SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for the affordability and practicality of the training programs required for the millions of registered professionals in the renewal of their licenses, pending Congress’ review of the implementation of the Continuing Professional Development Act.

“By standardizing and rationalizing the fees, as well as offering online training programs to respond to the times right now when we’re still in the midst of a pandemic, I think that’s a reasonable move to unburden our professionals especially on the financial aspect in the process of renewing their Professional Identification Card,” Gatchalian said.

Following numerous complaints from various stakeholders on the implementation of the CPD Act, the Professional Regulation Commission said in a Senate hearing that it issued several resolutions and issuances to make the completion of the courses, training, and seminars required to upgrade the competencies and qualifications of professionals flexible.

Among them are the accreditation of online courses, inclusion of professional work experience as a source of creditable units, and waiving of accreditation fee for online training programs which Gatchalian said are commendable measures as they address the concerns and plight of the professionals under the current situation.

“Ang common denominator ng complaints ng mga professionals ay magastos ang CPD. And I have observed this in some CPD activities where I had been invited as a resource person. Minsan may kasamang shopping activity or side trip sa mall at iyong kanilang academic side is one or one and a half days. That actually increases the cost and becomes the root cause of a lot of complaints, especially from people coming from outside of Metro Manila,” Gatchalian said.

“My observation is that the CPD became a business to some people. Hindi naman lahat ng mga professionals ay high-earning professionals. May mga professionals na maliit lang ang kinikita,” he added.

The CPD Act which lapsed into law in July of 2016 has been drawing the ire of PRC-registered and licensed professionals especially teachers, engineers, accountants, physicians and nurses due to exorbitant fees, difficult requirements, confusing processes, and lack of accredited training providers.

Covered professionals under the CPD Act are required to complete the necessary credit units ranging from 15 to 45 for some professionals to as high as 120 for certified public accountants for the renewal of PIC.

Several bills have been filed in the Senate proposing to amend or repeal Republic Act No. 10912 or the CPD Act of 2016.