Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 1204

Introduced by Representative JUAN MIGUEL 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 Citizen 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 the Philippine elections under the
existing laws, those seeking public office or appointment to public office are given a
disincentive under RA 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’. To them, it is irrelevant and out of context since it clearly
discriminates against Filipinos living abroad. It also belittles their strategic role in
sustaining the national economy through their hard-earned money in the form of
remittances.

It also cuts off long time proven linkages with several Filipino organization abroad who
continue to bring home exemplary knowledge, special skills and huge donations and
different kinds of assistance especially medical missions which 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 in 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, | therefore urge my colleagues to ensure the expeditious
passage of this bill into law.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 1204

Introduced by Representative JUAN MIGUEL 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 candidacy, 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,