4/29/2020
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Pursuing his point, Rep. Dilangalen noted that under the measure, two
situations exist — the retention of foreign citizenship, and the reacquisition
of Philippine citizenship. In this case, he observed that there are two
citizenships and therefore, two allegiances. He pointed out that under the
Constitution, dual allegiance is inimical to public interest. He thereafter
asked whether with the creation of dual allegiance by reason of retention of
foreign citizenship and the reacquisition of Philippine citizenship, there will
now be a violation of the Constitution. IEAacT
Rep. Locsin underscored that the measure does not seek to address the
constitutional injunction on dual allegiance as inimical to public interest. He
said that the proposed law aims to facilitate the reacquisition of
Philippine citizenship by speedy means. However, he said that in one
sense, it addresses the problem of dual citizenship by requiring the
taking of an oath. He explained that the problem of dual citizenship is
transferred from the Philippines to the foreign country because the
latest oath that will be taken by the former Filipino is one of
allegiance to the Philippines and not to the United States, as the
case may be. He added that this is a matter which the Philippine
government will have no concern and competence over.
Rep. Dilangalen asked why this will no longer be the country's concern,
when dual allegiance is involved.
Rep. Locsin clarified that this was precisely his objection to the original
version of the bill, which did not require an oath of allegiance. Since the
measure now requires this oath, the problem of dual allegiance is
transferred from the Philippines to the foreign country concerned, he
explained.
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Rep. Dilangalen asked whether in the particular case, the person did
denounce his foreign citizenship and therefore still owes allegiance to
foreign government, and at the same time, owes his allegiance to
Philippine government, such that there is now a case of dual citizenship
dual allegiance.
not
the
the
and
Rep. Locsin clarified that by swearing to the supreme authority of the
Republic, the person implicitly renounces his foreign citizenship.
However, he said that this is not a matter that he wishes to address in
Congress because he is not a member of a foreign parliament but a Member
of the House.
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Rep. Locsin replied that it is imperative that those who have dual allegiance
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