PRC suspends ‘utang-tagging’ policy

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) stopped its policy which reportedly prevented teachers from renewing their licenses due to unpaid debts.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) — which covers the PRC — on Sunday said it suspended the policy contained under Memorandum Order 44.

The said order tags professionals with pending administrative cases, and stops them from being able to renew their licenses with the PRC.

The DOLE said the policy was addressed in Resolution 1558, signed by Acting Chairman Jose Cueto Jr. and Commissioner Erwin Enad. The resolution was immediately effective.

“How can they pay what they borrow if they can’t work because the PRC won’t renew their licenses,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said in an emailed statement.

Laguesma also said that the PRC should focus on its regulatory function on undesirable acts coming from the exercise of the professions.

Under its mandate, the PRC administers, implements, and enforces the regulatory laws regarding licensing of the professions and occupations under its jurisdiction.

Laguesma also said that every regulation should be reasonable and should not be used to penalize professionals due to their socioeconomic status.

The latest development comes after ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro last week raised the issue of “utang-tagging,” which mostly victimized teachers.

For his part, Cueto said that the PRC will review and consult with various professional boards in a bid to promote efficiency and fairness in its processes and disciplinary procedures. — DVM, GMA News