Citizenship through parents is the most straightforward path under Philippine law. The Philippines adheres to the principle of jus sanguinis, meaning your citizenship is determined by the citizenship of your parents at the time of your birth, not the location of your birth[citation:1].

This section covers two scenarios: children born to at least one Filipino parent, and children of former Filipinos who reacquired citizenship under the Dual Citizenship Law.

1. Children Born to at Least One Filipino Parent

Under the 1987 Constitution, any person born after January 17, 1973 with a father or mother who is a Filipino citizen at the time of birth is automatically a natural-born Filipino citizen[citation:1][citation:7].

Proof Required:

  • If born in the Philippines: PSA Birth Certificate indicating the Filipino citizenship of the parent[citation:1].
  • If born abroad: A Report of Birth filed with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate[citation:1].

Special Rule for Those Born Before 1973

If you were born before January 17, 1973 to a Filipino mother and a foreign father, you are still a natural-born Filipino, but only if you elected Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority (21 years old)[citation:1][citation:7].

If this election was not made, the citizenship may have been lost. However, subsequent laws (including RA 9225) allow for re-acquisition.

2. Children Born to Parents Who Were Former Filipinos

A common scenario involves children born abroad to parents who had already become naturalized citizens of another country (e.g., the US or Canada) but have since reacquired Philippine citizenship under RA 9225.

  • If the parent reacquired Philippine citizenship before the child was born, the child is generally considered a Filipino citizen at birth by virtue of having a Filipino parent.
  • If the child was born during the period when the parent was solely a foreign citizen (before reacquisition), the child was not a Filipino at birth. However, once the parent reacquires citizenship under RA 9225, the minor child (under 18) may be included in the parent's petition or qualify for derivative dual citizenship[citation:5][citation:7].

3. Children of Dual Citizens

According to the Philippine Consulate, a child born in a country that applies jus soli (right of soil, like the US or Canada) to at least one parent who is a Filipino citizen is a dual citizen at birth[citation:7].

For example, a child born in the United States to a Filipino parent is automatically an American citizen (by birth location) and a Filipino citizen (by blood).

In this case, the parent simply needs to report the birth to the Philippine Embassy to obtain a Report of Birth and secure a Philippine passport for the child[citation:7].

No separate dual citizenship application is required as the child is a citizen from birth.

Required Documentation

To claim citizenship through parents, the following documents are typically required[citation:3][citation:5]:

  • Child's PSA Birth Certificate or Report of Birth.
  • Parents' marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Proof of the parent's Filipino citizenship at the time of the child's birth (e.g., parent's PSA Birth Certificate or old Philippine passport).

If you are 18 or older and have never held a Philippine passport, you will need to apply for recognition of citizenship or a Certificate of Citizenship before you can obtain a passport.