Master Inspector Association of the Philippines
Code of Ethics
Official Code of Ethics for Registered Master Inspectors™ (RMI™)
Effective Date: 28 March 2026 Last Updated: March 2026
Preamble
The Master Inspector Association of the Philippines (MIAP) is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, competence, and public trust in the home and building inspection profession in the Philippines.
Registered Master Inspectors™ (RMI™) and all MIAP members pledge to uphold this Code of Ethics as a cornerstone of ethical conduct. This Code works in conjunction with the MIAP Standards of Practice, Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy, and complies with Philippine laws, including the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173), the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) guidelines, and other relevant regulations.
Adherence to this Code is a condition of membership and certification. Violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or revocation of membership and use of MIAP designations.
Fundamental Principles
MIAP members shall:
Act with integrity, honesty, and objectivity.
Prioritize the public interest and client interests above personal gain.
Maintain professional competence through continuing education.
Treat all parties with fairness, courtesy, and respect.
Avoid any conduct that could discredit the profession or the Association.
1. Duty to the Public and Clients
1.1 Members shall perform inspections fairly, honestly, impartially, and in good faith. 1.2 Members shall not knowingly misrepresent, conceal, or withhold material facts in inspection reports or communications. 1.3 Members shall clearly disclose the scope, limitations, and exclusions of any inspection to clients before or at the time of service. 1.4 Members shall not engage in any practice that could harm the public or bring discredit to the home and building inspection industry. 1.5 Members shall respect client confidentiality and protect personal information in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and the MIAP Privacy Policy.
2. Conflicts of Interest and Independence
2.1 Members shall avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of conflict that could compromise professional independence, objectivity, or inspection integrity. 2.2 Members shall promptly disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest to the client and, where appropriate, decline or withdraw from the engagement. 2.3 Members shall not inspect a property in which they have a financial interest, or where they have a relationship with the buyer, seller, agent, or other party that could reasonably be seen as influencing their judgment. 2.4 Members shall not accept compensation or referrals that could influence the objectivity of their inspection or report. 2.5 Members shall not perform repairs, renovations, or improvements to a property they have inspected for a client within the previous 12 months, unless fully disclosed and agreed in writing. 2.6 Members shall not accept compensation that is contingent upon the inspection findings or the outcome of a real estate transaction.
3. Professional Competence and Conduct
3.1 Members shall only undertake inspections and services within the limits of their training, experience, and qualifications. 3.2 Members shall maintain and improve their professional knowledge and skills through continuing education, training, and adherence to MIAP Standards of Practice. 3.3 Members shall not perform or offer services that require specialized expertise (e.g., structural engineering, invasive testing, environmental assessments) unless properly qualified and licensed, and shall recommend appropriate specialists when needed. 3.4 Members shall conduct themselves professionally at all times, avoiding abusive, discriminatory, or harassing behavior toward clients, colleagues, or the public.
4. Advertising, Marketing, and Representation
4.1 Members shall advertise and promote their services truthfully, accurately, and without exaggeration or misleading claims. 4.2 Members shall not use the MIAP name, logos, or designations (including “Registered Master Inspector™”) unless they are current members in good standing and authorized to do so. 4.3 Members shall not make false or unsubstantiated claims about the benefits of MIAP membership or their own qualifications. 4.4 Members shall compete fairly and ethically, without misrepresentation or practices that undermine professional standards.
5. Relations with Colleagues and the Profession
5.1 Members shall respect fellow inspectors and cooperate in advancing the profession through knowledge sharing, mentoring, and ethical collaboration. 5.2 Members shall not engage in unfair competition or disparage the work of other qualified inspectors. 5.3 Members shall report substantive violations of this Code or the MIAP Standards of Practice to the Association when they have credible evidence. 5.4 Members shall strive to uphold, maintain, and improve the integrity, reputation, and practice of the home and building inspection profession in the Philippines.
6. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
6.1 Members shall comply with all applicable Philippine laws and regulations, including those enforced by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), local government units, and other authorities. 6.2 Members shall maintain any required professional licenses, insurance, and registrations. 6.3 Members shall cooperate with MIAP investigations into alleged ethical violations and provide truthful information when requested.
7. Enforcement and Disciplinary Process
All members agree to be bound by this Code upon joining or renewing membership.
The Association may investigate complaints and take appropriate disciplinary action.
Members shall have the right to due process, including notice and an opportunity to respond.
Sanctions may include warning, censure, suspension, revocation of membership/certification, or referral to regulatory bodies.
Decisions may be appealed according to procedures established by the Association.
Acknowledgment
By becoming or remaining a member of the Master Inspector Association of the Philippines, I affirm that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Ethics. I understand that my continued membership and use of MIAP designations depend on my ethical conduct.
Adopted by the Master Inspector Association of the Philippines
For questions, complaints, or to report a potential violation, please contact: Ethics Committee Master Inspector Association of the Philippines Email: ethics@masterinspector.ph
This Code is a living document and will be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with evolving industry standards, legal requirements, and best practices in the Philippines. Members are encouraged to review it regularly and seek guidance from the Association on ethical dilemmas.
MIAP promotes excellence in inspection through integrity, competence, and service to the public.