Composition and Role of the Committee
- A Committee is constituted with the Solicitor General as Chairman
- Tasked to receive, consider, and recommend applications for naturalization by decree
- Evaluates applicants based on defined qualifications and disqualifications
Qualifications for Naturalization by Decree
- Applicant must be at least 21 years old at filing
- Foreign-born applicants must have been legally admitted to the Philippines (immigrant or non-immigrant)
- Continuous residency of 10 years generally required, but reduced to 5 years if applicant meets any special qualifications:
- Honorably held government office (national or local)
- Established a new industry or introduced a useful invention
- Married to a Filipino citizen
- Teacher in public or recognized private schools (not exclusive to certain nationalities/races) for at least 2 years
- Born in the Philippines
- Must be of good moral character and believe in the Philippine Constitution
- Must have an irreproachable conduct throughout residency concerning government and community relations
- Must have a known trade, business, profession, or lawful occupation providing sufficient income for self and family
- Must be able to speak and write in Pilipino; English or Spanish; and a principal Philippine language
- Minor children of school-age must have been enrolled in schools where Philippine history, government, and civics are taught
- Should have socially mingled with Filipinos and shown desire to embrace Filipino customs and ideals
Disqualifications for Naturalization
- Opposed to organized government or affiliated with groups opposing all organized governments
- Advocates violence, personal assault, or assassination for ideological success
- Polygamist or believer in polygamy
- Convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude
- Suffering from mental alienation or incurable contagious diseases
Special Consideration for Aliens Born of Filipino Mothers
- Aliens born of Filipino mothers before the new Constitution's effectivity
- Continuous residence in the Philippines since birth
- Considered qualified without further requirements, except disqualifications
Application Procedures
- Application must be in triplicate, signed and verified by the petitioner
- Must include photographs, certified true or xerox copies of: certificate of arrival (if any), Alien Certificate of Registration, Immigrant Certificate of Residence
- Supported by affidavits of two credible witnesses attesting to applicant’s good reputation, moral character, and qualifications
- Application deadline specified (blank in text)
Committee Reporting and Screening
- Committee to submit recommendations on eligible and qualified applicants by May 15, 1975
- Previously screened applicants by DND and NISA can be forwarded without prior Committee screening
Rulemaking Authority
- Committee authorized to promulgate rules, regulations, prescribe forms, and fees
- Ensures effective and expeditious implementation of the instructions
Legal Authority
- Issued under the authority of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand E. Marcos
- Establishes a streamlined process for naturalization of deserving aliens by decree