Our Lady of Fatima University

Valenzuela City
College of Nursing
120 MacArthur Highway, Marulas, Valenzuela City

CITIZENSHIP Part II

Submitted by:

BSN 3-Y1-3| Group 5

Reporters:

Kyle Ivan Ibaaan

Danica Mae Lores
Verlyn Cruzado
Marleth Figura

Manuscript:

Kimberly Carillo

WEEK 16

ARTICLE IV: CITIZENSHIP (PART 2)

Article IV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution defines who are citizens of the Philippines
and explains how citizenship is acquired, lost, or reacquired. Part 2 of this article continues the
discussion from Week 15, focusing specifically on the types of citizens, the legal process of
naturalization, the rights of citizens, and the duties and obligations that come with citizenship.

Natural-born and Naturalized Citizens

A natural-born Filipino citizen is someone who is a citizen of the Philippines from birth,
without having to perform any act to acquire citizenship. These include individuals whose father
or mother is a Filipino citizen at the time of their birth.

Under the Constitution, only natural-born citizens are qualified for high public positions such
as:
● President and Vice President
● Members of Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)
● Justices of the Supreme Court and other lower courts
 ● Members of Constitutional Commissions (like COMELEC, COA, CSC)

A Filipino who renounces his or her citizenship and later reacquires it does not
automatically regain natural-born status, unless a law specifically provides for it.

On the other hand, a naturalized citizen is a person who becomes a Filipino citizen through a
legal process, as provided under Commonwealth Act No. 473 (Revised Naturalization Law) or
other special laws.

Naturalization is the legal act of granting a foreigner the rights and privileges of a Filipino
citizen. It may be done through:

● Judicial naturalization – the regular court process under C.A. No. 473
● Administrative or presidential proceedings – such as under Letter of Instruction No.
270 (1975)

● Special Acts of Congress – for individuals who render exceptional service (e.g., Father
James Moran, S.J.)

● Mass naturalization – such as under the Philippine Bill of 1902, for Spanish subjects
living in the country at the time

The general steps in the naturalization process include:

1. Declaration of intention
2. Filing of a petition
3. Court hearing and initial judgment
4. Probationary period
5. Oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines

Effect on family members:

● Legitimate minor children of a naturalized Filipino become citizens as well.
● The wife of a naturalized husband may also acquire citizenship, provided she meets
certain requirements.

Rights of Citizens

Filipino citizens enjoy various rights classified into the following:

● Natural Rights – Inherent rights by virtue of being human, such as the right to life,
dignity, and happiness.
● Constitutionals Rights – Guaranteed by the Constitution, including due process, equal
protection, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion.
 ● Statutory Rights – Rights granted through legislation, such as the right to minimum
wage, social security, and labor protection.
● Civil Rights – Include personal liberties like the right to marry, own property, and
privacy.
● Economic Rights – The right to engage in business or profession, own economic
resources, and earn a living.
● Political Rights – The right to participate in governance, such as voting and running for
public office.

Those who reacquire citizenship may also enjoy these rights, including the ability to:
• Own property in the Philippines
• Engage in business and practice professions (subject to regulations)
• Travel with a Philippine passport

Loss and Reacquisition of Citizenship

A Filipino citizen may lose their citizenship through:

1. Voluntary renunciation – By formally giving it up before a Philippine official.

2. Naturalization in a foreign country – Becoming a citizen of another country.
3. Oath of allegiance to another country – Especially when inconsistent with loyalty to
the Philippines.
4. Service in the armed forces of another country – Particularly during wartime, unless
authorized.
5. Cancellation of naturalization – If fraud or illegal acts are discovered.
6. Desertion – Leaving the Philippine armed forces during wartime without permission.

Reacquisition of citizenship may be done through:

● Naturalization – Under existing laws, fulfilling the requirements again.

● Repatriation – A legal process where former Filipinos (e.g., women who lost citizenship
by marrying foreigners, or those who lost it due to political or economic reasons) regain
their citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance and registering with the proper agencies.

However, those who reacquire citizenship through repatriation do not regain natural-born
status unless a specific law declares it.

The Roles of a Citizen: Duties and Obligations

Citizenship involves not only rights but also responsibilities. According to the Constitution and
national principles:
1. Respect and honor Filipino heritage – It is the duty of every Filipino to respect, honor,
and give due accord to his Filipino heritage, patrimony, values, and traditions.
2. Contribute to national development – Every citizen must help in nation-building and
promoting public welfare.
3. Work with dignity – Filipinos are expected to engage in gainful work to assure a life
worthy of human dignity for themselves and their families.
4. Loyalty and national consciousness – Citizens must uphold national ideals and
remain loyal to the Republic.
5. Obey laws and cooperate with authorities – Every Filipino must uphold the
Constitution, obey laws, pay taxes and duties, and assist lawful authorities in maintaining
peace and order.
6. Honor national symbols – Citizens should give due respect to the Philippine flag,
national anthem, the President, and other national symbols.
7. Defend the country – It is the duty of every citizen to protect the national territory and
sovereignty from threats and invaders.
8. Report threats to security – Plots of terrorism, rebellion, or actions against the
government should be reported to the proper authorities.
9. Reject corruption – Filipinos must report dishonest officials, avoid bribery, and fulfill
their lawful duties with integrity.
10. Vote and participate in democracy – It is the responsibility of every Filipino to elect
government officials as an expression of their ideals and aspirations for the country.