Monday, December 04, 2006 Architects lobby for strict enforcement of RA 9266
THE United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) is now aggressively campaigning for the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 9266 or the “Architecture Act of 2004” to uphold the architectural profession.
RA 9266 states that “all architectural documents must be prepared, signed and sealed only by a licensed and registered architect.”
Cebu-based architect Jose Mari Cañizares, deputy director of task force RA 9266, told a press conference last Wednesday that the task force has been asking the assistance of government offices and agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment, Civil Service Commission, Security and Exchange Commission, National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police for the effective enforcement of the implementing rules and regulations of the law, especially on the prosecution of the violators.
“Violation of RA 9266 is considered a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than P100,000 but not more than P5 million or by imprisonment for a period of not less than six months and not exceeding six years, or both, at the discretion of the court,” the implementing rules of RA 9266 states.
In line with the 35th Architecture Week this week, the UAP-Cebu chapter will be holding an architectural exhibit from Dec. 8 to 10 at the Ayala Center Cebu.
Buck Sia, exhibit chairperson, said one of the objectives of the exhibit is to educate the public about the importance and the advantages of the architectural profession.
“Architecture is a cross breed between art and technology. It is one of the most envied professions in the world. Unfortunately, it is not much appreciated in the Philippines,” Cañizares said. (JBN)
