THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
1 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
SENAT 
S.B. No. 
Q 
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippine Constitution, under Section 10, Art. XIV, reads: 
“Section I O .  Science and technology are essential for national development and 
progress. The State shall give priority to research and development, invention, 
innovation, and their utilization; and to science and technology, education, 
training, and services period. It shall support indigenous, appropriate, and self- 
reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and their application to the 
country’s productive systems and national life.” 
Notwithstanding said altruistic statement of the State policy on the promotion of 
science and technology, it is sad that many of our scientists, technology experts and 
intellectually gifted countrymen have found their ways beyond our shores in search for 
greener pastures because they have not found the proper environment and 
opportunities for growth and advancement in their own country. 
It is in the national interest to entice Filipino scientists who have gone abroad in 
search for better opportunities to go back to our country. We have to find ways of 
reversing the brain drain. 
It is in such context that this bill seeks to establish and institutionalize the Balik 
Scientist Program. It proposes to provide the necessary incentives which will attract our 
scientist to return to their country of origin -the Philippines. 
Early approval of the bill is recommended. 
Senator 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
I 
SENATE 
1 
, 
S.B. No. 
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BALK SCIENTIST PROGRAM, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Balik Scientist Program of 
2 004. ” 
SECTION 2.. Declaration Of Policy. - The State recognizes that the utilization 
of the expertise of expatriate Filipino scientists and technologies is a vital component of 
the nation’s political, economic and social development efforts, hence, it is hereby 
declared to be the policy of the State to encourage Filipino scientists and technology 
experts from abroad to return to the Philippines and share their expertise to accelerate 
the development of the country. 
Towards this end, any foreign-based scientist, 
professional, technician, or any person with special skills or expertise who is of Filipino 
descent shall be allowed to practice his or her profession or expertise in the Philippines, 
in accordance with the implementing rules and regulations which shall be promulgated 
by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in coordination with the 
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and other relevant agencies of the 
government. 
SECTION 3. General Objecfives. - This Act aims to strengthen the scientific 
and technological manpower of the academe and public and private institutions in order 
to promote information exchange and accelerate the flow of new technologies into the 
country. 


SECTION 4. Definition of Balik Scientist - A balik scientist is a science or 
technology expert or professional, as may be defined by the Department of Science and 
Technology, who is a Filipino citizen or a foreigner of Filipino descent, residing abroad, 
working with any public or private entity or graduate from a DOST- recognized foreign 
science and technology institution and contracted by the government to return and work 
in the Philippines along his or her field of expertise for a short-term with a duration of at 
least one (I) month ( Short Term Program ) or long-term with a duration of at least two 
(2) years ( Long Term Program ). 
SECTION 5. lncentives. - lncentives under the Balik Scientist Program shall 
include the following: 
A. 
Short-Term Program: 
I. Free round-trip economy airfare originating from a foreign country to 
the Philippines by direct route, and such other privileges that may be 
given under the short-term program implementing guidelines; 
2. Daily subsistence allowance to be determined by the DOST; 
3. Grants-in-aid for research and development projects approved by the 
Secretary of DOST; 
4. Assistance in securing a special / temporary permit from the 
Professional Regulatory Board and the PRC to practice a profession in 
the Philippines under the provisions of the Professional Regulatory 
Law, or under the Provisions of P.D. No. 223 promulgated on June 22, 
1973, as amended by P.D. No. 657 promulgated on February 19, 
19.75. 
B. 
Long Term Program: 
1. Free one-way economy airfare from a foreign country to the 
Philippines, including airfare for the spouse and two (2) minor 
dependents, and free return trip economy airfare after completion of 
two (2) years in the case of balik scientists with at least five (5) years 
experience abroad, and three (3) years in the case of balik-scientist 
who are new graduates at the time of availment of the balik-scientist 
program; 
2. Excess baggage allowance to be determined by DOST; 
3. Relocation allowance to be determined by DOST; 
4. Duty and tax-free importation of personal effects and professional 
instruments and implements in quantities and of the class suitable to 
the profession, rank or position of the persons importing them for their 
own use and not for barter or sale; 


5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 
Duty and tax-free importation of one (I) unit second-hand motor 
vehicle with maximum displacement of 16OOcc subject to the 
classification standard of motor vehicle transported set forth by the 
Bureau of Customs: Provided, that the grantee under the short-term 
program who shall decide to avail of the long-term program may 
likewise be entitled to this benefit; 
Exemption from payment of travel tax including those for the spouse 
and minor dependents as certified by the DOST; 
Exemption from the Emigration clearance certificates and payment of 
multiple entry fees as provided under existing laws, rules and 
regulations; 
Exemption from securing alien employment permit within the duration 
of their contract; 
Reimbursement of expenses for the surface shipment of personal and 
household effects including one (I) 
motor vehicle not exceeding 2 % 
tons volume weight; 
I O .  Issuance of a special / temporary permit from the Professional 
Regulatory Board and the PRC to practice a profession in the 
Philippines for the duration of the contract under the provisions of the 
Professional Regulatory Law, and under the provision of P.D. No. 223 
promulgated on 22 June 1973, as amended by the Presidential 
Decree No. 657 promulgated on 19 February 1975. 
1 1. Grants-in-aid for research and development projects approved by the 
Secretary of DOST; 
12. Availability of the infrastructure budget for the laboratory to come up 
Provided, That the laboratory shall remain as 
with an innovation: 
property of the government after the expiration of the term; and 
13. Grant by the Secretary of the Department of Justice special non- 
immigrant visa under Section 47 (a) (2) of the Philippine Immigration 
Act of 1940, as amended, including those for the spouse and minor 
dependents, after compliance with the requirements therefor and 
exemption from payment of visa, immigration and registration fees in 
accordance with existing laws, rules or regulations. 
Both the short-term and the long-term program grantees 
shall be provided with reasonable accident insurance for the duration 
of the grant as determined by DOST. 
To ensure the availability of positions for long-term grantees, 
the DOST shall create one hundred (100) plantilla positions with 


initial salary equivalent to Director I and shall include other benefits 
attached to its equivalent positions. 
SECTION 6. Administration. - This program shall be administered by the DOST 
which shall issue the implementing rules and regulations in consultation with 
appropriate agencies ninety (90) days after the approval of this Act. 
SECTION 7. Funding. - The funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this 
Act shall be included in the annual budget of the DOST in accordance with the Annual 
General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 8. Separabilify Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be held 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full 
force and effect. 
SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - Executive Order No. 130 issued on October 
25, 1993, and all laws and Executive issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent 
herewith are herby repealed or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 10. Effecfivify. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following the date of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,