EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
Senate
<0ffuf o( tijr g>f frrtarp
20 JAN 28 A9S1
SENATE
S. No. 1299
Introduced by Senator Manuel "LIto" M. Lapid
AN ACT
EXEMPTING QUALIFIED OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS (OFWS) FROM 
THE COVERAGE OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10912, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
THE CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2016
AMENDING
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 10912, otherwise known as the Continuing Professional 
Development Act of 2016, was passed to institute measure that will continuously 
improve the competence of Filipino professionals and to make them attuned to the 
development and advancements in their chosen field.
However, the implementation of the said law faced criticisms and challenges 
from a number of professionals, especially from Overseas Filipino Workers, whose 
situations would make it impossible for them to comply with the requirements of the 
said law.
In a resolution issued by the Professional Regulations Commission, PRC 
Resolution No. 2019-114, it states, among others, that OFWs shall be exempted from 
the requirements of this law.
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill Is earnestly
" M. LAPID
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
Senate
X 
o( tijf ferttrtaip
20 JAN 28 A9 51
SENATE
S. No. 1299
RECci'/fDBY;
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
EXEMPTING QUALIFIED OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS (OFWS) FROM 
THE COVERAGE OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10912, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2016
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 10912 Is hereby amended to read as
2 
follows:
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"Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - The following terms shall be defined 
under this Act:
"xxx.
(X) QUALIFIED OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS (OFWS) REFERS 
TO FILIPINO PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE ENGAGED IN THE 
PRACTICE OF THEIR PROFESSION OUTSIDE THE PHILIPPINES 
WITH A SERVICE CONTRACT OF AT LEAST THREE (3) YEARS OR 
HAS BEEN PRACTICING THEIR PROFESSION OUTSIDE OF THE 
PHILIPPINES FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) CONSECUTIVE 
YEARS."
SEC. 2. Section 10 of Republic Act No. 10912 Is hereby amended to read as
17 follows:
Sec. 10. CPD as Mandatory Requirement in the Renewal of Professional 
License and Accreditation System for the Practice of Professions. - The 
CPD Is hereby made as a mandatory requirement In the renewal of the 
PICs of all registered and licensed professionals under the regulation of 
the PRC, EXCEPT WITH REGARDS TO QUALIFIED OVERSEAS


FILIPINO WORKERS AS DEFINED IN SECTION 2, PARAGRAPH (X)
OF THIS ACT.
A PROFESSIONAL WHO IS PRACTICING OR WHO INTENDS TO 
PRACTICE HIS/HER PROFESSION IN COUNTRIES COVERED BY 
BILATERAL, REGIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS IN 
WHICH CPD IS A RECOGNITION AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT, 
SUCH AS THE ASEAN MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS (MRAs), 
SHALL COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ACT.
Sec. 3. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, issuances, rules and regulations or part 
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or 
modified accordingiy.
Sec. 15. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shail take effect within fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation, whichever comes eariier.
Approved,