PRC sets guidelines in International Agreements on the practice of foreign professionals in the Philippines
The Professional Regulation Commission recently issued PRC Resolution No.2012-668 dated June 21, 2012 setting the guidelines in implementing Section 7, paragraphs (j), (l) and Section 16 of R.A.8981 otherwise known as the PRC Modernization Act of 2000, the pertinent provisions of various Professional Regulatory Laws, the general agreement on trade in services, and other international agreements on the practice of foreign professionals in the Philippines.
The resolution requires foreign professionals who intend to practice a profession in the Philippines to file an application for registration with or without Board Licensure Examination or to secure a Special Temporary Permit from the Professional Regulatory Boards and the Commission.
Applications with complete documentary requirements for Certificates of Registration, Professional Identification Cards or Special Temporary Permits shall be filed at the International Affairs Division of the PRC.
The guidelines provide the procedures in the filing, evaluation and approval of application of:
- Foreign nationals applying for registration with or without examination under reciprocity or other international agreement;
- Foreign professionals intending to practice a profession in the Philippines under reciprocity or other international agreements;
- Foreign professionals who are to be engaged by the Government as Consultants in foreign-funded, joint venture, or foreign assisted projects;
- Foreign professionals who are to be employed by local and foreign private firms or institutions pursuant to law;
- Foreign health professionals on humanitarian missions for a limited period of time; and
- Foreign professionals under P.D. No. 541, “Allowing former Filipino professionals to practice their respective professions in the Philippines.
Section 4 of the resolution further states that foreign professionals who are allowed to practice their profession with or without examination in the Philippines shall be required to take the oath of professionals.
The Special Temporary Permits to be issued by the respective boards and approved by the Commission are valid for not more than one year unless renewed/extended.
