Gatchalian flags alleged licensure examination leaks

National

SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian has voiced grave concern over reported leakage in professional licensure examinations administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), saying that such incidents allow unqualified individuals to enter regulated professions, while jeopardizing the lives and safety of the Filipino people.

During a recent senate hearing, Gatchalian noted that these tests exist specifically to guarantee the competence of practitioners in critical fields.

"The whole point of coming up with an examination for professionals is to ensure that we have doctors, engineers or teachers who are qualified," he said in a Philstar report.

Beyond the immediate threat to public safety, the senator highlighted the extensive administrative and legislative effort required to maintain professional standards. He emphasized that unverified reports can be concerning, stating "Even though it’s an allegation, I’m very much concerned because we spend so much in regulating these professions and so much time in making laws."

The senator’s statement came after a report from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM), an oversight body that uncovered evidence that portions of the March 2023 Board Examination for Professional Teachers were allegedly compromised and were circulating across online platforms.

Rosita Navarro, chairperson of the Career Progression and Specialization Program Credit Accumulation and Transfer System Committee for Professional Teachers, firmly denied that any leakage originated from within the PRC.

To illustrate the agency's rigorous safety maeasures, Navarro explained that board members are strictly quarantined during the development of examination questionnaires, a protocol specifically designed to block unauthorized disclosures.

While the PRC remains confident that its internal "quarantine" procedures for test-developers remain secure, investigations suggest that leaks are likely occurring during the actual administration of the exams.(Mary Angel Parac, BiPSU Comm Intern)