Question & AnswerQ&A (BI MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. MCL-08-006 2008)
The primary purpose is to simplify the rules and regulations for former natural-born Filipino citizens who have lost their citizenship by naturalization abroad to retain or reacquire their Philippine citizenship through an oath of allegiance, as provided under R.A. No. 9225.
The rules apply to former natural-born citizens of the Philippines who lost their citizenship due to naturalization as citizens of a foreign country.
They must file a verified petition for retention or reacquisition of Philippine citizenship with the Bureau of Immigration and, if previously registered as an alien, request the cancellation of their Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR or ACR-I card) and related residence certificates.
Accepted documents include a Philippine Birth Certificate, old Philippine passport, voter’s affidavit or voter’s identification card, marriage contract indicating Philippine citizenship, and other documents acceptable to the evaluating officer.
Applicants must pay a processing fee of P2,500.00.
Applicants in the Philippines should preferably take the oath before the Commissioner of Immigration or an authorized Bureau official; applicants abroad must take it before the Philippine Consul General or duly commissioned foreign service officer.
Yes, a child below 18, whether legitimate, illegitimate, or adopted, may be considered a beneficiary and reacquire citizenship upon the parent's reacquisition, subject to inclusion in the petition and payment of fees.
The processor will return the petition to the applicant with an advice of deficiencies, and the applicant must submit the required documents within 30 days; otherwise, the petition will not be favorably acted upon.
No, such applications are exempt from confirmation by the Secretary of Justice, but the DOJ may revoke approval upon finding fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment after an administrative hearing.
All applications, documents, or information submitted to the Bureau of Immigration or Philippine Foreign Posts are confidential and shall not be divulged without the express written consent of the applicant.