Citizenship under the 1935 Constitution Reference in the first paragraph of the above enumeration is specifically to those who

were citizens of the Philippines under the 1935 Constitution, to wit: 1. Those who are citizens of the Philippine Islands at the time of the adoption of this Constitution.

2. Those born in the Philippine Islands of foreign parents who, before the adoption of this Constitution, had been elected to public office in the Philippine Islands. 3. Those whose fathers are citizens of the Philippines. 4. Those whose mothers are citizens of the Philippines and, upon reaching the age of majority, elect Philippine citizenship. 5. Those who are naturalized in accordance with law. Also included are those who were considered or became citizens of the Philippines under the 1973 Constitution so long as they retained their Philippine citizenship on February 2, 1987, when the new Constitution was adopted. Children of Filipino Parents The child is considered a natural born Filipino citizen provided either of his parents is a Filipino citizen. The Filipino citizenship of the mother will now also confer natural-born Philippine citizenship upon the child without the necessity of election as before upon his attaining majority age. Election of Philippine Citizenship The right of election permitted under the present Constitution was available only to those born to Filipino mothers under the 1935 Constitution who, had that charter not been changed, would have been able to elect Philippine citizenship upon attaining majority age. That right was retained for them under Article III, Sec. 1 (3). Under Sec. 1 of Commonwealth Act No. 625, election is expressed in a statement to be signed and sworn to by the party concerned before any official authorized to administer oaths. Statement to be filled with the nearest Civil Registry. The statement is to be accompanied with the Oath of Allegiance to the Constitution and the Government of the Philippines. Election should be done within three (3) years from reaching the age of majority, except when there is justifiable reason for the delay.