ACTIVITY 6
Citizenship is a legal and political status that establishes a person’s
membership in a state or nation. It grants specific rights, duties, and
privileges while requiring certain responsibilities. In the context of Philippine
Politics and Governance, citizenship is defined and regulated by the 1987
Philippine Constitution, particularly under Article IV.
Key Aspects of Citizenship in the Philippines:
1. Definition: Citizenship refers to the condition of being a member of a
political community or nation, with full rights and responsibilities as
provided by law.
2. Modes of Acquiring Philippine Citizenship:
By birth (jus sanguinis): A person born to at least one Filipino parent
automatically becomes a Filipino citizen, regardless of the place of birth.
By naturalization: Foreign nationals may acquire citizenship by undergoing
the legal process of naturalization.
By election: Children born abroad to Filipino parents may elect Philippine
citizenship upon reaching the age of majority, subject to legal requirements.
By marriage: Foreigners married to Filipino citizens may acquire citizenship
under certain conditions.
3. Rights of a Citizen:
° Political rights, such as voting and running for public office.
° Civil rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and access to courts.
° Economic rights, like owning land (reserved for Filipinos) and participating
in economic activities protected for citizens.
4. Duties of a Citizen:
° Obeying the laws of the country.
° Paying taxes.
° Participating in civic duties, such as voting and contributing to community
development.
° Defending the state, when required.
5. Dual Citizenship: Under Republic Act No. 9225, also known as the
Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003, natural-born
Filipinos who acquire foreign citizenship may retain or re-acquire their
Philippine citizenship, allowing dual nationality
6. Importance of Citizenship in Governance:
Citizenship defines the relationship between the individual and the state. It
fosters loyalty and responsibility to the nation. Citizenship play a crucial role
in shaping government policies through participation in democratic
processes like elections.
