Declaring a Balik-Scientist Program

October 24, 1975

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 819

DECLARING A BALIK-SCIENTIST PROGRAM, ALLOWING ANY FOREIGN-BASED SCIENTISTS, PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICIAN, OR ANY PERSON WITH SPECIAL SKILL OR EXPERTISE WHO IS OF FILIPINO ORIGIN OR DESCENT TO PRACTICE HIS/HER PROFESSION OR EXPERTISE IN THE PHILIPPINES AND ALIGNING INCENTIVES FOR HIM/HER AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

WHEREAS, Letter of Instructions No. 210 dated August 20, 1974 extending the Balikbayan Program to another period beginning September 1, 1975 to February 29, 1976, and has especially emphasized "our duty to encourage overseas Filipino scientists and technicians to come home and apply their knowledge to the development programs of the country . . .";

WHEREAS, Presidential Decree No. 541 allows erstwhile Filipino professionals to practice their professions in the Philippines under certain conditions but did not specify Filipino professionals who passed licensure examinations given by their host country;

WHEREAS, Presidential Decree No. 659 amending Section 5(j) of Presidential Decree No. 223 allows foreign nationals to practice their professions in the Philippines, also under certain conditions, but did not include those of Filipino origin and descent and their families who may also qualify under the Balikbayan Program; aisa dc

WHEREAS, Presidential Decree No. 439 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 592 providing for tax holiday for overseas Filipinos as contemplated in Letters of Instructions No. 105, 163 and 210 which would include Balik-Scientists, is co-terminous with the Balikbayan program which will end on February 29, 1976;

WHEREAS, there is need of attracting foreign-based scientists, professionals, or persons with special skill or expertise who are of Filipino descent or origin to visit the Philippines in order for them to learn the truth about the New Philippines and contribute their share in the building of a New Society;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order the following:

SECTION 1. Any foreign-based scientist, technician, or professional, or any person with special skill or expertise who is a Filipino or of Filipino origin or descent and the members of his/her family, who is licensed to practice his/her profession, special skill or expertise in his/her host, adopted or native country, may practice his/her profession, special skill or expertise while staying in the Philippines either on a temporary or permanent bases upon approval by the Secretary of Health: Provided, That such foreign-based scientist, technician or professional shall first register with the Professional Regulation Commission regardless of whether or not, his special skill or expertise falls within any of the regulated professions and vocations in the Philippines and pay the required license fee for the practice of his/her profession, skill or expertise in his country.

SECTION 2. All incentives, benefits and privileges now granted to or being enjoyed by overseas homecoming Filipinos (Balikbayans) under existing decrees or letters of instructions, are hereby granted to and may be availed of by professionals, scientists, or technicians referred to in Section 1 hereof, for the duration of the Balik-Scientist program which shall run for a period of five (5) years from the date of effectivity of this decree.

SECTION 3. The Department of Tourism, the National Science Development Board and the Professional Regulation Commission shall coordinate their activities in this regard and, within thirty (30) days from the promulgation of this Decree, jointly promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement and carry out effectively the purpose, spirit and objective of this Decree. Said Rules and Regulations shall include such additional incentives, benefits and privileges that may be necessary to attract the individuals referred to in Section 1 hereof, to come and help in the scientific and technological advancement of the country.

SECTION 4. The Secretary of Tourism, in his capacity as Chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Board, or his duly authorized representative, is hereby authorized to negotiate with or secure from any airline company non-revenue or discounted air passage tickets for the use of any of the individuals covered by this Decree.

SECTION 5. All laws, decrees, orders, letters of instructions, rules and regulations or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Decree are hereby repealed, superseded, modified or amended accordingly. cdt

SECTION 6. This Decree shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 24th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Five.