Question & AnswerQ&A (BI MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. AFF-04-01)
The rules govern the reacquisition of Philippine citizenship for former natural-born citizens who lost their citizenship by reason of naturalization in another country, in accordance with Republic Act No. 9225.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI), in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of the Civil Registrar-General, and National Statistics Office (NSO).
They apply to former natural-born citizens of the Philippines who have lost their citizenship due to naturalization as citizens of a foreign country.
They must file a petition under oath to the Commissioner of Immigration for cancellation of their Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) and issuance of an Identification Certificate (IC).
They must file a petition under oath to the nearest Philippine Foreign Post, which will evaluate and forward the records to the Commissioner of Immigration.
Applicants in the Philippines must pay a processing fee of ₱2,500.00, and applicants abroad must pay US$50 or its equivalent in foreign currency to the Philippine Foreign Post concerned.
Applicants born in the Philippines must submit an NSO-authenticated copy of their birth certificate. Those born abroad must submit the original Report of Birth issued by the Philippine Foreign Post and, if applicable, the foreign birth certificate.
The Oath of Allegiance is the final act that confers Philippine citizenship to the applicant. It declares support, defense, and allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines.
Their petition will not be favorably acted upon and may be denied by the Bureau of Immigration or the Philippine Foreign Post.
Yes, citizenship may be revoked by competent authority upon a substantive finding of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment on the part of the applicant.
Yes, unmarried children below 18 years of age, whether legitimate, illegitimate, or adopted, of those who reacquire Philippine citizenship are included under these rules.
The BI Records Section maintains all the documents filed, sends official copies of the Order of Approval and Oath of Allegiance to the NSO, and ensures the integrity of these records.
No, the conferment of Philippine citizenship under these rules is exempt from administrative review or affirmation by the Secretary of Justice.
Applicants receive official copies of the Order of Approval and the Oath of Allegiance, along with an Identification Certificate indicating Philippine citizenship under R.A. No. 9225.
They take effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation. The circular was adopted on March 10, 2004.