Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9225)
Republic Act No. 9225 is known as the "Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003."
The main policy 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 their 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, they retain their Philippine citizenship upon taking the prescribed oath of allegiance.
The unmarried child, whether legitimate, illegitimate, or adopted, below eighteen years of age of those who re-acquire Philippine citizenship upon the 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 the right to vote, run for public office (with conditions), and practice professions, subject to certain legal requirements and restrictions.
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 public office and, at the time of filing their certificate of candidacy, personally and swornly renounce any and all foreign citizenship before a public officer authorized to administer oaths.
No, they cannot exercise such rights under this Act.
Any other section or provision not affected thereby shall remain valid and effective (Separability Clause).
It took effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.