[Please refer to How to Read a Country Entry for help interpreting this material. It was produced prior to March 2001 as part of a US government report entitled Citizenship Laws of the World. The accuracy and depth of these country listings varies significantly, and some information may be incorrect. At best, this page presents only part of the story for a particular country. Additional information for this country may be available in Country Information]

PHILIPPINES

CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship laws are based upon the Constitution of the Philippines dated February 2, 1987. Citizens of the Philippines prior to the adoption of the Constitution are still citizens.

BY BIRTH: Birth within the territory of the Philippines does not automatically confer citizenship.

BY DESCENT: Child, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of the Philippines, regardless of the child's country of birth. Child born before January 17, 1973, of a Filipino mother, who elects Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority (21).

BY NATURALIZATION: Filipino citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in the Philippines for at least 10 years. Person has proof of livelihood and permanent residence. Person has shown familiarity with the customs and language of the Philippines.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED. Exceptions: Child born abroad to Filipino parents, who acquires the citizenship of the country of birth. This child is not obliged to choose a preferred citizenship until the age of majority (21).

Filipino citizens who marry a foreign national and acquire the citizenship of their spouse become unofficial dual citizens. In all cases, the Filipino citizenship would take legal precedence.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of Filipino citizenship may be made at the nearest Philippines Embassy or consulate. Person must provide Philippines passport and proof of acquisition of new citizenship.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Filipino citizenship: Person voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be directed to the address below:

The Philippines Embassy Consular Section 1617 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20036

Consular Telephone: 202-467-9324 or 200-467-9387 Fax: 202-467-9417

www.census.gov.ph

Copyright (C) 2002-2007 All rights reserved.