DVMATORRES, JD-1D

Case Digest No.: 18

Case Title: Willie Yu vs. Defensor-Santiago
Citation: G.R. No. 83882

ISSUES:
Issue 1: A Naturalized Filipino Citizen shall have full knowledge and legal
capacity when he applied for a Philippine citizenship through naturalization he
consequently recognizes, identifies and agrees to the oath taken which states to
renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince,
potentate, state or sovereignty” and pledged to “maintain true faith and allegiance
to the Republic of the Philippines”.
“WON a Naturalized Filipino Citizen renounces its citizenship upon
representing himself in a commercial document as Foreigner and renewing
his Foreign Passport”
Held: YES, Philippine Citizenship is not a mere commodity on where to be
displayed when required and supposed when convenient. In this case, Willie Yu
originally issued a Portuguese passport in 1971 valid for 5 years and he renewed
it despite his naturalization as a Philippine citizen on February 10, 1978. This
constitutes an express renunciation of petitioner's Philippine citizenship acquired
through naturalization.