SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has filed a measure seeking to extend the validity of Professional Identification Cards (PICs) issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) from three years to five years to reduce the financial and administrative burden on Filipino professionals.

Go filed Senate Bill No. 2326 on July 15, proposing that all PICs issued by the PRC under existing regulations implementing Republic Act No. 8981, or the PRC Modernization Act of 2000, remain valid for five years, subject to compliance with all legal and procedural requirements for their issuance.

The senator said the current three-year renewal cycle, while essential in ensuring compliance with professional standards, requires licensed professionals to undergo renewal more frequently than necessary, resulting in additional costs and inconvenience.

“Layunin ng panukalang ito na gawing mas magaan ang proseso para sa ating mga propesyonal. Kung maaari namang mapahaba ang validity ng kanilang Professional Identification Cards nang hindi isinasakripisyo ang kalidad ng professional regulation, bakit hindi natin gawin?” Go said.

According to Go, renewing a professional license involves more than paying renewal fees. He noted that professionals must also prepare documentary requirements, comply with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements when applicable, take time off from work, and travel to PRC offices or service centers to complete the process.

He said extending the validity period would help reduce these recurring expenses and disruptions for professionals across various sectors.

Go also pointed out that fewer renewal transactions would allow the PRC to allocate more time and resources toward improving its regulatory functions and frontline services.

“Kapag mas kaunti ang renewal transactions, mas magiging mabilis rin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno. Ito ay makabubuti hindi lamang sa ating mga propesyonal kundi pati na rin sa PRC,” he said.

The proposed legislation forms part of Go’s broader efforts to make government services more efficient, accessible, and responsive to public needs.

“Ang serbisyo ng gobyerno ay dapat nakatuon sa kapakanan ng tao. Kung may paraan para mabawasan ang gastusin, oras, at abala ng ating mga kababayan nang hindi isinasakripisyo ang kalidad ng serbisyo, dapat natin itong isulong,” Go added.