Senate Office of the Secretarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) MAY -6 P2:26 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. _ 2117 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 5 (3) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND RE-ACQUISITION ACT OF 2003" EXPLANATORY NOTE The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines mandates the State to "protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels". 1 In an era marked by rapid technological change, globalization, and the increasing internationalization of higher education, the Philippine higher education system must continuously adapt to remain competitive and relevant. However, persistent structural challenges have contributed to the migration of Filipino professionals, including highly skilled educators, to overseas employment. Republic Act No. 9225, otherwise known as the "Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003" declares that Philippine citizens of other countries shall be deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship, subject to some conditions under the said Act. Since its enactment, the law has enabled millions of Filipinos abroad to reconnect with their homeland and contribute to national development. Notably, Section 5(3) of R.A. No. 9225 allows those who have retained and re- acquired their Philippine citizenship to be appointed to public office, provided that they take an oath of allegiance to the Republic and renounce any prior oath of allegiance to another country. While this requirement is consistent with constitutional principles governing public office, it has created an unintended barrier for highly qualified Filipino professionals abroad who are otherwise willing to contribute their expertise to Philippine higher education institutions. ' Section 1, Article XIV, 1987 Constitution.
This measure therefore seeks to amend Section 5(3) of R.A. No. 9225 so that those who have retained or re-acquired their Philippine citizenship need not renounce an oath of allegiance to another country for the purpose of being appointed as faculty, researcher, or administrator of a public higher education institution in the country. By doing so, the State can harness the expertise, global experience, and networks of Filipino professionals abroad without imposing undue barriers to their participation in nation building. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
Senate ere Ollier of the Settetarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES MAY -6 P2:27 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY SENATE 2117 Senate Bill No. Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 5 (3) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND RE-ACQUISITION ACT OF 2003" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Section 5 (3) of Republic Act No. 9225 is hereby amended
2 to read as follows: "SEC. 5. Civil and Political Rights and Liabilities. - Those who retain or re-acquire Philippine citizenship under this Act shall enjoy full civil and political rights and be subject to all attendant liabilities and responsibilities under existing laws of the Philippines and the following conditions: XXX (3) Those appointed to any public office shall subscribe and swear to an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and its duly constituted authorities prior to their assumption of office: Provided, That they renounce their oath of allegiance to the country where they took that oath[.]: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THOSE APPOINTED AS FACULTY, RESEARCHERS, OR ADMINISTRATORS OF PUBLIC
HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS NEED NOT RENOUNCE SUCH OATH OF ALLEGIANCE; XXX"
SEC. 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive
5 orders, letters of instruction, proclamations or administrative regulations that 6 are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
SEC. 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,