Code of Ethics for Environmental Planners in the Philippines

March 5, 2015

PRC BOARD OF ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING RESOLUTION NO. 003-15

CODE OF ETHICS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNERS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Pursuant to its powers and functions under Section 9 (g) and (m) Article II of Republic Act No. 10587, otherwise known as the "Environmental Planning Act of 2013", the Professional Regulatory Board of Environmental Planning, hereinafter referred to as the BOARD, hereby adopts and promulgates this "Code of Ethics for Environmental Planners in the Philippines". ASEcHI

ARTICLE I

Declaration of Principles

SECTION 1. This Code shall be known as the "Code of Ethics for Environmental Planners in the Philippines". It is a set of ethical standards that shall govern the personal and professional conduct of Environmental Planners.

SECTION 2. This Code shall also serve as an instrument to promote and protect public interest by ensuring that only competent and qualified individuals are admitted to the practice of the environmental planning profession.

SECTION 3. Environmental Planners shall, first and foremost, commit themselves to the service of God, country, and humankind. Further, their services and endeavors shall advance the art and science of environmental planning in accordance with the constitutional mandate of protecting the rights of the people to a balanced ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

SECTION 4. They shall commit themselves to the highest degree of professionalism, excellence, competence, and integrity in the practice of their profession.

SECTION 5. They shall uphold and obey the Constitution, all laws, rules and regulations, and legal orders.

ARTICLE II

Responsibility to the Profession and to the Professional Organization of Environmental Planners

SECTION 6. Environmental Planners shall contribute to the continuing development of the profession through constant improvement, updating, and retooling in current planning knowledge, theory, practice, and skills. To this end, Environmental Planners shall devote time, effort, talent, and resources for the advancement of the profession.

SECTION 7. They shall actively participate and get involved in the activities and efforts of their professional organization in promoting the concerns and affairs of the profession, and in enhancing the relevance of the profession to national and local problems relating to environmental planning.

SECTION 8. They shall constantly adhere to the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the conduct of their personal and professional affairs. As such they shall:

(a) disclose their professional qualifications, affiliations, and experience accurately and desist from claiming any professional qualification unless supported by academic credential, track record or relevant experience;

(b) refrain from resorting to paid advertisement nor self-laudatory, exaggerated or misleading publicity. Media releases/announcements or newspaper supplements may cover events undertaken only to commemorate their anniversaries in public practice by informing the public of their achievements or accomplishments in contributing towards nation-building and in international understanding, goodwill or relationships, or enhancing the image or standards of the profession.

(c) serve as resource persons, speakers in public fora, seminars and assemblies or as writers/columnists in regular publications; and

(d) pursue a program of continuing professional development.

ARTICLE III

Responsibility to Co-Professionals

SECTION 9. In the practice of the profession, Environmental Planners shall develop and encourage a healthy and harmonious relationship with colleagues and other professionals. They shall:

(a) give due respect to the professional image of colleagues at all times;

(b) share the results of researches and studies undertaken or relevant subject areas; and

(c) seek to broaden the range of opportunities for professional involvement and development of co-professionals. ITAaHc

ARTICLE IV

Responsibility to the Client

SECTION 10. Environmental Planners shall, at all times, maintain the highest degree of professionalism and integrity in their working relationship with clients. Services shall be rendered with honesty, transparency, and good faith. They shall:

(a) exercise honesty in presenting their professional credentials and competence;

(b) provide services strictly within the scope of the environmental planning practice;

(c) avoid engaging in activities which may give rise to conflict of interest;

(d) charge professional fees commensurate with the extent and quality of services rendered; and

(e) keep confidential information and related documents obtained in the course of their professional service, except with the permission of the client or upon lawful order of court.

ARTICLE VI^*

Responsibility to the Country and Society

SECTION 11. The primary obligation of Environmental Planners to the country and society is to safeguard national interest. More specifically, within the scope of the environmental planning profession, they shall be guided by the following societal concerns:

(a) Sustainable Development as a long-range planning strategy;

(b) Priority attention to the needs of the disadvantaged and marginalized sectors of the society;

(c) Protection and conservation of the natural environment, as well as the cultural and historical heritage of the country;

(d) Enhanced public ownership and mutual accountability of the country's development agenda through participatory planning and implementation processes;

(e) Contribution to informed and enlightened decision-making in government through objective and accurate reporting and evaluation of significant planning issues and concerns; and

(f) Special attention to the reduction of disparities among regions and administrative/geographical areas.

ARTICLE VII

Penal Provisions

SECTION 12. Violation of any of the provisions of this Code shall constitute unethical and unprofessional conduct and shall, therefore, be considered as a sufficient cause for the revocation of the Certificate of Registration or suspension from the practice of the profession of a Registered Environmental Planner in accordance with Section 9 (d) Article II and Section 21 Article III of Republic Act. No. 10587. CHTAIc

ARTICLE VIII

Effectivity

SECTION 13. This Code shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

DONE in the City of Manila on 5th day of March 2015.

(SGD.) JOSEFINA M. RAMOSChairman

(SGD.) LIRIO T. ABUYUANMember

(SGD.) DOLORES A. ENDRIGAMember

ATTESTED:

(SGD.) LOVELIKA T. BAUTISTAOfficer-in-Charge

APPROVED:

(SGD.) FLORENTINO C. DOBLE, M.D.Chairman

on official travelANGELINE T. CHUA CHIACOCommissioner

(SGD.) YOLANDA D. REYESCommissioner

Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 111, No. 24, p. 3390 dated June 15, 2015.