Question & AnswerQ&A (Commonwealth Act No. 79)
Commonwealth Act No. 79 is titled "An Act Declaring the Honorable Francis Burton Harrison, Former Governor-General of the Philippines, a Citizen of the Philippines, and Conferring Upon Him All the Rights, Duties, Privileges and Prerogatives of Filipino Citizenship." Its main purpose is to declare Francis Burton Harrison a Filipino citizen and confer on him all the rights and privileges of Filipino citizenship.
Francis Burton Harrison was the former Governor-General of the Philippines during the American colonial period. During his incumbency, he showed deep interest in the welfare of the Filipino people and contributed significantly to the cause of Philippine self-government and independence.
Francis Burton Harrison must take an oath of allegiance wherein he recognizes the supreme authority of the United States in the Philippines, pledges true faith and allegiance to it, supports and defends the Constitution of the Philippines, obeys the laws and decrees promulgated by the Commonwealth authorities, and imposes this obligation voluntarily without reservation or evasion.
Upon approval, Francis Burton Harrison is declared a Filipino citizen with all the rights, duties, privileges, and prerogatives conferred by Filipino citizenship under the Constitution and laws of the Philippines, and upon taking the oath of allegiance, he shall fully enjoy such citizenship.
Yes, the Act confers upon Francis Burton Harrison all the rights, duties, privileges, and prerogatives incident to Filipino citizenship as provided under the Philippine Constitution and laws, whether existing or future.
The oath signifies Francis Burton Harrison's formal acceptance of Filipino citizenship, loyalty to the legal authority in the Philippines, obedience to Philippine laws, and voluntary commitment to abide by the obligations of citizenship.
No, this Act is a special law specifically granting citizenship to Francis Burton Harrison and does not apply to other individuals.
The Philippine Constitution allows Congress or the National Assembly to enact special laws conferring citizenship, and this Act was enacted by the National Assembly exercising that power to grant citizenship to Francis Burton Harrison.
The Act took effect upon its approval, which date was October 26, 1936.
The Act represents a unique legislative recognition of a foreign-born individual who significantly contributed to Philippine self-government by granting him Filipino citizenship, reflecting political and historical appreciation.