The Philippine Association of Building Administrators, Inc.

(PABA)
Condominium Management Association of the Philippines, Inc.
(CMAP)
Brief Position Paper on Republic Act No. 8495 (Philippine
Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998, the need for
implementing Rules and Regulations and possibility of
exempting buildings and/or condominium buildings and similar
entities from its coverage and other prayers:

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Republic Act No. 8495 was enacted in 1998 and referred to as

the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act. The Statement of Policy
states the Government recognition of the importance of mechanical
engineers in nation building and development and the promotion of
sustainable human development among others. According to the
Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers, an accredited national
organization, the new legislation bring a “wealth of new opportunities
for the advancement of the mechanical engineering profession and the
professionals” and serve as a catalyst in upgrading the mechanical
engineering profession to cope with its role in nation building”. PSME
further slated that the new law strengthens the licensing and
regulation of the new mechanical engineering practice with the
inclusion of renewable sources of energies and mobile mechanical
driven equipment.

According to the Act the practice of Mechanical Engineering

includes consultation, valuation, investigation and management
services requiring mechanical engineering knowledge; estimates for
mechanical equipments, machinery or processes of any mechanical
works, project or plants; management of mechanical equipment their
supervision, operation or maintenance.

The law also defined mechanical equipment or machinery and

includes (as common in any existing building) pumps, hoist, elevators,
escalators, walkways, air-conditioning, compressor’s; etc.). It is an
encompassing definition.

The law states that for the practice of mechanical engineering

there are 3 categories and in the order of rank 1: Professional
Mechanical Engineer (PME) 2 Mechanical Engineer (ME) and 3, Certified
Plant Mechanic (CPM). Each of these categories are given certificates
of Registration. For a Professional ME mere submission of his
experience is sufficient while that of an ME and a CPM passing written
examination is a requirement.

In appreciating this law, it is very clear that the rationale and

objective of RA 8495 is the promotion of the mechanical engineering
profession and its elevation to the level of competency and standard of
professional practice.

SECTION 36

Section 36 of the Law requires that every mechanical work,

project or plant in operation shall have a complement of resident
licensed professional mechanical, (PME) mechanical engineer (ME) or
certified plant mechanic (CPM)

a) 100 KW not over 300KW

- One certified plant mechanic or
 - One mechanical engineer or
- One professional mechanical engineer
Provided that every mechanical engineer work, project or
plant operating more than ONE SHIFT every 24 hours shall have
additional of above personnel for each and every additional shift.

b) 300 KW not over 2,000 KW – same personnel except a certified

plant mechanic (CPM). If more than one shift every 24 hours
additional one ME or one PME.

c) Over 2000 KW – one PME, additional PME if operation in more

than one shift every 24 hours,

UNDER SECTION 40 OF THE LAW

The Professional Regulation Commission is the enforcement

agency of the Board of Mechanical Engineering; implement the
concerned provisions of the law and implement rules and regulations it
adopted; conduct investigation of complaints including violations by
the members of the law and prosecution, if warranted

It confers on all duly constituted authorities through the officers

of the law of the national provincial or municipal government to
enforce the provisions of the act and prosecute violators.

The penalty is administrative sanctions and upon conviction a

fine not less than 50 thousand or more than 200 thousand or
imprisonment not less than 6 months nor more than 6 years.

OBSERVATIONS
 From its effectivity to 2009, eleven years passed. They said
serious implementation of the law will be enforced. It was observed
that during the interim period partial compliance was made thru
certifications issued by the Local Government Officers. Except perhaps
for malls, shopping areas, manufacturing plants and big enterprises
compliance with the provisions of the act by owners of other entities
were not made. The law and its provisions were not complied of by
most apartment buildings, stand-alone buildings, for residences or for
offices or commercial or combinations; subdivisions, housing
complexes and more importantly condominiums.

There was no information disseminated on the implementing

rules and regulations and most building administrators were just
advised to comply with the law and “complain” later.

THE ENFORCEMENT

In the latest communication, sent to building owners, building

administrators and other entities owning structures with mechanical
contrivances it was clearly stated that elevator permits mechanical
permits, clearances, and others will not be issued by the building
permits division until and unless compliance with the law by applicants
are complied. The compliance include accomplishment of:

1. BME Form No. 5 (Revised in 1992) indicating list of the

mechanical equipment and corresponding rating and number of units
and other information required by the law. (This is to be signed by the
PME/RME/ or CPM).

2. Notarized certification indication the name/names of the resident

Professional Mechanical Engineer (PME) Registered Mechanical
Engineer (RME) or Certified Plant Mechanic (CPE) in charge of the
operation and maintenance of the installed mechanical equipment and
machineries.

3. Professional license number of the PME/RME/or CPM engaged.

4. Section 34 of the law defining mechanical work project or plant in

operation should be made clearer for the purpose of exempting some
entities or structures which are not mechanical work project or plant in
operation. For example a building whether for commercial, office or
residential or combination is not per se the subject envisioned by law
because it is not a mechanical work project or plant in operation.
While the usual equipment or machinery in a building which are
appurtenance, for example, elevators and qualify under Section b) of
Section 3 of the Act the need for a professional mechanical engineer or
a mechanical engineer is believed not necessary because of the
maintenance agreement usually entered into between the building
management and elevator supplier/service outfit.

In the enumeration of the prime movers in Section b) of Section

3 of the Act it cited steam engines and turbines, internal combustion
engines, steam generators which include boiler, furnaces, heat
exchanger such as cooling towers, kilns, dryers, etc. These are
machineries not present nor used in a building.

The most common equipment in a building are the ELEVATOR,

AIRCONDITIONING, WATER and SUMPS PUMPS. These are facilities in a
building. The elevator is maintained and ocularly inspected by the
elevator supplier under a maintenance contract; central airconditioning
system likewise operate and monitored under a maintenance contract
too, to minimize power cost and maintenance expenses while water
and sump pumps operates efficiently for long periods without need of
regular monthly check-up.

These are facts circumstances supporting possible exemptions

from coverage of the act.

5. It is believed that the Act shall be complied with those works,

projects or plants enumerated in Subsection c) of Section 3 of the Act
but those entities like buildings, apartments, stand-up structures
operated without the high profile gadgets and machineries should not
be required to comply with Section 34 of the Act because it is believed
there is no need for a Certified Plant Mechanic (CPM) or Mechanical
Engineer (ME) or Professional Mechanical Engineer (PME) to be present
in its operations.

6. The availment of the members of this profession will result in

additional budgetary expense for buildings especially condominiums
which are non-stock, non-profit corporations.

7. It is also believed that there is not enough personalities in the

profession to suit for the number of apartments, residences in
buildings, condominiums, subdivisions, etc.

8. The statement that there will be no issuance of permits by the

local authorities until compliance with the Act is made (or sufficiently
proven) appears not right because, there is no justified connection with
compliance of local requirements and the observance of the provisions
of the law.

Else, there is some kind of intimidation. Applicants for local

government permits will be disadvantaged if it is not given because
 compliance with Act 8495 is not made. In the absence of permits a
building or a condominium corporation will have difficulty of getting
monetary claims out of a compensable event simply because a permit
is not issued or there is delay in permit issuance.

As an outline, our organization composed mostly of building

managers, building administrators and heads of building operations,
presents our understanding and belief of said law.

1. We are seeking deferment of the act for at least one year until
furnished with the implementing rules and regulations and in the
interim (for those clearly embraced by the Acts provisions) be allowed
to avail of the services of a professional mechanical engineer or a
mechanical engineer or a certified plant mechanic thru retainership
agreement.

2. The implementing rules and regulations should be more precise on

the definition of what is mechanical work, project or plant. The mere
presence of an elevator, an air-conditioning system and such simple
contrivance as a water or sump pump does not pre qualify a building as
a mechanical work, project or plant to place it within the coverage of the
Act.

3. The local building officials in implementing RA 8495 should not

deny, delay or withhold the release of permits, clearances or certificate
if all the requirements for the application are complied. To deny, delay or
withhold the issuance because the applicant has not submitted with the
requirements of RA 8495 is a different kind of application processing
because in reality it will be difficult to avail of the services of mechanical
engineers within a short period of time.
4. The Professional Regulation Commission should provide a list of
available professional mechanical engineers, mechanical engineers or
certified plant mechanics and have it circulated to entities subject to the
Act.

5. Reduce the requirement of the law since individual unit are titled
and building organization tend only the common area equipment of the
building.
 RA 8495: Clarification on our hierarchy based on different
perspectives
What are some concerns on the law (RA8495) that should be clarified
by the PRC to harmonize its full implementation?

1. Focus and Emphasis on Professional Mechanical Engineering Examination

(PME)

The above concern should be reflected and manifested at all times and of
course, this should be according to the law. This means that whoever parties
involved in the mechanical engineering examination particularly the PRC
should and must strictly focus as well as emphasize on the Professional
Engineering Examination. In addition, I determinedly believe that whatever
focus and emphasis relevant to the examination would certainly make sense
in making the PSME and the rest of the professional engineering industry
more aware of the examination law and the valuable success of its
implementation.
Now, in order for me to clarify some of the concerns as based on RA 8495
or simply the Mechanical Engineering Law through an ‘Act of Regulating The
Practice of Mechanical Engineering in the Philippines’, please allow me to
elaborate precisely and evidently some of the provisions according to the law
that are associated with the Professional Engineering Examination.

A. Section 17. Scope of Examination

“The scope of examination and the methods of procedure shall be

prescribed by the Board with special reference to the applicants – ability to
perform the type of engineering work pertaining to the particular
category he is to be registered in.(a) Professional Mechanical Engineer –
The granting of professional mechanical engineer Certificate of Registration
shall be testimonialinnaturewhich shall include athe submission of an
enumeration of the applicants - experience including the presentation of an
engineering report/technical paper pertinent to his line of experience attested
to by two (2) or more profession mechanical engineers in an affidavit for this
purpose.”
B. Section 24. Seal of a Professional Mechanical Engineer. “A professional
mechanical engineer shall, upon registration, obtain a seal of such design
prescribed by the Board, bearing the registrants- name, the certificate
number and the legend -Professional Mechanical Engineer.- Designs, plants,
specifications, project feasibility studies, appraisals, recommendations,
technical reports, proposals, and other professional documents involving
mechanical equipment, works, projects or plants shall be stamped on every
sheet with said seal of the registrant when filed with government authorities
or when submitted or use professionally: Provided, that it shall be submitted
or used professionally: Provided, that it shall be unlawful for anyone to stamp
or seal any document with the said seal after the certificate shall have been
revoked or cancelled.”
Vital Pointers (see some highlights for clarification)

1. For one, noticed as well as understood undoubtedly that the above

provisions indicated apparently the scope of the examination which means
that the procedures undertaking the examination shall be prescribed by the
Board with special reference to the applicant’s ability to perform the type of
engineering work pertaining to the particular category he is to be registered
in. For case in point, the mechanical engineer is registered in water pump
systems and its processes then, the ability that this engineer has should
properly and accurately match to the examination scope in order for the
latter to perform the engineering job correctly and successfully.
2. Another point to contemplate carefully entails that the granting of
professional mechanical engineer Certificate of Registration shall be tes-
timonial in nature which shall include the submission of an enumeration of
the applicants experience including the presentation of an engineering
report/technical paper pertinent to his line of experience attested to by two
(2) or more profession mechanical engineers in an affidavit for this purpose. I
have positive conviction that the latter point must be honestly and
confidently be followed by all means WITHOUT any biases and discrimination
to the provision and to its subsequent measures, if there’s any.
3. Moreover, there must be justifiable keeping and valuing of the Professional
Mechanical Engineer Seal (Section 24), and at all times, this pro fessional seal
must be respected and grounded to the principles enclosed in the provision
prior to application and usage of the seal. This can be associated to various
work designs and within accurate specification of the designs of which being
prescribed by the Board. The design presented will have to reflect the value
of genuineness or originality of the work means, the work of the applicant is
not being copied from someone or somewhere else just to obtain the
certificate. The seal should strictly have the following: registrants name, the
certificate number and the legend like that of Professional Mechanical
Engineer. The work submitted must be correctly stamped on every sheet with
the seal for instance, when filed with administration consultants or when
submitted and or utilize skilfully.

2. Code of Ethics in harmony to the implementation of the law

First and foremost, the Mechanical Engineering Profession Code of Ethics is

grounded by Board Resolution No. 06 Series of 2003. Moreover, the Code of
Ethics for the Mechanical Engineering Profession has various particular
aspects such as the Preamble, the Fundamental Canons, the General
Principles and many others.
The Code of Ethics and Professional Standards for the Practice of Mechanical
Engineer Profession asserts to the following:
1. “The Mechanical Engineer must practice his profession by observing a
standard of professional behavior that requires strict adherence to the
principles of ethical and professional conduct provided by the Code of Ethics
of their profession” (cited from the Code of Ethics Preamble, 2003 in
paragraph 4 p. 585).”
 2. “Perform services only in areas of their competence” (cited from the
Code of Ethics Fundamental Canons, 2003 fundamental canon number 2 p.
585).
3. “The mechanical engineer shall update and enhance constantly his
professional knowledge and skills through assiduous research and study, and
participation in continuing professional development programs and seminars
conducted or authorized by the integrated Organization of Mechanical
Engineers accredited by the Board of Mechanical Engineering and the
professional regulation commission (PRC) or education institutions supervised
by the State” (cited from the Code of Ethics General Principles, 2003 general
principle number 3 p. 585).
In common wisdom, these aspects obviously comprise to the overall ap-
propriateness and effectiveness of the Code of Ethics and its professional
standards that collaborate to the practice of the profession as a whole. We, as
part of the PSME must abide to our specific and detailed Code of Ethics this is
important for us ME professionals to successfully and competently practice
our profession with impetus decency and integrity into our values and
philosophies of life. This is of course with great respect and high morale into
our innate knowledge to the profession and the credibility that we value most
that is truly reflected into our hold of professional licenses and the realization
to serve community niches and the rest of the country with positive grounds
to always abide in mind our call of duty as licensed professional mechanical
engineers.
It is necessarily needed that the Code of Ethical Standards for the practice
of ME profession will have to be in harmony to the implementation of RA 8495
or the ME law. I’m confident that this could be realized completely only if we,
as professional mechanical engineers dedicate ourselves to always remain
grounded by the Code of Ethics as being revealed by its preamble in relation
to fundamental canons and general principles (refer to some of those canons
and principles, for you to simply appreciate what I’m trying to tell, for PSME
to project and likewise assess the law, be it in part or in full).
Consequently, the Code of Mechanical Engineering Ethics in the Philippines is
exclusively part and parcel of the law and its implementation. Indeed, the ME
Profession Code of Ethics must be practiced and executed professionally at all
times and in any situation and that the PSME must NOT take the law for
granted so, there is ideal requirement for us to abide the law (RA 8495) and
its Code of Ethical Standards and live by the law as a positive force and
example.
Thus, it can be that the appropriate application of our profession based on
the Code of Ethics and its standards of practice will spontaneously affect the
heights of our professionalism and competence, particularly on our definite
areas of specialization. In the process, there is ample requirement for us as
PSME benefactors, to carefully reserve our integrity as proficient and effective
mechanical engineers in the Philippines as well as in overseas, but the most
crucial of it all, we, the mechanical engineers should labour correctly
according to ethical sanctions of the law and be inspired by its relevance and
imperativeness in general sense. What I’m saying is that we, members of
PSME must merely cater to our areas of competence and NOT to go beyond
that competence without appropriate wisdom and understanding of certain
areas of specialization like, if for example, a certain licensed professional
mechanical engineer who is not specialized in the air conditioning systems
and has no knowledge at all concerning to its mechanical process, the
mechanical engineer SHOULD NOT AND MUST NOT attempt to do anything
that is not in conformity to the law and its Code of Ethics. Also, the engineer
SHOULD NOT AND MUST NOT pretend that he has background about on it and
must avoid to affix his/her signature if it’s not in the area of his/her
competence as a licensed professional mechanical engineer. In general, the
mechanical engineers should be in harmonious relationship with the PRC and
other significant parties that put high importance to professional engineering
examination and its succeeding counterparts.
Some applicable issues raised by the industry

1. Competency of some PMEs in their chosen industry.

Competency is the keyword here and the focus of PSME should center to
competency in the profession with dignity and respect on the license at hand.
Please allow me to again elaborate some provisions that relate to the
importance of competence in the practice of ME profession from PMEs diverse
areas of specialization and expertise. Now, in order for PMEs to continue
practice their profession with competence they should not violate the law and
any of its provisions thereof including the Code of Ethical Standards for the
ME profession. For PMEs not to experience any revocation and suspension of
their certificate (refer to below provisions for clarification), they must compre-
hensively perform services only in areas of their competence as stated clearly
in the fundamental canon of the Code of Ethics.
Section 26. Revocation and Suspension of Certificate.
“The Board shall have the power, upon proper notice and hearing, to suspend
or revoke any certificate of registration of any registrant for any cause
specified in the preceding section, or for the use in whatever way of any
fraud or deceit in obtaining a certificate of registration, or for gross
negligence or incompetence or for unprofessional or dishonorable conduct
and for violation of the code of ethics for mechanical engineers and certified
plant mechanics: Provided, That the action of the Board shall be subject to
appeal to the Commission within fifteen (15) days from notice, whose
decision on the matter shall be final.”

Section 27. Grounds for Suspension and Revocation of Licenses

“The Board shall have the power, upon due notice and hearing, to revoke or
suspend the license of mechanical engineers, or to cancel a
temporary/special permit for any cause specified in the preceding sections,
including but not limited to: the use or perpetuation of any fraud or deceit in
obtaining a certificate of registration, or for incompetence, negligence, or for
abatement of the illegal practice of mechanical engineering, violation of the
provisions of this Act, its implementing Rules and Regulations and/or
violations of Policies of the Board including the Code of Ethics for Mechanical
Engineering: Provide, however, That such action of the Board shall be subject
to appeal without prejudice to the right of the aggrieved party to apply with
the proper Regional Trial Court for appropriate relief.”
 Section 33. Field of Action Authorized for Each Category: Prohibition. -It
shall be unlawful for any person, unless authorized under this Act: “(a) To be
in responsible charge of the preparation of plans, designs, investigations,
valuation, technical reports, specifications, project studies or estimates or to
be in performance of other professional mechanical engineering activities
unless he is a duly licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer.
(b) To teach professional subjects in mechanical engineering course unless
he is a duly licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer, or a Masters-degree
or Doctorate degree holder in mechanical engineering.
(c) To be in responsible charge of the construction, erection, installation,
alteration, or of the performance of a mechanical engineering service in
connection with the manufacture, sale, supply or distribution of any me-
chanical works, project or plant either for himself or for others, unless he is a
duly registered Professional Mechanical Engineer or Mechanical Engineer.
(f ) To operate, tend or maintain, or to be in charge of the operation, tend-
ing or maintenance of any mechanical equipment, machinery, process for any
mechanical works, projects or plants of over 2000 kw unless he is a duly
licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer.”
2. Lacking of competent PMEs to comply the law
Compliance to the law is very vital for PMEs to achieve long term compe-
tence. Compliance denotes following the law and live by that law with respect
and dignity to the profession at large and in return, we can decrease the
numbers of incompetent PMEs and also by not tolerating any act of
negligence be it in written or in verbal sanction

2. Recent conduction of examination

The PSME in association with the PRC must comprehensively review:

- The need to deduce the number of years
- The conduction of Professional Development Courses (PDCs) offered by
PSME. Will the PDCs answer the need basing on the following points?
A. Competency as supported by the RA 8495 law. The need to have ex-
perience (four years) having a lecture for two to three days. Will it meet the
competency requirement of the specific field of expertise?
I believe that the ME profession is extensive in its scope and roughly four
years is enough to meet the competencies needed but it should strictly
focused on their areas of specialization and nothing more in order to exercise
fully their profession with right amount of competency levels being required
by them from the industry. Thus, the Mechanical Engineering Law is likewise
patterned on the other foreign laws like that of the American ME law. We,
members of the PSME and effective professionals in our country through the
inevitable support coming from the PRC must put into consideration some IRR
provisions of RA 8495 such as the ones that contemplate to the vital require-
ments of PME board examinations based on IRR provisions as stated.
Reactions from of the industry for PRC to resolve
A. Reactions coming from Jaime Lopez III as cited from Journal Online on
December 03, 2011. This reaction is available online at: http://
www.journal.com.ph/index.php/ opinion/18745-professional-imbalance-also-
an-me-concern
I think, we, the professional mechanical engineers must do our best to
counter this professional imbalance and I believe that one way of doing this is
through careful consideration of things that relate to the law and the
adherence of its code of ethics through putting integrity and decency for us,
licensed mechanical engineer to always stay aware, grounded and unbiased
in our duties and responsibilities as a PME according to the law.
I agree to what Engr. Lopez said in his article online that, “The ME law in its
statement of policy… recognizes the importance of mechanical engineers in
nation building and development... shall develop and nurture competent...
mechanical engineers... through regulatory measures, programs and
activities”. Now, true enough that the basis of such policy is leading towards
the underlying objectives of the law in developing and nurturing mechanical
engineers’ competence is the enhancement of their ability to contribute to
the success of the enterprise they are with, as well as, ensure the safety and
protection of life and property.
Thus, I likewise agree that, “there is greater need to realize and execute
correctly the necessary initiatives and changes that would improve the
profession, bring about dynamism to what has been termed as “sleeping
giant resource”. In turn, this will possibly unleash its potential abilities and
gain its rightful place as vital partner in the country’s effort to achieve
economic prominence and progress for everyone”.
Therefore, it must be understood that RA 8495 need have to be the vehicle
for professional mechanical engineers in claiming its rightful place in the
Philippine society, as an effective partner in building the society at large.
Thus, I believe that it’s ethically worthy to recommend to the PRC some
imperative points to clarify our
hierarchy based on some perspectives. For instance, right treatment to the
focus and emphasis of Professional Engineering Examination according to the
sanctions found within the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and the
careful adherence to the provisions of RA 8495 in valuable collaborated and
elevated respect to the ME profession Code of Ethics referred as Board
Resolution No. 06, Series of 2003. Now, there must be particular solution to
hasten the processing of applications coming from PME applicants to act out
on their desired professional examinations based on the Code of Ethics as the
latter is part and parcel of the law (RA 8495) and its implementation.
Consequently, every licensed mechanical engineer must always abide to the
law, live by it and must ensure professional competence AT ALL TIMES based
on the degree of their specialization and with elevated respect to its full
implementation. Additionally, the full implementation of RA 8495 could only
be actualized if there is immediate action of PSME, the PRC and the
Department of Local Government of the Philippines, and with practicality
assist and guide the ME law to always guarantee precise and stern
compliance on the law and its code of ethics for the practice of the profession
and along on the exact ranges of competence.
How one can be a PME (Professional Mechanical Engineer) based on the IRR
of the law?
First and foremost, one can be a PME if he holds a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, if not the aspiring ME can’t be profes-
sionally become a part of the PME circle. Thus, the ME is required to take the
ME board examination as administered and guided by the PRC and the taking
of examination is mandatory according to the law. The ME board examination
serves as one vital element in order for the mechanical engineer to receive
his professional license in order for the latter to start practicing the profession
based on specific areas of competence.
Sec. 24. Scope of Implementation of R.A. 8495 IRR -
“The scope of implementation and the methods of procedure with special
reference to the applicant’s ability to perform the type of engineering work
pertaining to the particular category he is to be registered are hereby
prescribed as follows:
1. Professional Mechanical Engineer – The granting of professional mechanical
engineer Certificate of Registration shall be testimonial in nature which shall
include the submission of an enumeration of the applicant’s experience
including the presentation of an engineering report/technical paper pertinent
to his line of experience attested to by at least two Professional Mechanical
Engineers in an affidavit for this purpose;
Guidelines for Applicants in Professional Mechanical Engineers Examination:
1. The following documents/papers must be submitted with the application:
a. Certificate of Competence under oath by a Professional Mechanical En-
gineer
b. Affidavit of the Applicant
c. CertificateofExperienceunderoathexecutedby hissuperior
d. Detailed Description of Machineries and Equipment
e. List of designs (if there’s any) undertaken with the supervision of a PME
f. Curriculum Vitae
g. At least two titles of proposed reports, each with a short write-up and table
of contents. Reports must be pertinent, allied or relevant to the experience of
the applicant.
2. Computerized applications duly accomplished shall be submitted to the
Application Division of the Commission during office hours on any working
day.
3. Evaluation of submitted applications shall be done by at least two
members of the Board.
4. Applicant shall be informed of the approval or disapproval of his application
with reasonable number of days from receipt of application.
5. In evaluation of the experience of applicants, the following should be
considered:
- Design experience
- Maintenance and Operation
- Fabrication and Shop Practices
- Installation
- Others
6. Every applicant shall be required to present himself before at least two
members of the Board for two members of the Board for two interviews.

The first interview shall be made before the submission of the engineering
report and may deal on any field or practice in mechanical engineering,
including the mechanical engineering law and Code of Ethics.
The second interview will only deal on the engineering report submitted by
the applicant.
In both cases, the applicant shall be sent notices for interview.
Except in meritorious cases, non-appearance of applicant in the scheduled
interview shall mean failure.”
Nowadays, it is precisely clear that the rationale and objective of RA 8495 is
the promotion of the mechanical engineering profession and its elevation to
the level of competency and standard of professional practice. The PRC must
serve as a reinforcement agency of the Board of Mechanical Engineering; and
has the power to implement the provisions of the law and its adopted IRR.
Thus, upon becoming a PME as an outcome to the compliance of the above
guidelines and duly passed the testimonial in nature examination, the PME
will now have the authority to practice his/her profession accordingly and
only to areas of practice he/she is specialized to do so.

Lastly, the point here is to professionally and practically comply to each and
every provisions stated by the law, by its IRR and by its code of ethics like, the
justifiable process of giving and approving of board exam requirements
submitted by the applicant in addition to careful signing of professional seal like,
comprehensive review of technical papers and other required documents to
obtain one valid exam admission, and as a long term outcome, the receiving of
PME license in order to practice the coveted profession, be it in private or be it in
public establishments thereto.