Case Report of Edison So vs. Republic for Constitutional Law

A report of the case of Edison So vs. Republic for Constitutional Law.

1. Edison So vs. Republic of the Philippines Judicial Naturalization under C.A. No. 473

2. Doctrine Naturalization is a privilege requiring strict legal compliance. Character witnesses must specifically know the applicant. Each mode of naturalization has distinct legal requirements.

3. Facts Edison So, a Chinese citizen, applied for judicial naturalization. Born and raised in the Philippines; fluent in multiple languages. Presented documents and two character witnesses. RTC granted petition; CA reversed due to insufficient compliance.

4. Issue Did the Court of Appeals commit reversible error in reversing the RTC’s decision granting naturalization?

5. Ruling SC affirmed CA’s decision – no reversible error committed. C.A. No. 473 governs judicial naturalization; R.A. No. 9139 applies only to administrative. Petitioner failed to present credible, well-acquainted witnesses. Strict compliance is required for the grant of citizenship.