Section 48September 19, 1991, Sec./Art. 48

Qualifications of Applicants. – Foreign service officer (FSO) examinations shall be open to those who are citizens and permanent residents of the Philippines. No person, of either sex, married to an alien may take the examinations without the written consent of the Secretary. Applicants must be holders of a four-year bachelor's degree, below thirty-six (36) years old, and physically and psychologically fit: provided, that any person who is holding a position of responsibility in the Department or the Institute for at least two (2) years prior to the date of examination and who is otherwise qualified to take the examinations may do so, regardless of the maximum age limit prescribed.