Engineering Ethics in Digital Era: Online Compliance Practices in Cabanatuan City

Engineering is becoming increasingly reliant on digital systems for the automation and simplification of regulatory and compliance processes. Digital systems are increasing efficiency and accessibility but present new ethical dilemmas regarding accountability, responsibility, and transparency among engineers. This study investigated ethical considerations for engineers in the digital age, including ethical awareness, ethical practices, ethical dilemmas, and potential measures to strengthen an engineer's ability to comply with regulations using online compliance systems among engineers in Cabanatuan City. A descriptive-correlational research methodology was applied utilizing a survey instrument administered to 40 engineering professionals. The instrument was based on a five-point Likert Scale. Reliability testing was conducted to establish acceptability of internal consistency (Cronbach, 1951; Nunnally & Bernstein, 1994). Descriptive statistics (frequency, percent and mean) were analyzed to evaluate engineering professionals' responses regarding their level of ethical awareness, actual practices, perceived challenges, and suggested methods for enhancing the ability to apply ethical standards while complying with regulatory requirements via online compliance systems. The findings showed a high level of awareness of ethical issues as well as a strong adherence to ethical principles from the point of view of the respondents. This indicates that, although many systems have now been automated so that they can take care of their own compliance obligations, being ethically responsible is still an obligation for professionals. At the same time, however, the respondents also identified potential obstacles to this (ethical) behavior. These were largely related to unclear system guidance; technological restrictions; or that the respondents felt less accountable when using these systems. The correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant, moderately strong positive relationship (r = 0.67, p < 0.001) between ethical awareness and ethical practices, confirming that greater awareness of ethical responsibilities translates into stronger ethical conduct in online compliance platforms. Additionally, all respondents agreed about the necessity to strengthen ethical compliance by way of ethics training; clearly defined regulatory guidelines; features in platforms that enhance accountability; and continuous surveillance by appropriate institutions. This research supports the idea that online compliance systems should be designed to incorporate both human-centric ethical knowledge and digital governance mechanisms to ensure ethical standards are maintained. The results of this research will add to the current discourse concerning ethics in engineering practice in digitally mediated settings and provide practical advice to engineers, regulators, and developers of systems that implement online compliance.