‘Don’t panic, don’t renounce Philippines citizenship’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine embassy in Washington called on Filipino-Americans to remain calm amid fears over a proposed law that seeks to end dual citizenship in the United States.

In an advisory issued yesterday, the embassy said it continues to monitor the concerns within the Filipino-American community regarding the proposed Senate bill.

“As mentioned in our previous advisory, the proposal is currently just a bill and has not become law,” the embassy said in a statement.

“Similar proposals have been introduced in the past, but none have materialized. Moreover, the US Supreme Court has recognized the validity of dual citizenship,” it added.

The Philippine embassy said it wishes to reassure the Filipino-American community that there is no change to the current policies on dual citizenship at this time.

“Filipinos who lost their Philippine citizenship by becoming US naturalized citizens may still apply for dual citizenship through Republic Act No. 9225.”

“Those who were born in the United States to at least one Filipino parent are dual Filipino-American citizens at birth and should report their birth to the Philippine embassy or consulate.”

The embassy warned that dual citizens who voluntarily renounce their Philippine citizenship will no longer be able to reacquire it through RA 9225, since voluntary renunciation of Philippine citizenship is an irreversible legal action.

“The embassy urges all Filipino-Americans to remain calm and refrain from taking unnecessary actions or circulating unverified information.”

“Should any significant development occur, the embassy will promptly issue an official notification. For questions, please contact the Philippine embassy or your nearest Philippine consulate,” the embassy added.