Naturalization procedure

THERE are several misconceptions and misunderstanding on the procedure of how a foreigner can apply for naturalization and become a Filipino citizen.

Hereunder is the procedure.

The foreigner must first file with the Solicitor General a sworn Declaration of Intention to Become a Citizen of the Philippines. According to Section 5 of Commonwealth Act No. 473, such declaration shall set forth the name, age, occupation, personal description, place of birth, last foreign residence and allegiance, date of arrival, name of the vessel or aircraft, if any, in which he came to the Philippines, and the place of residence in the Philippines at the time of making of the declaration. No declaration shall be valid until the lawful entry for permanent residence has been established and a certificate showing the date, place, and manner of his arrival has been issued.

The declarant must also state that he has enrolled his minor children, if any, in any of the public schools or private schools recognized by the Department of Education where Philippines history, government, and civics are taught or prescribed as part of the school curriculum, during the entire period of the residence in the Philippines.

After the lapse of one year from the filing of such Declaration of Intention to Become a Citizen of the Philippines, the foreigner must then file his Petition for Naturalization with the Regional Trial court of the place where he resides.

In that Petition filed with the courts, he must state under oath that he possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications of becoming a Philippine citizen. He must state his occupation, sources of income, his learning of a local dialect, and knowledge of Philippine government, history and civics, his immersion and acceptance and practice of Philippine culture, traditions and values, and that he is a law-abiding resident, among other qualifications.

A formal hearing should be conducted by the court with the Solicitor General actively represented in such proceedings. It is only after the court is convinced that the applicant can be a valuable partner in nation-building and the country would benefit from his coming a citizen that the petition is granted.

Time and again, some applicants for naturalization fail in getting court approval or the Solicitor General questions and appeals the judgment of the RTC because the applicants failed to present the required documents or proof or that the applicants failed to strictly comply with the procedure.

In fine, any applicant for naturalization must strictly adhere to the procedures and earnestly supply all the documents required to support his application.

Becoming a Filipino citizen is not that easy. It is a privilege accorded to worthy individuals only. But it is not that impossible either. Complying with the procedure and the requisites can be done. Nothing is impossible then.
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