MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Wednesday night approved a bill seeking to extend the validity of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identification cards to five years.
House Bill 8876, which proposes extending the validity of PRC licenses from three years, hurdled third and final reading after more than 260 lawmakers voted in favor of its passage.
“Our professionals deserve a government that values their time and hard work. This measure cuts red tape, reduces unnecessary expenses, and makes public service more responsive to the realities faced by millions of Filipinos,” House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos said in a statement.
Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, one of the bill’s authors, said the proposal aims to ease the burden on professionals.
“If the validity of their PRC IDs is longer, they can focus more on their jobs, families, and more productive service to the nation,” Romualdez said.
“This proposal is a recognition of the sacrifice and contribution of our professionals,” he added.
“This reform is about efficiency, convenience, and respect for the Filipino workforce,” Marcos said.
Under the bill, professional identification cards issued by the PRC shall be valid for five years, subject to compliance with existing laws, continuing professional development requirements, and other regulatory standards.
