Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 657)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 657 is to amend Section 5(j) of Presidential Decree No. 223 to allow for the registration and practice of foreign professionals in the Philippines, with or without examination, including provisions for outstanding foreign experts to practice regardless of reciprocity.
PD No. 657 modifies the reciprocity requirement by allowing the Professional Regulation Commission to issue certificates of registration or special permits to foreign professionals even if reciprocity does not exist, provided the foreigner is an internationally recognized outstanding expert whose services are urgently needed.
The Professional Regulation Commission may approve the registration and issuance of certificates to foreign professionals upon recommendation of the concerned Board and, in some cases, with the approval of the President of the Philippines.
Yes, the Commission can prescribe additional requirements or grant privileges to foreigners if similar additional requirements or privileges are imposed on or granted to Filipino citizens practicing the same profession in the foreigner's country.
Applicants must submit competent documentary evidence confirmed by the DFA showing that the laws of their country permit Philippine citizens to practice the profession there under similar conditions.
A foreigner can be granted a temporary special permit without reciprocity if they are internationally known as an outstanding expert or well-known specialist in their profession and if their services are urgently necessary due to lack or inadequacy of local experts or for the advancement of the profession in the Philippines.
Yes, the decree states in Section 3 that it shall take effect immediately upon signing.
All inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, instructions, rules, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly to conform with the provisions of PD No. 657.
Presidential Decree No. 657 was signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.