A good number of our website visitors came from Filipinos based overseas – both OFWs and immigrants. And occasionally, we also have dual-citizenship holders and former Filipinos who are certainly interested in the Pag-IBIG Fund Program. The messages and inquiries that we received from them are as varied as the different cultures they are currently in.
There is one particular question that struck our attention and we want to cover it hear simply because it many of our visitors can relate to this one and we want them to be informed about this once and for all.
The question came from R. Nunez and he said in part…
“I am a dual citizen but wish to retire early in the Philippines(Filipino/American passport holder).Can I be qualified to become a ‘Pagibig Fund’ member?”
And we replied with this:
“Please don’t make it complicated on your part. You can always use a Mortgage Loan from a Bank in your situation. That way, there is no more membership requirements and other complicated matters that go with it.”
“And yes, you are certainly allowed to own a piece of land under the Laws of the Philippines.”
(For the complete series of replies, refer to this link. )
Again, we are citing that particular inquiry because we want to elaborate further and add a few more important information for Dual Citizenship holders just like Mr Nunez and other former Filipinos as well.
Citizenship and Membership To The Pag-IBIG Fund
The right answer to Mr Nunez question is this: Yes, he is qualified to be a member of the Pag-IBIG Fund under the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program. As a matter of fact, The Pag-IBIG Fund stated that “Membership under the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP) shall be open to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with valid visas or employment contracts. Likewise, it shall be open to Filipino immigrants and to Filipinos naturalized in other countries.”
The Home Development Mutual Fund (or simply Pag-IBIG Fund) has changed the rule requiring OFW’s to become members of the Pag-IBIG Fund. In other words, the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program is only optional for the OFW’s, because they are now required to become regular members of the Pag-IBIG I.
For more information on the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program, please refer to the following links:
- Overview of the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program
- Pag-IBIG Office / Partners/ Affiliates Abroad
- The New Pag-IBIG Law of 2009
- Joining The Pag-IBIG Overseas Program
Citizenship and Land Ownership
It is a well known fact that land ownership in the Philippines is granted only to Filipino Citizens and Philippine Corporations with at least 60% interest by Filipinos.
Foreign Nationals are definitely not allowed to own. Most of them simply put the Land title in the name of a Filipino whom they can trust such as the spouse. Or it could be that they are on a long term lease-contract with the land owner.
As for the former Filipinos who are already naturalized in other countries, the Law of the Philippines still allows them to own a piece of land, but with a few limitations.
If this describes you, take note of the following restrictions.
- Land must be used for residential or business purposes only.
- Limitation on Residential land:
- maximum of 1,000 sq meters of urban land
- or one (1) hectare of rural land is allowed
- Limitation of Land intended for business use:
- maximum of 5,000 sq meters of urban land
- or three (3) hectares of rural land
- You can only get either urban land or rural land, but not both.
- A maximum of two (2) lots not exceeding the maximum limit in total combined area is allowed. Lots must be located in different cities or municipalities.
As for the Dual Citizenship holders (one citizenship being a Filipino) the Law of the Philippines still allows you to own land in your name just like any Filipino National.
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Citizenship, Land Ownership and Pag-IBIG Fund Membership is written by Carlos Velasco.