Filipino Citizenship Rules and Acquisition

Filipino Citizenship

• Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of the 1973 Constitution are considered citizens
• Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines are also citizens
• Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority, are citizens
• Those who are naturalized in accordance with law are also citizens

Modes of Acquiring Philippine Citizenship

• By birth: a natural born citizen is someone who is already a Filipino at the time of his birth and does not have to do anything to acquire or perfect his citizenship
• By naturalization: a naturalized citizen is someone who was once a foreigner then later on became a Filipino by legal fiction

Determining Principles of Citizenship

• Jus soli (Right of soil): the place you were born determines your citizenship
• Jus sanguini (Right of blood): the ethnicity of one or both parents determine your citizenship

The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines

• The code provides for the use of a National Flag, including its design and specifications, hoisting, and display
• The code sets parameters for the conduct of flag ceremonies and flag days and the use of the flag for mourning and other purposes
• Prohibited acts against the flag are included in the code
• The National Flag is also known as "Lupang Hinirang"
• The Motto of the Filipino People is "Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, Makabansa"
• The National Coat-of-Arms is also part of the code
• The Flag shall be displayed at half-mast to show that the country is mourning

Civic Engagement

• 12 Little Things We Can DO for the Country by Alex Lacson (2005) provides guidelines for civic engagement
• The guidelines include:
  • Following traffic rules and the law
  • Asking for an official receipt when buying or paying for anything
  • Buying local and Filipino products
  • Speaking positively about the country
  • Respecting traffic officers, policemen, and soldiers
  • Disposing of garbage properly and conserving resources
  • Supporting the church
  • Doing one's solemn duty during elections
  • Paying employees well
  • Paying taxes
  • Adopting a scholar or a poor child
  • Being a good parent and teaching kids to follow the law and love the country

Explore the different modes of acquiring Filipino citizenship, including by birth and through naturalization. Learn about the criteria for Filipino citizenship under the 1973 Constitution and related laws.