On June 8, 2026, in the chambers of the Honourable Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, Atty. Josef-Jake Camacho Aguilar took the Lawyer’s Oath before the Supreme Court of the Philippines — for the second time in his life.
Sworn in twice
Atty. Jake began his legal career as a Philippine lawyer. When he became a naturalized Canadian citizen in 2018, he lost his privilege to practice law in the Philippines — not as a penalty, but simply because Philippine law requires Filipino citizenship for bar membership.
For most lawyers, that would have been the end of the story. For a firm whose entire mission is serving Filipinos across the Canada–Philippines corridor, it was unfinished business.
To resume his Philippine practice, Atty. Jake first re-acquired his Philippine citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225 — the same Citizenship Retention and Re-Acquisition Act he has helped hundreds of clients use to reclaim their own dual citizenship. He then petitioned the Supreme Court of the Philippines and, on approval, took a new Lawyer’s Oath.
“This is not just a formality. It is a renewed commitment to the law, to the profession, and to the Filipinos he continues to serve — both here in Canada and back home.”
What this means for our clients
Most cross-border legal problems live in the gap between two legal systems — and most lawyers can see only one side of that gap. Atty. Jake is licensed as a lawyer in both Ontario, Canada and the Philippines, which changes what this firm can do for you on questions like:
- Divorce and remarriage across borders — a Canadian divorce is one thing; having the Philippines recognize it is another. We handle both sides of the analysis. Start here: May Divorce Na Ba sa Pilipinas? (2026 Update)
- Dual citizenship under RA 9225 — the exact law Atty. Jake used himself: How to Apply for Philippine Dual Citizenship from Canada
- Property, estates, and family matters in the Philippines — extrajudicial settlement, special powers of attorney, and PSA record issues, coordinated from Toronto.
- Immigration to Canada — the practice that brought most of you here: Filipino Immigration Lawyer in Toronto
One community, two countries, one firm
JCA Law Office serves Filipinos at home in the Philippines, in transit as OFWs, and building lives in Canada. We believe immigration is a win-win — good for the families who move and good for the countries that welcome them — and Filipinos have proven that in communities all over the world. Being sworn before both the Law Society of Ontario and the Supreme Court of the Philippines is our commitment to serving that entire journey, in both directions.
💬 May tanong ka bang tumatawid sa dalawang bansa?
If your legal question has a Canadian side and a Philippine side, you’re exactly who this firm was built for. Book a consultation.