Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 574)
The main subject of Presidential Decree No. 574 is the granting of Philippine citizenship to certain individuals, specifically Catholic missionaries who have served the Filipino people.
The beneficiaries were Msgr. Peter Tsao S.V.D., Rev. Charles Tchou, Rev. Joseph Tien Min Yao, Rev. Bartholomew San Hua Lung, Rev. Peter Wang, Rev. John Kwo, Rev. Paul Han Shou Li, Rev. John Berch. Li (Wen-Sheng), Rev. Paul Litieliang, Rev. Joseph Li Ming Chin, Msgr. Joseph Pao Chie Fung, Rev. Thomas Chao, Rev. Chao Yun Li, Rev. Joseph Li, Rev. Joseph Chen, Rev. Estanislao Chu, Rev. Stanislaus Chin, Rev. Peter King O.M.I., Rev. Chang Chi Chung, Rev. Chin Lian Wang, Rev. John Ho, S.J., and Rev. Paul Wang.
They were citizens of the Republic of China before being granted Philippine citizenship.
They were granted citizenship because they had long and faithfully served the Filipino people as Catholic missionaries, had proven themselves worthy of the rights and privileges of Philippine citizens, and had decided to make the Philippines their permanent home, pledging loyalty, obedience, and allegiance.
The Commissioner of Immigration and Deportation strongly recommended the grant of Philippine citizenship.
Yes, it grants the same rights, privileges, and prerogatives appurtenant to Philippine citizenship to the named individuals.
The decree took effect immediately upon its signing on November 7, 1974.
Yes, the decree explicitly states that it is made part of the law of the land.