GOVPH

THE PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP REACQUISITION AND RETENTION ACT

Republic Act No. 9225 took effect on 17 September 2003 and declares that former natural-born Filipino citizens who acquired foreign citizenship through naturalization are deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship under conditions provided in the Act.

RA 9225 addresses two situations, namely:

1. Reacquisition -- For natural-born citizens of the Philippines who have lost their Philippine citizenship by reason of their naturalization as citizens of a foreign country. They are deemed to have re-acquired Philippine citizenship upon taking the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines.
2. Retention -- For natural-born citizens of the Philippines who after the effectivity of RA 9225 (17 September 2003) become citizens of a foreign country. They shall retain their Philippine citizenship upon taking the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines.

Requirements and Procedures in Reacquiring/Retaining Filipino Citizenship under RA 9225

1. Submit a copy of at least one of the following documents:
   1. Philippine Birth Certificate
   2. Old Philippine Passport
   3. Voter’s Affidavit or Voter’s Identification Card
   4. Marriage Contract indicating Philippine citizenship of the applicant
   5. Such other documents that would show that the applicant is a former natural-born citizen of the Philippines, as may be accepted by the evaluating officer
2. Accomplish application form
3. Submit required photos (2X2 colored photos of the left side view, front view, and right side view. white background)
4. Pay the fee of US$ 50 (P 2,500)
5. Each minor children of the Petitioner, if any, shall be assessed a separate processing fee of US$ 25 (P1,250)

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner or the Consul General shall issue an Order of Approval indicating that the Petition complies with the provisions of RA 9225 and its IRR.

The Petitioner will take his/her Oath of Allegiance before the BI Commissioner or the Consul General or a duly commissioned Foreign Service Officer at the Philippine Embassy. Subject to the full compliance with the Rules, the Oath of Allegiance shall be the final act to retain/reacquire Philippine citizenship.

The Petitioner can now be issued Identification Certificate and Philippine passport.

For more information on RA 9225, please visit www.gov.ph/faqs/dualcitizenship.asp