REPORT ON WORKSHOPS

1. Migrants Rights Defense and Education ( Fr. Graziano Battistella – SIMI)
2. Philippine GO’s Commitment for the OFWs’ Welfare ( Ms. Cynthia Ceradilla – OWWA)
3. Gender Dimensions of Philippine Labor Migration ( Ms. Edna Aquino – CF)
4. Unauthorized Migration and Trafficking ( Atty. Viveca Catalig – POEA)
5. Emerging Trends of Labor Migration in the Global Market ( Prof. Stella Go – DLSU)
6. Migration and Integration Policies of the Receiving Countries ( Usec. Jose Brillantes – DFA)
7. OFWs and Overseas Filipinos as Political Actors (Absentee Voting Law) ( Ms. Catherine Maceda – DFA)
8. Dual Citizenship ( Mr. Jose Apolinario L. Lozada, Jr. – RCBC)
9. Reintegration Programs ( Fr. Edwin Corros – CBCP-ECMI)
10. Transnational Linkages: Good Practices and Solidarity Projects ( Ms. Regina Galias – CFO)
11. Filipino Migrants and Transnationals as Culture Bearers ( Ms. Julia Constante – NCCA)
12. Social Costs of Migration ( Dr. Maruja M.B. Asis - SMC)

Dual Citizenship

In connection with the Absentee Voting Bill, the Dual Citizenship Law or RA 9225 was approved in the Philippines in August of 2003. The law aims to help generate funds for the recovery of the economy in the form of remittances and investments. However, only natural born Filipinos can apply for dual citizenship.

The resource person for the workshop on RA 9225 was former Congressman Jose Apolinario L. Lozada, Jr. and former Chairperson of the House Committee in Foreign Affairs.

Problems

In the discussion, the group expressed how dual citizens are treated as third class citizens by the host country; however, no connection or facts were found to support such anxiety.

Loyalty and patriotism was also questioned. This was identified to be a concern in the event of war. When a person will have to choose which side s/he will be in favor of.

As an observation, the group pointed out how the government seems to give double standards when it comes to treatment of our countrymen. Such recognition is given to individuals who have made a good name for themselves or have established themselves abroad but treats Filipinos on the opposite side are treated with contempt.

It was also pointed out that Filipinos are not keen on applying for dual citizenship. Questions about inheritance and questions on benefits with such a status are not clear. The workshop clarified that there are no limitations to the acquisition of properties as well as no residency in the country is required in order to exercise the right of suffrage and in order to avoid double taxation, it was suggested to report separate income gains in the Philippines and in the host country. The lack of information may be a reason why our countrymen abroad do not take advantage of this law. In addition, applications for dual citizenship are too expensive.

Recommendation

The workshop group suggests that the government should campaign to increase migrant awareness and provide better information on the incentives and benefits that will be advantageous in acquiring Dual Citizenship.