Case Summary (G.R. No. L-19844)
Facts of the Case
Frank Yu Tiu was born on December 16, 1929, in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental. He completed his first year of high school at an institution recognized by the government and married Lim Giok Song on February 2, 1952. Tiu has been living continuously in the Philippines and works as a storekeeper at Jose Lim Tin Tia Hardware, earning an annual salary of P5,000.00. Tiu's family includes five minor children. His claim to citizenship is supported by his assertion of belief in the principles of the Constitution, good conduct, social integration, and the absence of criminal convictions or incurable contagious diseases.
Testimonies
The testimonies provided by Eugenia Laguna and Pastor C. Sumagang were presented to support Tiu's petition. Laguna, having known Tiu since childhood, attested to his good character and relations with the community. Similarly, Sumagang confirmed Tiu's commendable conduct and stated that he had never witnessed any criminal prosecution involving him. Both witnesses expressed their belief that Tiu would be a good Filipino citizen.
Legal Requirements for Naturalization
The Revised Naturalization Law, specifically Section 9, mandates that a petition for naturalization must be publicly posted to allow community members to voice any objections. The court noted that no evidence was presented proving compliance with this posting requirement, which is crucial for public transparency and the related interests of citizenship applications.
Government's Opposition and Economic Stability
The government contended that Tiu lacked a lucrative occupation, which is necessary for economic stability. Tiu's declared income, when combined with his wife’s, amounted to P6,660.00. The government argued that such an income is inadequate considering Tiu’s responsibilities to support his large family, especially with respect to the cost of living and the education of his children. The court reiterated concerns that Tiu's income might not provide for a decent living, potentially classifying him as a public charge.
Credibility of Witnesses
The court expressed doubt regarding the credibility of Tiu's witnesses, suggesting that they did
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-19844)
Case Overview
- Frank Yu Tiu petitions for Philippine citizenship before the Court of First Instance of Misamis Occidental.
- The petition is supported by affidavits from Eugenia Laguna, a public school teacher, and Pastor C. Sumagang, a local resident.
- The lower court granted the petition, but the Government has appealed the decision.
Petitioner Background
- Frank Yu Tiu was born on December 16, 1929, in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental.
- He completed the first year of high school at Jimenez Bethel Institute, a government-recognized institution.
- On February 2, 1952, he married Lim Giok Song and has resided continuously in the Philippines since then.
- Frank is employed as a storekeeper at Jose Lim Tin Tia Hardware store, earning an annual salary of P5,000.00.
- His combined family income in 1959 was P6,760.00, rising to P7,080.00 in 1960 and 1961.
Language Proficiency and Family Details
- The petitioner is proficient in English and the Cebu Visayan dialect, as evidenced during the trial.
- He has five minor children:
- Roberto, born July 18, 1954.
- Susan, born December 30, 1955.
- Victor, born July 17, 1957.
- Benjamin, born November 30, 1958.
- Gloria, born April 11, 1961.
- Roberto was a grade one pupil in 1961 at Lourdes College, a recognized institution.
Conduct and Community Integration
- Frank Yu Tiu claims adherence to the principles of the Philippine Constitution and a history of good conduct.
- He main