Overview
Full Text
Details
Case
Agency Issuance Number
Published Date
Balik Scientist Act
Republic Act No. 11035
June 15, 2018
Case Overview and Summary
Summary of Republic Act No. 11035 (Balik Scientist Act)Title and Policy Declaration (Sections 1-2)
- The Act is known as the "Balik Scientist Act".
- It declares the policy of the State to support the participation of science, technology or innovation experts of Filipino descent in research and development initiatives for the country.
Balik Scientist Program (Section 3)
- Creates the Balik Scientist Program to be administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
- DOST shall:
- Identify expertise needed and manage applications for Balik Scientists. (Section 3a-b)
- Provide benefits and incentives to Balik Scientists. (Section 3c)
- Issue rules and regulations for efficient provision of benefits and incentives. (Section 3d)
- Monitor implementation and impact of the Program. (Section 3e-f)
- Issue research and development agenda to guide prioritization. (Section 3g)
Program Objectives (Section 4)
- The Program aims to strengthen scientific and technological human resources in academe, public and private institutions, and enterprises.
- Balik Scientists shall participate in activities like mentorship, training, lectures, research and development, technology transfer, etc.
Definition of Terms (Section 5)
- Defines "Balik Scientist", "Balik Scientist Program", "Host Institution", "Short-Term Engagement" (15 days to 6 months), "Medium-Term Engagement" (6 months to 1 year), and "Long-Term Engagement" (1 to 3 years).
General Benefits, Incentives, and Privileges (Section 6)
- Exemption from PRC licensing requirements. (Section 6a)
- Accident and medical insurance. (Section 6b)
- Reimbursement for excess baggage related to scientific projects. (Section 6c)
- Exemption from renouncing oath of allegiance, unless repatriating. (Section 6d)
- Tax and duty exemption for donated equipment, instruments, and materials. (Section 6e)
- Tax and duty exemption for importation of professional equipment, instruments, and materials. (Section 6f)
Term-Specific Benefits, Incentives, and Privileges (Section 7)
- Short-Term Program:
- One round-trip airfare, exempt from travel tax. (Section 7a1)
- Facilitated visa application, if applicable. (Section 7a2)
- Tax-exempt daily allowance. (Section 7a3)
- Participation in DOST Grants-in-Aid (GIA) research and development projects. (Section 7a4)
- Medium-Term Program:
- One round-trip airfare, exempt from travel tax. (Section 7b1)
- Facilitated visa application, if applicable. (Section 7b2)
- Tax-exempt daily allowance. (Section 7b3)
- Participation in DOST GIA research and development projects. (Section 7b4)
- Long-Term Program:
- One round-trip airfare for awardee, spouse, and minor dependents, exempt from travel tax. (Section 7c1)
- Special Relocation Benefits:
- Special non-immigrant visa for awardee, spouse, and minor children. (Section 7c2i)
- Exemption from alien employment permit for awardee and spouse. (Section 7c2ii)
- Exemption from immigration clearance and multiple entry fees. (Section 7c2iii)
- Tax and duty exemption for importation of personal and household effects, professional equipment, instruments, and materials. (Section 7c2iv)
- Tax and duty exemption for importation of one motor vehicle up to 3.5 tons GVW, with assistance from DOST. (Section 7c2v)
- Admission assistance to preferred schools for minor children. (Section 7c2vi)
- Assistance in securing job opportunities for spouse. (Section 7c2vii)
- Relocation allowance. (Section 7c2viii)
- Monthly housing or accommodation allowance. (Section 7c2ix)
- Participation in DOST GIA research and development projects. (Section 7c3)
- Funding for establishment and development of a facility or laboratory, which shall be deemed government property. (Section 7c4)
Role in DOST R&D Leadership Program (Section 8)
- Balik Scientist awardees shall assume mentorship, leadership, professional or technical roles in DOST's R&D Leadership Program and similar initiatives.
Administration and Priority Areas (Section 9)
- The Program shall be administered by DOST, coordinating with other agencies and GOCCs.
- Priority areas include Space Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering, Energy, Agriculture and Food, Biotechnology, ICT, Pharmaceutical, Disaster Mitigation and Management, Environment and Natural Resources, Electronics, Genomics, Health, Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, Cyber Security, and Semiconductors, among others.
Other Related Activities (Section 10)
- DOST shall organize annual conventions to acknowledge the role of Balik Scientists in scientific and economic growth.
Monitoring and Reporting (Section 11)
- Balik Scientists shall submit accomplishment reports after serving their term.
- DOST shall submit an Annual Summary Report of the Program to the Congressional Committees on Science and Technology.
Data Banking Responsibility (Section 12)
- DOST shall create and maintain a databank of Balik Scientists who availed of the Program.
Other Benefits and Privileges (Section 13)
- DOST may draw up other benefits and privileges for Balik Scientists in the implementing rules and regulations, including a one-time incentive bonus and additional incentives.
Appropriations (Section 14)
- Funds necessary to carry out the Act shall be included in the annual budget of DOST.
Implementing Rules and Regulations (Section 15)
- DOST shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations within 90 days from the effectivity of the Act.
Separability Clause (Section 16)
- If any provision is declared unconstitutional, the other provisions shall remain valid.
Repealing Clause (Section 17)
- All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with the Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity (Section 18)
- The Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Amends
n/a
Amended by
n/a
Tags
Statutes
Republic Acts
Balik Scientist Program
Filipino scientists
science and technology
research and development
incentives
benefits
grants
visas
tax exemptions
relocation assistance
mentorship
technology transfer
innovation
priority areas
Law
Balik Scientist Act
Republic Act No. 11035
•June 15, 2018
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11035
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE BALIK SCIENTIST PROGRAM, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Balik Scientist Act."
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State recognizes that the utilization of the expertise of science, technology or innovation experts of Filipino descent is a vital component of the nation's political, economic, and social development efforts. Hence, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to support the participation of science, technology or innovation experts of Filipino descent in research and development initiatives for our country.
Towards this end, science, technology or innovation exports, such as scientists, professionals, educators, technicians, researchers, engineers, innovators, technologists, technology entrepreneurs or any person with special skills or expertise, who is of Filipino descent, shall be accorded with benefits, incentives and privileges under this Act to encourage and support their participation in strengthening the scientific and technological human resources of public or private institutions and industry in our country to accelerate the development of new or...
Login to see full content
Amends
n/a
Amended by
n/a