Dual Citizenship and Voting Rights
Almost three years ago, Philippine Republic Act No. 9225 took effect, allowing dual citizenship for natural-born Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenship through naturalization. On August 4 of this year, the Philippine Supreme Court allowed dual citizens the right to vote in Philippine elections.
This decision was the subject of a press conference called by the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – California chapter, held on Aug. 10, at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco. Specifically, the discussion revolved around Section 5 (d) of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003 or Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9189. The meeting called into question the application of this R.A. to dual citizens.
The section states that a Filipino resident of another country may only be allowed to register as a voter in absentia after executing an affidavit, declaring that physical residence in the Philippines shall be resumed within three years after the registration is approved.
As it stands now, everyone who wishes to become absentee voters will need to declare such intent, until the Supreme Court issues another ruling declaring that the residency requirement does not apply to dual citizens. This is according to Vice Consul Anthony Mandap.
There are several points I’d also like to point out to those interested in voting:
1. The deadline for overseas voters’ registration is on August 31, 2006. This is for the elections in May 2007. There are plans to request an extension of this deadline, but don’t wait if you are serious about your intention to vote.
2. According to IBP-California president Rene Pascual: ““Because of the sheer number of Fil-Ams, we can be the swing vote… California Fil-Ams alone could make a difference.”
I don’t know the number of Fil-Ams and what percentage of these are both dual citizens and have intentions to vote. However, with residency requirements still in question, there is really no guarantee that votes from registered dual citizens will be counted in the final tally. Especially since the absentee voting law has its share of opponents among Philippine politicians. Representative Teddy Boy Locsin of the 1st district of Makati has been cited as the primary opponent of this law.
Logic dictates that overseas Filipinos, who will a) take the effort to obtain dual citizenship and/or b) register to vote, will also take similar pains to be objective, vigilant and knowledgeable about who they’re going to vote for. These are not voters who will be easily swayed by a popular candidate, nor can their vote be bought. Dare I say that this might be the primary reason that local politicians oppose absentee voting?
3. I am not aware of the manner in which absentee voting will be conducted. What measures will be taken to ensure proper counting and security? How will the votes be counted? How can absentee voters know that their votes will not be tampered with in transit?
Finally, I take offense at a supposed statement from Congressman Locsin who, according to NaFFAA founding member Rodel Rodis, urged the denial of voting rights to dual citizens because they have “abandoned the Philippines.” As Rodis himself said:
“On the contrary, those who left have actually developed a greater love for the Philippines…. “
There is nothing to be gained for those who wish to vote in absentia other than the knowledge that they have had a hand in shaping the future of the Philippines. Those who show such concern can hardly be said to have abandoned the country that will always be a part of their identity.
For more information about the dual citizenship law and an application form, click here. For the Absentee Voting Act in its entirety, visit the Comelec website.
[Source: Philippine News]
Tags: Filipino citizenship, dual citizenship, Philippine citizenship, absentee voting, Philippine elections
5 Comments
The last election, I tried to register and vote at the Bonn Consulate. However, I was told that I cannot vote even if I am a Philippine passport holder kasi I am a permanent resident in Germany. The only way I would be allowed to vote daw is if I say that I intend to move back to Pinas in 2 years.
hi AnP, yeah that’s what the new provision says, or go back there after your application is approved.
Hi AnP, RA No. 9189 applies in your case, since you’re not a dual citizen. They require an affidavit saying you’ll return to the Philippines in 2 (or 3?) years. What the NaAFFAA is seeking is for this requirement to be lifted for dual citizens. There are still a lot of things that need to be clarified about voting and citizenship.
[...] There’s a new deadline for those who want to register for absentee voting in next year’s elections in the Philippines. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has moved the deadline from August 31 to September 30. [...]
[...] Filipinos who are based abroad, including those with dual citizenships, have until October 31 to register as absentee voters if they want to vote in the May 2007 elections. [...]