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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
____ Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1055
Introduced by Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo 
AN ACT 
AMENDING SECTION 5 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE “CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND RE-ACQUISITION ACT OF 2003” 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The enactment of Republic Act No. 9225, or the Citizenship Retention and Re-
acquisition Act of 2003, enabled natural-born Filipinos who have become citizens of another 
country to retain or re-acquire their Filipino citizenship under specific conditions. 
While dual citizens are granted the right to vote in Philippine elections, RA 9225 
imposes a barrier for those aspiring to run for or be appointed to public office by requiring a 
personal and sworn renunciation of their foreign citizenship. Many view this requirement as 
discriminatory, failing to recognize the valuable contributions of overseas Filipinos, 
particularly their role in supporting the national economy through remittances. 
Moreover, this provision risks weakening long-standing relationships with Filipino 
organizations abroad that actively contribute to nation-building. These groups regularly offer 
specialized knowledge, professional expertise, and humanitarian aid, including medical 
missions that serve underserved communities across the country. 
Overseas Filipinos are dynamic partners in national development. Denying them full 
participation in public service, despite their demonstrated commitment to the country, 
diminishes their value as stakeholders in our democratic process. It is only just that they be 
allowed to run for local office or accept appointments without having to relinquish their 
foreign citizenship. 
In light of these considerations, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO 
    2nd District, Pampanga 
July 2, 2025
8:00 am


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
____ Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL No. 1055
______________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO 
________________________________________________________________________  
AN ACT 
AMENDING SECTION 5 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE “CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND RE-ACQUISITION ACT OF 2003” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Section of 5 of Republic Act No. 9225 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
“SEC. 5. Civil and Political Rights and Liabilities. - Those who retain 
or re-acquire Philippine citizenship under this Act shall enjoy full 
civil and political rights and be subject to all attendant liabilities and 
responsibilities under existing laws of the Philippines and the 
following conditions: 
xxx 
(3) Those appointed to any public office shall subscribe and
swear to an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the
Philippines and its duly constituted authorities prior to their
assumption of office: [Provided, That they] WITHOUT
HAVING TO renounce their oath of allegiance to the country
where they took that oath.;
xxx” 
Sec. 2. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, 
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or is inconsistent with 
the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
Sec. 3. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 


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