ALLOWING FORMER FILIPINO PROFESSIONALS TO PRACTICE THEIR RESPECTIVE PROFESSIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES.

• Number: Presidential Decree No. 541
• Sections: 4

Preamble

WHEREAS, a considerable number of Filipino professionals

have, with the passage of time, gone to other countries to pursue

further studies and/or take up specialized studies in their chosen

fields of endeavor while others emigrated to other lands in search of

better job opportunities;

WHEREAS, since their departure from the Philippines some of

these professionals have become naturalized citizens of their host

countries so that they are now barred from the practice of their

profession in our country;

WHEREAS, a considerable number of these erstwhile Filipino

professionals are now desirous to come home under the Balikbayan Program

and, while here, would like to serve our people or share their advanced

knowledge and expertise with their local professional colleagues;

WHEREAS, for the sake of faster national development our

government is now trying to attract these erstwhile Filipino

professionals to return and reside permanently in the Philippines so

that they can provide the talent and expertise urgently needed by the

homeland;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the

Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution,

do hereby decree and order the following:

Section 1

SECTION 1. The provisions of all existing laws, rules and

regulations, decrees, orders, and instructions to the contrary

notwithstanding, professionals who were formerly citizens of the

Philippines and who have previously passed licensure examinations in the

Philippines for the practice of their profession, may, while in this

country on a visit, sojourn or permanent residence, practice their

profession; Provided, That they are professional practitioners of

good standing prior to their departure from the Philippines and in

their adopted country: Provided further, That prior to the

practice of their profession they shall have first registered with the

Professional Regulations Commission and have paid the proper

professional license fee; And provided finally, That they shall

pay the corresponding income tax due on all incomes realized by them in

the practice of their respective professions in the Philippines.

Section 2

SEC. 2. The Professional Regulations Commission shall

promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement and carry

out the purposes of this Decree.

Section 3

SEC. 3. This Decree shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 20th day of August, in the year

of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-four.

(Sgd.)

FERDINAND E. MARCOS

President of the Philippines

By the President:

(Sgd.)

ALEJANDRO MELCHOR

Executive Secretary