Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1831)
The purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1831 is to grant Philippine citizenship to specified individuals, namely the spouses Chia Chang Chiek and Chan Sioe Ing (renamed John Tan Sia Seng and Sandra Tan Sia Seng), the spouses Leandro and Andrea Vasquez, and Mr. Eduardo J. Soriano.
The individuals granted citizenship are the spouses Mr. John Tan Sia Seng and Mrs. Sandra Tan Sia Seng (formerly Chia Chang Chiek and Chan Sioe Ing), the spouses Mr. Leandro Vasquez and Mrs. Andrea Vasquez, and Mr. Eduardo J. Soriano.
They are specialists in Chinese medicine, therapy, and acupuncture, who have devoted their time and skills to cure indigent Filipinos and have decided to make the Philippines their permanent home.
Leandro Vasquez has contributed significantly to the sugar industry in the Philippines through his roles in Clavarria Philippines Co., Inc., Czarmikow-Rionda (Phil.) Inc., and the Philippine Sugar Commission, benefiting the country's sugar industry.
He was Assistant Vice President of the Agri-Business Group of San Miguel Corporation, contributed to food production programs, specifically shrimp production technology and processing, and was known as a civic leader with commendations from government and private agencies.
They are granted Philippine citizenship with all the rights, privileges, and prerogatives associated with citizenship.
Yes, the decree states that it shall take effect immediately upon its issuance.
Yes, they are hereinafter known as Mr. John Tan Sia Seng and Mrs. Sandra Tan Sia Seng, respectively.
The decree does not explicitly mention procedural requirements or background checks; however, it highlights the individuals’ significant contributions and their expressed desire to reside permanently in the Philippines.