The House of Representatives has moved a step closer to easing the regulatory burden on millions of Filipino professionals after approving a measure on second reading that extends the validity of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identification cards.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, House Bill No. 8876 passed via viva voce voting. The proposed legislation seeks to stretch the renewal cycle of professional licenses from the current three years to five years, a move aimed at cutting costs and reducing administrative hurdles.
Former Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, a primary author of the bill, emphasized that the reform is designed to respect the time and resources of the country’s workforce.
“Sa panahon ngayon, mahalaga na mapagaan natin ang gastos at abala ng ating mga propesyonal. Sa pagpapalawig ng validity ng PRC IDs mula tatlo tungo sa limang taon, mas mabibigyan natin sila ng panahon para mag-focus sa kanilang trabaho, kabuhayan, at serbisyo sa bayan kaysa sa paulit-ulit na proseso ng renewal.”
Romualdez further noted that professionals such as teachers, nurses, and engineers are pillars of the economy who deserve a “simpler and more humane” bureaucratic process.
“Ang mga guro, nurse, engineer, architect, accountant, at iba pang professionals ay kabilang sa haligi ng ating ekonomiya. Nararapat lamang na gawing mas simple, mas mabilis, at mas makatao ang proseso para sa kanila. Ang panukalang ito ay konkretong hakbang para bawasan ang red tape at gawing mas maginhawa ang serbisyo ng gobyerno.”
The bill is a priority under the current House leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos.
Representing Ilocos Norte’s 1st District, Marcos highlighted that the extension would eliminate unnecessary stress without lowering professional standards.
“Professionals should not have to spend unnecessary time and money on frequent renewals when we can provide a more efficient system without compromising professional standards and regulation.”
To ensure a smooth transition, the bill mandates the PRC’s Information and Communication Technology Service to upgrade the Licensure Examination Registration Information System (LERIS) and all related administrative frameworks within six months of the law’s enactment.