Citizenship & Civic Engagement

According to Article IV of the Philippine Constitution, who is considered a Filipino Citizen?

A Filipino citizen is someone who:

1. Was already a citizen when the 1987 Constitution was made.
2. Has at least one parent who is a Filipino citizen.
3. Was born before January 17, 1973, to a Filipino mother and elected Filipino citizenship upon reaching 18 years old.
4. Became a citizen through the legal process of naturalization.

What is the difference between a natural-born citizen and a naturalized citizen?

• Natural-born citizen: A citizen from birth, without needing to perform any act to acquire or perfect their citizenship.
• Naturalized citizen: Someone who acquires citizenship later in life through a legal process called naturalization.

Does marrying a foreigner cause a Filipino citizen to lose their citizenship?

No, marrying someone who is not Filipino does not automatically result in the loss of citizenship, unless the citizen performs an act that legally constitutes renouncing it.

What is prohibited under Article IV concerning citizenship?

Dual allegiance is prohibited and will be dealt with by law, meaning being loyal to two countries simultaneously is not allowed.

According to Article V of the Philippine Constitution, what are the qualifications for suffrage (voting rights)?

To be eligible to vote, a person must be:

• A Filipino citizen.
• At least 18 years old.
• A resident of the Philippines for at least one year and in the place where they propose to vote for at least six months immediately preceding the election.

Are there any literacy or property requirements to vote in the Philippines?

No, the Constitution explicitly states that there are no literacy, property, or other substantive requirements for the exercise of suffrage.

What provisions does the Constitution make to ensure fair and accessible voting?

The Constitution mandates:

• A secret ballot to ensure the privacy and security of votes.
• A system for overseas voting for qualified Filipinos living abroad.
• A system to assist persons with disabilities and illiterates to cast their votes privately.