THE House of Representatives has approved on the third and final reading a measure extending the validity of identification cards and certificates of registration of all professionals under the Professional Regulation Commission or PRC from three to five years.

With 234 votes, House Bill 9764, which would reduce the number of annual renewal transactions and alleviate pressure on the appointment system, was approved

HB 9764 is authored by Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation chairperson and Bohol Rep. Kristine Alexie Tutor, Parañaque City Rep. Edwin Olivarez, Ilocos Norte Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba and Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza, among others.

If enacted into law, the Information and Communication Technology Service and other offices within the PRC will be tasked to complete the necessary systems enhancement and other administrative processes six months after the bill has been enacted.

In 2012, the PRC started allowing Filipino professionals to renew or obtain their identification cards at different malls.

But there have been drawbacks for professionals, as they complained about the Republic Act 10912 or the Continuing Professional Development Act which requires nurses and other professionals to earn 45 CPD units before they can renew their PRC licenses.