Renunciation of foreign citizenship now part of COC

MANILA, Philippines - Amid questions on the citizenship of presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will require would-be candidates in the 2016 polls to declare if they have renounced their foreign citizenship.

In Resolution No. 9989 promulgated on Sept. 17, the poll body said in applicable cases, a would-be candidate shall declare “I executed a sworn renunciation of foreign citizenship.”

The Comelec cited Republic Act No. 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003 and the Aug. 18, 2015 ruling of the Supreme Court (SC) in the Arnado vs. Comelec case.

“Whereas, considering the above SC decision, there is a need to amend the guidelines and include in the forms of the certificates of candidacy (COCs) an item on the compliance by candidates, who are dual citizens, of the requirements of RA 9225, if applicable,” the Comelec said.

Under Section 5 of RA 9225, those who retain or re-acquire Philippine citizenship under this law shall enjoy full civil and political rights with those seeking elective public office.  They are required, however, to make a personal and sworn renunciation of foreign citizenship at the time of the filing of the COC.

In the Arnado vs. Comelec case, the SC ruled that people with dual citizenship may run for public office in the Philippines, provided that they meet the qualifications set by the Constitution and existing laws; and make a personal and sworn renunciation of foreign citizenship when they file their COCs.

The adjustment in the COC forms comes at a time when Poe’s citizenship is being questioned by losing senatorial bet Lito David before the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

Married to a Filipino-American, Poe returned to the Philippines after the death of her father, actor Fernando Poe Jr., in 2004 and was appointed chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

Last Wednesday, Poe declared her presidential bid with Sen. Francis Escudero as her running mate. 

Up to Congress

Meanwhile, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez yesterday said it is up to Congress to decide if political advertisements should be banned.

Jimenez issued the statement after former senator Richard Gordon proposed that all forms of political advertisements on radio, television and print be prohibited.

Gordon said the candidates should just face each other in debates.

“That depends on Congress because Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Act was the response to the political advertisement ban. But Congress restored the political advertisements so for these to be banned, it would be something for Congress to decide and enact. As far as Comelec is concerned, with or without a political advertisement ban, we are committed to conduct debates,” he said, adding that some candidates are already engaged in premature campaigning.

“That is why we are always reminding the people that there is a moral dimension to this practice and we hope there would be a balance in the playing field. We cannot stop them from doing this practice, but certainly we can make it not profitable for them,” he added.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said that during the hearing of the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, they suggested to the lawmakers to come up with a law that would regulate campaign ads.

“Basically the concept of premature campaign does not exist and Comelec would monitor expenditures after the start of the campaign period on Feb. 9, 2016 for national candidates,” he said. – With Evelyn Macairan, Paolo Romero