Philippine Citizenship and Rights

Citizenship

• It is a person's membership or affiliation with a country, carrying duties and responsibilities towards that country.
• It is based on the Philippine Constitution.

Qualifications of a Filipino Citizen

• Art. IV, Sec. 1-5 of the 1987 Constitution state the qualifications:
  • Natural-born citizens of the Philippines.
  • Those whose parents are Filipino citizens.
  • Those born before January 17, 1973, whose mothers are Filipino citizens, who chose Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority.
  • Those who have become citizens by law.

dual Citizenship

• It is prohibited by the Philippine Constitution.
• It is against national sovereignty and shall be penalized by law.

Principles of Citizenship

• Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood): citizenship based on the blood or nationality of one's parents.
• Jus Soli (Right of Birth): citizenship based on the place of birth, regardless of the parents' nationality.

Reasons for Loss of Citizenship

• Naturalization in another country.
• Expatriation or voluntary renunciation of citizenship.
• Taking an oath of allegiance to the Constitution of another country.
• Serving in the armed forces of another country.
• Marrying a foreigner and adopting their citizenship.

Ways to Reacquire Citizenship

• Naturalization: the process of a country accepting a foreigner and granting them citizenship.
• Repatriation: the voluntary return of a person to their country of origin after reacquiring their citizenship.
• Congressional Action: the Filipino Congress's approval of an application to become a Filipino citizen.
• Government Pardon: the government's forgiveness of a person's past actions, usually for those who have served in the government but have deserted.

Importance of Participation in Civic and Political Affairs

• Four essential elements of a nation:
  • Territory
  • Government
  • Citizens
  • Sovereignty
• Civic engagement: being a good citizen, knowing one's responsibilities, and participating in civic activities.
• Political participation: actively engaging in political issues, running for public office, and exercising the right to vote.

Characteristics of an Active Citizen

• Makabayan (Nationalistic):
  • Loyal to the country.
  • Willing to defend the state.
  • Obeys the Constitution and other laws.
  • Cooperates with the government.
  • Supports local products.
  • Displays heroism in times of crisis, disaster, or war.
• Makatao (Humanitarian):
  • Respects the rights of others.
  • ...