QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 819)
To allow foreign-based Filipino scientists, professionals, technicians, or persons with special skills/expertise (and their family members) to practice their profession/expertise in the Philippines, and to align incentives for them to contribute to the country’s scientific and technological advancement.
Any foreign-based scientist, professional, technician, or person with special skill or expertise who is of Filipino origin or descent, and the members of his/her family, as long as they are licensed to practice their profession/skill/expertise in their host country.
No. Section 1 states that the person must register with the Professional Regulation Commission regardless of whether the expertise falls within any of the regulated professions and vocations in the Philippines.
The person must first register with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and pay the required license fee for practice of the profession/skill/expertise in his/her country—prior to practicing in the Philippines.
Practice in the Philippines—either temporary or permanent bases—must be upon approval by the Secretary of Health.
No. Section 1 expressly allows practice while staying in the Philippines on either a temporary or permanent basis, subject to the approval and PRC registration requirements.
Five (5) years from the date of effectivity of the decree.
All incentives, benefits, and privileges already granted to overseas homecoming Filipinos (Balikbayans) under existing decrees or letters of instructions are granted to professionals, scientists, or technicians covered by Section 1.
The Department of Tourism, the National Science Development Board, and the Professional Regulation Commission. They must jointly promulgate implementing rules within thirty (30) days from the promulgation of the decree.
Such rules as may be necessary to implement and carry out the purpose and objective of the decree, including additional incentives/benefits/privileges needed to attract the covered individuals.
The Secretary of Tourism, as Chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Board (or authorized representative), is authorized to negotiate with or secure non-revenue or discounted air passage tickets for covered individuals.
Yes, in the sense that Section 1 requires PRC registration regardless of whether the expertise falls within regulated professions/vocations; thus, the decree contemplates coverage beyond the enumerated regulated categories.
PD 819 was enacted to address gaps: PD 541 allowed erstwhile Filipino professionals under conditions but did not specify Filipino professionals who passed host-country licensure exams; PD 659 allowed foreign nationals but did not include Filipinos of origin/descent and their families who may qualify under Balikbayan.
It repeals, supersedes, modifies, or amends all laws, decrees, orders, letters of instructions, rules, regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with PD 819.
It took effect immediately (Section 6).
No. Section 1 requires PRC registration regardless of whether the expertise is within regulated professions in the Philippines, and payment of the required license fee for practice in the host country.