Here's a piece of good news for all Filipino professionals.

The House of Representatives has given final approval to a bill extending the validity of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identification cards from three years to five years, easing renewal burdens and cutting red tape in government transactions.

On Wednesday, May 20, congressmen voted 266-0-1 (yes-no-abstain) to approve the measure, embodied in House Bill (HB) No. 8876, on third and final reading.

House Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos said the bill responds to the long-standing clamor 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,” Marcos said.

He stressed that the proposal would significantly reduce congestion in PRC renewal systems and appointment slots while maintaining professional standards and regulatory safeguards.

“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,” Marcos said.

Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez, principal authors of the measure, said the proposal seeks to ease the burden on millions of Filipino professionals by reducing the frequency of renewals and related expenses.

Romualdez said extending the validity of PRC identification cards from three years to five years would allow professionals to focus more on their work, families, and public service rather than repeatedly going through renewal processes.

“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,” said the two-time former House Speaker.

(The purpose of this proposal is to lessen the burden on our professionals. If the validity of their PRC IDs is longer, they can focus more on work, family, and more productive service to the nation.)

“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,” Romualdez added.

(This proposal is a recognition of the sacrifice and contribution of our professionals. With longer validity of PRC IDs, they will be given relief and sufficient time for their profession and work.)

Under HB No. 8876, all PRC-issued PICs shall remain valid for five years, subject to compliance with existing laws, continuing professional development requirements and other regulatory standards.

The bill also directs the PRC’s Information and Communication Technology Service to complete the necessary upgrades to the Licensure Examination Registration Information System and related administrative processes within six months from the measure’s effectivity.

Marcos reckoned the proposal would benefit a wide range of professionals, including teachers, nurses, engineers, architects, accountants and other licensed workers across the country.

“Government should make life easier — not harder — for professionals who contribute immensely to nation-building. This reform is about efficiency, convenience and respect for the Filipino workforce,” the presidential son said.