Bill allows dual citizens to hold public office
Arroyo added that it diminishes their strategic role in supporting the national economy through remittances of their hard-earned money.
Daily TribuneArroyo added that it diminishes their strategic role in supporting the national economy through remittances of their hard-earned money.
Filipinos with dual citizenship may soon be able to run for or be appointed to public office without renouncing their foreign citizenship if a proposed bill in the House of Representatives to amend the law that prohibits them from being appointed to government positions garners enough support.
House Bill 486, filed by former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, seeks to amend Republic Act 9225, the Citizen Retention and Reacquisition Act.
Should be passed into law, this would allow foreign-born citizens to run for public office regardless of whether elected or appointed, without having to renounce their citizenship as a condition of eligibility under the Constitution.
Arroyo said RA 9225 allows Filipinos living overseas who were born or naturalized in their host country to keep and re-acquire their Filipino citizenship under certain conditions, not to limit their political involvement.
"While dual citizens are given the right to vote in the Philippine elections under the existing law, those seeking public office or appointment to public office are given a disincentive under RA 9225 by 'requiring them to make a personal and sworn renunciation of any and all foreign citizenship before any public officer authorized to administer an oath," the bill read.
She claimed that it is irrelevant and out of context because it discriminates against Filipinos living in other countries.
Arroyo added that it diminishes their strategic role in supporting the national economy through remittances of their hard-earned money.
She said the current law prohibiting dual citizens from being appointed to or running for public office without renouncing their foreign citizenship severs long-standing ties with several Filipino organizations abroad that continue to bring home exemplary knowledge, special skills, large donations, and various types of assistance, particularly medical missions that serve many indigent Filipino communities back home.
"As catalysts of development in the Philippines, it would be a disservice to our kababayans abroad if they are not accorded the same rights as those staying in the country. While present laws allow them to exercise their right to vote and make their voice heard in Philippine elections, it is only fair if they are given the chance to participate in local elections and be appointed to public office without jeopardizing the citizenship, they have acquired from their host country," the bill read.
She sought fellow lawmakers' support in the lower chamber for the expedited passage of the bill.
