Case Summary (G.R. No. 127246)
Petitioner’s Claims
Basilio Santos Co claims that he is a Filipino citizen by birth, having been born to a Filipino mother, Venancia Santos, in June 1890 in the municipality of Malolos, Province of Bulacan. The applicant asserts that he did not acquire Chinese citizenship during several trips to China, which he undertook for medical treatment and familial reasons throughout his early life.
Evidence Presented
To substantiate his claims, Santos Co introduced Exhibits A and H, which include a baptismal certificate. The certificate indicates that Basilio was baptized on June 4, 1890, in the parish of Malolos and is recorded as being born on June 10, 1890. His mother, Venancia Santos, is identified as a Filipino citizen, which supports his assertion of being a Philippine national. Santos Co testified that his mother confirmed his birthplace and citizenship during his childhood.
Lower Court Findings
The lower court, upon reviewing the evidence, determined that the applicant failed to satisfactorily prove his claim of being born in the Philippines and, consequently, his assertion of Philippine origin. Due to this finding, the court denied the application for citizenship and imposed costs on the applicant.
Legal Framework of Naturalization
Santos Co contended that he is a Philippine citizen by virtue of his birth in the Philippines during Spanish sovereignty, making him a national irrespective of his father's nationality, who was either unknown or a Chinese individual not lawfully married to his mother. Thus, he argued that the naturalization proceedings under Act No. 2927, w
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 127246)
Case Overview
- This case involves an application for Philippine citizenship under Act No. 2927 of the Philippine Legislature.
- The applicant, Basilio Santos Co, claims to be a Filipino citizen by birth, asserting that he was born of a Filipino mother in Malolos, Bulacan in June 1890.
- The case was decided on December 29, 1928, by Chief Justice Avanceña and other concurring Justices.
Applicant's Background
- Basilio Santos Co was born in June 1890 to Venancia Santos, a Filipino woman.
- He traveled to China with his parents at the age of 4, around 1894 or 1895.
- He returned to the Philippines in 1916, went back to China for medical treatment, and returned to Manila again in 1917.
- He continued to reside in Manila until 1922, after which he took another vacation in China.
- He returned permanently to Manila in 1923.
Evidence Presented
- The applicant submitted Exhibits A and H, which included a baptismal certificate.
- The baptismal certificate indicated that a child named Basilio, born on June 10, 189