Obtaining Philippine Passport After Oath of Allegiance for Dual Citizenship

Introduction

The Republic of the Philippines recognizes dual citizenship for natural-born Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenship, primarily through Republic Act No. 9225 (RA 9225), also known as the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003. This law allows eligible individuals to retain or reacquire their Philippine citizenship without renouncing their foreign citizenship, thereby becoming dual citizens. A key benefit of this status is the ability to obtain or renew a Philippine passport, which serves as proof of Philippine citizenship and facilitates international travel.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the process for obtaining a Philippine passport following the oath of allegiance under RA 9225. It covers eligibility criteria, procedural steps, required documents, potential challenges, and related legal considerations, all within the Philippine legal framework. The discussion is grounded in relevant statutes, including RA 9225, the Philippine Passport Act of 1996 (RA 8239), and administrative guidelines from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Legal Basis for Dual Citizenship and Passport Issuance

Republic Act No. 9225: Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition

RA 9225 was enacted to address the loss of Philippine citizenship by natural-born Filipinos who naturalized in another country prior to its passage. Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution (Article IV, Section 1), natural-born citizens are those who do not have to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship. However, before RA 9225, acquiring foreign citizenship typically resulted in the automatic loss of Philippine citizenship under Commonwealth Act No. 63 (CA 63).

Key provisions of RA 9225:

• Retention: Applies to natural-born Filipinos who acquired foreign citizenship after the law's effectivity (September 17, 2003). They retain Philippine citizenship automatically but must take an oath of allegiance to formalize it.
• Re-acquisition: For those who lost citizenship before 2003, they can reacquire it by taking the oath.
• Oath of Allegiance: The oath affirms loyalty to the Republic of the Philippines and its Constitution. It must be taken before a Philippine consul or a duly authorized officer.
• Effects: Upon taking the oath, the individual becomes a dual citizen, entitled to full civil and political rights, subject to certain limitations (e.g., restrictions on holding public office unless they renounce foreign allegiance).

Link to Philippine Passport Issuance

Under RA 8239, a Philippine passport is issued only to Filipino citizens. Dual citizens under RA 9225 are recognized as Filipino citizens, making them eligible for a passport. The DFA, as the issuing authority, requires proof of reacquired or retained citizenship, which is established through the oath and subsequent documentation.

Administrative Order No. 2004-01 from the DFA and BI Memorandum Circulars further outline the integration of RA 9225 processes with passport applications, ensuring that dual citizens can seamlessly obtain travel documents.

Eligibility for Dual Citizenship and Subsequent Passport Application

To qualify for a Philippine passport after the oath:

• Natural-Born Status: The applicant must have been a natural-born Filipino (born to at least one Filipino parent, per the 1935, 1973, or 1987 Constitutions).
• Foreign Citizenship Acquisition: The individual must have acquired citizenship of another country, typically through naturalization, marriage, or birth (if jus soli applies).
• No Disqualifications: Applicants must not have been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or be under any legal impediment that affects citizenship rights.
• Derivate Beneficiaries: Unmarried children below 18 years old of the principal applicant automatically derive dual citizenship upon the parent's oath. They can apply for passports based on the parent's documentation.

Note: RA 9225 does not apply to Filipinos who lost citizenship through other means, such as explicit renunciation or enemy allegiance during war (per CA 63). In such cases, alternative remedies like judicial naturalization under RA 9139 may be required.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Petition for Retention/Re-acquisition of Citizenship

• File a petition with the Philippine Embassy/Consulate (if abroad) or the BI (if in the Philippines).
• Required documents typically include:
  • Birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
  • Foreign naturalization certificate or passport.
  • Proof of former Philippine citizenship (e.g., old Philippine passport, voter’s ID).
  • Two recent photographs.
• Pay the processing fee (approximately USD 50 or PHP equivalent).

Step 2: Taking the Oath of Allegiance

• Once the petition is approved, the applicant takes the oath before a consular officer or BI official.
• The oath text is prescribed in RA 9225: "I [name], solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and obey the laws and legal orders promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Philippines; and I hereby declare that I recognize and accept the supreme authority of the Philippines and will maintain true faith and allegiance thereto; and that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily without mental reservation or purpose of evasion."
• Upon oath, the applicant receives:
  • Order of Approval.
  • Identification Certificate (IC).
  • Oath of Allegiance certificate.

These documents are crucial for the passport application, as they serve as primary proof of dual citizenship.

Step 3: Civil Registry Updates (Optional but Recommended)

• Report the reacquisition to the PSA to update civil records, which may be necessary for consistency in future dealings.
• For derivatives, register their birth or status accordingly.

Step 4: Applying for the Philippine Passport

• Where to Apply:
  • In the Philippines: DFA Consular Offices or satellite offices.
  • Abroad: Philippine Embassies or Consulates General.
• Application Modes:
  • Regular processing (21 working days in the Philippines, longer abroad).
  • Expedited processing (10 working days, with additional fees).
• Required Documents:
  • Accomplished passport application form (e-Form from DFA website).
  • Original and photocopy of the Oath of Allegiance.
  • Identification Certificate.
  • Order of Approval from BI or Consulate.
  • PSA-authenticated birth certificate.
  • Valid ID (e.g., foreign passport, driver’s license).
  • For derivatives: Parent’s dual citizenship documents and child’s birth certificate.
  • Marriage certificate if applicable (for married women using spouse’s surname).
  • Two colored photographs (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, white background).
  • Proof of payment of fees.
• Special Considerations:
  • If the applicant has an old Philippine passport, it must be surrendered or canceled.
  • Dual citizens must declare their status on the application to avoid discrepancies.
• Fees (as of standard rates; subject to updates):
  • Regular: PHP 950 (Philippines) or USD 60 (abroad).
  • Expedited: PHP 1,200 (Philippines) or USD 75 (abroad).
  • Additional for lost/damaged passports.

Step 5: Biometrics and Processing

• Attend the appointment for photo capture, fingerprinting, and data encoding.
• The passport is typically mailed or picked up after processing.

Step 6: Renewal of Passport

• Dual citizens renew passports similarly, presenting the expiring passport along with dual citizenship proofs.
• Validity: Adult passports are valid for 10 years; minors' for 5 years (per RA 10928, extending from previous 5-year term).

Potential Challenges and Legal Considerations

Common Issues

• Document Discrepancies: Mismatches in names or dates between foreign and Philippine records can delay processing. Affidavits of discrepancy or court orders may be needed.
• Travel Restrictions: Dual citizens must exit and enter the Philippines using the Philippine passport to comply with immigration laws (BI rules).
• Tax Implications: Reacquired citizenship may trigger Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) obligations, such as obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
• Voting Rights: Dual citizens can register to vote but must meet residency requirements.
• Public Office Limitations: To run for or hold elective office, dual citizens must renounce foreign allegiance via a separate oath (RA 9225, Section 5).

Judicial Precedents

• In Nicolas-Lewis v. COMELEC (G.R. No. 162759, 2006), the Supreme Court affirmed that RA 9225 restores full rights, including suffrage, upon oath-taking.
• Mercado v. Manzano (G.R. No. 135083, 1999) clarified dual citizenship nuances, emphasizing that allegiance determines eligibility for office.

International Aspects

• Philippine passports for dual citizens do not indicate dual status explicitly, but users must comply with both countries' laws (e.g., U.S. citizens entering the U.S. with a U.S. passport).
• Consular protection: Dual citizens can seek assistance from Philippine missions abroad.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Philippine passport after the oath of allegiance under RA 9225 is a straightforward yet document-intensive process that reaffirms one's ties to the Philippines while maintaining foreign citizenship. It empowers dual citizens with mobility, rights, and identity. Applicants are advised to consult the DFA or BI for the latest forms and fees, as administrative procedures may evolve. This framework not only preserves Filipino heritage but also aligns with global trends in citizenship laws, fostering stronger diaspora connections.