Bureau of Immigration implements RA 9225

Republic Act No. 9225, or the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003, took effect on September 17, 2003.
It declares that natural-born Filipinos who acquire foreign citizenship do not lose their Philippine citizenship under specific conditions.
The law itself does not specify the implementing body.
The BI’s mandate under the Administrative Code of 1987 includes administration and enforcement of laws on immigration, citizenship, and related matters, making it the appropriate implementing body.

Formulate and issue rules and regulations necessary for implementing RA 9225.
Prescribe and regulate forms, documentary requirements, and fees related to citizenship retention or reacquisition.
Maintain custody and archival functions for Certificates of Oath of Allegiance, applications, supporting documents, and related records.
Conduct regular and special meetings with relevant government agencies to monitor the implementation of the law.
Perform additional duties as directed by the President of the Philippines.

Application submission:
- If applicant is in the Philippines, file with the Bureau of Immigration.
- If abroad, file with the Philippine Foreign Service Posts.
Upon application approval, the applicant must take an Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines.
Taking the oath marks the official reacquisition or retention of Philippine citizenship.

An initial amount of Two Million Pesos (PHP 2,000,000) is allocated for the law’s implementation.
These funds are taken from the unappropriated funds of the Office of the President.
Future funding shall be included in the annual budget of the Bureau of Immigration.

The Administrative Order and its provisions take effect immediately upon approval by the President.

The order was issued by the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, exercising powers vested by law.
Executive Secretary Alberto G. Romulo countersigned the order.