Section 7Sec./Art. 7

Term-Specific Benefits, Incentives, and Privileges. - Balik Scientist shall be eligible for the benefits, incentives, and privileges under the following terms of engagement:

(a) Short Term Program:

(1) One (1) round-trip airfare originating from a foreign country to the Philippines, exempt form Philippine Travel Tax;

(2) When applicable, application for a visa duly subsidized and facilitated ny the DOST whose validity shall over the duration of the awarded engagement;

(3) Tax exempt daily allowance to be determined by the DOST; and

(4) Participation in Grants-in-Aid (GIA) research and development projects of the DOST subject to guidelines to be provided in the implementing rules and regulations. A grant may be provided to the Balik Scientist and released through the host institution for the implementation of the project in accordance with relevant government regulations and the need of the Program involved:

(b) Medium-Term Program:

(1) One (1) round-trip airfare originating from a foreign country to the Philippines, exempt from Philippine Travel Tax;

(2) When applicable, application for a visa duly subsidized and facilitated by the DOST whose validity shall cover the duration of the awarded engagement;

(3) Tax exempt daily allowance with rates to be determined by the DOST;

(4) Participation in GIA research and development projects of the DOST subject to guidelines to be provided in the implementing rules and regulations. A grant may be provided to the Balik Scientist and released through the host institution for the implementation of the project in accordance with relevant government regulations and the need of the Program involved:

(c) Long-Term Program:

(1) One (1) round-trip airfare originating from a foreign country to the Philippines, exempt from Philippine Travel Tax, for the awardees, their spouses, and minor dependents;

(2) Special Relocation Benefits:

(i) Special nonimmigrant visa, for awardees, their spouses, and minor children: Provided, That the validity of the visa shall cover the duration of the awarded long-term engagement;

(ii) Exemption from the requirement to secure an alien employment permit from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for Balik Scientists and their Spouses;

(iii) Exemption from submission of immigration clearance certificate and payment of multiple entry fees;

(iv) Tax and duty exemption in the importation of personal and household effects, professional equipment, instruments, and materials of the Balik Scientist;

(v) tax and duty exemption in the importation of one (1) motor vehicle whose gross vehicle weight (GVW) does not exceed 3.5 tons, and subject to the motor vehicle classification standard set forth by the Bureau of Customs: Provided, That the Balik Scientist assisted by the DOST, shall ensure compliance with other applicable rules and regulations in the importation of motor vehicles: Provided further, That an endorsement from the DOST shall suffice as substitute to the required personal appearance: Provided, finally, That the Balik Scientist shall be exempt from posting bond and exportation of the motor vehicle to the country of origin upon the expiration of the award;

(vi) Admission assistance to the preferred schools for the minor children of Balik Scientist;

(vii) Assistance in securing job opportunities for the spouse of the Balik Scientists;

(viii) Rellocation allowance to be determined by the DOST; and

(ix) Monthly housing or accommodation allowance;

(3) Participation in GIA research and development projects of the DOST subject to guidelines to be provided in the implementing rules and regulations. A grant may be provided to the Balik Scientist and released through the host institution for the implementation of the project in accordance with relevant government regulations and the need of the Program involved; and

(4) Funding for the establishment and development of facility or laboratory: Provided, That the facility or laboratory shall be deemed government property.