Understanding Citizenship: Concepts and Historical Evolution

Citizenship

refers to the status of an individual as a full and responsible member of a political community (Gauba, 2009). the mutual obligations between individuals and the state.

Social rights

These moral, legal or societal rules and an inclusion and social solidarity, refers to the fundamental dignity and empowerment and include access to essentials such as food, health, education, housing, social protection and labor rights.

Neo-liberalism

Conceptually, a political and economic philosophy that emphasizes free trade, deregulation, globalization, and a reduction in government spending (Manning L., 2024).

Global citizenship

refers to the belief that individuals are members of multiple, diverse, local and non-local networks rather than single actors affecting isolated societies.

Subject vs. Citizen

A subject is typically subservient to the state (Gauba, 2009). In contrast, a citizen is an active and full member of the political community.

Republic Act No. 10963

Also known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, it requires Filipinos to pay taxes based on their income to support government programs and services.

Republic Act No. 10931

This law provides benefits such as free tuition in state universities for Filipino citizens.

1987 Philippine Constitution

Ensures that all citizens have fundamental rights and freedoms including the right to vote, participate in governance, and freedom of expression.

T.H. Marshall

Divided citizenship evolution into civil, political, social rights. He implies citizenship as full membership in a community where all individuals who hold this status are equal regarding the rights and duties associated with it.

Formal citizenship

Refers to the legal status of being a citizen of a state, often granted through birth, naturalization, or other legal means.

Substantive citizenship

Goes beyond legal recognition and involves the actual exercise and enjoyment of rights.

Social Movements

Some citizens may not fully enjoy their rights. These groups demand the realization of their rights in practice.

Natural-born citizens

Those who acquired citizenship at birth without requiring legal processes, including those who elected citizenship under Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Citizenship Loss

Citizenship lost due to naturalization from other country.

Dual Allegiance

Contrary to national interest; must be legally addressed.

Republic Act 9225

Law allowing dual citizenship for former Filipinos.

Dual Citizenship Law

Facilitates retention and reacquisition of Filipino citizenship.

Naturalization

Process of becoming a citizen of another country.

Oath of Allegiance

Required for reacquiring Filipino citizenship under RA 9225.

Jus Sanguinis

Citizenship inherited from Filipino parents, regardless of birthplace.

Jus Soli

Citizenship based on birthplace, as in the U.S.

Birth Certificate Requirement

Needed for citizenship restoration, authenticated by PSA.

Certificate of Election

Required for citizenship claims through mothers under 1935 Constitution.

Report of Birth

Document for individuals born abroad to restore citizenship.

Constitutional Prohibition

Dual allegiance feared to undermine loyalty to the Philippines.

Poe-Llamanzares v. Comelec

Landmark case affirming rights of foundlings in citizenship.

National Security Risks

Concerns regarding dual citizens acting against national interests.

Economic Advantages

Debate on motivations for seeking dual citizenship.

Filipino Citizenship

Reacquired through legal processes without renouncing other loyalties.

Philippine Citizenship

Acquired through birth, naturalization, or legislation.

Ancient Greece Citizenship

Privilege for elite freemen, excluding others.

Roman Citizenship

Extended to conquered peoples with varying rights.

Medieval Citizenship

Dominated by church authority, feudal obligations.

Renaissance Citizenship

Revival emphasizing civic engagement and rule of law.

Glorious Revolution

Established constitutional monarchy in England, 1688.

Social Contract

Citizens consent to governance for rights protection.

American Revolution

Highlighted natural rights and citizen governance participation.

French Revolution

Zenith of citizenship with rights declaration.

Natural Rights

Rights inherent to individuals, emphasized in revolutions.

Liberalism

19th-century ideology focusing on individual freedoms.

Negative Rights

Freedom from state interference in personal matters.

Positive Rights

State support for individual development and welfare.

Welfare State

Introduced social rights like healthcare and education.

20th Century Citizenship

Focus on global responsibilities and multiculturalism.

Civil Rights

Basic freedoms and protections from the state.

Political Rights

Rights enabling participation in governance and politics.

Social Rights

Rights ensuring access to welfare and social services.

Indigenous Rights

Recognition of rights for historically marginalized groups.

Citizenship and Identity

Citizenship shapes national identity and legal status.

Collective Welfare

Benefits derived from community engagement and citizenship.

Global Citizenship

Responsibilities extend beyond local or national boundaries.

Civic Engagement

Active participation in community and political life.

Rights of Man and Citizen

French declaration asserting citizen rights and freedoms.

Equality Before the Law

Legal principle treating all individuals equally.

Freedom of Speech

Right to express opinions without censorship.

Right to Vote

Ability to participate in elections and referendums.

Right to Run for Office

Eligibility to stand for election and hold office.

Right to Economic Welfare

Access to financial assistance during hardships.

Access to Social Services

Availability of healthcare, education, and housing.

Natural Justice

Principle ensuring fairness in legal proceedings.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

UN treaty protecting civil and political rights.

Black Lives Matter Movement

Global movement against systemic racism and violence.

Social Security

Financial assistance for individuals facing life challenges.

Public Services

Essential services provided to support citizen welfare.

Cultural Protection

Efforts to preserve cultural heritage and education.

Beveridge Report

1942 report addressing social issues in England.

Social Security System (SSS)

Philippine program providing financial assistance during hardships.

Universal Health Care Law

Law ensuring access to healthcare for all Filipinos.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts

Agency promoting and preserving Filipino cultural heritage.

Coalitional Politics

Political dynamics influenced by group alliances.

Procedural Fairness

Legal principle ensuring fair treatment in processes.

Human Rights Institutions

Organizations promoting and protecting human rights.

Marginalized Groups

Communities historically excluded from societal benefits.

Collective Rights

Rights granted to groups rather than individuals.

Advocacy

Efforts to promote and protect rights and interests.

Systemic Racism

Institutional practices perpetuating racial discrimination.