I 'Jt PiNtilNIWUIIMO 0QNTHAUTN , Ml' inc : tlrtf * ATIONH

AND ISTHIUH

Taking all things together , the estimated cost should be

liberally prepared especially when the financial feasibility
is based on a limited budget , otherwise , it may place the
owner exhausted in funds leaving the started structure half
or less than one-third done and of no use to the owner. PART 811
QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS ENGINEERING ETHICS
mmm
1. Of what importance is the preliminary investi
gation of the location before the work of writing
- Chapter I
the specification is started ?
ENGINEERING ETHICS
2. What is the probable consequence if the responsi -
bility for investigation of the conditions in the site
is made for the account of each bidder?
3. Why is it important for design engineers and -
Introduction. From the pre historic times, artifacts K
architects to be able to estimate costs with a have revealed of the early engineering ingenuity . This had
reasonable degree of accuracy ? progressed in the modem times that we now learn from
accounted events of many amazing discoveries, i.e. landing
;
on the moon , and many other engineering feats like satellite
orbiting the surface of the earth , all brought about by the « U:(
!

activity called “engineering.” v,

It is obvious that the engineer's expertise and technical

skill, which probably makes up engineering, contributes s&
.
much to the survival and growth of mankind He is said to be
a contriver of amazing things through utilization of materials
and forces of nature discovered by scientists and the ap-
I
plication of his knowledge of mathematical and natural
sciences. As one Dean of Engineering said : “the engineer
systematizes and consolidate the gains of scientific reasearch
and fashions that knowledge into systems and designs all for
the social and economic benefit of man.” Thus, when the
engineer plans and constructs modern roads, dams and port
facilities; when he studies the sources and uses of electrical
1ft
energy, when he sets up industrial systems, develop and
designs new machines, and when he analyses sewerage and
.
water disposal these days, etc he thereby becomes a living
S
proof of man's capacity to contrive, and in doing so brings
about the greatest economic and social advancement. It is i
113
 114 ENGINEERING CONTRACTS, SPECIFICATIONS ENGINEERING ETHICS 115
AND ETHICS

not farfetched that “engineering, ” if improperly exploited , are also observed by those who like himself has been admit -
may cause the destruction of mankind , as in the present ted to its fold . Moreover , as the keystone for professional
race in space conquest and nuclear weapons by elite nations, conduct is integrity , the engineer shall discharge his duties
and in the process destroying each other . ! with utmost fidelity to the public , his client or employer
For all the aforesaid considerations, the role of an and with fairness and impartiality to all .
engineer in the society becomes apparently unparailed
role unmatched by common man , thereby subjecting himself
a — Entry of the engineer to the profession. After under -
to certain professional responsibility established under the going the prescribed academic training and practical ex-
3
Canons of Professional Ethics. perience in college , an aspirant to practice engineering is

Ethics explained. In a broad sense , ethics is the discipline i

3 Practice of Mechanical Engineering. A person shall be deemed
relating to what is good or bad , right or wrong, or with
moral to be practicing mechanical engineering or rendering mechanical engi -
duty and obligation . In particular , it means a group or moral neering service within the meaning and intent of this Act , who shall for
principles or set of values relating to the conduct of a fee, salary or other reward or compensation , render professional
individual and his profession.1 Thus, gangster and syndicates A mechanical planning, design , or preparation of specifications or esti -
for a particular purpose , whether lawful and unlawful, do mates for, or take charge of , supervise or undertake the construction ,
erection , installation or alteration of , or rendering engineering service !
have their own professional ethics . in connection with the manufacture , sale , supply or distribution of , or
It may be said that ethics do not have its sanction from to manage , operate, tend or maintain any mechanical equipment ,
machinery or process for any mechanical work , project or plant; or
legislation or laws promulgated by the state which applies
who shall by means of signs, cards , advertisement or in any other
generally to all inhabitants, irrespective of their status or manner , offer to practice mechanical engineering service, use , assume
calling . Rather , professional ethics encompasses a group of or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression
people who are properly trained and equipped to engage in that he is a professional engineer, or mechanical plant engineer, or
the practice of a discipline for which they have vowed to junior mechanical engineer , or a certified mechanical engineer , or that
cultivate its growth to the maximum while he makes use of he is engaged in the practice of mechanical engineering. ( Sec. 13 A, -
Republic Act 544 ) . i
it for his own benefit . Ethics therefore , derive its force Practice of Electrical Engineering. A person shall be deemed
through the submission of the professional to the discipline practicing electrical engineering or rendering electrical engineering
of the professional group as established under the Canons.2 service who shall for a fee , salary or other reward or compensation
paid to himself or another person , or even without such reward or
Guiding principles. In the absence of a prescribed norm compensation render or offer to render professional electrical engi -
of behavior for an engineer , he should be guided by the neering service in the form of consultation , investigation , valuation ,
planning , designing or preparation of specifications for any electrical
highest principle of honor, justice and courtesy . The engineer construction, installation or project; or take charge of the sale or
should at all times abide with such standard , not by passive distribution of any electrical supply or utilization equipment requiring
observance , but as a set of dynamic principles guiding his engineering calculations and or application of engineering principles
conduct and way of life , seeing to it that at all times these and data; or take charge or supervise any electrical constructions, or
installations, or the operation, tending and maintenance of any
electrical engineering plant; provided , however , that it shall be unlawful
1 for any person to use in connection with this name, or otherwise use,
Webster, International Dictionary.
2 assume or advertise any title tending to convey the impression that
Canons of Professional Ethics for Engineer. ( Prepared by the he is a professional electrical or associate electrical engineer or master
Engineer’s Counsel for Professional Development )
electrician unless he is duly licensed and registered as such in con -
formity with this Act. ( Sec. 13, Ibid )
116 ENGINEERING CONTRACTS, SPECIFICATIONS ENGINEERING ETHICS 117
AND ETHICS

required to pass the appropriate technical examination given much as practicable simple language which may be readily
by the Government . If he passes the same , he is called upon understood by people of average intelligence . If necessary he
to take a professional oath to fully defend the profession and may resort to using illustrations, designs or diagrams to make
for all the things it stand for before the Board of Examiners himself easily understood . If statements affecting engineering
or other authorized government officials; thereafter a work are issued in the press or elsewhere , and in his con -
certificate of registration is issued , save when he has been viction these are untruthful , unfair or exagerated leading
convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude to or are made for the purpose of inducing the public to
or has been found guilty of immoral or dishonorable con- participate in unworthy enterprise , he should not hesitate
duct. If these has been fulfilled , he thereby becomes bound to rise and expound to the best of his ability what is true ,
to observe certain measures of conduct or discipline called fair and accurate to save the public from the inevitable
upon by the society . In particular , the duties and responsi- consequences that may arise from such statements .
bilities would include those pertaining to the general public, ii
the profession and the society of engineers as well as to the
-
2 . Avoidance of rendering opinions in public on
unverified engineering matters . An engineer should refrain
Professional Regulations Commission —
the state entity m from rendering opinions in public on technical engineering
that regulates the admission to the practice , the client or
employer, and to his colleagues and fellow engineers .
matters if not positively certain of its veracity since this
may create complications or add confusion to already con - 3
Relationship to the general public. At all times and troversial transactions . He will express an opinion only when
when feasible the general public is entitled to share the it is founded on adequate knowledge and conviction while
knowledge and benefits of engineering from the society . he is serving as a witness before a court , commission or other
Along this direction , efforts should as made that only fair , duly constituted tribunals. Likewise , he is enjoined to issue
accurate and true engineering matters are feed up to the ex-parte statements, criticism or arguments on matters
public for their easy comprehension and appreciation of such connected with public policy which are inspired or paid for
matters . Specifically , the following acts are among those by private interests as these are bias, unless he indicates in
enjoined and must be observed by him: whose behalf he is making the statement .
1. Avoid misinformation . An engineer should assist 1
3. Guard against public health and safety . Very many
the public to arrive at a fair and correct understanding of people are witness to the fact that in public and private , as
technical engineering matters. This may be done by using as well as in industrial and commercial entities, there is a pre - i
valance of accidents costing the lives and limbs not only its
Practice of Civil Engineering. The practice of Civil Engineering workers but also strangers who may or may not have con -
within the meaning and intents of this Act shall embrace services in nections thereto due to the deleterious operations and the
the form of consultation, design , preparation of plans, specifications , i
prevailing conditions therein . An engineer is reputed to be
estimates , erection , installation and supervision of the construction
of streets, bridges , highways, railroads , airports and hangars, canals , the guardian of public health and safety wherever these
river and shore improvements , lighthouses , and dry docks; buildings , operations are . In the practice of his profession or in the
fixed structures for irrigation , flood protection , drainage , water supply performance of his unique task , he is expected to be an
and sewerage works; demolition of permanent structures; and tunnels . advocate of preventive and curative measures that will safe -
The enumeration of any work in this action shall not be construed
as excluding any other work requiring civil engineering knowledge and
guard the health and safety of the public and the client or
application . employer he serves and its workers.
 118 ENGINEERING CONTRACTS, SPECIFICATIONS
AND ETHICS

Relationship to the profession and engineering society „

- ENGINEERING ETIJICS 119

In his professional life, an engineer is called upon by his 2. Identification with legitimate enterprise . The
profession to cooperate by extending the effectivene of engineer should at all times associate or deal only with
ss the legitimate enterprises. Illegal enterprises may take the form
engineering profession through interchanging information
and experiences with other engineers and even students of
s of unlawful corporations, partnerships and other organiza -
engineering, and by contributing to the work of engineering tions or undertaking whose purpose or objectives are general-
ly injurious to society as they are against the law , customs,
societies, schools and scientific and engineering .press. But
even if it is so, he is enjoined to advertise his work of merit good morals, public order and public policy Under no.
in a self -laudatory manner, and mandated to avoid all con circumstance may the engineer allow himself or his expertise
duct or practices likely to discredit or work injuries to the
- or knowledge or any property under his charge be used for
illegal or immoral activities.
honor and dignity of the profession .
The aforesaid mandate serves as the parameter on If an engineer finds himself directly or indirectly identi -
how the engineer should safeguard the profession and the fied or connected with an illegal enteprise, the logical thing
engineering society against assaults to its inherent to do is to advise and help his client or employer to cure its
honor organization if the same is legally permissible, otherwise, he
and dignity. Brief and general as they are , certain specific
restraints are deducible therefrom which a cursory read should promptly and without delay severe his connections
of the cannons would not readily yield. The following
- .
therewith Failure on his part may render him liable under
existing civil and criminal statutes aside from the appropriate
details for instance would amplify the vow.
disciplinary measure that may be brought against him motu
1. Loyalty : In the interest of the profession and the proprio by or upon complaint by an offended individual
engineering society and himself as a professional, loyalty before the Professional Regulations Commission .
to
the profession is a must and should prevail at all times in A
the heart and mind of an engineer. This duty calls for unsel 3. Continuous awareness of engineering laws. A
fish protection of the profession by him both as an individual
- universal principle in all civilized society is that ignorance
and as a member of the profession . of the law excuses no one in compliance therewith . Such
being the rule it is with more reasons that professionals
A measure of effective protection to the profession , as including the engineer should comply not only with the
in the law profession, is to consider the practice as never a general laws but with the laws that are relevant to them and
trade or business. Under this precept, monetary consideration especially promulgated for their chosen discipline. After
is not the primordial cause of every professional service
all nothing is more satisfying than being able to know his
rendered since the admission to the practice of the profession bible and live in the light of what it propagates.
is merely a privilege subject to the broad criterion of what
is just, honorable and decent. This means that unlike in 4. Avoid discussing engineering matters in public:
trade or business where the trader or businessman is not In being bound to extend the effectiveess of the engineering
limited in his gains or profit, in the practice of a profession profession by extending information and experience with
the fee or consideration that the engineer may collect from other engineers, etc., an engineer is enjoined from conducting
his client is limited by just and equitable factors like the or participating in technical discussions on engineering issues
capacity to pay. In fine, the paramount consideration for the in public .
privilege to serve the engineering profession is the honor
The influence that a false or erroneous engineering
and dignity it gives and never the economic gain .
matter in the formulation of a decision or deed to technical
 j
ENGINEERING ETHICS 181
120 ENGINEERING CONTRACTS, SPECIFICATIONS
AND ETHICS
> for the good of the parties. As regards the engineer and with-
men and those generally interested in the same is tremendous out being restrictive, the following norms may be mentioned
and irresistable . It would be unfortunate and too late to cure as among the obligations emanating from the relationship:
the blunder or its effect after the impact resulting from such
error has been caused . But worst still than the experience 1. Protection to client or employer: The engineer
resulting from such blunder is the virtual disgrace and dis- should consider the protection of his client or employer as
his professional obligation . Acts that are especially innimical
,

credit of the profession in terms of credibility to the public

which harness at all times to the usefulness of the engineering to the interest of the client or employer should be studiously
profession . If an engineer has some good potins to contribute considered and avoided . He should be aware that in many
on technical engineering he may do so by presenting the aspects he is an agent or trustee who should safeguard the
gets
matter or participating in the discussions of the same in interest of this principal because in such capacity he
accepted forums for technical discussions, in the engineering confidential informations, and acts on delicate matters
societies and engineering press. affecting his benefactor.
In the course of the relationship he becomes privy to
Relationship to client and employer. The relationship informations concerning the business affairs or technical
of the engineer with his client or employer is strictly con- processess or operations as well as trade secrets, i .e . formula
tractual and anchored essentially on mutual trust and relating to the production of goods being dealt with by his
confidence. If that relationship is established on a higher client or employer. Since these are in strict confidence
professional level the linkage created is that of engineer- during and
it is his prime duty to keep their confidentiality
client relationship where the professional is said to have after the relationship, otherwise , he may be accountable
been “retained ” for his expertise and technical knowledge . for
not only for damages to his client or employer but
On the other hand , if the engineer is hired unconditionally disciplinary actions that may be brought against him by a
to carry out or implement wholly or partially the hirer’s concerned member of the engineering profession or the
economic activity or business, he, like an ordinary worker society itself .
is “employed ” such that the relationship established between
them is merely one of employer and employee. It is worthy Elsewhere in this chapter, it was stated that the engineer
to note that in the former relation , the consideration paid should as far as practicable be identified only with legitimate
to the engineer is in the nature of a professional fee, usually enterprise which seems incompatible with the duty to protect
or
-
for a temporary or on a non continuing duration , whereas, his client or employer. The duty to protect the client
employer is not a license for the engineer to trample upon
that paid in the latter relationship is denominated as wage or
salary paid usually to periodic intervals as mandated by the mandate of existing laws and the legitimate powers of
applicable statutes. Finally , tenurial privilege and rights like duly constituted authorities. If the engineer finds himself
those emanating from existing legislations, i.e. minimum directly or indirectly linked with an illegal enterprise , the
wage, eight-hour work per legal working day and additional protection that may be given is to persuade it or its manage-
- compensation for overtime work , etc . are provided for ment to cure its organization if the same is legally permis-
employee’s protection . sible , else he should promptly and without delay severe his
relation.
Whether on strictly professional or employee level, the
relationship may be harnessed to success and for a longer 2 . Quality and dedicated service . Service of a profes-
duration through observance of certain norms of behavior sional is one that can be rendered only by a trained and
 ISNUlNIWItJNU ( JONTUACTH , Ni’l!U '1 lrl ( ' ATlUNN RNIitNMHtttNO|t;' I I 11« I
AND KTIII <!H

knowledgeable individual who has been licensed by the a. Reasonable professional fepa: There is of c rac
authorities after having proven his worth along the discipline no uniform rate for the fees that may be collected by a
.
that he had chosen With respect to the engineer, the service professional. Despite of this absence, the engineer, like
shall be the best that he could give in relation to his profes - other professionals, is not permitted to demand or collect
sional standing, training and expertise. The obligation is exhorbitant charges which overcompensate his advise or
..
violated if the engineer, i e plant engineer, will accept part service.
time jobs without the consent of his client or employer. In fixing the professional charge, the professional is
Unless his engagement is strictly on a retainer basis, he shall bound to take into consideration certain moral and legal
divulge his part time employment with his employer and factors. For instance, the client ’s ability to pay cannot
only upon his consent or permission may he be allowed to justify his demanding of a charge exceeding the value of
.
continue his part time engagement This is so because his his services; however, if a client is indigent the professional
part time or other employment takes away his attention is expected to demand a low rate or none perhaps where
and dedication from his employer’s business concern to the the client stands to be deprived of certain rights which are
extent that the effectiveness and dedication on the job for ! fundamentally granted to him by law .
which he was employed is impaired to the prejudice of
Among the usual factors that may be considered in
the employer and those indirectly benefiting from such
services. additions to the ability to pay of a client are: (a ) novelty
of the work to be undertaken which necessitates much of
Providing professional and technical advise to a client the time, effort, skill and experience of the engineer; ( b )
or employer is one of the many important obligations of whether the acceptance of the undertaking will deprive
an engineer. This should be given only after having ascer - him of other earning opportunities and needed professional
toined and weighed the facts of the case because an erroneous
and inaccurate professional advise may cut the blood and
stream that provides life and momentum to the business or
locality; (d ) character of the undertaking —
advancement; (c ) customary charges for similar jobs in the
whether it is
merely casual , regular or permanent; and (e ) contingency
undertaking. For this reason alone, the engineer who is I or certainty of being compensated .
responsible for the technical adequacy of the engineering
works should be fully accurate and precise in his decisions. 4. On commissions, rebates, percentage , etc. The .
engineer should refrain from accepting compensation,
There are times however when an engineer finds himself monetary or otherwise, directly or indirectly from more than
uncertain of the phase and technical aspect of a query even one interested person for the same professional service, unless
after extensive research and study. Should such situation all parties are aware of and consents to it.
came, he should be honest enough to tell his client or em -
ployer of his inadequacy and instead refer the same to an The foregoing inhibition is based on the principle of
just and fair treatment which must prevail between the
.
expert for appropriate decision Once an opinion has been
parties not only during the progress of the relationship but
rendered , it must be relayed by the engineer to his client or
even after the severance of the same. Although tips and other
employer who is expected to abide in its context If the . material considerations from those dealing with his client
client or employer does not agree with the expert opinion,
the engineer should present and explain the possible con- or employer, i.e. contractors, suppliers, vendors, etc. may
not at times conflict with the principle, it is but fair and
sequences of such a decision in a language readily under - just that he be informed immediately so that he may be
standible by him even to the extent of illustrating by dia
grams or sketches . - guided accordingly to his interest. Furthermore, much
 124 ENGINEERING CONTRACTS, SPECIFICATIONS ENGINEERING ETHICS 125
AND ETHICS

liberality on this would create some sort of people with whom he works, the ability to get along and
a dual loyalty i s
the engineer may , having been used to receiving establish harmonious professional or working relations with
extra income from dealers, expect that favor in
kickbacks or
some if not them becomes indispensible and should be developed at all
in every transaction. costs.
5 . Disclosure of financial interest: A Very often one will find an engineer associated with
financial interest between the engineer and conflict of - . another engineer either as an employee himself or as super-
employer takes place when he or his kins
his client or
or their firms is visor or as his employer. His relationship varies on a case
engaged directly or indirectly in the same to case basis depending on how far he had gone professional-
or related business
or products or services to which his client ly . Whether as an employee or as an employer, the following
or employer is
engaged . conduct should be observed if he has to be successful and
The conflict contemplated is essentially financi true to his concern over a colleague:
character, such that if the conflict is on other consider al in
ation ,
1. Protection of fellow engineers: A respectable
i.e , religious, political, social, etc . the principle professional "reputation is a long range objective which every
would have a
doubtful application. A conflict of financial interest professional cherishes to acquire over a considerable period
the engineer and his client or employer would surelybetween of trials and frustrations to the challenges of the profession.
impair
or strain the relationship . Thus, for a harmonious His reputation and charisma is what attract people to avail
relationship, it is incumbent upon him to and lasting
disclose in the of his services, and once attained , it partakes the nature
beginning his financial interest if any in of a property which the law protects in the same manner
, a business which
may compete with or affect the busines as the good will of a business . Thus, every engineer should
s of his client or
employer. If acquiesced by the latter, such strive to protect all reputable engineers from misrepresenta-
interest should
not be allowed to affect his decision regardin tion and from being misunderstood in his professional
g engineering
work for which he was retained or employed work . Any act or omission that may cause injury directly
or for which
he may be called upon to perform. or indirectly to the professional reputation or practice of
Also, he shall not be financially interested in bids a colleague as well as his prospects of advancement is deemed
as, within the ambit of this mandate.
or of a contractor on competitive work .
rested in any machine , appliances , processes
If financially inte -
or anything
fi Protection may also be in the form of friendly per-
which may be used in connection with his professio suasion of a colleague to refrain from unethical, illegal or
nal
undertaking or duty , this must be timely unprofessional practice if he is so engaged or about to indulge
to guide his client or employer. commu nicated
ay in such if in his opinion the same is of such nature and
character. When a colleague has problems in the practice, the
Relationship with engineers. The engineer in the engineer is called upon to help him resolve it in the best of
of his professional career works with many people course his light. If the problem involves act injurious to his bounties
of various
employment or vocation. These may be his like the general public or the profession and his advice is
brothers in the ignored he is expected to report the same to the appropriate
profession who are retained or employed
by his client or
-
employer and non technical people who may
production line workers or manager of
either be simple
Engineering Committee for necessary action .
industrial firms or 2. Fairness and tolerance . For a professional brother-
representatives of financial agencies. Considering I hood to be desirable and lasting, it must have a solid founda-
these

n
 126 ENGINEERING CONTRACTS , SPECIFICATIONS ENGINEERING ETHICS
AND ETHICS 127

tion of equality both in privileges and opportunities for ad -

vancement. This may be attained if every engineer has a
-
on non technical subjects is always a virtue to which the
Filipino is noted .
willing desire to help a brother in need of guidance or
.
assistance When an engineer is new in the profession he 4. Review of colleague's work . The engineer should
needs a helping hand or inspiration to start with or to get his not make or issue publicly undesirable comments or opinion
.
momentum in the practice A gesture of concern to a needy regarding the work of a colleague except to save the public
and the profession from harm or injury . If such necessity
brother could be a moral booster to establish in him a feeling
of being home. Typical of this is haring the lesson of his ex exist, it is advisable that he be informed through an informal
perience, or lending personally or contributing reports and
- arrangement before an open review of his work is made,
other paper studies to engineering forums and technical press. otherwise the review or comment on an engineering work
of a colleague should be strictly on a professional level ,
If an engineer begins or winds up as an employee, the disallowing at all times personality to slant in the discussion.
-
engineer employer should notwithstanding that edge, be
liberally tolerant in all ways that may contribute or enhance More often than not , professional jealously takes
his advancement remembering always that he is a professional place between two professionals aiming for recognition or
: struggling to survive in the field of their expertise. Success
.
brother who also wants a place in the society For instance,
or survival shall not be at the expense of another;in the
allowing him at times to participate in technical engineering
discussions on official time in seminars, studies or work - .
profession but upon his merit To avoid or at least minimize
shops or in other engineering forums may provide him the the effects of such possibility there are factors Which may
chance of advancement which also benefits the profession. deserve serious consideration . Such factors like professional
reputation, whether the engineer is new or an old timer in
In matters of remuneration , the engineer should uphold the practice, gender at times and other analogous matters
the principle of just and appropriate compensation for those are certainly a must for consideration.
employed in engineering work in accordance with accepted ;c
standards. Among the factors that may be relevant in fixing 5. Controversies with colleague . In the struggle to
the compensation are the qualifications of the engineer, attain a worthy professional reputation an engineer may
his recorded experience in the field of technical engineering inocently step bn the toe or run across the path of another
trying also to curve a name for his career. As much as pos
-
as well as on non technical endeavors which has material
bearing to the venture, prevailing compensation for employed sible care should be observed to avoid a running conflict
-
engineers in similar or related ventures, and the quality of with another engineer considering that the practice as repeat -
his work . ed again and again is a privilege and not a trade or business
1: where unfair competion and monopoly is often witnessed.
3. Merits not due. Recognition in the field of en - The practice should be pursued on a high level such that all
gineering is a feat that cost the engineer’s time, effort, his activities should be able to pass the test of objectivity .
money , etc. It is unethical for an engineer to claim credit In the event that controversies arise or cannot be avoid
.
which is not due him Neither is it proper for him to ed the same should be submitted to the Philippine Society of
-
. acquiesce as his, any engineering accomplishment erroneous -
-v .
•

Engineering which may create a Board of Arbitration com-

.
ly atributed to him If he feels he had taken part in it, he posed of three members chosen by each party , with the third
should make clear his position that the same is not wholely being selected by the two members purposely to resolve the
his accomplishment. After all humility and candidness even §i conflict. After such submission the parties should be extra
128 ENGINEERING CONTRACTS, SPECIFICATIONS ENGINEERING ETHICS m
AND ETHICS

careful in everything that may aggravate or lend flame such document® if the same has not been prepared by him
to the controversy until the same is fully resolved by the or under his control and direction . Thus, his signing of
Board for their guidance. Only upon failure of the Board plans, specifications and designs or drawings prepared by
to settle the controversy are parties permitted to resort unregistered engineer or an undergraduate or a fiunker
to a court suit. in the licenseur examination is grossly unethical, unless
.
6. Solicitation of undertakings or clients Solicitation the same has been prepared by an apprentice or subordinate
who has some engineering background under his direction.
takes place when an engineer resorts to undesirable practices
like underbiding for a particular work , or reduces the normal
charges or fees after becoming aware of the charges
proffered by the other in order to assure himself of the job
or capture the client of another. In most cases, solicitation
is done clandestinely although the more unscrupulous ones
does it publicly in complete disregard of good taste and
tradition. Abhorred as it is in the field , this kind of practice
degrade the profession and converts it to a veritable state
of cutthroat competition which even in commercial circles
is declared unlawful and penalized when made deliberately
under existing laws.
A form of solicitation may take place when an engineer
without the consent of the employer of another engineer
offers the latter salaried position or higher remuneration and
rebates or commission , or cause his dismissal in order to later
on absorb him in his fold . Another form would be the draw
' -
ing to himself a client of another engineer by giving him
incentives not usually offered by the latter or other engineers.
7. Signing plans and specifications, etc. The prepara
.
-
tion of plans and specifications, etc for an engineering work
or project is a delicate task which should be done solely
by a registered engineer or one who has been previously
authorized by law.4 The engineer should not for any con-
sideration allow his signature or authority to be used on

3 Under Section 8 , R. A. 544 (a ) Officers or enlisted men of the

United States and Philippine Armed Forces; (b) Engineers or experts
called by the Philippine Government for consultation; and ( c ) Em-
ployees and officials of the Government of the Philippines while
engaged in the practice of engineering profession, are exempted from
registering.
i
Vi
;