What Is the Bill About?
Incoming Albay 3rd District Representative Raymond Adrian Salceda plans to file a new bill in the Philippine Congress. This bill is called the “Professional License Rationalization and CPD Access Act.” Its main goal is extending PRC license validity from the current 3 years to 5 or even 10 years, depending on the type of profession.
Why Is This Bill Important?
Many professionals in the Philippines—like teachers, engineers, and nurses—need to renew their licenses every 3 years. But renewing a license is not cheap or easy. Professionals must pay renewal fees and attend Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs, which can cost up to ₱15,000 every 10 years.
Salceda’s proposal wants to bring that cost down to below ₱2,000 by:
- Making licenses valid for a longer time
- Reducing red tape and paperwork
- Offering subsidized CPD for some sectors, especially for public workers
What Will Change for Professionals?
If this bill passes, professionals will:
- Save money on license renewals
- Spend less time worrying about certificates
- Focus more on their jobs and less on CPD compliance
Salceda said it best:
“This isn’t about weakening standards — it’s about removing senseless burdens. Professionals should focus on their work, not on chasing certificates and receipts every three years.”
How Will It Help the Public Sector?
Workers in the public sector will benefit the most. Many of them earn less and struggle with CPD expenses. A longer license validity and affordable CPD options will give them a fair chance to stay licensed without financial stress.
Will It Lower Professional Standards?
No, the bill does not lower standards. It still requires CPD, but with more flexible and affordable options. Professionals will still be trained, but without the unnecessary hassle and high cost.
My Take on It
As someone who knows the stress of renewing licenses, I think this bill is a great idea. Every few years, I see friends and co-workers rushing to gather documents, attend seminars, and pay high fees. It’s tiring and takes time away from their real work. Extending PRC license validity will remove that stress. It’s a smart move that shows respect for professionals’ time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the current PRC license validity?
Right now, most PRC licenses in the Philippines are valid for 3 years.
How long will the license be valid under the proposed bill?
It could be extended to 5 or even 10 years, depending on the profession.
Will CPD still be required?
Yes, but the bill aims to offer cheaper and more accessible CPD programs, especially for public sector workers.
How much could professionals save?
They could save over ₱13,000 in 10 years if the bill passes.
Who proposed the bill?
Incoming Albay 3rd District Representative Raymond Adrian Salceda.
Extending PRC license validity up to 10 years is a smart, cost-saving move that could improve the lives of millions of professionals in the Philippines. It supports workers, respects their time, and still keeps professional standards strong. If passed, this bill could be one of the most practical reforms for Filipino workers in years.
