Case Digest (G.R. No. L-20290)
Facts:
- Pantaleon Sia, also known as Alfredo Sia, is the petitioner-appellee.
- The Republic of the Philippines is the oppositor-appellant.
- An appeal was filed on August 31, 1965, against a decision from the Court of First Instance of Manila in Civil Case No. 46164, which granted Sia's naturalization petition.
- Sia applied for naturalization on January 30, 1961, without a prior declaration of intention, claiming exemption due to his birth in the Philippines, continuous residence, and completion of secondary education.
- He was born on July 27, 1936, in Tayabas, Quezon, to Chinese parents.
- Sia attended various schools, including Francisco Balagtas Elementary School and Chia-Nan School, and graduated from Far Eastern University in March 1959.
- At the time of the hearing, he was enrolled at the University of the East.
- Sia worked in different roles, earning a monthly salary that increased over time.
- He lived with his parents without paying for board and lodging but managed his educational expenses.
- He mingled with Filipinos, claimed adherence to the Philippine Constitution, had no criminal record, and obtained clearances from government agencies.
- Sia expressed willingness to renounce allegiance to China and confirmed he had not filed other naturalization petitions.
- The government appealed, questioning his exemption from the declaration of intention and the sufficiency of his income.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court ruled that Pantaleon Sia was not exempt from the requirement of filing a declaration of intention.
- The Court also ruled that Sia did not po...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court emphasized that the burden of proof lies with the applicant to demonstrate compliance with naturalization requirements.
- Sia failed to provide adequate evidence that his primary school was inclusive of all races, which is necessary for exemption from the declaration of intention.
- The Court referenced prior rulings requiring applicants to show their educational institutions included Filipino students to absorb l...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. L-20290)
Facts:
The case involves Pantaleon Sia, also known as Alfredo Sia, as the petitioner-appellee, and the Republic of the Philippines as the oppositor-appellant. The appeal was filed on August 31, 1965, from a decision of the Court of First Instance of Manila in Civil Case No. 46164, which granted Sia's petition for naturalization as a citizen of the Philippines. Sia filed his application for naturalization on January 30, 1961, without submitting a declaration of intention one year prior, claiming exemption due to his birth in the Philippines, continuous residence, and completion of secondary education in a recognized school.
Sia was born on July 27, 1936, in Tayabas, Quezon, to Chinese parents. After moving to Manila, he attended various schools, including Francisco Balagtas Elementary School and Chia-Nan School (now Hope Christian High School), where he completed his elementary education. He graduated from Far Eastern University in March 1959 and was enrolled in the University of the East at the time of the hearing. Throughout his education, he was known by his alias, Alfredo.
Sia worked in various capacities, including as a cashier and sales agent, earning a monthly salary that increased over time. He lived with his parents without paying for board and lodging but covered his own educational expenses. He mingled with Filipinos and claimed to adhere to the principles of the Philippine Constitution. Sia had no criminal record and obtained clearances from various government agencies. He expr...