The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on third and final reading a legislative measure extending the validity of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identification cards from three years to five years.
The bill, which passed with an overwhelming 266-0 vote and a single abstention, aims to streamline government transactions, minimize red tape, and ease the renewal burdens shouldered by licensed professionals across the country.
House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos stated that the proposal directly addresses the long-standing clamor of Filipino professionals for a cheaper, simpler, and more efficient renewal framework.
According to Marcos, the extension will effectively decongest PRC appointment slots and systems without compromising regulatory standards.
“Our professionals deserve a government that values their time and hard work. This measure cuts red tape, reduces unnecessary expenses, and makes public service more responsive to the realities faced by millions of Filipinos,” Marcos said.
“This is a straightforward but meaningful reform. Instead of forcing professionals to repeatedly go through the same process every three years, we are giving them more time to focus on their careers, their families, and their service to the country,” he added, emphasizing that government systems should prioritize efficiency and respect for the workforce.
Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, a principal author of the bill, mirrored these sentiments, noting that the longer validity period allows professionals to dedicate more of their energy to productive endeavors rather than administrative hurdles.
“Layunin ng panukalang ito na bawasan ang pasanin ng ating mga propesyonal. Kung mas mahaba ang validity ng kanilang PRC IDs, mas makakapagpokus sila sa trabaho, pamilya, at mas produktibong paglilingkod sa bayan,” Romualdez said.
The purpose of this proposal is to reduce the burden on our professionals. If the validity of their PRC IDs is longer, they can focus more on work, family, and more productive service to the nation.
“Ang panukalang ito ay pagkilala sa sakripisyo at ambag ng ating mga propesyonal. Sa mas mahabang validity ng PRC IDs, mas mabibigyan sila ng ginhawa at sapat na panahon para sa kanilang propesyon at trabaho,” he added.
This proposal is a recognition of the sacrifice and contribution of our professionals. With the longer validity of PRC IDs, they will be given more relief and sufficient time for their profession and work.