QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 130)
Executive Order No. 130 (issued on 25 October 1993) institutes the Balik Scientist Program under the Department of Science and Technology.
The Program was established pursuant to Presidential Decree (PD) No. 819 dated 24 October 1975 for five (5) years, and was extended up to October 1986 by Letter of Instruction (LOI) No. 1044 dated 18 July 1980.
A Balik Scientist is a science or technology expert (as defined by DOST) who is either (1) a Filipino citizen or (2) a foreigner of Filipino descent, residing abroad, and contracted by the National Government to return and work in the Philippines in their field of expertise for a short term or long term.
Short-Term Program: at least one (1) month. Long-Term Program: at least two (2) years.
Under EO No. 130, the incentives include: (a) free round-trip economy airfare originating from a foreign country to the Philippines by direct route (and other privileges under implementing guidelines), and (b) grants-in-aid for approved research and development (R&D) projects.
Incentives include: (a) free one-way economy airfare (plus airfare for spouse and two minor dependents) and free return economy airfare after completion of two (2) years for Balik Scientists or three (3) years for new graduates; (b) duty-free importation of professional instruments/implements/tools of trade/occupational items, wearing apparel, domestic animals, and personal and household effects (subject to conditions and Tariff and Customs Code Section 105); (c) no-dollar importation of motor vehicles under applicable Board of Investments guidelines; (d) travel tax exemptions under specified laws; (e) reimbursement of freight expenses and excess baggage limits; (f) possible housing arrangements through predetermined institutions; (g) assistance in securing certificate of registration without examination or exemption from licensure requirements of the PRC; (h) R&D grants; and (i) special non-immigrant visas under Section 47(a)(2) with certain fee exemptions.
It is “in accordance with Section 105 of the Tariff and Customs Code.” The importation must be for the person’s own use and not for barter or sale, and only in quantities and class suitable to the profession, rank, or position.
It requires that the importer companies have and be qualified in accordance with the Board of Investments (BOI) guidelines on no-dollar importation of second-hand motor vehicles of returning residents/immigrants, and other applicable guidelines issued by the Bureau of Import Services and the DTI.
It provides exemption from payment of travel tax for Filipino permanent residents abroad in accordance with Section 2 of PD No. 1183. Those not covered by Section 2 may be exempted under Section 3 of Republic Act No. 6768 (Balikbayan Program).
It reimburses freight expenses for a car and personal effects with a stated basis: 2-1/2 tons volume weight for surface shipment. When traveling by air, reimbursement covers excess baggage not exceeding 20 kgs. per adult and 10 kgs. per minor dependent; any excess beyond the limits is borne by the Balik Scientist/new graduate.
They may be assisted in securing a certificate of registration without examination or an exemption from PRC licensure requirements to practice their profession/skill in accordance with Section 5 of PD No. 223, as amended by PD No. 657.
Participants (including their dependents) certified by DOST may be granted special non-immigrant visas under Section 47(a)(2) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended. They are also exempt from visa, immigration, and registration fees under Section 251 of the Philippine Foreign Service Code of 1983.
The Secretary of Justice determines the policy regarding the length of validity of the visas and their extensions.
The Secretary of DOST administers the Program and may call on the heads of departments, agencies, bureaus, including GOCCs, for effective implementation. DOST is also tasked to issue implementing rules in consultation with appropriate agencies.
They shall be financed through programmed appropriations of DOST under the General Appropriations Act, specifically for Assistance to Scientific Research and Development Activities with Local and Foreign Institutions.
It takes effect immediately.