United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc.

(UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

Date: 11 December 2018

TO: Atty. Lovelika Bautista

Chief, PRB Secretariat Division
Professional Regulation Commission
PICC, Pasay City, Manila

THRU: Hon. Francis V. Mapile

Chairman, PRB Electrical Engineering
Professional Regulation Commission
PICC, Pasay City, Manila

SUBJECT: UPEEP Position Paper Opposing RME & REE to Sign & Seal Electrical
Plans and Reports with certain Limitations
___________________________________________________________________

Maam:

In view of the on-going harmonization process for the two (2) House Bills (HB3025 & HB1622),
we hereby submit our Position Paper condemning particularly HB3025 which clearly
jeopardized the practice of Electrical Engineering and the unforeseen risks by allowing RME &
REE to Sign & Seal Electrical Plans and Reports even with certain limitations.

Since the Welfare & Safety for the Public is the utmost concern in EE practice, Signing & Sealing
Electrical Plans and Reports regardless of its voltage level and capacity, shall only be handled
by a theoretically matured and highly skilled individual with proof of his/her field of practice
such as the Professional Electrical Engineers (PEE's). These safety elements are completely
found in the current RA7920, hence no valid reason to change its provision just to
accommodate personal interest for some individual practitioners with limited experience to
fulfill the PEE requirements.

Attached herewith detailed explanation for your review and perusal.

Very truly yours,

Roelito P. Cabuenas
President - UPEEP

Cc: secretary
United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

“UPEEP Position Paper on HB 3025

Opposing RME’s and REE’s to

Sign & Seal Electrical Plans and

Reports with certain Limitations”

 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

Introduction

Nowadays, Electrical Power is one of the most essential factors that greatly influence
the basic necessity of human needs, e.g. foods, water, air, shelter and
communications. Without “Electricity” these five basic needs cannot be best achieved
for humans, which makes our lives miserable.

Electrical Engineering is considered to be one of the complex professions that basically

deal with the protection of human lives, properties, the flora and fauna and
environment among others. With this, the Electrical Practitioners who are involved in
electrical system designs, implementation, regulation, maintenance, research,
education and the like - should be well qualified, educated, diligent, experienced,
skilled and competent. It is therefore that any mistake, miscalculation, carelessness,
in the dealing with “Electricity” or in any Electrical System would mean a disaster. This
is analogous with the proposed HB allowing REE and RME to sign and seal an electrical
plan. The usual sayings “OK na yan”, “Pwede na yan”, or “madali o simple lang yan”
or “ganun lang ginawa namin dati na pwede pala” is a “BIG NO NO”.

In view of the foregoing, the United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines
(UPEEP) is submitting this position paper to concerned honorable institution or branch
of government dealing with the proposed amendments of the existing Electrical
Engineering Law or the Republic Act No. 7920 which was enacted into law in February
24, 1995. This R.A. 7920 is an “Act providing for a More Responsive and
Comprehensive Regulation for the Practice, Licensing, and Regulation of Electrical
Engineers and Electricians.”

The proposed HB 3025, regarding “Signing and Sealing” (S & S) of an electrical plan,
allowing Registered Electrical Engineers (REE) and Registered Master Electrician (RME)
is a very important and delicate matter to be dealt with because it is a big joke to
electrical profession. UPEEP considered said proposal an insult to all Professional
Electrical Engineers and to IIEE. UPEEP strongly believed that academic background
is not sufficient to fully achieve the art and science of Electrical Engineering practice.

On the issue of S & S, aside from its legal responsibility, such a right or privilege
requires maturity in technical practice, moral, social, with sufficient experience in
actual electrical project design, calculation, material specifications, implementation,
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

installation, testing and commissioning, as-built, issuance of acceptance certificate

and defects liability.

S & S should only be given to a competent Electrical Practitioner that is matured

enough with strong conviction about his work. The R.A. 7920 has clearly defined who
among the three categories of Electrical licenses be provided with that S & S and it is
the Professional Electrical Engineers (PEE) only as it involves risk mitigation to fulfill
the highest safety standards enable in achieving the confidence of investors,
consumers and all stakeholders of an electrical system.

To look back, the National Society of Professional Engineers of the United States of
America1, states that, “A century ago, anyone could work as an engineer
without proof of competency.” It is true because; there was no law or regulation
on engineering during that time. However, because of numerous unsafe and life
threatening electrical installation and failures that have put the human lives and
properties in danger, the first engineering licensure law was enacted in 1907 in
Wyoming, USA. It was then; the start for all every states in the United States of
America regulated the practice of engineering to ensure public safety by granting only
to Professional Engineers (P.E.), the authority to sign and seal engineering plans. The
P.E. in the U.S.A. is basically the counterpart of the PEE dealing with electrical
engineering profession in the Philippines. Relative to this, it is ironic that the proposed
house bill HB 3025 contradicts the endeavor of most of the advance countries that are
seeking to further improve their standards to better protect public health, safety and
welfare.

Advance countries seeking to improved standards to protect public health, safety and
welfare, while the proposed HB demotes it. As the wise man says “The safety of the
people shall be the highest law.2

Again, the UPEEP hereby expresses its strong opposition for the approval of the
proposed HB 3025 allowing REEs and RMEs to sign and seal (S & S) an electrical plan
“WITH or WITHOUT LIMITATION”.

1
(National Society of Professional Engineers, n.d.)
2
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman philosopher bon in 106 BC
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

1 Risk of Electricity

As earlier mentioned, electricity though beneficial to human lives is dangerous in

nature especially if mishandled, carelessly designed, installed and applied. With
this, there are two negative results below that need serious understanding such
as:

1.1 Injury and Loss of Lives

Electricity is fatal. It does not even requires so much electrical energy like a
100 milli-ampere3 or very minute amount of current that can kill a person.
This simply means that a 22 watts power can cause death.

Shown below is the figure of the Workplace Injury and Fatality Statistics that
illustrates percentage of deaths and injuries caused by electric electrocution
in the construction site4. Had it not been for the improper implementation of
electrical installation, the statistics of death percentage could have been
minimized if not totally eliminated. This can be achieved if and only if the
execution and implementation of electrical system installation is properly
managed and monitored by a qualified and matured Licensed Electrical
Engineer with considerable experience in handling such a very delicate
electrical project. Allowing a RME without the supervision5 of a Licensed
Electrical Engineer is not enough and will surely increase job site related
injury and fatality.

3
(The Fatal Current, n.d.)
4
Workplace Injury & Fatality Statistics
5
See Sec.3, Opposing to RME 25kVA Limit proposal
6
Workplace Electrical Injury & Fatality Statistics – Additional Charts, 2003-2010
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

1.2 Damage to property

According to Epidemiological Assessment of Fires in the Philippines, 2010–20127

states that “The cause of majority of fires was undetermined at the time that
they were included in the HEARS Plus Report (87.7%). Faulty electrical wiring
and neglected open flames were the most common causes of fires reported at
2.9% and 2.4%, respectively. Figure 3 shows fire events by cause. Majority of
10 fires involved residential areas at 70.2%, followed by commercial areas at
16.9%.” It is reconfirmed by the report from ABS-CBN8 that Faulty electrical
wiring up to now still leads the cause of fire. And this reality is happening up to
now.

Philippines is not only the victim of fire due to electrical wiring. In United States
of America9, electrical wiring is also a major cause of fire that results to 420
civilian deaths, 1,370 civilian injuries and 1.4 billion USD damage to property
each year.

Report shows most of the fire are in Residential area and by allowing RME to sign
and seal with prescribe limit means, most of the permit for residential will be sign
and seal by RME. This will be an alarming, without proper education and merely
on experience will surely increase the rate of fire due to electrical wiring.

The Bureau of Fire Protection has recorded that most of the fire incidents had
happened in residential houses, more so in the highly populated areas. In
addition, there are a lot of malpractices in electrical wiring installation where most
of the house owners preferred to consult an RME’s or even non- license electrician
with limited electrical knowledge and not an experienced licensed Electrical

7
(Velasco, 2013)
8
(abs cbn - top 3 causes of fire, 2018)
9
(NFPA Research, March 2017)
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

Engineers due to their misconception that both are basically the same in terms
of expertise and that the latter would charge them higher professional fees than
the former. In fact, said malpractices has resulted to 420 civilian deaths, 1370
civilian injuries and 1.4 billion USD damage to property each year. It is notable
also that the Philippines is one among many third world countries having the
same problems.

With the current situation and reality, that electricity is dangerous if not well
taken cared of, it is inevitable that the concerned authority governing and
regulating the Electrical Engineering should only be given to those qualified
individual with highest integrity, morale ascendancy, professional knowledge,
skills and experience in the electrical field, and that is the Board of Electrical
Engineering. They are the most competent person to give an examination and
provide licenses to Electrical Practitioners – the PEE, REE and RME with different
level of responsibility that has proven to be to be effective until now.

2 Sign and Seal is not a business, it is a Responsibility.

Shown on the figure was the post from Mr.

Roberto “Bobby” Ocampo an REE, on July 26,
2017 citing that, “ Monopoly means money,
Law of supply dictates that if the supply of seal
is low, price is high”. Said statement by Mr.
Ocampo impliedly refers S & S for “money” no
more no less. This is unfair and malicious.
While it is reasonable that for any S & S by a
PEE would require a professional fee like in any
other professions, however, S & S an electrical
plan by a PEE does not means monopoly just to earn money. In fact, majority of PEE
were able to feed their families and enjoy better living condition not because of S &S
but merely of their different engagement like consultancy, design works, supervision,
management, sales, contracting, maintenance, overseas work and other tasks. Based
on statistics, most of the PEEs are made to be a consultant of many corporations,
companies and establishment. These PEEs before becoming an electrical consultant or
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

promoted to higher rank and position have really started from the ranks then became
supervisor until promoted to manager up to consultant. Prior to many promotions,
citation and recognition, these PEEs have exerted their best effort, talent and skills
while they were still RMEs, REEs, Associate EEs for many years. The S & S is not for
money but responsibility. The existing electrical engineering law or RA 7920 is
absolutely correct in allowing S & S only to PEEs. As these PEEs have gone through a
lot of experience, gained knowledge, skills and maturity in dealing with electrical
engineering. Actually, in fairness to REEs who have also gained sufficient knowledge,
minimum of four years experience and maturity can also S & S an electrical plan
provided that they pass the requirements and examination in the upgrading to
Professional Electrical Engineers. This upgrading to PEE as provided for in RA 7920 is
legally and technically fair both for the Board of Electrical Engineering and for all
qualified REE to become PEE. This requirement is a safety net of our government and
electrical practitioner to better protect the public, properties and the like in any
electrical hazards.

2.1 Do all PEEs depend on S & S to feed their families and experience a better
living condition?

Majority of PEEs were able to feed their families and enjoy better living condition
not because of S &S but merely of their different engagement like consultancy,
design works, supervision, management, sales, contracting,
maintenance, overseas work and other tasks. Based on statistics, most of
the PEEs are made to be a consultant of many corporations, companies and
establishments. These PEEs before becoming an electrical consultant or promoted
to higher rank and position have really started from the ranks then became
supervisor until promoted to manager up to consultant. Prior to many
promotions, citation and recognition, these PEEs have exerted their best effort,
talent and skills while they were still RMEs, REEs, Associate EEs for many years.
Furthermore, many PEEs are serious in continuing their profession where you can
see them completed their “Masteral and Doctorate” degrees; not only in Electrical
Engineering but in other field as well like the Master in Business Administration.
Many PEEs are CEO/owner of their own contracting and supply companies. This
proves that the S & S is not for money but responsibility. The existing
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

electrical engineering law or RA 7920 is absolutely correct in allowing S & S only

to PEEs. As these PEEs have gone through a lot of experience, gained knowledge,
skills and maturity in dealing with electrical engineering. Actually, in fairness to
REEs who have also gained sufficient knowledge, minimum of four years
experience and maturity can also S & S an electrical plan provided that they pass
the requirements and examination in the upgrading to Professional Electrical
Engineers. This upgrading to PEE as required in RA 7920 is legally and technically
fair both for the Board of Electrical Engineering and for all qualified REE to become
PEE. This requirement is a safety net of our government and electrical practitioner
to better protect the public, properties and the like in any electrical hazards.

2.2 Does the S & S under RA 7920 causes deprivation of earnings for REE
and RME?

The second quarter of 2018 shows 72.3% of permit released by OBO (Office of
Building Officials) for residential construction alone (See below figure 1). Non-
residential and other forms of permits that covers 25 kVA shall also be under RME
without interference from a qualified and experience Electrical Engineer. Under
the present practice, REE and RME can sign on electrical permit only but not S &
S on electrical plan.

10

10
(Philippine Statistic Authority, n.d.)
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

As a matter of fact, contrary to what many REE and RME including Mr. Ocampo’s
claim that they have been deprived of earning of the limitation of S & S for
PEE only is not true because REE and RME were the most number of signatories
with a fee out of the 72.3 % electrical permit issued by the OBO. Based on
records, this practice is happening nationwide that REE and RME have huge
earnings in signing on electrical permits while PEEs are responsible for signing
electrical plan.

3 Opposing to RME 25kVA Limit proposal

With due respect to RMEs who are also contributing well in the Electrical Engineering
profession, however, the limit set for in RA 7920 is fair and just to all level of
engineering licenses. Unlike in other profession, the electrical engineering deals with
different voltages, currents and power from minimum to high intensities. As already
explained earlier, any mistake due to lack of deeper knowledge and understanding in
electrical engineering is dangerous. RME’s limitation in theoretical knowledge and
application, analytical skills, limited subject in Electrical System specifically
calculations that requires electrical engineering formulas to be used say in short circuit
and voltage drop calculation is minus factor to have them granted any S & S of an
electrical plan no matter how big or small it is.

RMEs are trained and educated to install, erect, repair, troubleshoot and make
electrical equipment functional.

3.1 What is a 25kVA Loads?

No. Qty Load Description Load VA Total Load

1 20 Outlet 180 3,600
2 50 Light 50 2,500
3 4 AC 2500 10,000
4 2 Refrigerator 1500 3,000
5 1 Washing Machine 1000 1,000
6 4 Television 40" 40 160

Overall Load 20,260 VA

Possible Schedule of Load for 25kVA Power
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

For the above schedule of load, it covers almost all types of residential building
for society Classes11 E, D, C and AB. This means, if the HB passed, we can
assumed 95% of residential houses permits, installation and inspection will be
done only by RME without interference by a qualified Electrical Engineer.
Likewise, with all small business, shops, establishment that covered with 25kVA
limit.

Basically, the 25 kVA loads means more than 100 Amperes normally seen in most
of the residential houses/ buildings for society under Classes9 E, D, C and AB.
Figure below is an example of a 25 kVA loadings of a residential houses.

The passing of the proposed HB would mean that almost 95% of residential
houses, small businesses and commercial establishments’ electrical permit,
installation, sign and seal will be done by a RME without review, checking and
interference of a qualified licensed Electrical Engineer especially a PEE. As earlier
explained, that RA7920 is correct in granting such a S & S to a PEE because
electricity is hazardous if not properly designed, reviewed and implemented by a
qualified Electrical Engineer more so if said responsibility is given to a RME. As
compared to an Electrical Engineer, a RME has insufficient knowledge and
education in electrical engineering. Logic dictates that it is wiser to prefer a license
Electrical Engineer.

11
(pinoymoneytalk, n.d.)
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

Second quarter of 2018 shows 72.3% of permits release by OBO (Office of

Building Officials) for residential construction alone. Non-Residential and other
forms of permits that covers 25kVA also be under RME without interference from
a qualified and Experience Engineer. In this situation, “pwedi na yan” or “okay
na yan" will be throughout the Country and this is a real danger that cannot be
simply ignored.

3.2 Barangay and Municipal Electrical Projects

The 25 kVA loads is not only applicable to residential houses but also in many
barangay and municipal projects like street lightings, pumping station, and other
LGU projects. These projects would also require application of electrical permit
where most of the signings were given to RME living within the barangay or
municipality. Given the chance for RME to sign and seal electrical plan on these
projects, is also inappropriate because many of barangay and municipal projects
like street lighting covering for example a 10 kilometers stretch already requires
voltage drop calculation, thorough study and research on illumination level,
selection of materials, devices and controls, etc. Illumination Design is one of
the major subjects being taught in an electrical engineering subject, which RME’s
vocation or technical subject doesn't have. The subjects under the vocational and
electrical technology course (2-3 years) are just the basics but not complete
compared to BSEE subjects with full scope of electrical engineering curriculum.

With some of previous assertion, 25kVA could not land to building structure like
residential or commercial only. It can be used as well to obtain permit for street
lighting, pumping station and other LGU projects. For Example,

RME can also sign and seal Street lights. Barangay Lighting project or even municipality
project.

No. Quantity Load Description Load VA Total Load

1 100 Lamp Post 200 20,000

100 No. of Lamp Post could light street up to 10 kilometers. For bigger
projects/Loads, splitting permit load is also possible that able them to sign and
seal unlimited, theoretically.
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

Street lighting installation requires a thorough study like voltage drop, types of
material to be used and protection device. Controls can also be added to
automatically on or off the light. Therefore, signing and sealing by RME is a highly
risk.

As mentioned earlier, major cause of fire is electrical wiring and located in

residential area. The cost of damage to property and loss of life is already
enormous. Both rich and poor nations experience this tragedy. By allowing this
provision in the proposed HB, it is confident enough to say that this current rate
will surely increase substantially.

4 Opposing to REE’s sign and seal with Limit up to 500 kVA

UPEEP recognized that many REE’s with sufficient experience are capable enough in
designing and analyzing an electrical system. It is self-explanatory that a REE having
5 years academic studies is at far than a RME with only 2 to 3 years academic
background without design subjects, and etc. However, if an REE does not have a
sufficient background and exposure in large power loads of 500 kVA is also dangerous.
As earlier explained, the RA 7920 has already provided limits on the responsibility of
REE and PEE as well as RME. Allowing REE to S & S a 500 KVA is tantamount of stealing
a responsibility from a PEE. A 500 KVA load is not that simple to handle with by a REE
with no experience at all.
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

For safety and integrity of the design, the existing law is correct by allowing only a
PEE to S & S an electrical plan.

4.1 Coverage of 500 kVA in Total Electrical Industry

Just imagine if the 25 kVA covers almost the whole residential housing and small
business establishment nationwide, how much more if it is a 500 kVA? This will
cover 97%12 of all electrical works in the entire country. Allowing the passage of
the proposed HB, it is expected that many problems would arise and resulted

to an electrical hazards because of poor design, incorrect implementation,

improper maintenance, unsafe and unreliable because of the insufficient
integrity, knowledge, experience, maturity and analysis of a REE. This is more
evident if the newly passed or neophyte REE will sign and seal such an electrical
plan with a 500-kVA limit or say a power distribution transformer, 34.5/0.44 kV;
13.8/0.44 kV system. Even a 3-year practicing REE is not that matured and
exposed enough to handle such a huge power system without fear and with full
of confidence. Such an inexperienced and unexposed on said kVA rating is
expected to commit mistakes and lapses.

Furthermore, in Power Distribution Transformers that are rated at 500kVA,

34.5/0.44kV or 13.8/0.44kV this does it mean that a 3-year practicing REE had
obtained sufficient experience and capability to handle and execute the design &
supervision involving MV system?

12
(Philippine Statistic Authority, n.d.) 16.1% for non-residential and only 20% for industrial and commercial.
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
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Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

4.2 New REEs needs experience to establish confidence in signing and

sealing a plan.

A newly passed REE either newly graduates or board examination repeater is a

proof certifying his license to practice electrical engineering. There is no doubt
about that by having a PRC REE license is a gateway to practice electrical
engineering but not in full scope. A neophyte REE needs to have an actual
application of what he had studied or learned in the university, college or
institution. Unfortunately, in many industries and companies, their newly passed
REE were not given so much exposure and responsibilities in the electrical
system. Normally, and it is a MUST for a newly hired Electrical Engineer to
undergo a training period or on-the –job training program normally for 3 to six
months period. This training program is widely implemented in almost 95-100 %
companies and establishment nationwide. This program is aimed to teach,
review, and orient the newly hired REE the basics, dos and don’ts and other
company policy especially on safety aspects. Many of the training modules in the
industry are far beyond from what a newly passed REE learned during his/her
college years. It is ironic that a company would give a full trust and confidence
to a license engineer on a delicate responsibility when the self-confidence and
proper assessment is not yet build up. This kind of situation is relative to a newly
passed REE or inexperienced REE to S & S an electrical plan. REEs who aspire to
S & S must have obtained a proper understanding and sufficient broad experience
in the field having enough familiarization in the physical appearance, behaviour
on a functional electrical equipment in the industry. Books, literatures and other
reading materials are important in learning electrical system, but without its
actual application or experience on how the system works is incomplete for a REE
to grant a S & S privilege. Still, stakeholders or customers in the electrical
industry preferred to give their full trust and confidence to a PEE rather than REE
when it comes to S & S.

“Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. And
experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer. 13”

13
Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture (2007)
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

In summary, there is no such thing as “ trial and error method” – an unacceptable

philosophy in electrical system since the impact for any error whether small or
big has a significant effect on electrical system.

4.3 Allowing REE’s to Sign & Seal with Limit up to 500kVA- Do all REE’s
gained sufficient work experience

An experienced Electrical Engineer is no doubt an individual who has the courage,

confidence and strong conviction to sign and seal an Electrical Plan. The current
provision in Section 16, RA 7920 has set a minimum requirement of 4-years
experience to apply for becoming a PEE. Said 4–years experience is just one or
as entry level among many other requirements to be qualified to take the PEE
challenge.

Hence, there are valid issues that require proper analysis and consideration such
as are follows:

1) Not all REEs experience is related to Electrical Engineering:

It is a common knowledge that due to many circumstances, many REEs have

chosen to work outside of Electrical Engineering field like working in a BPO as
Call Center agent; sales representative of a pharmaceutical company and
other non-EE related tasks. As a consequence, these individuals instead of
advancing their knowledge in electrical engineering would tend to concentrate
on what they are currently engaged on. Eventually, their knowledge in their
chosen course will diminish if they will not apply it in practice and no
continuing education in the form of seminars, trainings, conferences in
electrical engineering.

2) Not all REEs experience are not in the field of design;

Due to a wide range of electrical engineering scope such as maintenance,

consultancy, construction, design, sales, teaching among others, not all REEs
are engaged in electrical design.
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
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Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

3) If a REE has a 10+ years in maintenance or construction, can he still design

an electrical system?

Not all REEs experience are not in the field of design; However, under the
different scope as stipulated in RA 7920, an applicant for a PEE is allowed to
propose an upgrading, assessment, improvement, etc. of an existing electrical
system in a manufacturing plant, generating plant, commercial establishments,
distribution plant to name a few.

4.4 Existing Law (RA7920) has a proper solution

The Electrical Engineering Law (RA 7920) has the definite answer to address the
above issues and concerns. The authors and defenders of this law, 20 years ago
realized that S & S an electrical plan is not an easy and simple task to deal with.
It is the reason why this privilege is only given to a PEE. And to become a PEE,
several requirements and conditions need to be met by a REE who has sufficient
experience at least minimum of 4-years. Secondly, said applicant to become a
PEE need to submit and depend his/her Technical Engineering Report (TER). The
TER must be well prepared, studied, analyzed with corresponding electrical
engineering calculations and principles, proven and acceptable codes, standards,
etc. Not only just a submission is required hence; need to pass an Oral
Examination before the Board of Electrical Engineering. These two requirements
are just some of the other consideration for an applicant to pass the PEE
challenge.

5 Why PEE and who are Qualified?

Sharing quote from National Society of Professional Engineers 14,

“To a client, it means you've got the credentials to earn their trust. To an employer,
it signals your ability to take on a higher level of responsibility. Among your
colleagues, it demands respect. To yourself, it's a symbol of pride and measure of
your own hard-won achievement”

14
(National Society of Professional Engineers, n.d.)
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

5.1 Four years’ Experience REE’s only to be qualified

Based on the existing law, by default, REE that has a 4-years’ experience is
qualified to upgrade their PRC license to PEE. From 1995 up to 2014, there are
at least 79%15 or approximately 55,000 in the REE roster are now qualified to
apply for PEE. But the BIG QUESTION IS, WHERE ARE THEY? Actually, there are
REE who have approached much PEE and even the BEE about how to become a
PEE and the preparations and sacrifice that need to be done. However, you are
lucky enough if you find at least 5 or 10 REE (or even lower) out of 50 REEs who
were interested at first glance who will push through to become a PEE. This reality
is evident based on the list of PEE applicants every year.

Below are the following reasons gathered from REEs who failed to start preparing
or finally complete their TER:

a. Lack of self-confidence.

b. Fear of failing the oral interview by the Board of Electrical Engineering

c. Overtaken by many events such as workload, family problem, etc.

d. PEE is less priority than family and job or business thus didn't find
extra time to study and do research works.

e. No interest at all because of ill advices that Sign and Sign to Allow
RME and RME will be achieved very soon based on what were written
on Facebook account created by Mr. Ocampo and his cohorts.

f. Wishing that Ocampo et al. would surely win the battle because of the
political back up by Congressman Abayon. Expected that many
congressmen will approve the proposed bill to win the hearts of the
majority of RME and REE including their families in the forthcoming
2009 election: to the extent that the proposed Electrical Engineering
Law will become complicated thus destroy the EE profession and
create more problems and electrical hazards.

15
Data, based on ratio and proportion from 1995 until 2018
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

g. Many REES are just honest to themselves that they are not yet
qualified or prepared to take PEE challenge despite of their long or
more than 4-years’ experience.

No one prevents this 55,000 REEs to upgrade and aspire PEEs. But again,
becoming a PEE is an individual choice.

5.2 Submission of TER (Technical Engineering Report)

The Technical Engineering Report (TER) is the main requirement among others
to be submitted to the Board of Electrical Engineering (BEE.). This TER is a solid
proof that a REE is ready to face the challenge as he/ she will going to depend it
during the Oral Examination in the PRC BEE office. By doing so, the applicant for
PEE would have the great chance to show to the world that he/she is qualified to
step into the next level no matter what. These individuals are brave enough with
strong will and conviction to follow the law and always believe in the saying that
“no guts, no glory.”

The TER requirement becomes the main battle neck so that many REEs are afraid
to pursue their dream to become a PEE. Several reasons are well explained in
Section 5.1 above.

5.2.1 Priority

Priority over another priority. Though many REEs are dreaming to reach
the highest Electrical Engineer PRC license, but they need to choose
among many priorities and consideration to given utmost time and
United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

attention. This issue is one of the hard thing to be decided by any

individuals because of the effect on ones’ family, work, business, social
affairs, leisure time, etc.

5.2.2 Pride

There is a saying that important and insignificant people will be affected

by PRIDE and foolish actions of prideful individuals. It is the one who is
arrogant and who seems haughty. This is applicable to REEs who believe
that they are more than qualified to Sign and Seal because of their
valuable and sufficient experience even without taking the PEE challenge.
Pride is dangerous if a person is no longer obeying the law and just want
a “come what may” attitude. However, the law as described in Latin as
“Dura Lex Sed Lex”, that means “it is harsh, but it is the law”. This
description about law is in general term, but the Electrical Engineering is
not that harsh for a qualified practitioner but it is harsh to somebody who
doesn't want to obey the law.

Due to personal vested interest of the proponents of these House

Bills, they just want to change the law instead of complying the
existing Electrical Engineering Law.

To clearly explain the above statement, please see below the comment
of Mr. Ocampo in his facebook account.
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

6 Conclusion

UPPEP strongly believe that the current Electrical Engineering Law particularly the
“Sign and Seal” of an electrical plan, should remain the same, that only PEE can be
allowed to have this privilege bearing the highest PRC license of an Electrical Engineer
in our country. PEEs have already proven themselves by sacrificing a lot: job, families,
love ones, extracurricular activities, special occasions, business transactions, electrical
projects, leisure trips/ travels, and many others, just to comply what RA 7920 is saying
about the next step level – the upgrading to PEE. UPEEP will treat this battle against
the proposed HB as serious and will exert every great effort to win even bringing this
case up to the highest court of the land – the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

The said proposed HB is a disgrace to our profession, to the respected and high calibre
authors of RA 7920 and to IIEE by several individuals who are brainwashing the
majority of the RME and REE. Sad to say, these brainwashed colleagues in the industry
are not thinking what will happen next to the future electrical system projects where:

 the “safety” and quality of electrical works will be compromised so that

human lives and properties are at stake.
 It is expected that fire incidence will increase as result of many violations
of electrical code committed by neophyte and inexperience REE and RME
after signing and sealing an electrical plan.
 Possible that the leading and most awarded Association of Professional
Organization, the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE) will be
in trouble for the ill effect of the proposed law.
 Applicants for PEE will be lessen until it dies a natural death.
 Camaraderie, respect and inter personal relationship among the
Practitioners (PEE, REE, RME) will be greatly affected.
 United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (UPEEP)
UPEEP – PP19 - 01
Office Address: B5H L26B Jade Height Subd., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, M.M.

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