Renouncing your citizenship is a voluntary decision you make for several reasons. For one, if you wish to get security clearance from the US Government, renouncing your citizenship becomes a mandatory procedure. Another, dual citizens who wish to run for public office may also need to renounce the citizenship they can do without once elected in position. This move is to relieve themselves of dual political obligations they may have. And last, political refugees may also consider renouncing their citizenship given their circumstances.
Whatever the reason may be, it’s important to note that under the Philippine Republic Act 9225 (Citizenship and Re-acquisition Act of 2003), pledging allegiance to another country does not necessarily equate to renouncing one’s citizenship. However, should you wish to go through this procedure, there are certain steps and requirements that you need to follow.
Renouncing Your Filipino Citizenship in Singapore
If you’re based in Singapore and have decided to renounce your Filipino citizenship for any reason, you will need to contact the Philippine Embassy in Singapore and attend to the following:
Requirements
- An Affidavit of Renunciation of Philippine Citizenship issued by Embassy of the Philippines in your country of residence
- Original and one (1) copy of the Notice of Approval issued by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
- Two (2) signed original copies of your Oath of Renunciation
- Two (2) identical colour passport size photographs
- Your valid original passport and two photocopies of your passport identification page
Procedures
- Completely fill out the Affidavit of Renunciation of Philippine Citizenship.
- Go to the Philippine Embassy in Singapore and provide your Philippine passport that is due for cancellation. Make sure that your passport is current and valid. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a new one.
- Sign the duly accomplished Affidavit of Renunciation of Philippine Citizenship in the presence of the presiding oficer.
- Settle the processing fee for the authorization of all required documents. This is priced at $85.00 in Singapore and is to be paid in cash.
- Once you have submitted all requirements and documents, allow the receiving staff to verify and endorse your documents. The waiting period varies from one country to another.
- Perform the Oath of Renunciation. After this, the receiving officer will cut and nullify your Philippine passport.
Important: Collection of the Oath of Renunciation Form usually takes two business days starting from the application date.
Note
Minors or applicants under the age of 18 are not allowed to undergo this process because they do not have legal power to put an affidavit into effect. For this matter, the applicant may file a request to the Philippine Embassy in their country of residence to provide a certificate for this matter, when needed.