and has been conferred the degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering; and d) Must not have been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Sec. 20. Qualifications for the Professional Licensure Examination of Chemical

Engineering Technologist. - An applicant for the licensure examination for chemical engineering technologist shall meet the following qualifications: a) Must be a citizen of the Philippines; b) Must be of good moral character; c) Must be a graduate of the Bachelor of Engineering Technology - Chemical Engineering program or have completed at least 36 units of the professional courses of a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering program according to CHED guidelines; and d) Must not have been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Sec. 21. Qualifications for the Professional Licensure of Chemical Process

Technician. - An applicant for the licensure examination for chemical process technician shall meet the following qualifications: a) Must be a citizen of the Philippines; b) Must be of good moral character; c) Must have completed at least eighteen (18) units of the professional courses of a Bachelor of Engineering Technology- Chemical Engineering program according to CHED guidelines; and

d) Must not have been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Sec. 22. Examination Fees. - Every applicant admitted to take the chemical

4 engineering professional licensure examination shall pay such fees as may be 5 prescribed by the PRC before being allowed to take the examination.

Sec. 23. Report on Rating. - The Board shall complete the correction of

examination papers within twenty (20) days from the last day of the examination. The PRC shall report the rating of examinees at most thirty (30) days after the Board has 9 completed the correction of examination papers.

Sec. 24. Exemption from Licensure Examination. - All applicants who have

graduated from internationally accredited B.S. Ch.E. and Technology programs are entitled to apply for exemption from licensure examination: Provided, That all requirements are met according to the provisions of this Act. All applicants for exemption shall still submit additional school portfolio requirements and undergo screening. Only those passing the screening process shall be exempted and properly registered.

Sec. 25. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification

Card. - The PRC, on the recommendation of the Board, enters the Roster of Professional Chemical Engineers and issues a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card to each person who obtained a general average of no less than seventy percent (70%) and a rating of no less than fifty percent (50%) in any examination subject and undergone screening to be qualified for exemption. Likewise, a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card shall be issued to a qualified chemical engineering technologist and chemical process technician. Every Certificate of Registration shall state the full name of the registrant and the registration number, which the Chairperson and Members of the Board and the PRC shall sign. It shall be authenticated by the official seal of the PRC, indicating that the person named therein is entitled to the practice of the profession with all the privileges appurtenant to it. The said Certificate of Registration shall remain in full force and effect until it is suspended or revoked in accordance with this Act. Every registrant who has paid the prescribed fee shall likewise receive a professional identification card bearing the signature, number, date of issuance, and

1 expiry date duly signed by the Chairperson of the PRC. This professional identification 2 card shall also be considered a professional license.

Sec. 26. Renewal of Professional License. - Unless otherwise provided by law,

4 rules, regulations, or policy, the professional license issued to a professional chemical 5 engineer, chemical engineering technologist, or chemical process technician shall be valid for three (3) years from its issuance. It shall be renewed every three (3) years 7 on their birth month upon presentation and submission of the proof of the required 8 Continuing Professional Education credit units earned and payment of prescribed fees. 9 Proof of membership of good standing to the AIPO is also a requirement for the license renewal of the professional chemical engineer. Subject to limitations prescribed by the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the professional license may be renewed before its expiration to allow the continuing practice of the profession. As the IRR prescribes, a surcharge shall be collected for those who fail to renew their professional licenses for ten (10) consecutive years.

Sec. 27. Seal of Professional Chemical Engineer. - Each chemical engineer shall,

upon registration, obtain a seal as prescribed by the Board bearing the professional's name, registration number, and the legend "Professional Chemical Engineer." The plans, specifications, designs, reports, and other professional documents prepared by or executed under the supervision of and issued by the professional shall be stamped on every sheet with said seal, indicating therein the current Professional Tax Receipt number, date, place of payment and current membership number in the AIPO, when filed with the government authorities or when submitted or used professionally.

Sec. 28. Fees for Registration. - Every person issued a Certificate of

Registration as a professional chemical engineer shall pay the PRC such fees as the Board may prescribe.

Sec. 29. Exemptions from Registration and Issuance of Special Permit to

Practice. - Registration shall not be required of the following persons upon proper application for exemption with the Board, the evaluation of which shall be subject to the condition that there are no Filipino professional chemical engineers of equivalent expertise and skills immediately available for a given application or circumstances:

a) Chemical engineers, recognized as experts in their specific fields of chemical engineering, called in by the Republic of the Philippines for consultation or a particular design, installation, or project: Provided, That their practice shall be confined to such work; b) Chemical engineers who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of specification, contracted as professors or lecturers on chemical engineering subjects by Philippine schools, colleges, institutes, or universities on a direct hire or exchange basis, subject to verification of credentials by the Board; and c) Chemical engineers who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of specification, contracted as consultants, technology providers, or specialists on chemical engineering processes by Philippine industrial firms on a direct-hire basis, subject to verification of credentials by the Board.

Sec. 30. Suspension or Revocation of Certificate of Registration and

Cancellation of Special Permit to Practice. - Any of the following shall be sufficient grounds for the suspension or revocation of a Certificate of Registration and cancellation of Special Permit to Practice: a) Any act of gross incompetence, negligence, or illegal practice of chemical engineering resulting in damages to property and environment, injury, or loss of lives; b) Acts inimical to the chemical engineering profession; c) Gross immorality or commission of any act involving moral turpitude; and d) Violation of this Act, the rules and regulations, other policies of the Board, and the Code of Ethics. Complaints against professional chemical engineers and firms employing chemical engineers may be filed motu proprio by any person or the Board. Complaints shall be in writing and sworn to by the persons executing them. Complaints shall be filed with the Secretary of the Board: Provided, That the action of the Board shall be subject to appeal to the PRC within fifteen (15) days from notice, whose decision on

the matter shall be final.

Sec. 31. Reissuance of Revoked Certificate of Registration and Special Permit

to Practice and Replacement of Lost Certificates. - The Board may, for reasons it may deem sufficient, reissue revoked Certificates of Registration and Special Permit to Practice upon proper petition. A new Certificate of Registration and Special Permit to Practice may be issued to replace a lost, destroyed, or mutilated Certificate, subject to the rules and regulations of the Board and upon payment of the appropriate fees to the PRC. ARTICLE IV PRACTICE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Sec. 32. Vested Rights, Automatic Registration of Chemical Engineers. - Upon

the effectivity of this Act, all registered chemical engineers shall automatically be recognized as Professional Chemical Engineers.

Sec. 33. Who May Practice Chemical Engineering. - Except as may be provided

in this Act, only professional chemical engineers with unexpired professional licenses shall practice chemical engineering and chemical reaction engineering. The professional chemical engineer shall not be hindered, prevented, restricted, separated, or alienated from practicing the chemical engineering scope of practice and areas of specialization or where chemical engineering principles, fundamentals, and theories apply to any field or allied fields of practice, including or involving the use of unit operations, unit processes, pollution abatement, separation processes, or transport processes. Furthermore, the use of chemical engineering principles, fundamentals, theories, and areas of practice that apply to any field or allied fields of practice, including or involving the use of unit operations, unit processes, pollution abatement, separation processes, or transport processes shall be considered a chemical engineering practice. No firm, partnership, corporation, or association may be licensed and registered as such for the practice of chemical engineering, but duly licensed and registered chemical engineers may form partnerships among themselves or with other licensed and registered engineers and architects and use the title "Chemical Engineers," Engineers and Architects" in their partnership name.

Sec. 34. Prohibitions in the Practice of Chemical Engineering. - No person shall

practice chemical engineering or render chemical engineering service without a valid 2 certificate of registration, a valid professional identification card, or a special permit to practice. Any person who shall commit the following acts shall be guilty of a misdemeanor: a) Practice chemical engineering or render chemical engineering services, or pass himself off or advertise himself as a chemical engineer without a valid certificate of registration or valid professional identification card, or when such has been suspended or revoked; b) Attempt to use as his own the certificate, valid ID, or seal of another person or impersonate any professional chemical engineer; c) Attempt to use a revoked or suspended certificate of registration; d) Sign or seal a document involving the design, plan, technical specification, and the like with an expired professional identification card or on behalf of another professional chemical engineer; and e) Furnish the Board or PRC any false information or document to secure a Certificate of Registration or renewal of a Professional Identification Card.

Sec. 35. Roster of Chemical Engineers. - The PRC shall keep a roster of all

professional chemical engineers, chemical engineering technologists, and chemical process technicians, stating their names, registration numbers, and places of business. The roster shall be regularly updated and made available to all interested parties free of charge upon formal written request.

Sec. 36. Submission of Designs and Specifications for Government Approval. -

Any proposal, design, specification, working drawing, or plan for processes and equipment in an industrial plant, which functions with unit operation, unit process, pollution abatement, or any part thereof submitted to any government agency, national or local, including government-owned or controlled corporations, shall not be processed or approved, nor shall such plant be issued any permit, license, franchise, authorization or certification, unless such proposal, design, specification, working drawing, or plan is signed by a Professional Chemical Engineer, with its seal and registration number affixed thereto. A professional chemical engineer shall sign documents related to building codes and regulations granted by the relevant government agency responsible for enforcing

1 the process safety requirements, environmental systems design, pollution control installations, chemical storage, and hazardous materials facilities in the building codes pursuant to this Act's IRR.

Sec. 37. Hazard Allowance, Health and Accident Insurance, and Legal

5 Assistance. - Professional chemical engineers, chemical engineering technologists, and 6 chemical process technicians exposed to workplace and process hazards as part of their regular responsibilities are entitled to a commensurate hazard allowance, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations. The employer shall provide legal assistance to professional chemical engineers, chemical engineering technologists, and chemical process technicians who face administrative, civil, or criminal suits arising from work done in the performance of duty, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.

Sec. 38. National Career Progression and Specialization. - The Board shall

institutionalize a standardized national chemical engineering career progression and specialization program in consultation with the AIPO, Civil Service Commission, and other government agencies. The Board, with the assistance of the AIPO, shall prepare and implement the application process for specialization.

Sec. 39. Code of Technical Standards and Guidelines. - The existing Code of

Technical Standards for the Practice of Chemical Engineering shall be transformed into Philippine Chemical Engineering Standards (PChES). It shall serve as the Code of Technical Standards for all professional chemical engineers in the practice of their profession. The Board shall, in collaboration with the AIPO of chemical engineers, DOST, DENR, DTI, DPWH, DA, DILG, DOH, DOE, Department of Labor and Employment, DND, and other concerned agencies and private organizations, develop new standards under the PChES.

Sec. 40. Foreign Reciprocity. - No foreign chemical engineer shall be granted

any rights or privileges under this Act unless the country of which this person is a subject or citizen grants Filipino chemical engineers the same or similar rights or privileges.

Sec. 41. Act Not Affecting Other Professions. - This Act shall not be construed

to affect or prevent the practice of any other lawfully recognized profession. However, areas where systems and processes that are chemical engineering in nature or where

1 chemical engineering can be applied, regardless of field, shall not hinder, prevent, restrict, separate, or alienate a professional chemical engineer from practicing such an area.

Sec. 42. Indication of Registration or Professional License Number and

Professional Tax Receipt Payment. - A professional chemical engineer, chemical engineering technologist, and chemical process technician shall be required to indicate the Certificate of Registration, Professional Identification Card number, date of issuance, and duration of validity, including the Professional Tax Receipt of the documents the professional signs, uses, or issues in connection with the practice of the profession.

Sec. 43. Membership in the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization. -

An integrated national organization of chemical engineers shall be duly accredited by the Board and the PRC. A chemical engineer duly registered with the Board and the PRC shall automatically become a member subject to the provisions on membership in the current constitution and by-laws of the AIPO of chemical engineers. The member shall receive benefits appurtenant thereto upon payment of the required fees and dues. ARTICLE V INDUSTRIAL PLANTS CATEGORIES AND RELATED ISSUES

Sec. 44. Categories of Industrial Plants. - Unless otherwise provided by the

IRR and the Code of Technical Standards, the industrial plants shall be classified as follows: Industrial Plant Categories Asset Size (in PHP) Micro Scale Up to 3,000,000 Small Scale 3,000,001 - 15,000,000 Medium Scale 15,000,001 - 100,000,000 Large Scale 100,000,001 and above

Sec. 45. Pollution Control and Abatement and Waste Treatment. - Any

establishment's pollution control, abatement, and waste treatment facilities shall be managed, operated, or supervised by a registered professional chemical engineer. Furthermore, the overall waste management of any establishment shall be under the

1 supervision of a registered professional chemical engineer. The plan for pollution control and abatement devices and facilities that are part 3 of building permit requirements, such as wastewater treatment facilities, air pollution control devices and treatment, disposal facilities for toxic and hazardous wastes, and other related technologies and devices, shall be signed by a registered professional 6 chemical engineer with one's seal affixed to it. The LGUs shall implement this in 7 addition to other building permit requirements.

Sec. 46. Process and Operation Laboratory. - A registered professional

9 chemical engineer shall manage, operate, or supervise process and operation laboratories, including chemical engineering laboratories.

Sec. 47. Technical Guidelines. - Within sixty (60) days from the approval of this

Act, the Board shall enact technical guidelines to implement any technical details therein. ARTICLE VI CERTIFICATE OF PROCESS COMPLIANCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 48. Validity of Certificate of Process Compliance. - The Certificate of

Process Compliance is valid for three (3) years or less than three (3) years, based on the results of the risks identified during the assessment and as recommended by the Board or a professional chemical engineer. These assessments shall be carried out only by a certifying professional chemical engineer holding a valid physical and digital Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card issued by the Board.

Sec. 49. Risk Management Plan. - All industrial plants shall establish a Risk

Management Plan focusing on workplace and process safety to prevent exposures, reduce risks, and minimize or eliminate materials and process toxicity. The plan shall establish operational and process control measures to ensure materials are handled safely, workers are protected, and potential risks are mitigated.

Sec. 50. Personnel Required in Industrial Plant, Facility, and Institution. - All

micro, small, medium, and large-scale industrial plants, facilities, and similar institutions engaged in manufacturing operations, unit operations, unit processes, or pollution control and abatement, including laboratory facilities such as in-process, process simulation, research and development, quality assurance, and chemical

1 engineering laboratories, shall have a minimum number or complement of resident professional chemical engineers as provided by the IRR or Code of Technical Standards, or both.

Sec. 51. Workplace and Process Safety Supervision. - In the interest of public

safety and environmental protection, a professional chemical engineer shall be 6 designated to supervise and address workplace and process safety requirements in 7 industrial plant operations. Regardless of the size of the industrial plant, all process equipment and plant design shall be approved by a professional chemical engineer.

Sec. 52. Process Compliance. - A professional chemical engineer shall review,

certify, sign, and seal an industrial process.

Sec. 53. Suspension or Revocation of Certificate of Process Compliance. - The

Certificates of Compliance may be suspended or revoked for non-compliance pursuant to the provisions of this Act. Sec. 54. Reissuance of Revoked Certificate of Process Compliance and Replacement of Lost Certificates. - The Board may, upon proper petition, reissue the revoked Certificate of Process Compliance for reasons it may deem sufficient. A new Certificate of Process Compliance may be issued to replace a lost, destroyed, or mutilated certificate, subject to the rules and regulations and upon payment of the appropriate fees to the PRC. ARTICLE VII INDUSTRIAL INSPECTION AND WORTHINESS

Sec. 55. Industrial Inspection. - All industrial plants and related facilities in the

Philippines shall undergo mandatory yearly industrial inspections. The IRR and Code of Technical Standards shall provide well-defined inspection criteria and standards. These include the qualifications and competencies of technical personnel as well as the performance, safety, overall condition, reliability, capability, and compliance of industrial operations.

Sec. 56. Industrial Worthiness. - After an annual industrial inspection and with

favorable technical findings, the certifying professional chemical engineer shall issue a Certificate of Industrial Worthiness to the establishment of an engaging industrial plant, affixing one's signature and seal. A separate certificate per industrial plant shall

1 be issued if the establishment engages two or more industrial plants in different areas. A chemical engineer employed or engaged by the establishment is not allowed 3 to inspect nor certify the same establishment. An LGU shall only issue a business permit to an establishment with a Certificate 5 of Industrial Worthiness.

Sec. 57. Application Fee. - Any establishment starting to operate an industrial

plant shall pay an application fee to the LGU as prescribed by the IRR. The LGU Engineer's Office shall only issue a permit to operate an industrial plant after issuing the Certificate of Industrial Worthiness. The LGU Treasurer's Office shall adjust the 10 application fee amount every three (3) years based on price index adjustments.

Sec. 58. Professional Fee for Certifying Professional Chemical Engineer. - The

12 establishment shall pay a professional fee to the certifying professional chemical 13 engineer after industrial inspection per industrial plant, as the IRR prescribes. The LGU Treasurer's Office shall adjust the professional fee every three (3) years based on price index adjustments.

Sec. 59. Industrial Worthiness Review. - Within fifteen (15) days after industrial

inspection and issuance of unfavorable technical findings, any establishment may request an industrial worthiness review to the LGU Engineer's Office. Within five (5) days after receipt of the review request, the LGU Engineer's Office shall convene the LGU Industrial Review Panel. The establishment shall pay the LGU a review fee as prescribed by the LGU Engineer's Office. The total review fees collected shall be utilized for the honoraria of the Technical Review Panel chairperson and members.

Sec. 60. LGU Industrial Review Panel. - The LGU Industrial Review Panel shall

comprise three (3) registered professional chemical engineers selected by lottery from the list of all certifying professional chemical engineers. The most senior shall be the Chairperson. The Panel shall conduct industrial re-inspection and documentary review within ten (10) days after its formation and may issue a Certificate of Industrial Worthiness after its favorable technical review findings. A selection lottery shall be made each time there is a request for an industrial worthiness review.

Sec. 61. Administrative Appeal. - The technical review findings of the LGU

Industrial Review Panel may be appealed to the Board within fifteen (15) days of their

1 issuance. After its favorable technical review findings, the Board shall conduct an industrial re-inspection and documentary review and may issue a Certificate of 3 Industrial Worthiness. The findings of the Board shall be final. ARTICLE VIII CHEMICAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Sec. 62. Curriculum Development and Updating. - The CHED shall, in

consultation with the Board, the AIPO of Chemical Engineers, and the industry stakeholders, develop and continuously update the Chemical Engineering Curriculum in accordance with the required competencies for the practice of the profession prescribed under this Act to align with international standards of chemical engineering education and practice and to be responsive to industry requirements.

Sec. 63. Continuing Professional Development. - CPD is an integral part of the

16 chemical engineering profession. It is considered relevant to sustain competency 17 enhancement, capacity building, and renewal of professional licenses. The Board shall prescribe and promulgate a CPD Program in consultation with the AIPO of Chemical Engineers, concerned government agencies, and stakeholders. It shall prescribe guidelines for the CPD programs for chemical engineers. The Board shall maintain the CPD Council composed of a Chairperson from the Board, a member from the AIPO, a member from the academe, a member from industry, and a member from the DOST, who is a chemical engineer. The CPD for professional chemical engineers is hereby made mandatory for the practice of the profession. The CPD credit units earned by the professionals shall be required to renew professional licenses and accreditation systems for advanced levels of practice and other international accreditations. ARTICLE IX ACCREDITED INTEGRATED NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS

Sec. 64. Membership in the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization of

Chemical Engineers. - An integrated national organization of chemical engineers shall be duly accredited by the Board and the PRC. A professional chemical engineer, chemical engineering technologist, and chemical process technician duly registered

with the Board shall become a member of the accredited organization upon oath- taking under the AIPO and payment of prescribed fees and dues and shall receive the 3 benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto. Membership in the accredited integrated national organization shall not be a bar to membership in other associations of 5 chemical engineers. The AIPO shall keep an updated official registry of its bona fide members, indicating membership and official receipt numbers of annual dues. Bona fide members of the AIPO who practice chemical engineering shall be required to provide their official AIPO membership number and receipt on official documents they prepared to obtain government regulatory permits and licenses. The functions, duties, and responsibilities of the AIPO of Chemical Engineers shall be the following: a) Nominate to the vacant positions on the Board of Chemical Engineering; b) Organize and facilitate the oath-taking of the newly registered professional chemical engineers, chemical engineering technologists, and chemical process technicians in coordination with the Board and PRC. The oath- taking shall be considered a private activity, and collected fees shall be treated as private funds. The AIPO shall submit a corresponding financial report and list of those who took the oath to the Board and PRC; c) Pursue a program for CPD; d) Endorse the practice of foreign nationals to be issued temporary or special permits; e) Institutionalize and maintain a national chemical engineering registry; f) Establish chemical engineering areas of specialization in coordination with the Board; g) Organize regular dialogue between the Board, industries, academe, and other stakeholders; h) Monitor compliance and endorse or file a complaint, or both, with the Board or PRC for this Act, its IRR, Code of Ethics, Standards of Professional Practice, and other agencies for violation of other relevant laws, regulations, and the like; and

i) Some other functions, duties, and responsibilities as prescribed by the Board. ARTICLE X TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

Sec. 65. Vested Rights on Automatic Registration of Professional Chemical

Engineers. - All chemical engineers registered under RA 9297, otherwise known as the "Chemical Engineering Law of 2004", at the time of the effectivity of this Act shall automatically be considered professional chemical engineers and hold the same registration number. The validity and period of the existing professional license shall continue to be enforced until its expiry date. Furthermore, the qualifications of chemical engineering technologists or chemical process technicians shall be granted upon application to persons currently working as chemical engineering technologists or chemical process technicians as provided by the IRR.

Sec. 66. Securing Certificate of Process Compliance. - There shall be a five (5)

year grace period for industrial plants, facilities, and institutions to apply for and secure a Certificate of Process Compliance. ARTICLE XI FINAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 67. Code of Ethics. - The Board shall adopt a Code of Ethics, which the

AIPO shall promulgate.

Sec. 68. Penal Clause for the Practice of Chemical Engineering. - Any person

who shall violate any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be penalized with a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) nor more than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than five (5) years, or both, at the discretion of the court. Covered by the penalty is any person who: a) Practices chemical engineering or renders chemical engineering services, passes oneself off, or advertises oneself as a chemical engineer without

a valid physical and digital certificate of registration and professional identification card or when such has been suspended or revoked; b) Attempts to use the certificate or seal of another person or impersonate any professional chemical engineer; c) Attempts to use a revoked or suspended certificate of registration or an expired professional license; d) Signs a document involving design, plan, technical specification, and the like on behalf of a professional chemical engineer; or e) Furnishes the Board or PRC any false information or document to secure a Certificate of Registration or renewal of a Professional Identification Card.

Sec. 69. Penal Clause for Industrial Plants, Facilities, and Institutions. - Any

industrial plant, facility, and institution which shall violate any of the provisions of this Act shall face penalties of not less than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00) nor more than Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00) at the discretion of the court. The management or administration of such industrial plants, private and government facilities, and institutions shall also be held liable for violations of this Act. Suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of any permits, licenses, or certifications necessary for operation shall also be imposed on said industrial plant, facility, or institution. The responsible officer of such industrial plant, facility, and institution shall, upon conviction, be penalized with a fine of not less than Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00) nor more than Three million pesos (P3,000,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than one (1) year or both at the discretion of the court.

Sec. 70. Penal Clause for Violating Code of Technical Standards. - A person

who committed any malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance under the Code of Technical Standards shall, upon conviction, be penalized with a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) nor more than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months nor more than one (1) year or both at the discretion of the court. If the perpetrator is a public official or employee, that person shall be perpetually barred from holding public office.

Sec. 71. Enforcement Assistance to the Board. - The PRC shall assist the Board

in carrying out the provisions of this Act and its IRR, as well as other policies. The PRC lawyers shall act as prosecutors against illegal practitioners and other violators of this Act and its rules. The duly constituted authorities of the government shall likewise assist the Board and the PRC in enforcing the provisions of this Act and its IRR.

Sec. 72. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of

this Act shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 73. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Subject to the approval of the

PRC and within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act, the Board shall adopt 10 and promulgate the rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Within six (6) months from the approval of this Act, the Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics for Chemical Engineers and Philippine Chemical Engineering Standards for the Practice of Chemical Engineering.

Sec. 74. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or

unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 75. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 9297, otherwise known as the

17 "Chemical Engineering Law of 2004," is hereby repealed. Nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to diminish, limit, or restrict the authority of other professional boards to regulate their profession or require certifications as indicated in their governing laws. Nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to repeal the authority of the Professional Regulatory Board of Chemistry to regulate and require the issuance of certificates of analysis and certificates of authority to operate under Republic Act No. 10657, otherwise known as the "Chemistry Profession Act." All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Sec. 76. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,