Requirements for the Dual-Citizenship Oath of Allegiance in Manila
(Retention/Re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship under R.A. 9225)
1. Legal Foundations
| Instrument | Key Provisions |
|---|---|
| 1987 Constitution, Art. IV | Defines Philippine citizenship and recognizes Congress’ power to enact a law allowing re-acquisition. |
| Republic Act No. 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003) | Allows a natural-born Filipino who lost citizenship through foreign naturalization to retain or re-acquire it “upon taking a Philippine Oath of Allegiance.” |
| Implementing Rules & Regulations (BI Memo Circ. AFFJ No. 002-2003, OSCA Circulars) | Itemizes documentary, procedural, and fee requirements and authorizes the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Philippine consular posts to administer the oath. |
Natural-born means citizenship “from birth without having to perform any act” (Const. Art. IV §2). Only natural-born Filipinos may use R.A. 9225.
2. Agencies & Venues in Manila
| Venue | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Bureau of Immigration Main Office, Intramuros | Default venue for applicants in the National Capital Region. |
| BI One-Stop Shops (e.g., SM Manila, Robinsons Galleria) | Petitions may be filed here; oath itself is still scheduled in Intramuros. |
| Department of Foreign Affairs–Office of Consular Affairs (for passport after oath) | Applies once the Identification Certificate (IC) is issued. |
Tip: The BI requires online appointment slots for filing and for the oath itself—walk-ins are no longer entertained.
3. Who May Take the Oath?
- Natural-born former Filipinos who became citizens of another country by naturalization (not by marriage or renunciation).
- Their legitimate, illegitimate or adopted minor children (<18 data-preserve-html-node="true" yrs), whether foreign- or Philippine-born, if included in the parent’s petition or through a derivative petition.
A foreign spouse cannot derive Philippine citizenship; only children can.
4. Core Documentary Requirements
(Bring one set of originals for inspection and two legible photocopy sets)
| # | Document | Issued by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petition under Oath (BI Form RBR-001) | BI | Must be notarized in Manila or before a PH consul. |
| 2 | Philippine PSA-issued Birth Certificate | PSA | Shows “natural-born” status; if late-registered, include LCR certifications. |
| 3 | Foreign Naturalization Certificate / Foreign Passport | Foreign authority | Must show date of naturalization and current citizenship. |
| 4 | Valid Government-issued ID (PH or foreign) | – | Name must match birth record; married women must show married surname ID if used. |
| 5 | Two (2) 2″ × 2″ photographs | – | White background, taken within 6 months. |
| 6 | Proof of Philippine civil status (if applicable) | PSA / court | - Marriage certificate - Death certificate of spouse (widow/er) - Foreign divorce decree + PH judicial recognition. |
| 7 | For each minor child: a. PSA/NSO Birth Certificate b. Passport-sized photo |
PSA | If adopted, include final adoption decree. |
Electronic Apostille or embassy legalization of foreign civil documents is required unless the document comes from an Apostille Convention country.
5. Filing & Evaluation Procedure in Manila
Secure an Online Slot • Create an account at eServices.BI.gov.ph • Choose “R.A. 9225 Filing” and “Oath-Taking” appointments on separate dates.
Appear & File the Petition (Window 27, Alien Registration Division, BI-Intramuros) • Submit documents, pay filing fees (see §7), capture biometrics and digital signature.
Await Adjudication • Petitions are approved by the BI Board of Commissioners. Average processing: 10–15 working days.
Receive Notice of Approval & Oath Schedule • E-mail or SMS confirmation indicates the date/time of oath (“swearing-in”).
Take the Oath of Allegiance • Dress code: business attire. • Oath is administered by a BI Commissioner or authorized attorney. • Applicant recites the text prescribed in the IRR, then signs the Oath Form.
Release of Identification Certificate (IC) & Order of Approval • Typically issued same day or within 3 working days. • Your minor child’s Certificate of Re-acquisition is issued simultaneously.
Post-Oath Steps • Apply for a Philippine passport at DFA-Aseana or any Consular Office (bring IC & Oath). • Update PhilSys, BIR TIN, Comelec voter record, etc.
6. Text of the Oath (Excerpt)
“I, [Name], solemnly swear that I recognize and accept the supreme authority of the Republic of the Philippines and I pledge to obey its Constitution and laws…”
(Full text appears on BI Form RBR-002; amendments are not allowed.)
7. Government Fees (2025 BI Schedule)*
| Particular | Amount (₱) |
|---|---|
| Petition Filing | 2,500 |
| Adjudication Fee | 500 |
| Express Lane / IC | 1,500 |
| Subtotal | 4,500 |
| Minor child (derivative) | 2,250 |
*Fees change periodically; verify on appointment portal.
8. Common Pitfalls & Practical Tips
| Issue | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Inconsistent names across foreign and PH records | Execute a PH One-and-the-Same-Person Affidavit and have it authenticated. |
| Foreign divorce unrecognized in PH | Secure a petition for judicial recognition first, or file under maiden name. |
| Expired foreign passport | Bring at least one unexpired foreign ID plus the naturalization certificate. |
| Late PSA birth registration | Attach supporting LCR certifications and two government IDs. |
| COVID-era appointments | The BI still limits daily oath slots; reserve early, especially near holidays. |
9. Rights & Obligations After Re-acquisition
- Full civil and political rights (property ownership, practice of professions, visa-free stay).
- Subject to Philippine income tax on worldwide income (unless tax-treaty exemption applies).
- Public Office & Profession: If you will run for elective office or join the AFP, you must renounce foreign citizenship in writing per Sec. 5(2) R.A. 9225 and COMELEC/CSC rules.
- Dual travel: Use a Philippine passport when entering/leaving the Philippines; use the foreign passport for the other country.
Conclusion
Taking the Oath of Allegiance in Manila is the decisive act that retains or re-acquires Philippine citizenship under R.A. 9225. Provided you (1) prove natural-born status, (2) submit complete documents, (3) pay the statutory fees, and (4) personally appear to swear the prescribed oath, the process is straightforward and usually completed within a month. Always check the Bureau of Immigration’s latest advisories before lodging your petition, as procedural bulletins and fee schedules are periodically revised.
This article is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for individualized legal advice.