A. Introduction
Republic Act No. 7920, also known as the New Electrical Engineering Law of the Philippines, governs the licensing, regulation, and ethical practice of electrical engineers and electricians in the country. Among its key provisions is the concept of "direct supervision", which is central to the lawful use of a Professional Electrical Engineer’s (PEE’s) professional seal.
This article explores the legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of direct supervision, particularly in light of the unauthorized preparation of electrical plans by other disciplines and the illegal practice of signing and sealing such documents. The goal is to clarify the law’s intent, warn against violations, and emphasize accountability in professional engineering practice.
A.1 Definition of Direct Supervision under RA 7920
In Section 26 of RA 7920:
“Plans, specifications, reports and other professional documents prepared by or executed under the immediate supervision of, and issued by a licensee, shall be stamped on every sheet with said seal…”
The term “direct supervision” implies that the PEE must:
- Have first-hand, continuous, and active involvement in the preparation, development, and approval of the engineering document.
- Exercise technical oversight throughout the process—not just a final review.
- Be fully accountable for the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the work being stamped with their seal.
This provision underscores the professional engineer’s personal responsibility for the work, ensuring public safety, technical compliance, and adherence to the national standards.
A.2 Proper Use of the PEE’s Seal
Only licensed Professional Electrical Engineers in good standing may obtain and use a professional seal bearing their name, certificate number, and the legend “Professional Electrical Engineer.” This seal is used to:
- Authenticate engineering documents submitted to government authorities.
- Demonstrate that the work was performed under the direct responsibility of the PEE.
- Establish legal and ethical accountability for the design and implementation of electrical systems.
A.3. Importantly, it is unlawful to use the seal if:
- The PEE’s license has expired or been suspended.
- The PEE has been delisted or revoked by the PRC.
- The document was not prepared under the PEE’s immediate and direct supervision.
B. Common Violations in Practice
A frequent and serious violation occurs when engineers from other disciplines, such as:
- Civil Engineers,
- Mechanical Engineers,
- Electronics and Communications Engineers,
- Draftsmen without licenses, or
- Architects
prepare electrical plans and then request a licensed PEE to sign and seal the documents, often for a fee or in the context of project expediency. This practice is rampant in residential, commercial, and even government infrastructure projects.
In these cases, the PEE did not supervise, review, or contribute technically to the preparation of the plans. By signing the documents, the PEE falsely asserts responsibility and compliance, violating multiple provisions of RA 7920.
C. Legal Violations and Corresponding Penalties
C.1. Violation of Section 26 – Use of Seal
- Illegal sealing of documents not prepared under the PEE’s supervision constitutes misrepresentation.
- The seal serves as legal certification; misuse is equivalent to fraud under professional law.
C.2. Violation of Section 30 – Unauthorized Practice
“Only a registered electrical engineer or professional electrical engineer shall prepare plans, designs, or specifications for electrical installations…”
- Engineers from other disciplines are not authorized to prepare or sign electrical plans.
- PEEs who allow their seal to be used on such documents enable unauthorized practice, which is punishable by law.
C.3. Violation of Section 34 – Penalties for Illegal Practice
“Any person found guilty of illegal practice shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than five years, or a fine of not less than ₱10,000 nor more than ₱50,000, or both.”
- Both the PEE and the unauthorized preparer can be held criminally liable.
C.4. Violation of the Code of Ethics for Electrical Engineers
The Code of Ethics requires that engineers:
- Act with honesty and integrity.
- Perform services only in areas where they are competent and directly involved.
- Uphold public welfare, safety, and the dignity of the profession.
Sealing a document that was not personally prepared or supervised constitutes professional misconduct and ethical breach.
D. Administrative and Civil Liabilities
Aside from criminal penalties, the following consequences may apply:
D.1. Administrative
- Suspension or revocation of the PEE’s PRC license.
- Delisting from the official registry of engineers.
- Disciplinary action from the Board of Electrical Engineering and PRC.
D.2. Civil
- In case of property damage, fire, injury, or death caused by faulty electrical design:
- The PEE may face civil lawsuits for damages, negligence, or malpractice.
- The aggrieved party can file claims for compensation.
E. Ethical and Professional Implications
Signing electrical documents without actual participation:
- Degrades the value of the engineering license.
- Endangers lives and property, especially in critical installations.
- Undermines public trust in the engineering profession.
- Sets a precedent of corruption and incompetence in the built environment sector.
Such practices also contradict the objective of RA 7920, which seeks to protect public interest through competent, licensed, and responsible professionals.
F. Recommendations for PEEs and Stakeholders
F.1 For Professional Electrical Engineers (PEEs)
- Never sign or seal plans not prepared under your direct supervision.
- Require documentation of your involvement: emails, markups, site reports.
- Report pressure or bribery attempts to regulatory bodies.
F.2. For Government Agencies (LGUs, DPWH, Building Officials)
- Verify that plans are signed by duly licensed PEEs with valid PRC ID.
- Require a Declaration of Direct Supervision.
- Cross-check design authorship against project documentation.
F.3. For PRC and the Board of Electrical Engineering
- Establish a strict auditing and complaint mechanism.
- Publicly sanction violators to deter unethical practice.
- Increase collaboration with the IIEE for public awareness and enforcement.
G. Conclusion
The requirement for direct supervision under RA 7920 is more than just a legal formality—it is the foundation of accountability, safety, and professionalism in electrical engineering practice in the Philippines. The illegal practice of signing and sealing plans not prepared or reviewed by a licensed PEE must be condemned and stopped.
It is the duty of every PEE to uphold the integrity of the profession and protect public welfare by complying with the law, practicing ethically, and reporting violations. The seal is not a mere stamp—it is a symbol of trust, competence, and legal responsibility.