Philippine Interior Design Act of 1998, sought to be amended
Posted on | April 28, 2011 |
After the approval on third reading of House Bill No. 4316, which seeks to amend Republic Act 8534 or the Philippine Interior Design Act of 1998 before Congress went on recess, lady solon and principal author Congresswoman Susan Yap of the Second District of Tarlac now calls for its swift approval in the Senate.
According to Yap, the bill aims to regulate and modernize the practice of interior design in the Philippines, a profession that has been put to a lot of pressure lately because of the increased volume of infrastructure and real estate projects in the country, the influx of foreign professionals here, and the illegal practice of unlicensed interior designers.
Professional standards in the country have been put into question lately because of loopholes and malpractices of some professional board members, not necessarily in the board of interior design. Because of this, said Yap, there is an urgent need to overhaul the old Interior Design Act (RA 8534) to provide safety nets and measures that will ensure the development of the profession.
A salient feature of the bill allows a foreign citizen to take licensure exam whose country/state has reciprocity with the Philippines in the practice of interior design. This will facilitate transfer of technology boasted Yap. Foreign interior designers practicing in the country need not worry with the passage of the bill as they may still practice interior design under a temporary or special permit, especially if his/her expertise is unique and useful to the Philippines.
However, Yap stressed that the bill is strict to those who shall practice illegally. Under the bill, foreign interior design firm or individuals who shall be found to be illegally practicing their profession shall be penalized with a fine of a minimum of 15% of gross fees under P5 million and a minimum of 10% percent of gross fees above P5 million in addition to the payment of back payment to the Philippine government.
A major advancement for the profession of interior design proposed by Yap through this bill is “the protection of the professional’s intellectual property right to the drawings, specifications, and other contract documents, duly signed and sealed, as instruments of service.” This will ensure that interior designers can now be secured that the drawings they leave to clients will remain solely theirs and its application duly for the client’s purpose.
This year, a Senate version of the bill was filed by Sen. Miguel Zubiri on July 27, 2010 as SB No. 2169 and referred to Committee on Civil Service chaired by Hon. Sen. Antonio F. Trillanes.
The proposed measure has already been approved in the House of Congress in the 14th Congress but failed to take off because its Senate counterpart bill remained pending.
Popular Tags
abaca art bamboo bed bench book buddha candle holder center table chair clock coffee table console console table design desk dining chair dining set dining table divider floor lamp frame glass ig instagram kamagong lamp metal mirror photography pr rattan set shelves side table stainless steel stool storage table tv rack vase wall clock wood woodwork
Quick Links |
Recently Posted
- Happy New Year 2024!
- New Leoque!
- Condominium Living Room Furniture Design and Supply
- Acacia wood buffet cabinet with wine rack
- Custom wall accent, wall planter
- Single bed with headboard
- Bedroom furniture set, bed and night tables
- King-size bed, wood frame with headboard and night tables
- Mahogany wood, shoe cabinet storage
- House of Leoque, CFIP Member Since 2013
Archives
Subscribe to our feed
Elsewhere
