The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill extending the validity of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identification cards from three years to five years, a reform aimed at reducing renewal burdens for millions of licensed Filipino professionals.
House Bill No. 8876 was passed with 266 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and one abstention. The measure seeks to lengthen the validity of professional identification cards issued by the PRC, which are currently renewed every three years, usually during the birth month of licensed professionals.
The bill was approved as part of broader efforts to streamline government processes, ease public transactions, and reduce unnecessary regulatory requirements.
The proposal addresses the long-standing appeal of professionals for a simpler, less costly, and more efficient renewal system.
“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,” Rep. Sandro Marcos, one of the principal authors of the bill, said.
He said the longer validity period would also help decongest PRC renewal systems and appointment slots while keeping professional standards and regulatory safeguards in place.
“This is a straightforward but meaningful reform. Instead of forcing professionals to repeatedly go through the same process every three years, we are giving them more time to focus on their careers, their families and their service to the country,” the Ilocos Norte solon added.
Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, one of the bill’s principal authors, said the measure would ease the burden on professionals by reducing the frequency of renewals and related expenses.
“Layunin ng panukalang ito na bawasan ang pasanin ng ating mga propesyonal. Kung mas mahaba ang validity ng kanilang PRC IDs, mas makakapagpokus sila sa trabaho, pamilya, at mas produktibong paglilingkod sa bayan,” he said.
He noted that the proposal also recognizes the contribution and sacrifices of licensed professionals across the country.
“Ang panukalang ito ay pagkilala sa sakripisyo at ambag ng ating mga propesyonal. Sa mas mahabang validity ng PRC IDs, mas mabibigyan sila ng ginhawa at sapat na panahon para sa kanilang propesyon at trabaho,” the former House Speaker added.
Under HB 8876, all PRC-issued professional identification cards will be valid for five years, subject to compliance with existing laws, continuing professional development requirements, and other regulatory standards.
The measure also directs the PRC’s Information and Communication Technology Service to complete necessary upgrades to the Licensure Examination Registration Information System and related administrative processes within six months from the law’s effectivity.
Marcos said the bill would benefit professionals across key sectors, including teachers, nurses, engineers, architects, accountants, and other licensed workers nationwide.