The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is encouraging Filipino immigrants who have become naturalized citizens of other countries to re-acquire their Philippine citizenship, emphasizing the benefits of dual citizenship.
Rodrigo Garcia Jr., CFO director, highlighted the advantages of re-acquiring citizenship during the celebration of Overseas Filipinos Month. “Mura lang po at it doesn’t mean na nag-dual kayo ng Pilipinas, matatanggal na ‘yung foreign citizenship niyo. Hindi po. So you have the best of both worlds,” Garcia said, assuring Filipinos that dual citizenship does not affect their foreign nationality.
Garcia explained that re-acquiring Philippine citizenship allows overseas Filipinos to own land, establish businesses, and participate in national elections under the Overseas Voting Law. “Gusto po namin na kahit nandun sila, ang puso nila ay nandito… Gusto rin natin silang maging partners for economic development,” he added.
The CFO is also focused on safeguarding the welfare of Filipinos who migrate abroad with foreign spouses. Pre-departure orientation seminars and guidance counseling are mandatory to prepare them for migration.
Garcia stressed the importance of screening foreign spouses to prevent trafficking and abuse. “May mga foreigner taon-taon na pupunta sa Pilipinas mag-aasawa, pero ‘yun pala ay nakapag-asawa na ng iba… gagamitin sa ibang paraan tulad ng trafficking o labor slavery,” he warned.
The CFO collaborates with the Bureau of Immigration to identify undesirable aliens through a database check, ensuring the safety of Filipino migrants.
