MO YA LIM V COMMISSION ON IMMIGRATION

FACTS:
Lau Yuen Yeung, an alien visiting the Philippines, whose authorized stay in the
Philippines was to expire, claims herself to be lawfully naturalized upon her marriage to
a Filipino citizen. Solicitor General opposes the ground that the marriage of the alien to
a Filipino citizen does not automatically confer on the latter Philippine citizenship.
Plaintiff-appellant does not possess all the qualifications required for applicant for
naturalization (CA 473), even she has proven that she possesses none of the
disqualifications in said law.

ISSUE:
Whether or not Lau Yuen Yeung became ipso facto a Filipino citizen upon her marriage
to a Filipino citizen.

RULING:
Yes. An alien woman, upon her marriage to a Filipino citizen, becomes lawfully
naturalized ipso facto, provided that she does not possess all of the disqualifications
enumerated in CA 473. (Sections 15 and 4)