United Architects of the Philippines condemns the use of 'architect' in reports about plunder, corruption
The United Architects of the Philippines condemned the persistent misuse of the word “architect" in news reports about plunder and corruption.
In its statement on Tuesday, Sept. 23, the UAP called out headlines and news articles that use the word "architect" when referring to a government official linked to plunder, saying the misuse tends to equate their profession with orchestrators of wrongdoing.
"Recent headlines and articles—such as referring to a government official as an 'architect of plunder'—reflect a long-standing trend of equating the word 'architect' with the mastermind of wrongdoings. This is not only misleading but gravely unjust to a profession that has, for centuries, been dedicated to the highest ideals of public service, safety, progress, and nation building," it said.
"An [a]rchitect, as defined under Republic Act No. 9266 or The Architecture Act of 2004, is a person professionally and academically qualified, registered, and licensed under the law, with the authority to practice architecture and responsible for the planning, design, construction, enlargement, conservation, renovation, remodeling, or alteration of buildings and the environment for human habitation," it continued.
The group stressed that the use of "architect" when referring to masterminds of crime disregards "years of education, licensure, and ethical responsibility" of the profession, as well as weakens the public's trust in Architects.
"We therefore urge all members of the press—in print, broadcast, and social media—to exercise discernment and precision in language," it added, suggesting words “mastermind,” “perpetrator,” or “brains behind corruption” to use instead.
"To misuse 'architect' is an affront to an entire professional community," it added.
The UAP likewise asked government agencies and private institutions to "respect and preserve the dignity of the profession by refraining from such misapplications of the term."
"The Filipino people deserve truth in reporting, and truth begins with words used responsibly. Let us not diminish a profession dedicated to building, by mislabeling it with those who destroy," it concluded.
Social media users react
Social media users expressed their mixed reactions about the statement, with others echoing the UAP's statement.
"Yes the word 'architect' has been used in many different ways other than the actual and original meaning pertaining to the designer of buildings. I’m just offended—like the UAP—that it’s being used a lot these days for crooks instead of the more sinister 'mastermind!' Mas bagay sa mga sindikato!" a Facebook user commented.
"Thank you Lord! Napansin rin. [S]ana sa susunod hearing di na yan gagamitin sa Negatibo. Kasi sagrado ang pangalan na yan at may sinumpaan tayong tungkulin," another one commented.
One more argued, "Every building design begins with an Architect. Every act of corruption begins with a criminal, not an Architect."
Meanwhile, others pointed out that the use of "architect" has broader and/or metaphorical meanings, other than the profession itself.
"United Architects of the Philippines, don't be too sensitive! The word 'architect' has been, and is still being used as a noun to describe a person who is responsible for inventing or realizing a particular idea or project, not just architectural structures or edifices," a Facebook user commented.
"That word is in thousands of literary works, used in both the positive or negative light. Don't tell us that you'll write all those authors to change the usage of the word?" another one wrote.
One user described the statement as an "overreaction," saying that nobody in their "right mind will ever interpret it the way you do."
"I mean, all you have to do is open a dictionary and see that 'architect' is not just about the profession. Chill. There are bigger problems to solve and more hideous demons to slay," he said.
Another Facebook user tagged Sen. JV Ejercito. In today's hearing, the senator used the word "architect" when he questioned former Bulacan assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez about the anomalous flood control projects.
"Hindi lang pala sila engineer, nagdo-doktor rin ng dokumento, arkitekto pa ng modus. Tatlo na ang propesyon para lang nakawin ang pera ng taumbayan," Ejercito said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Hernandez said that since 2019, projects in Bulacan haven't been completed, much less properly executed, because they have "obligations" to proponents.