JV Ejercito files bill to repeal CPD Law

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito filed a bill to repeal the controversial Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Law.

JV Ejercito files bill to repeal CPD Law
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito files Senate Bill No. 1162 which aims to repeal the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Law of 2016 | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Sen. JV Ejercito

On Ejercito’s official Facebook page, the senator announced on Thursday, October 20, that he has filed Senate Bill No. 1162, which aims to repeal Republic Act No. 10912, or the CPD Act of 2016. According to Ejercito, he understands that the CPD promotes continued development among professionals. However, the expenses it entails are a significant burden for many struggling professionals.

Under the CPD Law, licensed professionals need to earn CPD credits as a mandatory requirement for the renewal of their Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID. They can earn CPD credits by attending seminars and workshops accredited by the PRC. Although the CPD seeks to ensure that professionals maintain and improve their skills, it has come under fire for its exorbitant fees. Many professionals also complain about how it has made license renewal even more tedious and complicated.

The PRC on October 11 announced the extension of the acceptance of CPD undertaking for the renewal of Professional Identification Card until December 31, 2023 from the original 2022 mandate. The agency cited the continued threats of Corona Virus Disease 2019 that may still hamper compliance of the professionals with the CPD requirements.

“Professionals are advised further that the execution of an undertaking shall not constitute as a waiver of the CPD compliance and such compliance shall be completed on the next renewal cycle,” PRC added.

According to Ejercito, the CPD requirements are an additional burden for many Filipinos in these difficult times. He continued by saying that since everything in the nation is still expensive due to inflation, professionals shouldn't be forced to pay these fees.

Ejercito stated, “At this time, when inflation has risen yet again and Filipinos struggle with soaring food prices, the 2.56 million registered Filipino professionals do not need the additional costly burden of complying with their CPD requirements. Thus, the CPD Act needs to be repealed.”

Through the years, there have been many bills filed aiming to amend or repeal the CPD Law. Recently, the House of Representatives approved a bill that aims to amend the law. Among the measures of the bill includes exempting some professionals from the CPD requirements and making CPD voluntary for professionals who are covered by mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs).

— Sally, The Summit Express



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