FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 493 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippine Constitution, under Section 10, Art. XIV, reads: 
"Section 10. 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 said 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. 
-Q GGO EJERCITO ESTRA 
Senator 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
.First Regular Session 
) 
- 
I’ 
JUL -2 P L ~  
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Senate Bill No. 493 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BALIK 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 2007”. 
SEC 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. 
SEC 3. General Objectives. 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. 
SEC 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 DST - recognized foreign science and technology institution and 
contracted by the government to return and work in the Philippines along his or 
here field of expertise for a short-term with a duration of at least one (1) month 


(Short Term Program) or long term with a duration of at least two (2) years (Long 
Term Program). 
SEC 5. lncenfives. Incentives under the Balik Scientist Program shall 
include the following: 
A. Short Term Program: 
1. 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, 1975. 
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. Duty and tax-free importation of one ( 1 )  unit second-hand motor 
vehicle with maximum displacement of 1600cc 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; 
6. Exemption from payment of travel tax including those for the 
spouse and minor dependents as certified by the DOST; 
7. Exemption from the Immigration clearance certificates and 
payment of multiple entry fees as provided under existing laws, 
rules and regulations; 


8. Exemption from securing alien employment permit within the 
9. Reimbursement of expenses for the surface shipment of personal 
and household effects including one (1) motor vehicle not 
exceeding 2 %tons volume weight; 
I O .  Issuance of a SpeciaMemporary 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. 
11. Grants-in-aid for research and development projects approved by 
duration of their contract; 
the Secretary of DOST; 
12,Availability of the infrastructure budget for the laboratory to come 
up with an innovation. Provided, That the laboratory shall remain 
as 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 therefore 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. 
SEC 5. 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. 
SEC 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. 
SEC 8. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act shall be held 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not othewise affected shall 
remain in full force and effect. 


SEC 9. Effectivity. This Act shall take 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,