A lawmaker is calling for a review of the country’s dual citizenship law to make Filipino citizenship automatic for individuals who can prove Filipino parentage.
The proposal was raised as the Senate discussed measures granting Philippine citizenship to basketball player Bennie Francois Boatwright III and wrestler Matthew James Ramos.
The senator cited Ramos, whose father is from Pangasinan, as an example of why the current process should be simplified.
“Hopefully, they’re all Filipino citizens, but one of them happens to be a son of a Filipino, Mr. Ramos, the wrestler,” Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said during the plenary session on Tuesday, May 19.
He pointed to the fact that Congress should revisit the dual citizenship law, particularly provisions that create difficulties for adults seeking to reacquire or retain Philippine citizenship.
“I think it’s about time we revisit that law, Madam President, to our colleagues that are listening today, whoever will be the chairman of the Committee on Justice, and let’s amend it. Let’s just make it automatic,” he said.
He also recalled meeting overseas Filipino workers in Japan who were unable to apply for dual citizenship because of cutoff limitations despite the availability of online processes.
Zubiri said citizenship should no longer be made difficult for people with clear Filipino lineage.
Under his proposal, individuals would automatically qualify for Filipino citizenship as long as they can prove that either parent is Filipino.