Amending Section Five (J) Of Presidential Decree Numbered Two Hundred And Twenty Three, Creating The Professional Regulation Commission And Prescribing Its Powers And Functions.

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 657

Amending Section 5(j) of Presidential Decree No. 223 on the Powers of the Professional Regulation Commission

- The Commission may approve the registration and authorize the issuance of a certificate of registration with or without examination to a foreigner who is registered under the laws of their country, subject to the following conditions:
• The requirements for registration or licensing in the foreign state or country are substantially the same as those required in the Philippines. (Section 1)
• The laws of the foreign state or country allow Filipino citizens to practice the profession on the same basis and grant the same privileges as their citizens. (Section 1)
• The applicant must submit competent and conclusive documentary evidence, confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, showing that their country's existing laws permit Filipino citizens to practice the profession under the rules and regulations governing their citizens. (Section 1)

- The Commission may, upon recommendation of the Board concerned and approval of the President, authorize the issuance of a certificate of registration without examination or a temporary special permit to practice the profession to any foreigner, regardless of whether or not reciprocity exists in the practice of their profession between their country and the Philippines, under the following conditions:
• The foreigner is internationally known to be an outstanding expert in their chosen profession or a well-known specialist in any of its branches. (Section 1)
• The foreigner's services are urgently necessary either for lack or inadequacy of local experts or if their services will promote the advancement of the profession in the Philippines. (Section 1)

- The Commission is authorized to prescribe additional requirements or grant certain privileges to foreigners seeking registration in the Philippines if the same privileges are granted to or same additional requirements are required of Filipino citizens in acquiring the same certificates in their country. (Section 1)

- All laws, decrees, orders, instructions, rules and regulations, and parts thereof inconsistent with this Decree are hereby repealed and modified accordingly. (Section 2)

- This Decree shall take effect immediately. (Section 3)