H, a naturalized American citizen who later became a dual citizen under Republic Act No. 9225 (the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act), decided to run for Congress and thus, filed a certificate of candidacy (CoC). A citizen argued that H is ineligible for the position because of his status as a dual citizen. H responded that his act of filing a CoC amounted to his renunciation of foreign citizenship, rendering him eligible for the position.
(a) Was H’s filing of a CoC sufficient to renounce foreign citizenship? Explain. (2.5%)
(b) Assuming that H is a dual citizen because his parents are Filipino citizens and he was born in California, USA, was filing of a CoC sufficient to renounce his foreign citizenship? Explain. (2.5%)
Suggested Answer:
(a) No. Answer
Under R.A. 9225 and jurisprudence, the law categorically requires persons seeking elective public office, who either retained their Philippine citizenship or those who reacquired it, to make a personal and sworn renunciation of any and all foreign citizenship before a public officer authorized to administer an oath simultaneous with or before the filing of the certificate of candidacy. Rule
In the case at bar, H did not expressly renounce his American citizenship through a person and sown renunciation simultaneous with or before the filing of his certificate of candidacy. Apply
Thus, H’s filing of a CoC was not sufficient to renounce foreign citizenship. Conclusion
(b) Yes. Answer
Under jurisprudence, it is sufficient that dual citizens, upon the filing of their certificates of candidacy, they elect Philippine citizenship to terminate their status as persons with dual citizenship considering that their condition is the unavoidable consequence of conflicting laws of different states. Rule
In the case at bar, if H was a dual citizen by circumstance having Filipino parents and being born in the United Stated, he is not required to make a personal and sworn renunciation simultaneous with or before the filing of his certificate of candidacy. Apply
Thus, his filing a certificate of candidacy is sufficient to renounce his foreign citizenship.. Conclusion
