Presidential Decree No. 541 (PD 541) — Allowing Former Filipino Professionals to Practice Their Respective Professions in the Philippines.
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. 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.
SEC. 2. The Professional Regulations Commission shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement and carry
out the purposes of this Decree.
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
Source: Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines. Philippine laws are public documents (works of the government).
