Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 2927)
Philippine citizenship may be acquired by (a) natives of the Philippines who are not citizens under the Jones Law; (b) natives of other Insular possessions of the U.S.; (c) citizens of the U.S. or foreigners who may become U.S. citizens if residing therein.
Disqualified persons include those opposed to organized government, advocates of violence, polygamists, persons convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude, those with mental alienation or incurable contagious diseases, and citizens of nations at war with the U.S. and Philippines during wartime.
Applicants must have continuous residence in the Philippines for at least five years, except those with special qualifications for whom it is reduced to two years.
Special qualifications include honorable government office in the Philippines, establishing a new industry or useful invention, being a railroad contractor/director, being married to a Filipino woman, or teaching in the Philippines for at least two years.
They must declare in writing and under oath the intention to renounce all faith and allegiance to their native state or sovereignty.
The petition must include personal details such as name, residence, occupation, birth details, marital status, family information, arrival date in the Philippines, qualifications and disqualifications for citizenship, and affidavits from at least two Filipino citizens vouching for the petitioner's good character.
The Court of First Instance of the province or district where the petitioner resides has exclusive original jurisdiction; the Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction.
The court clerk must publish notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in the Official Gazette and post a notice at the court, specifying petitioner details and hearing date at least 60 days after the last publication. This does not apply to natives of the Philippines.
It can be canceled if obtained fraudulently, if the person naturalized establishes permanent residence abroad within five years, or if convicted of violations of this Act.
A person who fraudulently alters or assists in falsifying naturalization certificates is subject to a fine of up to 5,000 pesos and/or imprisonment of up to five years.
No prosecution may occur unless the information or complaint is filed within five years after the offense.
Applicants must be able to speak and write English, Spanish, or some native tongue.
The Court of First Instance clerk charges 16 pesos for recording the petition and related proceedings. The Supreme Court clerk charges 24 pesos for appeals.