Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 541)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 541 is to allow former Filipino professionals who have become naturalized citizens of other countries to practice their respective professions in the Philippines while on visit, sojourn, or permanent residence, provided they meet certain conditions.
Erstwhile Filipino professionals are those who were originally Filipino professionals, have passed licensure examinations in the Philippines, but have since become naturalized citizens of other countries.
They must have been professional practitioners of good standing prior to their departure from the Philippines and in their adopted country, must register with the Professional Regulations Commission, pay the proper professional license fee, and pay corresponding income tax on incomes earned in the Philippines.
No, the Decree requires that former Filipino professionals first register with the Professional Regulations Commission and pay the proper professional license fee before practicing.
The Professional Regulations Commission is tasked with promulgating the necessary rules and regulations to implement and carry out the purposes of this Decree.
Yes, the Decree states that its provisions shall prevail notwithstanding any existing laws, rules, regulations, decrees, orders, and instructions to the contrary.
Yes, they are required to pay the corresponding income tax due on all incomes realized by them in the practice of their professions in the Philippines.
The Decree took effect immediately upon its signing on August 20, 1974.
Yes, the Decree allows them to practice their profession while on visit, sojourn, or permanent residence in the Philippines, subject to the conditions stated.
Being a professional practitioner of good standing means that the professional had no issues or disciplinary actions compromising their professional status both before leaving the Philippines and in their adopted country, which is a prerequisite to practicing under this Decree.