Practice by Former Filipino Professionals of Their Professions

August 20, 1974

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 541

ALLOWING FORMER FILIPINO PROFESSIONALS TO PRACTICE THEIR RESPECTIVE PROFESSIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES

WHEREAS, a considerable number of Filipino professionals have, with the passage of time, gone to other countries to pursue further studies and/or take up specialized studies in their chosen fields of endeavor while others emigrated to other lands in search of better job opportunities; casia

WHEREAS, since their departure from the Philippines some of these professionals have become naturalized citizens of their host countries so that they are now barred from the practice of their profession in our country;

WHEREAS, a considerable number of these erstwhile Filipino professionals are now desirous to come home under the Balikbayan Program and, while here, would like to serve our people or share their advanced knowledge and expertise with their local professional colleagues;

WHEREAS, for the sake of faster national development our government is now trying to attract these erstwhile Filipino professionals to return and reside permanently in the Philippines so that they can provide the talent and expertise urgently needed by the homeland; cd

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

SECTION 1. The provisions of all existing laws, rules and regulations, decrees, orders, and instructions to the contrary notwithstanding, professionals who were formerly citizens of the Philippines and who have previously passed licensure examinations in the Philippines for the practice of their profession, may, while in this country on a visit, sojourn or permanent residence, practice their profession: Provided, That they are professional practitioners of good standing prior to their departure from the Philippines and in their adopted country: Provided further, That prior to the practice of their profession they shall have first registered with the Professional Regulations Commission and have paid the proper professional license fee; And provided finally, That they shall pay the corresponding income tax due on all incomes realized by them in the practice of their respective professions in the Philippines. cd i

SECTION 2. The Professional Regulations Commission shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement and carry out the purposes of this Decree.

SECTION 3. This Decree shall take effect immediately. cd

DONE in the City of Manila, this 20th day of August, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Four.