TACLOBAN CITY-A proposed measure seeking to extend the validity of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identification cards from three years to five years has passed second reading in the House of Representatives, a development expected to ease renewal burdens for thousands of Filipino professionals.
The lawmakers approved the measure on second reading House Bill 8876, which consolidates several proposals, including House Bill 6752 authored by former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and other legislators.
The bill aims to lengthen the validity period of PRC IDs from the current three years to five years.
Once enacted into law, the measure is expected to benefit licensed professionals such as teachers, nurses, engineers, and other PRC-registered workers by reducing the frequency of renewals.
Rep. Romualdez said the proposal seeks to lessen both the financial cost and inconvenience associated with repeated renewal processes. He added that extending the validity period would help professionals focus more on their work and public service rather than administrative requirements.
The proposed measure is also being pushed as part of broader efforts to streamline government services and reduce bureaucratic red tape.
The PRC regulates and licenses various professions in the Philippines, including educators, healthcare workers, architects, accountants, and engineers. PRC-issued identification cards currently require renewal every three years, often involving fees, documentary requirements, and continuing professional development (CPD) compliance.
If approved on third and final reading and eventually signed into law, the measure would amend existing PRC regulations to implement the longer five-year validity period nationwide.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
