THE ADMINISTRATIVE NATURALIZATION LAW OF 2000

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of the Administrative Naturalization Law of 2000

Declaration of Policy (Section 2):
- The State shall control and regulate the admission and integration of aliens into its territory and body politic, including the grant of Philippine citizenship to aliens through administrative proceedings.

Qualifications for Naturalization (Section 3):
- Born in the Philippines and residing there since birth
- At least 18 years old
- Good moral character and believes in the principles of the Constitution
- Received primary and secondary education in Philippine schools where Philippine history, government, and civics are taught
- Has a known trade, business, profession, or lawful occupation with sufficient income for support
- Able to read, write, and speak Filipino or any Philippine dialect
- Has mingled with Filipinos and embraced their customs, traditions, and ideals

Disqualifications for Naturalization (Section 4):
- Opposed to organized government or affiliated with groups upholding such doctrines
- Defending or teaching the necessity of violence, personal assault, or assassination
- Polygamists or believers in polygamy
- Convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude
- Suffering from mental alienation or incurable contagious diseases
- Have not mingled socially with Filipinos or embraced their customs, traditions, and ideals
- Citizens or subjects of a country at war with the Philippines
- Citizens or subjects of a country that does not grant Filipinos the right to be naturalized

Petition for Citizenship (Section 5):
- File a petition with the Special Committee on Naturalization, including personal information, qualifications, and declarations
- Accompanied by supporting documents such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, financial capacity affidavit, and school records

Special Committee on Naturalization (Section 6):
- Composed of the Solicitor General (Chairman), Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and National Security Adviser
- Has the power to approve, deny, or reject naturalization applications
- Members receive honoraria for attending meetings

Powers and Functions of the Committee (Section 7):
- Receive petitions with a processing fee of ₱40,000
- Publish pertinent portions of the petition for public notice
- Obtain reports from relevant agencies on the petitioner's background
- Interview the petitioner if necessary
- Approve or disapprove the petition based on the information received

Decree of Naturalization and Fees (Section 9):
- Upon approval, the petitioner pays a naturalization fee of ₱100,000 (₱50,000 upon approval and ₱50,000 upon taking the oath of allegiance)
- A certificate of naturalization is issued, and the petitioner takes an oath of allegiance within 60 days

Duty of the Bureau of Immigration (Section 10):
- Forward a copy of the petitioner's oath to the local civil registrar
- Cancel the petitioner's alien certificate of registration

Status of Alien Wife and Minor Children (Section 11):
- After the approval of the petition, the alien wife and minor children may file a petition for cancellation of their alien certificates, subject to fees of ₱20,000 (filing fee) and ₱40,000 (naturalization fee)

Status of Alien Husband and Minor Children (Section 12):
- The approval of a married woman's petition does not benefit her alien husband, but her minor children may file a petition for cancellation of their alien certificates under existing laws

Cancellation of the Certificate of Naturalization (Section 13):
- The Committee may cancel the certificate in cases of false statements, misrepresentations, violations of law, fraud, or illegal means of obtaining citizenship
- If the naturalized person or their family establishes permanent residence in a foreign country within 5 years
- If the naturalized person or their family allows themselves to be used as a dummy in violation of laws requiring Philippine citizenship
- If the naturalized person or their family commits any act inimical to national security

Penalties (Section 14):
- Fraudulently making, falsifying, forging, or altering a naturalization certificate is punishable by a fine of up to ₱500,000 and imprisonment of up to 5 years, and cancellation of the naturalization certificate if the offender is a naturalized citizen

Special Disposition for Filing Fees (Section 16):
- 25% of the filing fee accrues to the University of the Philippines Law Center, and another 25% is allotted for the publication of the Journal of the House of Representatives

Implementing Rules and Regulations (Section 17):
- The Special Committee on Naturalization is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act

Repealing Clause (Section 18):
- All provisions of existing laws, orders, decrees, rules, and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly

Separability Clause (Section 19):
- If any part of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts shall continue to be in force and effect

Effectivity Clause (Section 20):
- This Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation