THE PRACTICE

OF CIVIL
ENGINEERING
(PICE)
MANUAL
1.1 GENERAL
This manual addresses the procurement of civil engineering
services for a quality project.
QUALITY by definition is one satisfactorily meeting both the
expectations of the client or employer and the requirements
of the project. It requires professional dedication, effort,
adequate time for investigation, planning and innovation,
fair compensation, andappropriate authority and
responsibility. Quality results from team effort and is
measured by the degree of satisfaction of all parties
involved
1.2 PROFESSIONAL
RESPONSIBILITY
The standard of practice is for Civil Engineers to be given
responsibility for studying, conceiving, designing,
observing construction, and assisting in the programming
for operating and maintaining engineering works.
The health, safety, well-being and comfort of the public in
using the facility, and the ultimate facility cost, all depend
to aconsiderable extent on how well members of the
project team fulfill their professional and contractual
responsibilities.
1.2 PROFESSIONAL
RESPONSIBILITY
Civil Engineers shall conduct themselves in a highly
Professional Manner and Serve as Faithful Trustees or agents
of their client or employers.
Civil Engineers are therefore bound by the Fundamental
Canons of Ethics contained in this manual.
Care and protection of the environment is paramount in the
Civil Engineer’s work engagement.
Civil Engineers must always strive to maintain the highest
standard of Ethical Professional Practice in their dealing with
client, employers, employees, competitors and the community
1.3 CLIENT-CIVIL ENGINEER
RELATIONSHIP
Many public and private entities, of necessity rely on
Civil Engineers as their employees.
Independent civil engineering firms are also relied upon
to accomplish projects which will require special
expertise beyond the normal capabilities of the client.
More recently clients have been utilizing new concepts,
such as program management and design-build, to
implement projects.
PROPER RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CIVIL
ENGINEERS AND THEIR PUBLIC AND
PRIVATE CLIENTS
OBLIGATIONS OF THE
CIVIL ENGINEER
Perform their obligations with diligence, care, and
reasonable skill.
Shall act independently and accordingly to the
contract, when required to certify or decide between a
client and a third party.
Act as the client's faithful agent implied in the contract.
Give written notice on particulars of any change in the
scope of services.
OBLIGATIONS OF THE
CIVIL ENGINEER
For staged services, civil engineers shall not initiate ay
service without the approval of the client.
When required, civil engineers shall direct or work with
other professions and integrate concerned work, but
shall not be professionally liable for their work.
The civil engineer may recommend contractors or
specialists to design and execute certain parts of the
works.
Any interest which may have conflict of interest of the
client should be notified by the civil engineer
OBLIGATIONS OF THE
CLIENT
The client shall pay the civil engineer for his services as
stipulated in the contract.
Information required by the civil engineer shall be
provided by the client in writing and the latter shall allow
the civil engineer reasonable time.
The client shall cooperate and not interfere or obstruct in
the performance of services.
The client shall make arrangements to allow the civil
engineer to do site investigation and inspection of
facilities ASAP
OBLIGATIONS OF THE
CLIENT
The client shall shoulder the arrangement of services of
other professionals and bear all costs.
In cases of clients allowing civil engineers as Engineer-to-
the-Contract, the client shall give instructions through
the civil engineers.
Client shall notify the civil engineer through writing
within 7 days of any change he is aware of.
 LIABILITY OF THE CIVIL
ENGINEER AND THE CLIENT
The civil engineer shall pay for damages arising out
of breach of duty of care against the civil engineer
to the client.
The client shall be liable to pay to the civil engineer
if a break of client's duty is established against the
client
A third-party arbitrator should be mutually
acceptable to both parties.
 LIABILITY OF THE CIVIL
ENGINEER AND THE CLIENT
Conflicts arising from the agreement between the client and
the civil engineer follows the following process:
Amicable settlement - Mutual understanding
Mediation - Negotiation overseen by a third-party called
the mediator.
Arbitration - Negotiation where the third-party(considered
as impartial) is in control in making the final decision.
Litigation (court proceeding) - Negotiation where courts
and civil justice system are involved.
 LIMITATION OR CIVIL
ENGINEER'S RESPONSIBILITY
The civil engineer shall not be liable for damages, loss, and
costs for any errors or omissions for documents not prepared
by him or under his control, for fraudulent services or
negligence by the client or any other consultant , contractor,
supplier.
The civil engineer shall not be liable for the performance of
other consultants, contractors, suppliers (regardless of
recommendation).
The civil engineer shall not be responsible for the procedures
of techniques adopted by any third party.
DAMAGES
If the civil engineer is found liable, the damages shall be paid on
the following terms:
Damages for the foreseeable loss and damage as a result of
the breach.
The maximum amount is specified in the Specific Provision.
However, if no specific amount is given: the lesser of
300,000Php or 10% of the total amount damages or 25% of the
total fees payable under the agreement.
If a third-party is found liable in some parts of the service, the
amount payable shall be limited to the proportion of work
 SUSPENSION OR
TERMINATION OF SERVICES
In cases when the civil engineer is not liable but it is
impossible to continue the project, the civil engineer
shall notify the client promptly.
If only portions of the work are suspended, time shall
be extended

TIME extension = TIME delay + TIME resumption

 SUSPENSION OR
TERMINATION OF SERVICES
For cases with reduction of performance speed,
extension and depends on the circumstances
A 30-day (minimum)notice shall be given by the
client to the civil engineer in cases when client
suspends or terminates work. Upon notification, civil
engineer should make necessary arrangements to
stop operation.
 SUSPENSION OR
TERMINATION OF SERVICES
A 30-day (minimum) notice shall be given by the civil engineer for
suspension or termination of services under the following conditions:
No payment (or part of it) of the client 30 days after due date
When the client suspends work for more than six months, or if it is
clear to the civil engineer that it is impractical to continue services
before the suspension exceeds six months. When services are
suspended or terminated, the civil engineer is entitled to the
payment of the following: Consequential cost, Expenses and
disruption fees, and Remobilization fees on resumption
SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
•If a dispute arises on either party then that party shall
by notice in writing served on the other party of the
details of dispute and request that the dispute be
resolved by conciliation. If the matter in dispute is not
resolved in conciliation between the parties within the
prescribe time then the matter in dispute shall be
referred to arbitration.
OWNERSHIP OF DATA, DESIGNS
AND DOCUMENTS
The civil engineer owns the following documents, which
shall be used for specific projects covered in the contract
between the client and the engineer:
Design analyses
Drawings
Specifications
Reproductions
1.4 CIVIL ENGINEERING
SERVICES
Design, consultations and advice
Feasibility studies
Field investigations and engineering data collection
Environmental assessments, impact statements or
Engineering reports
Opinions of probable construction cost
Preliminary and final designs, drawings, specifications
and construction bidding documents
Assistance in securing construction bids and in awarding
contracts
1.4 CIVIL ENGINEERING
SERVICES
Construction administration and observation
Arrangements for or performance testing of materials and
equipment
Assistance in start-up, assessment of capacity, and
operation of facilities
Preparation of operation and maintenance manuals
Appraisals and rate studies
Value engineering
1.4 CIVIL ENGINEERING
SERVICES
Export testimony
Assessment of risks
Structural remediation or rehabilitation
Project Management and controls
Provision of supplemental temporary staff
Teaching
1.4 CIVIL ENGINEERING
SERVICES
Talents of various discipline of Professional Civil Engineering firms
Economists
Planners
Engineers and designers
Estimators
Architects
Scientists
Technical analysts
Specification writers
Drafters
Field Representatives
Surveyors
1.4 CIVIL ENGINEERING
SERVICES
Civil engineering services must be performed in a
competent and efficient manner, on a highly professional
and ethical plane, and in an atmosphere of mutual respect
and trust.
Project implementation has become increasingly complex,
involving
Financial
Environmental
Regulatory
Technical and managerial matters
1.4 CIVIL ENGINEERING
SERVICES
Program Management one of the implementation
approaches used by clients wherein they retain a
program manager to perform specialized task
Program manager performs specialized tasks necessary
to the development or construction of a specific project
develop, define and oversee the program, prepare
budgetary estimates of program costs, prepare program
schedules, evaluate and select members of the program
team, and provide periodic program status reports and
generally a Civil Engineer
1.5 SPECIALIZATION IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING
PICE (Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers)

recognizes the initial five areas of specialization.

awards certificate that will consider
qualification for positions in the respective areas
of specialization
1.5 SPECIALIZATION IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING
SPECIALIZATION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS AND CIVIL
ENGINEERING FIRMS
Structural and foundation
Geotechnical and environmental
Water resources and hydraulics
Transportation
Construction management and engineering
A Civil Engineer who has specialized in any area of civil
engineering ma be considered as a specialist in the
appropriate field asenumerated
1.6 SELECTION OF A CIVIL
ENGINEER
The selection of a civil engineer is one important decision for
the client.

For engineering services in construction projects.

The compensation for services (full range) of an engineer
in construction projects should not be less than 1 to 2% of
the life-cycle cost. Thereby, selection should include an
engineer who can monitor the project from design,
construction, and start-up.
1.6 SELECTION OF A CIVIL
ENGINEER
As a Consultant compensation depends on the cost of
services so selection is based on:

Qualification
Experience
Reputation
Quality of client service
1.6 SELECTION OF A CIVIL
ENGINEER
Although selection based on quality and expertise made by
the client might be subjective, it is better to assign a
qualified individual in the company to do the choosing.

Once the selection is completed, discussions between the

client and the civil engineer should define the two
important things before the compensation of the engineer
Scope of work
Expectations from the services
1.7 PRIME PROFESSIONAL
PRACTICE
Guidelines in this manual refer specifically to the
engagement of engineering services where:

Consulting Civil Engineer serves as prime

professional
Client serves as owner of the project
1.8 EMPLOYMENT
Guidelines in this manual refer to Civil Engineers
employed by:

Professional consulting firms

Government agencies
Educational institutions
Construction firms
Manufacturing
Commercial entities and other entities
1.9 DESIGN COMPETITION
Process through which a Civil Engineer is selected
above other competitors based on proposal or
innovative approach to solving a client’s needs

Invitation is through:
Directly through solicitation
Indirectly through a letter of request or through
publication or newspaper
1.10 CONTINGENCY BASIS
OF EMPLOYMENT
Canon 5c or PICE Code or Ethics provides that
“Engineers may request, propose or accept
professional commissions on a contingency basis
only under circumstances in which their
professional judgments would not be
compromised.”
1.11 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
OF FOREIGN CIVIL ENGINEERS
Foreign Civil Engineers are allowed by law (RA 8981) to
practice civil engineering in the Philippines under the
following instances:
The laws of the foreigner’s state or country allow the
citizens of the Philippines to practice civil engineering on
the same basis and grant the same privileges as those
enjoyed by the citizens of such foreign state or country.
Allowed under international agreement
1.11 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
OF FOREIGN CIVIL ENGINEERS
Consultants to be engaged in foreign-funded, joint venture or
foreign-assisted projects of the government.
Employees of Philippines or foreign private institutions
pursuant to law.
Civil Engineers who were former citizens of the Philippines,
who had been registered and issued a certificate of
registration and a professional identification card prior to
their naturalization as foreign citizens, and who, while in the
country on a visit, sojourn orpermanent residence, desire to
practice their profession.
1.11 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
OF FOREIGN CIVIL ENGINEERS
Foreign civil engineers must still secure a certificate of
registration/license or special permit from the
Professional Regulation Commission. Agencies,
organizations or individuals, whether public or private,
who secure the services of a foreign Civil Engineer, are
made responsibleby law (R.A. 8981- Modernization Act
2000) for securing a special permit from the PRC and the
Department of Labor and Employmentpursuant to their
respective rules
 THANK YOU

AGNES N. SEGUERA
ANNA MEERAH S. SARMIENTO
ARNOLD FREDERICK S. SANDIG
RHEGO R. PINGOY