Becoming Filipino Again After Taking Another Citizenship

Who RA 9225 Is For

RA 9225 is for people who were Filipino from birth (natural-born) and lost their Philippine citizenship because they were naturalized (applied for and became citizens) in another country. By taking the oath of allegiance in the law, they re-acquire (get back) Philippine citizenship. Those who became foreign citizens after the law took effect retain (keep) it by taking the same oath.

Some people are dual citizens from birth, for example a child born to a Filipino parent in a country that gives citizenship to everyone born there. They did not lose Philippine citizenship through naturalization, so RA 9225 is not for them. Philippine embassies and consulates say these cases are handled differently, usually through a Report of Birth (registering the birth with the Philippine embassy).

Where to Apply

• In the Philippines: file a sworn petition (application) with the Bureau of Immigration (BI). If you are registered with the BI as a foreigner, the petition also asks that your Alien Certificate of Registration (your foreigner's ID) be cancelled.
• Abroad: file at the Philippine embassy or consulate (a Foreign Service Post) that covers where you live. It sends the approved papers to the BI.

Each office sets its own appointment system, forms and fees, so check its website before you go.

What the Process Usually Looks Like

1. Fill in the petition for retention or re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship under RA 9225.
2. Hand it in with proof that you were Filipino from birth. For most people that is a PSA Birth Certificate. If you were born abroad, a Report of Birth and the foreign Birth Certificate.
3. Add proof of your foreign citizenship, such as your foreign passport or Naturalization Certificate, plus photos and ID, as the office lists them.
4. Pay the processing fee.
5. Take the oath of allegiance before the officer in charge.
6. Get the order of approval and your oath, and later your Identification Certificate (proof of your citizenship) from the BI.

With these, you can apply for a Philippine passport.

Your Children

Section 4 of RA 9225 says the unmarried children of a person who retains or re-acquires citizenship, whether legitimate, illegitimate or adopted, who are below 18 years of age, are also deemed (treated as) citizens of the Philippines. This is called derivative citizenship, because it comes from the parent.

Philippine embassies and consulates say the child must be included in the parent's petition. A child who is already 18, or married, cannot be included, and needs to look at other ways.

The Rights You Get Back

Section 5 says you have the full civil and political rights (such as owning property and voting) and the duties of Filipino citizens, with these conditions:

• Voting: you must meet the requirements of the Constitution and the Overseas Absentee Voting Act (RA 9189, as amended) to vote.
• Running for elective office: you must meet the qualifications for the office and swear to give up (renounce) your foreign citizenship when you file your certificate of candidacy.
• Appointive office (a government post you are appointed to): you must take the oath of allegiance and give up your oath of loyalty to the other country before you start.
• Working in a licensed profession: you need a license or permit from the proper Philippine office, such as the Professional Regulation Commission.
• The right to vote or be elected or appointed does not apply to people who hold or run for public office in the other country, or who serve as officers in its armed forces.

Because you are again a Filipino citizen, the rules that limit land ownership to Filipinos no longer stand in your way. Ask the Registry of Deeds or a lawyer how this applies to a particular property.