Law Summary
Effectiveness of Citizenship Grant
- Citizenship takes effect upon taking the oath of allegiance and issuance of a certificate of naturalization by the Special Committee.
- The Commission on Immigration and Deportation cancels alien registration and issues identity certificates to new Filipino citizens.
Provisions for Deceased Naturalized Aliens
- If an alien dies before taking oath or issuance of certificate, widow residing in the Philippines and qualified may take the oath.
- Minor children then follow the citizenship of the mother, with conditions.
Citizenship for Alien Wives and Minor Children
- Alien wives and minor children of naturalized persons are deemed citizens if:
- Alien wives have no disqualifications under Letter of Instructions No. 270.
- They reside permanently in the Philippines during the naturalization.
- Alien wives not residing at time of naturalization must establish residence within 1 year.
- Minor children must reside and enroll in school within 1 year of father's naturalization.
- Minor children of naturalized women follow father's citizenship but may elect Philippine citizenship at majority.
Grounds for Cancellation of Naturalization Certificates
- False statements, misrepresentations, or illegal means in obtaining citizenship.
- Establishing permanent residence abroad within 5 years following naturalization.
- Using citizenship as a dummy to violate legal provisions requiring Philippine citizenship.
- Committing acts inimical to national security.
Conditions on Hereditary Titles
- Naturalized persons with hereditary titles or noble orders must renounce such titles before the Special Committee.
- The renunciation is included in the citizenship application records.
Committee's Authority and Rules
- The Special Committee may cancel certificates for valid reasons.
- It is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the Decree effectively and expeditiously.
Penal Provisions
- Fraudulent acts related to naturalization certificates such as forgery or aiding false issuance punishable by fines up to P5,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years.
- Naturalized citizen convicted under this may have their certificate cancelled.
Scope and Application
- List of specific aliens granted citizenship under this Decree enumerated in Annex "A".
- Citizenship grant includes all rights, privileges, duties, and obligations of Filipino citizens.
Immediate Effectivity
- The Decree takes effect immediately upon issuance.
This comprehensive overview captures all critical aspects of the Decree, including criteria, procedures, effects, and sanctions related to the naturalization of deserving aliens in the Philippines as granted by presidential authority.