October 22, 2014

BI OPERATIONS ORDER NO. SBM-2014-051

APPLICANTS FOR RECOGNITION AS FILIPINO CITIZEN AND RETENTION/REACQUISITION OF PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP UNDER R.A. 9225

WHEREAS, the Bureau has been receiving information about the applicants' confusion on who qualifies for recognition as Filipino citizen and who qualifies for retention/reacquisition of the Philippine citizenship under RA 9225;

WHEREAS, there is a need to clarify the same;

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the rule-making authority of the Commissioner of Immigration under relevant immigration laws, the following shall be observed:

SECTION 1. Applicants for Recognition as Filipino Citizen. — The following may apply for Recognition as Filipino citizen:

A. Those (i) born to a Filipino parent, 1 (ii) outside of the Philippines, and (iii) became citizens of the country of their birth due to the principle of jus soli;

B. Those (i) born a Filipino parent 2 and a foreign parent, (ii) holding/using a foreign passport, (iii) even if born inside the Philippines;

SECTION 2. Applicants for Retention/Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship under RA 9225. — A person may apply for Retention/Reacquisition of the Philippine Citizenship under RA 9225 if: (i) he is a former natural born Filipino; and (ii) he lost his Philippine citizenship by reason of his naturalization as a citizen of a foreign country.

Petitioner for RA 9225 may include his child who is:

1. Below eighteen (18) years old; and

2. Legitimate or illegitimate or adopted child;

SECTION 3. Persons Who Acquired Their Foreign Citizenship Through Derivative Naturalization. — Petitioners who acquired their foreign citizenship through derivative naturalization shall be processed under RA 9225. 3

SECTION 4. Effectivity. — This order shall take effect immediately.

For strict compliance. cSTHAC

(SGD.) SIEGFRED B. MISONCommissioner

Footnotes

1. As determined by the prevailing Philippine Constitution at the time of the Petitioners' birth.

2. Those born under the 1973 and 1987 Philippine Constitution.

3. Pursuant to DOJ 2nd Endorsements dated 16 June 2014 and 03 September 2014.