Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 168)
The main purpose of Act No. 168 is to make eligible to civil office in the Philippine Islands persons who are not naturalized U.S. citizens but who have taken the oath of allegiance to the United States, served honorably in the U.S. Army or Navy, and have been honorably discharged.
Persons who have taken the oath of allegiance to the United States, served as members of the U.S. Army or Navy, and were honorably discharged, even if they are not naturalized U.S. citizens.
It amends the conditions of eligibility to include honorably discharged soldiers or sailors of the U.S. Army or Navy who have taken the oath of allegiance, treating them as if they were legally naturalized U.S. citizens.
Yes, Section 2 makes all appointments to civil office prior to the Act's passage lawful if the appointees meet the criteria of Section 1, and all official acts of such appointees are declared valid both de jure and de facto.
The person must have taken the oath of allegiance to the United States.
Service as a member of the Army or Navy of the United States, with honorable discharge.
The Act took effect upon its passage on July 16, 1901.
It means that the acts of officials appointed under the Act are valid both legally (de jure) and in fact (de facto), ensuring no challenge to their authority based on eligibility.
The Act was enacted by the United States Philippine Commission by authority of the President of the United States.
Because the public good required the speedy enactment of this bill, as specified in Section 3, in accordance with an existing procedure for law enactment.