Legislation has been introduced in the Senate to prolong the validity period of Professional Identification Cards (PICs) issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) from three years to five years.
Under Senate Bill No. 2391, titled the “PRC ID 5-year Validity Act,” Senator Mark Villar aims to ease the recurrent financial, time, and logistical demands faced by licensed professionals across the country.
The proposed extension targets over 5.8 million registered workers across 65 PRC-regulated disciplines. Currently, cardholders navigate renewals across the commission’s single main headquarters, 14 regional branches, 21 satellite service centers, and four dedicated overseas worker facilities.
“Our professionals have already invested years of study, training, and continuing development to serve the country. We should not add unnecessary burdens to their work through frequent and costly renewal transactions,” Villar said.
The measure guarantees a five-year lifespan for PICs provided holders remain compliant with established legal and administrative regulations. Furthermore, it mandates internal tech divisions—including the Licensure Examination Registration Information System—to upgrade their infrastructure to sustain the extended system efficiently.
The bill also obligates the PRC to complete a revised schedule for annual registration fee assessments within six months following the law’s enactment.
“Extending the validity of the PRC ID to five years is a practical reform that will save our professionals time and money, reduce congestion in PRC offices, and allow them to focus more on their careers, their families, and the people they serve,” he added.
Villar emphasized that the reform works to reduce red tape, streamline government processing, and improve public service delivery.
“Every hour saved from unnecessary queues and every peso saved from repeated transactions can instead be spent on productive work and professional development. Through this measure, we are making government services more convenient for the people who help keep our country moving,” Villar said.