Dual Citizenship : Kung Mahal Mo, Babalikan Mo

When a natural-born Filipino acquires citizenship through naturalization in a foreign country, he essentially “renounces” his Filipino citizenship. In August 2003, such Pinoys were given the option to re-acquire their Filipino citizenship by virtue of Republic Act No. 9225. They can file for a petition to re-acquire their Filipino citizenship, subject to the approval of the Consul General (if petition was applied abroad) or by the Commission of Immigration (if petition was applied in the Philippines). Once approved, they are granted dual citizenship – in their home country, the Philippines and in the country where they were naturalized.

What are the Benefits of Having Dual Citizenship?

a. They may now acquire real properties in the Philippines.

The new Philippine Constitution states that aliens (foreigners) are prohibited from owning real properties in the Philippines. The term “foreigners” or “aliens” include Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenship through naturalization.

When you are granted dual citizenship, you essentially “re-acquire” your natural-born Filipino identity – you are again a Filipino citizen and therefore now have the right to own real properties and have these listed under your name.

b. Right to engage in business or practice profession.

This works best for Filipinos who intend to make the Philippines their place of retirement. Their dual citizenship will allow them to engage in businesses or maybe even seek employment.

c. Right to travel with a Philippine passport.

A blue passport (if you are a naturalized U.S. citizen) tells you that “you own the world” (it’s written on the attached letter when your US passport is delivered to you). And quite figuratively, you do! You can come and go to over 170 countries and territories without a visa or with visa on arrival – just hop on a plane and take off!

So what would you want a Philippine passport again for?

If you sought to re-acquire your Filipino citizenship, chances are, you are looking at staying in the Philippines for an extended period, invest on a business, work, or study here. And a Philippine passport will help you achieve these goals easier as it serves as a valid identification and reference of your citizenship (albeit reacquired).

d. Right to have citizenship benefits extended to one’s spouse/children.

A Filipino’s foreign spouse may be issued an immigrant visa so he / she can stay in the Philippines for good. Their children are likewise automatically awarded Filipino citizenships. Unlike when Filipinos migrate to the U.S. (for example), they will have to work and wait until they are able to successfully petition for the entry and residency of their children to the U.S. When a Pinoy reunites with his mother country, his immediate family is included in the picture without too much paperwork.

e. Right to vote and or hold public office.

These have become national topics as of late. If you wish to know more about these rights Balik-bayan Pinoys, you may visit the website of the Commission of Filipinos Overseas: http://www.cfo.gov.ph/

I would like to share with you the processes involved in re-acquiring Filipino citizenship; you can file your petition here in the Philippines or in the country where you are currently residing (and holding citizenship). Hope you find these of value.

What are the requirements when filing for re-acquisition of Filipino citizenship?

Here is the list provided in the CFO website (www.cfo.gov.ph)

• Duly completed verified petition (R.A. 9225 Form No. 1)
• Notarized Oath of Allegiance
• Two (2) recent 2” x 2” colored photographs of the applicant (over white background)
• Application fee
• Proof as natural-born Filipino citizen, an original and photocopy of at least one of the following:
  • PSA Birth Certificate
  • Old Philippine passport
  • Voter’s affidavit or Voter’s identification card
  • Marriage Contract
  • Other documents proving that the applicant is a former natural-born Filipino citizen.
• Photocopy of foreign passport
• Photocopy of certificate of naturalization or an original affidavit stating how foreign citizenship was acquired.
• Two (2) self-addressed and stamped legal-sized envelopes

Kung mahal mo, babalikan mo is a famous #hugotline from a popular teleserye in the Philippines. We know how much this means to us Pinoys, wherever we are in the world. There will always be a heartstring being tugged in us, no matter how far we’ve gone, pulling us back to where we came from.

Tomorrow, I will focus more on Pinoys with dual citizenship and how they can apply for a Philippine passport. See you then!

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