Dante V. Leal, Jr.

1. There are many instances wherein a Filipino may end up having

dual citizenship involuntarily. One of the example as provided in a
long line of cases or jurisprudence is when a person having dual
citizenship because he served in United States Army. He, by
operation of the law of the United States, became a United States
citizen involuntarily and at the same time vowed allegiance to the
U.S. Government.

2. Aside to the COVID-19 Pandemic, one of the controversial issue

at this point in time is the ownership of Lopez’s over ABS-CBN
Corporation and its subsequent closure due to not renewal of its
Legislative Franchise. One issue tackled over by the Congress was
the dual citizenship of Gabby Lopez that which accordingly hindered
him to own more than sixty (60) percent ownership over ABS-CBN
Corporation, as provided by our Constitution. As we had seen on
television, one of the Congressman even joked Gabby Lopez that he
cannot even recite Panatang Makabayan (Patriotic Oath). That in my
own point of view, is an indirect way of telling Gabby Lopez about his
doubtful citizenship and thus confirming his dual citizenship. Conflict
of Laws may set in this case because Gabby Lopez having dual
citizenship should in every way possible be limited upon his personal
ownership over ABS-CBN Corporation as mandated by our
Constitution.

3.