BI to hold mass oathtaking for natural-born Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines - As part of the commemoration of the country’s 116th Independence Day tomorrow, the Bureau of Immigration will hold this month a mass taking of the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines for natural-born Filipinos who lost their citizenship through naturalization in other countries.

BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison said the mass oath taking would allow these natural-born Filipinos to retain or re-acquire their Filipino citizenship.

He said the move aims to streamline the filing of petitions for dual citizenship.

Republic Act No. 9225, or the “Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003,” provides that natural born Filipinos who become citizens of other countries can retain or re-acquire their citizenship upon taking the oath of allegiance.

Based on BI regulations, petitioners should take their oath before the commissioner or the officers of the BI legal division.

The oath taking before the legal officers is held daily at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

As of this month, BI has approved 2,075 applications for the retention of Philippine citizenship.

Pinoys abroad cited

Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell yesterday lauded the 250,000 Filipinos in Australia and in other parts of the world, and their contributions to their host countries.

Tweddell made the statement as he conveyed the message of the Australian government for the country’s Independence Day celebration tomorrow.

He said June 12 is a day of national celebration and pride for all Filipinos, remembering the first time independence was declared in 1898.

“Australia is now home to around 250,000 Filipinos and the contribution they make to their communities is highly valued. This figure continues to grow, as does the number of Australians now living in the Philippines, and this underlines the strengthening ties between our two countries,” Tweddell said.

He said all overseas Filipino workers deserve to be recognized.

Australia and the Philippines, he said, share a common democratic history, economic and trade links, defense and regional cooperation, development assistance and growing people-to-people links.

He hailed President Aquino for leading the country toward better governance, prosperity and stability.

“Australia’s priority in our many areas of cooperation with the Philippines is closely aligned with the President’s objectives to help make them a reality,” Twedell said.

Australia’s development assistance for the Philippines focuses on education.

In February, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop launched a program supporting the Philippines’ K to 12 basic education program.