FROM CONNIE GOMEZ VALDES, ON DUALS

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[Attachment(s) from Connie Gomez Valdes included below]

To all Global Filipinos:




DUALS COULD ELUDE TERRORISTS



Comfort Zone



In an age of global security anxiety, Filipinos could find comfort in a world buffeted by terrorist activities. Dual citizens, in particular, could have the best of three worlds: the Motherland, the host country and a virtual world that combines the best elements of the first two.



Duals recall that terrorists were searching for US and UK passport holders during the Mumbai massacre. It is advantageous to have the convenience of ease of country entry afforded to holders of passports of first world countries. Presenting oneself abroad as a Filipino citizen could provide a veneer of protection from the probing, targeting eyes of Jihad fanatics.



Potency to Effect Change



Beyond security and importantly, dual citizenship provides the individual with the potent vehicle for effecting governance changes. Filipino expatriates gain self-esteem and sense of value in the global marketplace. In the process, they internalize hope and power in the real world.



Identity and Policies



Who are duals? In the US , duals include those who are (1) dual citizens by birth (born in the Philippines of American and/or Filipino parent/s or born in the US of Filipino parent/s), and (2) duals under R.A. No. 9225 (citizens of foreign countries who regain Philippine citizenship).



What are the applicable policies of the US and Philippine governments? The US government recognizes that dual nationality exists and so indicates in US passports. One has to explicitly denounce US citizenship to lose it. There are forms for this purpose. Philippine R.A. No. 9225 explicitly authorizes dual citizenship.



Distinctive Advantages



What, then, are the explicit advantages of dual citizenship? These include:

· suffrage/voting rights in both countries;

· the security and flexibility of two passports;

· right to invest in land and in any business reserved for Filipinos only;

· right to practice licensed profession in the Philippines ;

· retire or extend stay without immigration worries;

· continue to receive Veterans and Social Security benefits in both countries; and

· no double taxation – no Philippine tax on income earned abroad.



Elevated Motives



What motives would suffrage serve? Duals could elect public officials on the basis of issues,qualifications, programs and personal integrity. They could continue to promote more proportionate representation for Filipino expatriates in the Legislature. These motives are consistent with the vision of empowering Filipinos in the mainstream activities of the Motherland and the global marketplace, including their host countries, e.g., USA, Canada, Australasia and many European countries.





The current Philippine political crisis makes the immediate purpose very timely and relevant.



Only Filipinos Can Engage in Local Political Activities and Fund Raising



To be actively involved in the political process of the Philippines , Filipinos who have become citizens of other countries should first regain their Philippine citizenship. If they fail to do that, they would be in direct violation with Sections 81, of the Omnibus Election Code (BP No. 881):



“Sec. 81. Intervention of foreigners. - It shall be unlawful for any foreigner, whether judicial or natural person, to aid any candidate or political party, directly or indirectly, or take part in or influence in any manner any election, or to contribute or make any expenditure in connection with any election campaign or partisan political activity.”

“Sec. 95. Prohibited contributions. - No contribution for purposes of partisan political activity shall be made directly or indirectly by any of the following:

x x x x x x x x x x x x x

(h) Foreigners and foreign corporations. - It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit or receive any contribution from any of the persons or entities enumerated herein [including foreigners and foreign corporations].

Sec. 96. Soliciting or receiving contributions from foreign sources. - It shall be unlawful for any person, including a political party or public or private entity to solicit or receive, directly or indirectly, any aid or contribution of whatever form or nature from any foreign national, government or entity for the purposes of influencing the results of the election.”

Sec. 262. XXX election offenses. - Violation of the provisions, or pertinent portions, of the following sections of this Code shall constitute election offenses: Sections xxx 81, xxx, 95, 96, xxx.

Sec. 263. Persons criminally liable. - The principals, accomplices, and accessories, as defined in the Revised Penal Code, shall be criminally liable for election offenses…the one responsible be a political party or an entity, its president or head, the officials and employees of the same, performing duties connected with the offense committed and its members who may be principals, accomplices, or accessories shall be liable, in addition to the liability of such party or entity.

Sec. 264. Penalties. - Any person found guilty of any election offense under this Code shall be punished with imprisonment…If he is a foreigner, he shall be sentenced to deportation which shall be enforced after the prison term has been served…”



Global Filipino Nation is an organization of global Filipino leaders and organizations committed to the goal of “Building the Global Filipino Nation for Good Governance”. For inquiries, please contact Connie Gomez Valdes, Deputy Executive Director, 2240 Chino Roces, Barangay Bangkal, Makati City, Philippines, +632.726.1697, +63.917.528.1323