Cater of ti TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 JUL 14 A11:58 First Regular Session ) SENATE RECEIVED 3: S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 5 (3) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND REACQUISITION ACT OF 2003" EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 1, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution affirms the role of the State in
promoting the right to quality education at all levels and in making such education accessible to all. In the context of higher education, quality today is increasingly measured not only by national benchmarks but also by how institutions engage with global knowledge systems, foster innovation, and attract top academic talent. As the Philippines navigates the imperatives of internationalization and academic competitiveness, one emerging challenge is how to widen access to globally trained professionals who are both willing and able to contribute to national development. Republic Act No. 9225, or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003, opened opportunities for natural-born Filipinos who had acquired foreign citizenship to reestablish their ties with the Philippines and participate in nation- building. This proposed measure aims to amend RA No. 9225 to reflect the evolving needs of our institutions, particularly our public higher education institutions (HEIs). By enabling those who retain or reacquire Philippine citizenship under the said law to serve as faculty, researchers, and administrators in public HEls without requiring the renunciation of an oath of allegiance held under another citizenship, we open doors
for a broader exchange of knowledge, strengthen academic programs, and cultivate global linkages. Many of these individuals have earned advanced degrees, built extensive research networks, and accumulated valuable institutional experience in world-class universities, representing a significant pool of expertise. Tapping into this community of highly qualified professionals would not only help address the existing human resource deficiencies in public HEIs, but also accelerate internationalization efforts, foster cross-border academic networks, and improve institutional performance. This proposed amendment does not alter the fundamental principle of allegiance to the Republic, but rather contextualizes it in ways that reflect the realities of a globally mobile Filipino population and the specialized needs of higher education. It offers a focused and forward-looking solution that directly benefits our students, institutions, and the nation's long-term competitiveness. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. LOREN LEGARDA
Other otta TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 JUL 14 A11:58 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED ST S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 5 (3) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND REACQUISITION ACT OF 2003" Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Section 5 (3) of Republic Act No. 9225 or the "Citizenship Retention
2 and Re-acquisition Act of 2003" is hereby amended to read as follows: "Section 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: "(1) xxx "(2) 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; "(4) XXX "(5) xxx
Sec. 2. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified 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,