What You Need to Know About the Philippine Oath of Allegiance for New Citizens

Becoming a Filipino citizen (or re-acquiring Philippine citizenship) usually ends with taking an Oath of Allegiance. This short, mandatory step makes your Filipino citizenship official. Here's a clear, practical guide for new citizens in the Philippines.

Why the Oath matters

• The Oath of Allegiance is the legal act that completes naturalization or reacquisition.
• After you take it, you gain full Filipino citizenship rights and responsibilities - voting rights after registration, access to government benefits, and the ability to hold public offices where allowed.

Who takes the oath

• Foreign nationals who have been granted Philippine citizenship by a court (naturalized citizens).
• Former Filipino citizens who qualify under RA 9225 (Retention and Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship) to reacquire or retain citizenship.

Where and when it's administered

• For naturalized citizens: the court that grants citizenship usually schedules the oath-taking during or after the final decree.
• For retention/reacquisition under RA 9225: DFA offices, Philippine embassies or consulates often administer the oath.
• The oath can be administered publicly or in a private ceremony by an authorized official (judge, consul, or designated DFA officer).

Typical steps

1. Get the court decree or DFA acceptance document confirming your citizenship or eligibility.
2. Schedule the oath with the court, DFA, or consulate as instructed.
3. Bring required IDs and original documents on the oath date.
4. Take the oath (you may swear or affirm).
5. Obtain the official certificate/record and update your civil records, passport, and government IDs.

Checklist: What to prepare before oath-taking

• Official court order/decree of naturalization OR approval/acknowledgment from DFA (for RA 9225 cases)
• Valid photo IDs (passport, government IDs)
• PSA/NSO birth certificate (original or certified true copy)
• Two (2) passport-size photos (per local office requirements)
• Application forms or appointment confirmation (court/DFA/consulate)
• Payment for any required processing or ceremony fees (if applicable)
• If you're reacquiring under RA 9225: proof of former Filipino citizenship (old birth certificate, Philippine passport, or other documents)

(Note: Exact documents can vary by court, DFA office, or embassy - check the specific office's checklist ahead of time.)

Sample wording and legal note

• The precise oath wording can differ by case and is prescribed by law or issuing office. For retention/reacquisition, Republic Act No. 9225 provides the legal framework. Always confirm the exact wording with the court, DFA, or consulate that will administer your oath.
• You may choose to "swear" (religious) or "affirm" (non-religious) depending on your preference.

After you take the oath - immediate next steps

• Get and keep the official certificate or proof of oath (court certificate or DFA receipt).
• Apply for a Philippine passport at the DFA using your Certificate of Naturalization or oath proof. (DFA passport page lists requirements.)
• Update government records: SSS/GSIS, PhilHealth, local civil registrar, and other IDs.
• If you want to vote, register with COMELEC as a Filipino citizen.
• If you held another nationality, confirm whether you need to formally renounce it (depending on your circumstances) or whether dual citizenship rules apply (RA 9225 allows reacquisition/retention for former Filipinos).

Rights and responsibilities reminder

Taking the oath gives you constitutional rights - but also responsibilities: obey Philippine laws, pay taxes, and participate in civic duties like voting. If you plan to run for public office or take certain government positions, verify eligibility rules (some offices require natural-born status).

Practical tips

• Contact the court clerk, DFA office, or Philippine consulate handling your case before your appointment to confirm the exact documents and fee schedule.
• Bring originals and at least one photocopy of each document.
• If you have complex citizenship history (e.g., previous naturalization in another country), consider consulting a lawyer or the DFA for guidance.

Need-to-know summary: the Oath of Allegiance is short but essential - confirm where you'll take it, bring the court/DFA documents and IDs, get your certificate, then update your passport and records.

For official legal text about reacquisition/retention and the law reference, see RA 9225 (Official Gazette) and DFA guidance.