Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City
21.NOV 2
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS Gj?
Third Regular Session O

on

( 670
House Bill No,_ © 20

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and 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 passage of Republic Act No. 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and
Re-Acquisition Act of 2003 gave way for Filipinos abroad, natural-born or those
naturalized in the country where they reside, to retain and re-acquire their Filipino
citizenship subject to certain conditions.

While dual citizens are given the right to vote in Philippine elections under
existing laws, those seeking public office or appointment to public office are given
a disincentive under R.A. 9225 by “requiring them to make a personal and sworn
renunciation of any and all foreign citizenship before any public officer authorized
to administer an oath.” (Section 5) This makes it unattractive for those interested
and to many Filipinos abroad. To them, it is irrelevant and out of context and
makes a double standard, clearly discriminating against Filipinos living abroad
even as their hard earned money are remitted back to the Philippines and helps
sustain the national economy.

It also cuts off long time proven linkages with several Filipino
organizations abroad who continue to bring home exemplary knowledge, special
skills and huge donations and different kinds of assistance especially medical
missions who serve a great number of indigent Filipino communities back home.


As catalysts of development in the Philippines, it would be a disservice to
our kababayans abroad if they are not accorded the same rights as those staying
the country. While present laws allow them to exercise their right to vote and
make their voice heard in Philippine elections, it is only fair if they are given the
chance to participate in local elections and be appointed to public office without
jeopardizing the citizenship they have acquired from their host country

In view of the foregoing, we, therefore, urge our colleagues to ensure the
expeditious passage of this bill into law.

DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO GLORJA MACAPAGAL ARROYO.
Second District, Canlarines Sur Sécond District, Pampanga


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

on

an
House Bill No.__© ¢V

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and 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:

Section 5. Civil and Political Rights and Liabilities. - Those who
retain or re-acquire......under the following conditions:

(1) XXX.

(2) Those seeking elective public office in the Philippines shall meet
the qualification for holding such public office as required by the
Constitution and existing laws [and,] at the time of the filing of
the certificate of candidacyf, make a personal and sworn
renunciation of any and all foreign citizenship before any public
officer authorized to administer an oath];

(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 renounce their oath of allegiance to the
country where they took their oath];


(4) XXX...
(8) XXX...
(a) XXX.

SECTION 2. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise
affected shall remain valid and subsisting

SECTION 3. 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.

SECTION 4. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation

‘Approved,