Teotimo Rodriguez Tio Tiam vs.

Republic, 101 Phil 195

Petitioner-Appellee: Teotimo Rodriguez Tio Tiam
Oppositor-Appellant: Republic of the Philippines

Facts:

Teotimo was born in Cebu City of Chinese parents and married to a Chinese
woman. He also voted in various elections held and had took the oath of allegiance as a
citizen of the Philippines. The petitioner showed evidences that rendered him qualified
to be a Filipino citizen but the government argued that he was disqualified for having
an alleged illicit relation that questions his possession of good moral character, which
was not substantially proven.

Issue:
Whether or not Teotimo should be declared a Filipino citizen.

Held:
Yes, Teotimo is considered a Filipino citizen through the naturalization law of
the country for the evidentiary fact that qualifies him for the acquisition of Philippine
citizenship. His right to be entitled to Philippines citizenship cannot be affected by mere
hearsay which is rendered incompetent. Petitioner was, then, granted Philippine
citizenship subject to the requirements of Republic Act No. 530.