QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 658)
Presidential Decree No. 658 is a presidential issuance that, by its own terms, is made part of the law of the land and took effect immediately upon issuance.
Dr. Charlies Bailey, Dr. Donald Effler, Dr. Delton Cooley, Dr. Christian Barnard, and Dr. Martines Bordiú.
It grants them the right to exercise certain privileges appertaining to Philippine citizens, specifically the practice of their profession and those related to or necessary for the exercise of their profession, in and outside of the Philippines.
It implies that the beneficiaries are allowed—by virtue of the decree—to enjoy privileges similar to those granted to Philippine citizens for the practice of their profession and related activities necessary to practice.
The decree states it is issued “by virtue of the powers… vested by the Constitution.”
They were invited as special guests at the inauguration of the Philippine Heart Center for Asia on February 14, 1975, properly honored by the Philippine Government and awarded each the Golden Heart Award; they also gave lectures and participated in a seminar after the inauguration.
Their lectures and discussions enriched the knowledge of Filipino doctors in heart surgery and heart care and broadened the horizons of medicine in the Philippines.
It expressly covers the practice of their profession and those related to or necessary for the exercise thereof in and outside of the Philippines.
While generally not operative provisions, they provide context and may be used to interpret the intent and purpose of the operative grant (the “WHEREAS” clauses explain the reasons for the privilege).
The operative part is the “NOW, THEREFORE” clause granting the right to the specified physicians to exercise privileges appertaining to Philippine citizens, including practicing their profession and related necessities both in and outside the Philippines.
The decree grants “certain privileges appertaining to Philippine citizens,” not citizenship itself. It is a targeted privilege/authorization for professional practice and related acts rather than naturalization.
It emphasizes service to humanity irrespective of race, color, religion, or political/social creed. Legally, it supports interpretation of broad humanitarian intent behind the privilege grant, though the scope remains defined by the operative clause.
It takes effect immediately, as stated: “This Decree is made part of the law of the land and shall take effect immediately.”
It contains the signature of the President and attestation by the Executive Secretary, indicating formal presidential issuance and approval/implementation under the governing governmental process at the time.