Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has introduced legislation to extend the validity of Professional Identification Cards issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) from three years to five years.

The senator said that it is aiming to reduce costs and administrative burdens for licensed professionals.

Under Senate Bill 2326, filed 15 July, all professional IDs issued pursuant to Republic Act 8981, or the PRC Modernization Act of 2000, would remain valid for five years, provided professionals comply with standard regulatory requirements.

Go said that while periodic renewal ensures compliance with professional standards, the current three-year cycle forces workers to spend unnecessary time and money.

“The goal of this measure is to make the process easier for our professionals,” Go said. “If we can extend the validity of their identification cards without sacrificing regulatory quality, why shouldn’t we do it?”

Renewing a license involves more than payment fees, Go cited, as professionals often take leave from work, travel long distances, and navigate documentary requirements, including Continuing Professional Development compliance.

He added that fewer renewal transactions would also ease the operational load on the PRC, allowing the agency to streamline frontline services.

“Government service should focus on the public’s well-being,” Go said. “If there is a way to reduce expenses, time, and inconvenience for our citizens without compromising quality, we should pursue it.”