Deputy Speaker Paolo Duterte on Wednesday sought the repeal of Republic Act 10912 or the Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016, citing “financial and other burdens” it imposed on licensed professionals.
“While we all want a life-long learning process among professionals to further their craft, the requirements set by the CPD law merely adds to the burden they have to deal with. After a long day of work, they are forced to spend a bulk of their salary, take leaves of absence or fail to report for work, and go through unreasonable hardships just so they can renew their licenses and continue the practice of their professions,” said Duterte, who represents Davao City’s first district in the House of Representatives.
“This CPD law is uncalled for. To address this, I will file a bill repealing this anti-professional measure. We can actually help professionals meet global standards through other means, without passing the burden to them,” Duterte noted.
The bill that was enacted as RA 10912 was filed by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and was signed into law by then President Benigno Simeon Aquino III as one of the midnight laws he signed before stepping down.
“My proposed measure will also serve as an expession of gratitude to the professional health frontliners who continuously render service to the nation in this time of crisis. I have witnessed the selfless acts of our professional frontliners. They do not deserve the CPD law,” Duterte said.
Observers in the licensed professions said that the CPD Law in many instances has been made as the major fundraisers of professional organizations who rely on membership dues and grants from supportive groups and individuals for their operations until the Trillanes law was inflicted on licensed professionals.
“This is long overdue. I will not just file it for the sake of filing. I will file this bill, seek support from our colleagues in the Congress, and make sure that this is enacted as soon as possible,” Duterte added.
Under the CPD Law, the Professional Regulation Commission will not renew the license of a professional unless he can show proof that he attended a CPD seminar.
The Supreme Court also requires lawyers to attend continuing legal education courses as a requirement for license renewal.
