Requisites of Filipino Citizenship

If you are a basketball fan, it is highly likely that you have heard news about a player
whose nationality or citizenship is being questioned.  But, why, you may ask. 
Establishing one’s identity as regard to citizenship is important since there are rights and
privileges that are adherent to one’s citizenship.  In our earlier example, a player will not
be allowed to play in an all-Filipino team if there are doubts about his Filipino
citizenship.   There are also other concerns such as getting work permits and acquiring
properties.
So, who are Filipino citizens?   Philippine nationality is based on the principle of jus
sanguinis or right of blood.  This means that descent from a parent who is citizen of the
Philippines is the primary method of acquiring Filipino citizenship. 
According to Article 4 Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the following are
citizens of the Philippines:

1.
1. Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the
adoption of the 1987 Constitution,
2. Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines,
3. Those who are born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers,
who elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority,
and
4. Those who are naturalized in accordance with law.

 
Citizens of the Philippines are classified into natural-born citizens and naturalized
citizens.  The constitution states that:
Section 2:  Natural-born citizens are those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth
without having to perform an act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.  Those
who adopt Philippine citizenship in accordance to paragraph (3) Section 1 shall be
deemed natural-born citizens.
It is also worthy to know the following sections regarding Filipino citizenship:
Section 3 -- Philippine citizenship may be lost and reacquired in a manner provided by
law.
Section 4 – Citizens of the Philippines who marry aliens shall retain their citizenship,
unless by their act or omission they are deemed, under the law, to have renounced it.
Section 5 – Dual allegiance of citizens is inimical to national interest and shall be dealt
with by law.
1.2 Duties of Filipino Citizens
In as much as the state has the duty to protect and promote the welfare of its citizens,
citizens also have the duty to its country.  Fulfilling one’s duty as a citizen lead to more a
patriotic, responsible, and effective solidarity with other Filipinos (Abueva, 2015).  Such
patriotism and solidarity can lead to a progressive nation.
 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF FILIPINO CITIZENS
Let me now discuss the duties and responsibilities of Filipino citizens.

1. To be loyal to the Republic and to honor the Philippine flag

What does it mean to be loyal and how can we stay loyal to our country?
As ordinary citizens we can be loyal to the Philippines by respecting our ideals and
traditions.  It also means promoting good Filipino values, such as love for elders, by
teaching them to the younger generations.
The Philippine flag is a symbol of our country and its sovereignty. We must honor it all
times.   We should respect it by not playing with and by disposing of it properly.  We
should also give respect to the Philippine National Anthem. 
 

2. To defend the state

When you hear the phrase “to defend”, you surely will think of protecting or securing
someone or something against an enemy or danger.  Well, that is correct.  The question
now is from what do we have to defend our country against?  In short, who or what are
our enemies?
The threat of other countries is still present.  But there are far more enemies within the
country.
The best example now are health issues, to be more specific the COVID virus.  We have
to cooperate to fight this enemy.  Other enemies are poverty, illegal drug trade,
disasters, graft and corruption and crimes.
 

3. To contribute to its
development and welfare
We can contribute to the development and welfare of the state by engaging in activities
beneficial to the society.  Young persons, like you, may fulfill his duty by studying hard in
preparation for your role as future professionals that will shape the economy.  You may
also contribute in simple ways such as protecting our environment.
 

4. To uphold the Constitution and obey its law

Laws are created for peace and order.  If no one will obey the laws then peace and order
will collapse.  We should always be mindful of even the simple laws.
 

5. To cooperate with duly constituted authorities

Authorities are given the tasks to implement policies and laws.  Citizens have to
cooperate with them to maintain harmonious
                                        

6. To exercise due regard for the rights of others

People are always concerned about their rights that they tend to forget that others have
rights, too.   For example, we have the right to congregate and celebrate birthdays and
other occasions. However, we should also think of our neighbors who want to rest by
not creating noise

7. To engage in gainful work

Citizens have to work to provide for their needs or to make their life comfortable.  Let us
be productive and not waste our time on senseless things.  As a student, you are also
engaged in gainful work.  Your work is to study to gain knowledge, skills and attitudes
that will make a valuable contributor to the nation’s progress.
 

8. To register and vote

Suffrage is both a right and a duty.  Every Filipino citizen has the right to choose the
leaders he/she favors.  However, he/she is duty bound to ensure that the one he/she
will vote for is deserving of the position in terms of character, integrity and competence.
 
Again, the duties and responsibilities of a Filipino citizen are:
 1. To be loyal to the Republic and to honor the Philippines flag
2. To defend the state
3. To contribute to its development and welfare
4. To uphold the Constitution and obey its law
5. To cooperate with duly constituted authorities
6. To exercise due regard for the rights of others
7. To engage in gainful work
8. To register and vote.

1.3 Strengths and Weaknesses of

Filipino People

 
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Filipino Character
In this lesson, we will discuss the different strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino
people or of the Filipino character. 
The Filipino character is a result of a mixture of influences.  Among those who
influenced us are our ancestors – the Malays and Indons, and our colonists – the
Spaniards and Americans.  Other nationals such as the Chinese and Indians have also
contributed to what Filipinos are today.
The book “A Moral Recovery Program: Building a People, Building a Nation” discussed
the different strengths and weaknesses of Filipinos.  The characteristics included in the
book came from a study in 1996 sponsored by the Philippine Senate.  These
characteristics are categorized as follows:
Strengths of Filipino Character

1. Pakikipagkapwa-Tao (Regard for others).

Filipinos are open to others and feel one with others. We regard others with dignity and
respect, and deal with them as fellow human beings. Pakikipagkapwa-tao is manifested in
a basic sense of justice and fairness, and in concern for others. It is demonstrated in the
Filipino's ability to empathize with others, in helpfulness and generosity in times of need
(pakikiramay), in the practice of bayanihan or mutual assistance, and in the famous
Filipino hospitality.
 
Pakikipagkapwa-tao is also manifested in our sensitivity to people's feelings
or pakikiramdam, pagtitiwala or trust, and a sense of gratitude or utang-na-loob. Because
of pakikipagkapwa-tao, Filipinos are very sensitive to the quality of interpersonal
relationships and are very dependent on them: if our relationships are satisfactory, we
are happy and secure.
Pakikipagkapwa-tao results in camaraderie and a feeling of closeness one to another. It
helps promote unity as well a sense of social justice.

2. Family Orientation.

We, Filipinos, love our family so much.  With family, it means all the grandparents, aunts,
uncles and cousins. Godparents and other close family friends are also considered
relatives.
Our concern for family can be seen in the honor and respect given to elders and care for
the children.  We also known for being generous with our kin.   
We also often hear the phrase “para sa pamilya, lahat gagawin ko”.  This is so because we
made it our commitment and responsibility to take care of our family.  Filipinos are
driven to work hard for a living for the sake of the family.
 

3. Joy and Humor.

This quality is exhibited in the “It’s more fun in the Philippines”.   It is truly more fun in
our country because Filipinos made it so.  Filipinos can be cheerful and fun-loving
whether life is good or not.  It is not surprising to see people smiling and waving at the
camera while they ar
Our sense of joy and humor contributes to the Filipino charm and strong Filipino spirit. 
Our ability to laugh at ourselves and our troubles is an important coping mechanism.  It
increases our capacity to survive even in the most trying of times.
 

4. Flexibility, Adaptability and Creativity

Our fellow Filipinos can succeed in any part of the world.  This is because Filipinos can
easily adjust to any situation or environment.   We are flexible, creative and resourceful. 
One good example of this strength is how many Filipinos able to create livelihood during
this time of pandemic.  We see in the news, reports of how people bounce back using
their creativity.
 
 5. Hard work and Industry

Another reason why Filipinos succeed in other countries is their hard work and industry. 
Most Filipinos work hard and took pride in their crafts.  They are willing to learn more
and improve themselves.
                            

6. Faith and Religiosity

We, Filipinos are religious and have strong faith in God.  We can observe this in the
number of people participating in religious activities.  You can also hear others say,
“bahala na si Lord”. This is a manifestation of their belief that God will always help us. 
But, of course, we should also do our share to help ourselves.
 

7. Ability to Survive.

Filipinos have the ability to survive.  They have the innovativeness to make use of
whatever is available around them to survive.  Are you familiar with “pagpag”? These are
left over foods from fast food restaurants.  They are collected, wash and re-cooked by
our less fortunate kababayans.  Those who have the entrepreneurial mind would even
sell it. 
Filipinos also can bounce back from tragedy like what happened when we were struck
by Yolanda, the Taal Volcano eruption and even now as we fight the pandemic.
 
 
WEAKNESSES OF THE FILIPINO

1. Extreme Personalism.

Filipinos view the world in terms of personal relationships and the extent to which one is
able personally to relate to things and people determines our recognition of their
existence and the value. There is no separation between an objective task and emotional
involvement. This personalism is manifested in the tendency to give personal
interpretations to actions, i.e., to "take things personally." Thus, a sincere question may
be viewed as a challenge to one's competence or positive feedback may be interpreted
as a sign of special affection. There is, in fact, some basis for such interpretations as
Filipinos become personal in their criticism and praise. Personalism is also manifested in
the need to establish personal relationships before any business or work relationship can
be successful.
Because of this personalistic world view, Filipinos have difficulty dealing with all forms of
impersonal stimuli. For this reason, one is uncomfortable with bureaucracy, with rules
and regulations, and with standard procedures--all of which tend to be impersonal. We
ignore them or we ask for exceptions.
Personal contacts are involved in any transaction and are difficult to turn down.
Preference is usually given to family and friends in hiring, delivery of services, and even
in voting. Extreme personalism thus leads to the graft and corruption.
2.        Family Extreme -Centeredness.
While concern for the family is one of the Filipino's greatest strengths, in the extreme it
becomes a serious flaw. Excessive concern for the family creates an in-group to which
the Filipino is fiercely loyal, to the detriment of concern for the larger community or the
common good.
Excessive concern for family manifests itself in the use of one's office and power as a
means of promoting the interests of the family, in factionalism, patronage, and political
dynasties, and in the protection of erring family members. It results in lack of concern for
the common good and acts as a block to national consciousness.
 

3. Lack of Discipline.

The Filipino's lack of discipline encompasses several related characteristics. We have a

casual and relaxed attitude towards time and space which manifests itself in lack of
precision and compulsiveness, in poor time management and in procrastination. We
have an aversion to following strictly a set of procedures, which results in lack of
standardization and quality control. We are impatient and unable to delay gratification or
reward, resulting in the use of short cuts, skirting the rules (the palusot syndrome) and in
foolhardiness. We are guilty of ningas cogon, starting out projects with full vigor and
interest which abruptly die down, leaving things unfinished.
Our lack of discipline often results in inefficient and wasteful work systems, the violation
of rules leading to more serious transgressions, and a casual work ethic leading to
carelessness and lack of follow-through.
 

4. Passivity and Lack of Initiative.

Filipinos are generally passive and lacking in initiative. One waits to be told what has to
be done. There is a strong reliance on others, e.g., leaders and government, to do things
for us. This is related to the attitude towards authority. Filipinos have a need for a strong
authority figure and feel safer and more secure in the presence of such an authority. One
is generally submissive to those in authority, and is not likely to raise issues or to
question decisions.
Filipinos tend to be complacent and there rarely is a sense of urgency about any
problem. There is a high tolerance for inefficiency, poor service, and even violations of
one's basic rights. In many ways, it can be said that the Filipino is too patient and long-
suffering (matiisin), too easily resigned to one's fate. Filipinos are thus easily oppressed
and exploited.
 

5. Colonial Mentality.

Filipinos have a colonial mentality which is made up of two dimensions: the first is a lack
of patriotism or an active awareness, appreciation, and love of the Philippines; the
second is an actual preference for things foreign.
Filipino culture is characterized by an openness to the outside--adapting and
incorporating the foreign elements into our image of ourselves. Yet this image is not built
around a deep core of Philippine history and language. The result is a cultural vagueness
or weakness that makes Filipinos extraordinarily susceptible to the wholesome
acceptance of modern mass culture which is often Western. Thus, there is preference for
foreign fashion, entertainment, lifestyles, technology, consumer items, etc.
The Filipino colonial mentality is manifested in the alienation of the elite from their roots
and from the masses, as well as in the basic feeling of national inferiority that makes it
difficult for Filipinos to relate as equals to Westerners.
 

6. Kanya-Kanya Syndrome.

Filipinos have a selfish, self-serving attitude that generates a feeling of envy and
competitiveness towards others, particularly one's peers, who seem to have gained some
status or prestige. Towards them, the Filipino demonstrated the so-called "crab
mentality", using the levelling instruments of tsismis, intriga and unconstructive criticism
to bring others down. There seems to be a basic assumption that another's gain is our
loss.
The kanya-kanya syndrome is also evident in personal ambition and drive for power and
status that is completely insensitive to the common good. Personal and in-group
interests reign supreme. This characteristic is also evident in the lack of a sense of
service among people in the government bureaucracy. The public is made to feel that
service from these offices and from these civil servants is an extra perk that has to be
paid for.
The kanya-kanya syndrome results in the dampening of cooperative and community
spirit and in the denial of the rights of others.
 

7. Lack of Self-Analysis and Self-Reflection.

There is a tendency in the Filipino to be superficial and even somewhat flighty. In the
face of serious problems both personal and social, there is lack of analysis or reflection.
Joking about the most serious matters prevents us from looking deeply into the problem.
There is no felt need to validate our hypotheses or explanations of things. Thus, we are
satisfied with superficial explanations for, and superficial solutions to problems.