Title
Lim Hok Albano vs. Republic
Case
G.R. No. L-10912
Decision Date
Oct 31, 1958
Anselmo Lim Hok Albano's naturalization petition was denied due to alias use, but the Supreme Court reversed, ruling no Anti-Alias Law violation and allowing oath-taking.

Case Summary (G.R. No. L-10912)

Procedural Background

Albano initially filed a petition for naturalization, which was granted by the lower court. Following the expiration of the required two-year probational period delineated under Section 1 of Republic Act No. 530, a new petition for his oath-taking and the issuance of a naturalization certificate was filed. However, the lower court denied this petition, asserting that Albano's use of aliases was in violation of Commonwealth Act No. 142, which is known as the Anti-Alias Law.

Denial of Petition for Oath-Taking

The basis for the lower court's denial rested on the argument regarding the use of aliases. Albano contended that any opposition regarding the alleged illegal use of aliases should have been raised during the naturalization hearing, prior to the granting of his initial petition. This contention was deemed significant because the court that granted the naturalization application retained jurisdiction to address any qualifications or issues concerning the applicant’s right to citizenship throughout the proceedings.

Interpretation of Commonwealth Act No. 142

The central issue for determination was whether Albano's use of aliases constituted a violation of Commonwealth Act No. 142. Notably, the law allows for the use of names that individuals have been known by since childhood, without violating the statute. The court recognized that "Lim Hok" is a name well known to Albano since childhood and that he utilized "Albano," the surname of his godfather, for the purposes of business and social engagement, to clarify his identity rather than to create confusion.

Conclusion of the Court's Ruling

The c

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