NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2349
mam
of til?
23 JUL25 P2 51
RECEIVED BY
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
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to exempt Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from complying 
with Republic Act No. 10192, more commonly known as the Continuing Professional 
Development (CPD) Act.
The CPD Act, enacted in 2016, was intended to ensure the continuous 
professional growth and development of various licensed professionals in the 
Philippines. It mandates the completion of a certain number of CPD units and the 
submission of evidence of compliance for renewal of professional licenses. While this 
act serves a noble purpose in promoting professional excellence, its application to 
OFWs is highly impractical and burdensome.
It Is essential to recognize that OFWs are individuals who have chosen to work 
abroad, away from their families and homeland, to provide for their loved ones and 
contribute to the nation's economy. The nature of their work, predominantly in sectors 
such as healthcare, engineering, teaching, and other professions, demands an 
exceptional level of expertise and competency. However, it is crucial to acknowledge 
that OFWs are primarily employed and practicing their professions in foreign countries, 
not within the jurisdiction of the Philippines.


Requiring OFWs to comply with the CPD Act places an unnecessary burden on 
these hardworking individuals who are already facing numerous challenges in their 
overseas employment. They dedicate their time and energy to adapt to different 
cultural contexts, face language barriers, and meet the stringent demands of their 
respective work environments. Moreover, they often work long hours in demanding 
conditions, leaving little time or opportunity to pursue CPD activities and meet the 
prescribed requirements.
The current provisions of the CPD Act do not take into account the unique 
circumstances faced by OFWs. The cost associated with attending CPD seminars, 
workshops, or training programs, which are often conducted in the Philippines, 
presents a financial burden for OFWs who must cover their own travel expenses and 
forego income during their short visits. Additionally, the geographical distance 
between their workplace abroad and the Philippines poses practical difficulties in 
attending CPD activities.
The exemption of OFWs from complying with the CPD Act aligns with the 
principles of fairness, recognition, and consideration for their invaluable contributions 
to the nation's economy. By exempting OFWs from this requirement, we demonstrate 
our sincere appreciation for their sacrifices and the important role they play in uplifting 
the lives of their families and fellow countrymen.
This proposed measure seeks to exempt Qualified OFWs from the CPD 
requirements. This bill likewise mandates the Professional Regulatory Commission 
(PRC) to establish a CPD compliance program for Filipino professionals who were 
previously exempted from compliance and wish to resume their practice here in the 
Philippines.
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.
MANilEL "LITO" M. LAPID
Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 2349
of ti;e ^ onetfirj>
23 JUL25 P2 51
i^HCEiVFD BY: 41
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
1 
AN ACT
2 
EXEMPTING QUALIFIED OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS (OFWS) FROM
3 
THE COVERAGE OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10912, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
4 
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
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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 PROFESSIONAL WHO ARE ENGAGED IN 
THE PRACTICE OF THEIR PROFESION EXCLUSIVELY OUTSIDE 
THE PHILIPPINES WITH A SERVICE CONTRACT OF A LEAST 
THREE (3) YEARS OR HAS BEEN PRACTICING THEIR 
PROFESSION OUTSIDE OF THE PHILIPPINES FOR A PERIOD OF 
THREE (3) CONSECUTIVE VEARS."
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Sec. 2. Section 10 of Republic Act No. 10912 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:


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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 PPX, EXCEPT 
WITH REGARD 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.
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Sec. 3. A new Section 10-A of Republic Act No. 10912 is hereby inserted to read
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as follows:
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Sec. 10-A. CPD Compliance for Returning Professionals. -
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The Professional Regulatory Commission shall establish a CPD
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compliance program for returning professionals who were
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exempted as Qualified Overseas Filipino Workers in prior
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compliance periods and wish to resume the practice of their
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professions in the Philippines.
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Sec. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Professional Regulatory
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Commission shall promulgate the necessary amendments to the Implementing Rules
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and Regulations of R.A. No. 10912 within ninety (90) days after the effectivity of this
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Act.
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Sec. 5. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held invalid
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or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full
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force and effect.


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Sec. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations,
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and other issuances or parts thereof, which are contrary to or inconsistent with this
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Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,