Preamble
WHEREAS, Letter of Instructions No. 210 dated August 20, 1974 extending the Balikbayan Program to another period beginning September 1, 1975 to February 29, 1976, and has especially emphasized "our duty to encourage overseas Filipino scientists and technicians to come home and apply their knowledge to the development programs of the country..."; WHEREAS, Presidential Decree No. 541 allows erstwhile Filipino professionals to practice their professions in the Philippines under certain conditions but did not specify Filipino professionals who passed licensure examinations given by their host country; WHEREAS, Presidential Decree No. 659 amending Section 5(j) of Presidential Decree No. 223 allows foreign nationals to practice their professions in the Philippines, also under certain conditions, but did not include those of Filipino origin and descent and their families who may also qualify under the Balikbayan Program; WHEREAS, Presidential Decree No. 439 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 592 providing for tax holiday for overseas Filipinos as contemplated in Letters of Instructions No. 105, 163 and 210 which would include Balik-Scientists, is co-terminous with the Balikbayan program which will end on February 29, 1976; WHEREAS, there is need of attracting foreign-based scientists, professionals, or persons with special skill or expertise who are of Filipino descent or origin to visit the Philippines in order for them to learn the truth about the New Philippines and contribute their share in the building of a New Society; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order the following: