TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
i it;
li :
25 JUL 14 ffll 58
SENATE
S. No. 531
REttiVtiD;-;
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 5 (3) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE "CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND REACQUISITION ACT OF 
2003"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 1, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution affirms the role of the State in 
promoting the right to quality education at all levels and in making such education 
accessible to all. In the context of higher education, quality today is increasingly 
measured not only by national benchmarks but also by how institutions engage with 
global knowledge systems, foster innovation, and attract top academic talent. As the 
Philippines navigates the imperatives of internationalization and academic 
competitiveness, one emerging challenge is how to widen access to globally trained 
professionals who are both willing and able to contribute to national development.
Republic Act No. 9225, or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 
2003, opened opportunities for natural-born Filipinos who had acquired foreign 
citizenship to reestablish their ties with the Philippines and participate in nation­
building. This proposed measure aims to amend RA No. 9225 to reflect the evolving 
needs of our institutions, particularly our public higher education institutions (HEIs). 
By enabling those who retain or reacquire Philippine citizenship under the said law to 
serve as faculty, researchers, and administrators in public HEIs without requiring the 
renunciation of an oath of allegiance held under another citizenship, we open doors


for a broader exchange of knowledge, strengthen academic programs, and cultivate 
global linkages.
Many of these individuals have earned advanced degrees, built extensive 
research networks, and accumulated valuable institutional experience in world-class 
universities, representing a significant pool of expertise. Tapping into this community 
of highly qualified professionals would not only help address the existing human 
resource deficiencies in public HEIs, but also accelerate internationalization efforts, 
foster cross-border academic networks, and improve institutional performance.
This proposed amendment does not alter the fundamental principle of 
allegiance to the Republic, but rather contextualizes it in ways that reflect the realities 
of a globally mobile Filipino population and the specialized needs of higher education. 
It offers a focused and forward-looking solution that directly benefits our students, 
institutions, and the nation's long-term competitiveness.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly 
sought.
LORENxEGARDA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
'yJ r.'AtttC Cl l.’l
)
25 JUL 14 A11 58
SENATE 
S. No. Uo
RECEIVED Ct.
r; Q
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 5 (3) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE "CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND REACQUISITION ACT OF 
2003"
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Section 5 (3) of Republic Act No. 9225 or the "Citizenship Retention
2 
and Re-acquisition Act of 2003" is hereby amended to read as follows:
3 
"Section 5. Civil and Political Rights and Liabilities. - Those
4 
who retain or re-acquire Philippine citizenship under this Act shall
5 
enjoy full civil and political rights and be subject to all attendant
6 
liabilities and responsibilities under existing laws of the Philippines
7 
and the following conditions:
8 
"(1) 
XXX
9 
"(2) XXX
10 
"(3) 
Those appointed to any public office shall subscribe
11 
and swear to an oath of allegiance to the Republic
12 
of the Philippines and its duly constituted
13 
authorities prior to their assumption of office:
14 
Provided, That they renounce their oath of
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allegiance to the country where they took that
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oath[7]: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THOSE


1 
APPOINTED AS FACULTY, RESEARCHERS, OR
2 
ADMINISTRATORS OF PUBLIC HIGHER
3 
EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS NEED NOT
4 
RENOUNCE SUCH OATH OF ALLEGIANCE;
5 
"(4) XXX
6 
"(5) XXX
7 
Sec. 2. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
8 
order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this
9 
Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
10 
Sec. 3. Etfectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
11 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,