Title
Retention of Philippine citizenship for dual citizens
Law
Republic Act No. 9225
Decision Date
Aug 29, 2003
The Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003 allows Philippine citizens who have acquired citizenship of another country to retain or re-acquire their Philippine citizenship, granting them full civil and political rights while requiring them to renounce any foreign citizenship before seeking public office or practicing their profession in the Philippines.

Law Summary

Declaration of Policy

  • Philippine citizens who acquire foreign citizenship shall not lose their Philippine citizenship under this Act.

Retention of Philippine Citizenship

  • Natural-born Filipinos who lost citizenship by naturalization in another country re-acquire Philippine citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance.
  • Natural-born citizens acquiring foreign citizenship after the Act retains Philippine citizenship upon taking the oath.
  • The oath commits the individual to support the Philippine Constitution and obey its laws.

Derivative Citizenship

  • Unmarried children under eighteen (18) of those re-acquiring citizenship under the Act are deemed citizens of the Philippines.

Civil and Political Rights and Liabilities

  • Those retaining or reclaiming citizenship enjoy full civil and political rights and assume all responsibilities under Philippine law.
  • Voting rights require compliance with the Constitution, the Overseas Absentee Voting Act, and related laws.
  • Candidates for elective office must meet constitutional qualifications and renounce foreign citizenship by a sworn statement upon filing candidacy.
  • Appointees to public office must take an oath of allegiance to the Philippines and renounce allegiance to other countries before assuming office.
  • Professional practice in the Philippines requires obtaining the appropriate license or permit.
  • Restrictions on exercising political rights include:
    • Candidates or holders of public office in a foreign country cannot exercise Philippine public office rights.
    • Those in active military service of another country cannot exercise these rights.

Separability Clause

  • If any provision is found unconstitutional or invalid, the rest of the Act remains effective.

Repealing Clause

  • Laws and regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.

Effectivity Clause

  • The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.

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