The Philippine heroes are the people that have fought for freedom and independence against oppression. These men and women played a major part in ensuing the freedom of the Philippines.

National Heroes’ Day (Araw ng mga Bayani) is a public holiday in the Philippines, celebrated yearly on the 30th day of August. Due to the current administration’s holiday-economy policy, a presidential proclamation is usually issued to move the celebration of a national holiday into the nearest monday or friday, which, in this case, is August 31 2009.

The Philippines, on the 30th day of August, commemorates the “Cry of Pugad Lawin” by Filipino revolutionaries called the Katipunan led by its leader (Supremo) Andres Bonifacio.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park  is one of the most distinguished biodiversity conservation areas of the Philippines. It is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines.

It is known for scenic natural beauty, intact old growth tropical rainforest, interesting wildlife, pristine white sand beaches and a spectacular limestone formation that possess a most impressive cave system.

The main focus of the park  is an 8.2 km long underground river that is reputed to be the longest navigable underground river in the world.

A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers.

At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

Tubbataha Reef is an atoll coral reef located in the Sulu Sea of the Philippines. It is a marine sanctuary protected as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park

It is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.  These magnificent atolls encompass an astonishing diversity of marine life.

The park is an underwater sanctuary where nature thrives. Tubbataha is the Philippines’ only marine natural park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place of global importance being preserved for future generations of humankind.

A team of rangers are stationed on the reef year-round and, from March until June, divers visit Tubbataha to experience the wonders of this unique underwater world.

San Agustín Church is a Roman Catholic church under the auspices of The Order of St. Augustine, located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila.

This church is a significant monument to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, being the first religious structure built in the island of Luzon, after the Spanish relocated from Cebu in the south.

Completed by 1607, it is the oldest church currently standing in the Philippines. No other surviving building in the Philippines has been claimed to pre-date San Agustin Church.

In 1993, San Agustin Church was one of four Philippine churches constructed during during the Spanish colonial period designated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, under the classification “Baroque Churches of the Philippines”.

It had been named a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1976.

The San Agustin church of Paoay was named as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The chuch was made of coral stone and was adorned like an Asian temple. Built from 1694 to between 1702 and 1710, it is the premier example of Philippine Earthquake Baroque, an architectural solution to the area’s challenging and natural setting.

The church features 26 massive side-buttresses and a number of external staircases. These architectural elements are meant to protect churches from collapse even in the worst earthquakes or typhoons in which this region abounds.

The external style may be Earthquake Baroque, but the many motifs (eg the crenellations) of the design suggest Chinese and Javanese influences. Some critics say it is reminiscent of Javanese temples.

A separate bell tower was added nearby in 1793. The bell tower was used by Katipunero rebels during the Philippine Revolution and by Filipino guerillas during the Japanese occupation in World War II as a hideout and observation post.

A. PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRST-TIME APPLICANTS:

• Personal Appearance is required.

• Duly accomplished application form.

• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO.

• Three (3) colored photos of the applicant taken against a royal blue background. Applicant should be in decent attire with collar. Photo must be of good quality, and must have been taken within the last six (6) months. Photo size: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm. Facial image size: Not less than 3 cm. DFA has the right to reject photos that do not comply with specifications and international standards.

• Proof of identity / Supporting documents indicating full name, date and place of birth and citizenship

• Other Supporting documents.

Additional Requirements:

• For married women, who want to use surname of their spouse

• Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper issued by NSO or Certified True Copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO.

• For married women who would like to revert back to their maiden name

If already widowed: Death Certificate of the deceased husband;

• If marriage is annulled: Certified true copy and photocopy of the first page and the dispositive portion of the judgment on annulment and NSO-issued MC with the annotation on the annulment decree;

• If divorced: Certified true copy and photocopy of the first page and the dispositive portion of the judgment on divorce secured by foreign spouse authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate where the divorce is obtained.

For Minors (below 18 years old)

• Personal appearance of either parent (if minor is of legitimate status).

• Personal appearance of mother (if minor is of illegitimate status)

If minor is NOT traveling with either parent:

• Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance

• Affidavit of Support and Consent

If both parents are abroad:

• Affidavit of support and consent (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Consul).

• Special Power of Attorney (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Consul designating the representative by name and authorizing him to apply for a passport on behalf of the minor).

• Passport and photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion of the minor.

• Identification Card and photocopy thereof of the duly authorized person.

For Muslim applicants

• For those whose births were registered:

Please refer to requirements for first time passport applicants.

For those whose births were not registered:

• Late registered Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO)

• Original and photocopy of Voter’s Affidavit or other supporting documents indicating date and place of birth and citizenship, identity and tribal affiliation.

• Certificate from the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA)

For converts:

• Submit annotated Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA)

• Court Order granting change of name

• Shari’ah Court Order

• OMA Certificate of Conversion

• Additional supporting documents may be required when necessary.

B. REQUIREMENTS FOR RENEWAL OF PASSPORT:

Brown Passport or issued prior to 01 May 1995

• Old passport and photocopy of passport pages 1,2,3 (amendment). The pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps.

• Supporting document with complete middle name.

Green Passport or issued after 01 May 1995

• Present passport and photocopy of inside and back cover.

• The pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps.

• For illegitimate minor, personal appearance of mother is required.

For married women, who want to use surname of their spouse:

• Personal Appearance is required

• Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper issued by NSO or CTC issued by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO.

For Minors (below 18 years old): Personal appearance of either parent is required.

• If minor is NOT traveling with either parent:

• Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance

• Affidavit of Support and Consent

• If both parents are abroad:

• Affidavit of support and consent (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Philippine Consul).

• Special Power of Attorney (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate if not executed before a Philippine Consul designating the representative by name and authorizing him to apply for a passport on behalf of the minor).

• Passport and photocopy of the passport of person travelling with the minor.

C. PASSPORT FEES:

Regular Processing

• (14 working days)

• 44-Page = P 500.00

Expedited Processing

• (7 working days)

• Additional P 250.00

Replacement of Lost valid Passport

• 44-Page = P 700.00

D. LIST OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:

• Marriage Contract

• Voter’s Registration Record

• PRC / IBP ID

• Baptismal Certificate

• Land Title

• Seaman’s Book

• Driver’s License

• Income Tax Return (Old)

• Government Service Record

• Old SSS-E1 form/or digitized SSS-ID

• School Form 137 or Transcript of Records

• Other documents that show full name and birth details of applicant and citizenship

E. DOWNLOAD PASSPORT APPLICATION FORM:

• PASSPORT APPLICATION FORM

What is Republic Act No. 9225?

Republic Act No. 9225 is an Act making the citizenship of Filipinos who acquire foreign citizenship permanent, amendin for the purpose Commonwealth Act No. 63.

RA 9225, which took effect on 17 September 2003, declares that former natural-born Filipino citizens who acquired foreign citizenship through naturalisation are deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship under conditions provided in the Act.

There former Filipinos can re-acquire/retain their Philippine citizenship by taking the oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines.

Who is a natural-born Filipino citizens?

Under the Philippine Constitution, a natural-born citizen is a person born of one or both parents who are Filipino citizens at the time of birth.

Does the law RA 9225 apply to dual citizens?

RA 9225 does not apply to dual citizens, ie, those who have both Philippine citizenship as well as foreign citizenship not acquired through naturalisation.

A child born of parents who are both Filipino citizens (at the time of birth) in a country that adheres to the jus soli principle (eg, the United States) is a dual citizen. The child, who is a natural-born Filipino because the Philippines adheres to the jus sanginis principle, is also entitled to apply for a US passport.

Jus soli (right of soil) is the legal principle that a person’s nationality at birth is determined by the place of birth (ie, the territory of a given state).

Jus sanguinis (right of blood) is the legal principle that, at birth, an individual acquires the nationality of his/her natural parent/s.

A chld born of one parent who is a Filipino citizen (at the time of birth) and of one foreign parent (eg, Australian) whose country adheres to the jus sanguinis principle is a dual citizen and is entitled to apply for both Philippine and Australian passports.

A child born of one parent who is a Filipino citizen (at the time of birth) and of one foreign parent (eg, Australian) whose country adheres to the jus sanguinis principle in a country that adheres to the jus soli principle (eg, US) would be entitled to apply for Philippine, Australian and US passports.

How do I prove that I am a natural-born Filipino?

A former natural-born citizen, who was born in the Philippines, shall submit the NSO-authenticated copy of his or her birth certificate.

A former natural-born citizen, who was born abroad, shall present a copy of the Report of Birth issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate and, in applicable cases, the original copy of the Birth Certificate by competent foreign authorities.

What is the procedure in applying and what documents are required in order to apply?

Applicant shall present a copy of his/her Birth Certificate issued or duly-authenticated by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in Manila.

Applicant accomplishes form entitled “Petition for Dual Citizenship and Issuance of Identification Certificate (IC) pursuant to RA 9225” and attaches three (3) 2”x2” photographs showing the front, left side and right side views of the applicant.

Applicant submits duly-accomplished petition to the Philippine Consulate / Embassy together with the photos, birth certificate and a valid ID.

(Note: applicants who are married and who wish to use their married names must submit a copy of their marriage certificate).

Applicant pays a processing fee of US$ 50.00 and is assigned a schedule for his/her oath of allegiance before a consular officer. Applicant takes his/her oath.

Applicant is given the original copy of his notarized oath of allegiance together with an Order of Approval issued by the Philippine Consulate General.

The Philippine Consulate General forwards to the Bureau of Immigration in Manila the petition, oath, order of approval, and other supporting documents for issuance of an Identification Certificate.

The Bureau of Immigration issues an Identification Certificate (IC) and forwards it to the applicant through the Philippine Consulate General.

What is the implementing agency of RA 9225?

Administrative Order No. 91, Section 1 designates the Bureau of Immigration (BI), in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of the Civil Registrar-General of the National Statistics Office (NSO), as the implementing agency of RA 9225

Where do I apply for re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship if I am in the Philippines?

A former natural-born Filipino citizen who is already in the Philippines and registered in the Bureau of Immigration shall file a petition under oath to the Commissioner of Immigration for the cancellation of the Alien Certicate of Registration (ACR) and issuance of an Identification Certificate (IC) as the case may be, under RA 9225.

A former natural-born citizen who is already in the Philippines but has not registered with the BI within 60 days from date of arrival shall file a petition under oath to the Commissioner of Immigration for the issuance of an IC under RA 9225.

Where do I apply for re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship if I am overseas?

A former natural-born citizen who is abroad but is a BI-registered alien shall file a petition under oath to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate for evaluation. Thereafter, the Embassy or Consulate shall forward the entire records to the Commissioner of Immigration for the cancellation of the ACR and issuance of an IC under RA 9225.

A former natural-born citizen who is abroad and is not a BI-registered alien shall file a petition under oath to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate for the issuance of an IC under RA 9225.

What is the Oath of Allegiance?

The Oath of Allegiance is the final act that confers Philippine citizenship. It reads as follows:

“I,________________, solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and obey the laws and local orders promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Philippines, and I hereby declare that I recognise and accept the supreme authority of the Philippines and will maintain true faith and allegiance thereto, and that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily without mental reservation or purpose of evasion.”

Can the conferment of Philippine citizenship be revoked?

The conferment of Philippine citizenship under the IRR shall no longer be subject to the affirmation by the Secretary of Justice. However, Philippine citizenship may be revoked by competent authority upon a substantive finding of fraud, misrepresentation or concealment on the part of the applicant.

Can my foreign spouse also become a Filipino citizen under RA 9225?

No, the law does not apply to the foreign spouse. He/she has the following option if he/she wishes to reside permanently in the Philippines: (a) apply for naturalisation; (b) apply for a permanent resident visa.

Can my children (minor or aged 18 years old or over) also acquire Philippine citizenship under RA 9225?

According to Section 4 of RA 9225 (Derivative Citizenship), the unmarried child, whether legitimate, illegitimate or adopted, below eighten (18) years of age, of those who re-acquire Philippine citizenship under this Act shall be deemed citizens of the Philippines.

A married child, although a minor, cannot therefore be included in the petition of his/her parent.

Children 18 years old and over do not qualify to acquire Philippine citizenship under RA 9225. They have the same options that are open to the foreign spouse.

What is the procedure for derivative acquisition of Philippine citizenship?

The petition under oath has the option to list the names and details of any minor, unmarried children. The applicant should include a copy of the Report of Birth and the original copy of Record of Birth for each minor child.

The Embassy will clarify from Bureau of Immigration the exact procedure in case of the minor children and whether the BI will issue to them a Certificate of Identification.

After I have re-acquired Philippine citizenship, can I apply for a Philippine passport?

Yes, and so can the minor children who are deemed to have acquired Philippine citizenship under RA 9225. You would need to comply with the requirements for first-time passport applicants.

What rights and privileges will dual citizens enjoy?

Those who retain or reacquire their Philippine Citizenship under RA 9225 shall enjoy full civil and political rights and be subject to all attendant liabilities and responsibilities under existing laws of the Philippines and the following conditions:

Those intending to exercise their right of suffrage must meet the requirements under Section 1, Article V of the Constitution, Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as “The Overseas Absentee Voting Act 0f 2003” and other existing laws.

Under the Act, the right to vote or be elected or appointed to any public office in the Philippines cannot be exercised by, or extended to, those who are candidates for or are occupying any public office in the country of which they are naturalized citizens and/or those who are in active service as commissioned or non-commissioned officers in the armed forces of the country which they are naturalized citizens.

Those seeking elective public office in the Philippines shall meet the qualifications for holding such public office as required by the Constitution and existing laws and, at the time of filing of the certificate of candidacy, make a personal and sworn renunciation of any and all foreign citizenship before any public officer authorized to administer an oath.

Those appointed to any public office shall subscribe and swear to an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and its duly constituted authorities prior to their assumption of office: Provided, That they renounce their oath of allegiance to the country where they took that oath;

Can I now acquire land and other properties or engage in business?

As provided for under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, a Filipino citizen is entitled to purchase land and other properties and engage in business. There is no limit in terms of area or size of land or real property he/she could acquire/purchase under his/her name. This right would now apply to former natural-born Filipinos who have re-acquired Philippine citizenship under RA 9225.

Can I now reside in the Philippines without having to apply for entry visa?

Former natural born Filipinos who have re-acquired Philippine citizenship may now reside in the Philippines continuously without having to apply for entry visa. If the foreign spouse and/or child wish to also reside permanently in the Philippines, they may opt to apply for naturalisation as a Filipino citizen or apply for a permanent resident visa.

If he/she does not wish to reside permanent in the Philippines, he/she could visit the country as a Balikbayan (refers to a Filipino citizen who is out of the country continuously for at least one year). The foreign spouse or child may enter the country and stay for up to a year visa-free provided the spouse or child is accompanying or travelling with the Balikbayan when the Balikbayan goes home to the Philippines.

As a dual citizen, how long can I stay in the Philippines?

Having reacquired your citizenship, you can stay in the Philippines for as long as you want without having to pay an immigration fees. You can even choose to retire or permanently settle back in the Philippines. As a Filipino citizen, you are subject to duties and other obligations imposed on other ordinary Filipinos, such as paying the necessary community tax residence and other tax liabilities in accordance with the tax laws of the Philippines.

Will I now be required to pay income tax and other taxes? Am I exempt from paying the travel tax?

In accordance with existing laws, income earned in the Philippines is subject to the payment of tax. Filipinos who re-acquire citizenship and opt to reside and work in the Philippines will pay the income tax due at the end of each fiscal year. They are also subject to other obligations and liabilities, such as the community tax and residence tax.

Countries routinely forge bilateral agreements in order that their respective citizens who earn income overseas do not pay income tax twice.

Filipinos who have re-acquired citizenship, as long as they reside permanently overseas, also enjoy the travel tax exemption extended to Filipino citizens permanently residing in other countries, the OFWs and their dependents.

As a dual citizen, am I allowed to practice my profession in the Philippines (e.g. doctor) ?

Under the law, those intending to practice their profession in the Philippines shall apply with the proper authority for a license or permit to engage in such practice.

If I need to get more details on the rules and procedures for the implementation of RA 9225, which government office do I contact in the Philippines?

Under Administrative Order No. 92 Series of 2004 dated 12 January 2004, the Bureau of Immigration has been designated as the government agency in charge of formulating the rules and procedures for the implementation of Republic Act No. 9225. The contact details of Immigration Commissioner are as follows: Office of the Commisioner, Bureau of Immigration, Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines.

Download Dual Citizenship Checklist of Requirements and forms

Ninoy Aquino Day is a national non-working holiday in the Philippines observed annually on August 21, commemorating the anniversary of assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr.

“The greatest president we never had” ~ Jovito Salonga

He was the youngest mayor at 22, the country’s youngest vice-governor at 27, then governor of Tarlac 2 years later. He became the youngest senator in Philippine history at 34.

His popularity was greatly due to his daring criticism of the Marcos regime. Ninoy frequently challenged the dictatorship.

Due to his stances, he was later imprisoned for about eight years after martial law was declared in the country. Even in his imprisonment, he sought a seat in the senate which he eventually won.

After suffering from a heart attack in March 1980, he and his family fled to the United States for his surgery, eventually leading to his self-imposed exile for about three years. There, he continued his advocacy by giving speeches to the Filipino-American communities.

Later, he planned to return to the islands to challenge Marcos for the presidency and he did so 1983.

August 21, 1983

China Airlines Flight 811 touched down at what was then the Manila International Airport, amidst 2,000 military and police personnel on the tarmac. Ninoy stepped out of the plane with an entourage of several foreign journalists, plus a hefty security escort following inches behind. In a matter of minutes, a gunshot was heard and he dropped to the ground face down.

This led to to several protests at his funeral that would spark snap elections in 1986, which would eventually lead to the 1986 EDSA Revolution, catapulting his wife, Corazon, to the presidency.

The Philippine archipelago is geographically located between latitude (approximately) 4o23′N and 21o25′N and longitude (approximately) 112oE and 127oE. It is composed of 7,107 islands, with a land area of 299,764 sq.kilometers. Its length measures 1,850 kilometers, starting from the point near the southern tip of Taiwan and ending close to northern Borneo. Its breadth is about 965 kilometers. The Philippine coastline adds up to 17,500 km. Three prominent bodies of water surround the archipelago: the Pacific Ocean on the east, the South China Sea on the west and

north, and the Celebes Sea on the south. This position accounts for much of the variations in geographic, climatic and vegetational conditions in the country.

The topography of the bigger islands – particularly Luzon and Mindanao – is characterized by alluvial plains, narrow

valleys, rolling hills and high mountains. The highest mountains are found in Mindanao and Luzon, with the altitudes varying from 1,790 to 3,144 meters. Most of the smaller islands are mountainous in the interior, surrounded by narrow strips of discontinuous flat lowlands which constitute the coastal rims. The shorelines of both large and small islands are irregular.

The Philippines’ fertile land accounts for the more than 900 species of orchids representing 100 genera that have been found. The sampaguita is the national flower.

Among the country’s fauna are some endangered species like the Philippine Eagle, the tarsier, and the mouse deer.

Metro Manila is strategically located in the middle of Luzon, on the eastern coast of Manila Bay and at the mouth of the Pasig River, sprawled over an area of 626 sq.km. Manila sits in the middle of a swampy deltaic plain formed by accumulated sedimentary deposits from the Pasig River and other streams.

The city is between the bay to the west, the highlands to the east, and Laguna de Bay to the southeast. Most of its densely populated areas are found along the Pasig River running across the metropolis dividing it into two sections – the north and the south.

BUSINESS AND BANKING HOURS

Private and government offices are open either from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Some private companies hold office on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Most shopping malls, department stores, and supermarkets are open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. There are also 24-hour convenience stores and drugstores nationwide.

Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATM) operating 24 hours.

CREDIT CARDS

International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Mastercard, and American Express Card are accepted in major establishments.