PHILIPPINES 

CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship laws are based upon the Constitution of the Philippines dated February 2, 1987.  Citizens of the Philippines prior to the adoption of the Constitution are still citizens.

• BY BIRTH: Birth within the territory of the Philippines does not automatically confer citizenship.
• BY DESCENT:
• Child, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of the Philippines, regardless of the child’s country of birth.
• Child born before January 17, 1973, of a Filipino mother, who elects Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority (21).
• BY NATURALIZATION: Filipino citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions:
• Person has resided in the Philippines for at least 10 years.
• Person has proof of livelihood and permanent residence.
• Person has shown familiarity with the customs and language of the Philippines.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP:  NOT RECOGNIZED. Exceptions:

• Child born abroad to Filipino parents, who acquires the citizenship of the country of birth. This child is not obliged to choose a preferred citizenship until the age of majority (21).
• Filipino citizens who marry a foreign national and acquire the citizenship of their spouse become unofficial dual citizens. In all cases, the Filipino citizenship would take legal precedence.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

• VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of Filipino citizenship may be made at the nearest Philippines Embassy or consulate. Person must provide Philippines passport and proof of acquisition of new citizenship.
• INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Filipino citizenship: Person voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship.