Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9225)
The short title of Republic Act No. 9225 is the "Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003."
The policy of the State is that all Philippine citizens who become citizens of another country shall be deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship under the conditions of this Act.
Natural-born citizens of the Philippines who have lost their Philippine citizenship by reason of naturalization as citizens of a foreign country are deemed to have re-acquired Philippine citizenship upon taking the prescribed oath of allegiance to the Republic.
The oath is: "I _________________, solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and obey the laws and legal orders promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Philippines, and I hereby declare that I recognize and accept the supreme authority of the Philippines and will maintain true faith and allegiance thereto; and that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily without mental reservation or purpose of evasion."
Yes, natural-born citizens who become citizens of a foreign country after the effectivity of this Act shall retain their Philippine citizenship upon taking the oath of allegiance.
Yes, derivative citizenship is recognized. The unmarried child, whether legitimate, illegitimate, or adopted, below eighteen (18) years of age, of those who re-acquire Philippine citizenship upon effectivity of this Act shall be deemed citizens of the Philippines.
They enjoy full civil and political rights and are subject to all attendant liabilities and responsibilities under existing Philippine laws, including suffrage rights if they meet the legal requirements, and ability to seek elective public office or be appointed to public office, subject to certain conditions.
They must meet the requirements under Section 1, Article V of the Constitution, Republic Act No. 918 (The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003), and other existing laws.
They must meet the constitutional and legal qualifications for holding such public office and, at the time of filing their certificate of candidacy, make a personal and sworn renunciation of all foreign citizenship before an authorized public officer.
No, the right to vote or be elected/appointed in the Philippines cannot be exercised by those who are candidates for or occupying any public office in the country where they are naturalized citizens, or are in active military service in that country.