Naturalized US citizens who were once Filipinos have been cautioned against using Philippine passports, regardless of whether those documents remain valid, following a reminder issued by the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
In a public advisory dated 15 January, the embassy explained that individuals who acquired foreign citizenship are formally classified as former Filipinos and are therefore no longer permitted to use Philippine passports for travel or identification purposes after naturalization.
The embassy pointed to existing law that allows former natural-born Filipinos to regain Philippine citizenship and hold dual status. “Under Republic Act No. 9225, former natural-born Filipinos who lost their Philippine citizenship through foreign naturalization may reacquire Philippine citizenship and become dual citizens,” the advisory stated.
Once citizenship is restored, individuals may apply anew for a Philippine passport and regain the legal rights extended to Filipino citizens, including the ability to remain in the country without time limits and to participate in elections.
The reminder was issued as US immigration authorities tighten oversight, with reports noting the suspension of immigrant visa processing affecting nationals from dozens of countries.
Former Filipinos who have not reacquired citizenship are still eligible to enter the Philippines under the Balikbayan visa-free program, which allows stays of up to one year upon presentation of a return ticket.
Applications for reacquisition of Philippine citizenship are handled by Philippine embassies, consulates, and consular outreach missions, according to the embassy.
