Sen. Drilon encourages further talks on the Dual Citizenship Act
Philippine Senator Franklin Drilon, in his Toronto visit last June 25, 2011 stressed the benefits of the Dual Citizenship Act or RA 9225 as he is also seek to find on the other hand why there is not much support from Filipinos overseas on the bill after it was enacted.
“Dual citizenship gives you the 1.) right to vote, 2.) right to exercise profession and 3.) right to acquire property in the Philippines,” he stressed.
RA 9225 became a law when there was a strong movement of Filipinos in the United States who wanted to go back in the Philippines in 2003.
“But there are not much takers and results are not encouraging,” Drilon said, “According to the Immigration, there are only 34,000 who re-applied for citizenship; of these, 3.5% are from Northeast US and only 5% from Midwestern US.”
The reason for a low taker on this bill, accordingly, is because of two misconceptions. Sen. Drilon clarified that 1.) that to file for dual citizenship, there is no need to renounce one’s naturalized citizenship, and that 2.) income made outside the Philippines is not subject to Philippine income tax. All income overseas is tax-free.
Drilon encourage Filipinos outside the country to contribute on the improvement of the law.
DOT launches 2011-16 as Pinoy Homecoming years
The Philippines’ Department of Tourism declared the years 2011-16 as “Pinoy Homecoming” in their aim to attract Filipinos abroad particularly reaching out to the third and fourth generations to re-visit their parent’s country of origin.
Pinoy Homecoming is a more organized and localized programs to cater to the needs of balikbayans. They have forge partnerships with Local Government Units, commercial establishments, and Duty-free Philippines to make balikbayans visit a memorable one.
Under the program, balikbayans are treated to a travel tax exemption and Visa free for a whole year, and enjoy more privileges under the Balikbayan Plus program.
For more information, click www.pinoyhomecoming.com
Balikbayan Plus program
The Balikbayan Plus program which is integrated with DOT’s Pinoy Homecoming program is also an added perk for balikbayans from Duty-free Philippines.
Balikbayans have the privilege to:
- A tax-free shopping privilege for up to US 1,500.00 upon arrival;
- A tax-free Kabuhayan shopping privilege of up to US2,900.00. The Kabuhyan Shopping Livelihood Program is used to buy livelihood tools and equipment.
There are also free entrepreneurial training and llivelihood skills program, from OWWA, TESDA, TRC and other government and private agencies for a minimum requirement.
A free financial advice and assistance are also available for small business livelihood.
The Balikbayan/OFW Business Center at Duty free caters to a one-stop shop that will process various government requirements.
3. Enjoy the benefits and privileges from a Balikbayan discount card.
Click www.dfp.com.ph for additional information and details.
If you like what you see, please subscribe to our RSS feed. (or drop your email address in the box to the right :) Thanks for visiting!
You must log in to post a comment.