TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUG -7 P3:10 First Regular Session ] SENATE RECEIVED S.B. No. 1123 Introduced by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN AN ACT GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO WONSUK HEO EXPLANATORY NOTE This bill seeks to grant Philippine citizenship to Mr. Wonsuk Heo. With over three (3) decades of residency, Mr. Heo, fondly known as Simon in the Philippines, has immersed himself in Filipino culture despite being born a national of Incheon, Republic of Korea in 1978.1 Being a permanent resident holder since 1997, Simon has since established a family in the Philippines, residing in a condominium in Makati City with his wife of twelve (12) years and his two (2) children.? Both children were born in the Philippines and enrolled in International School Manila.3 Simon is currently a Director of BCH Holding Co., Inc. and Canal Holdings, Inc., domestic corporations primarily engaged in investing in, purchasing, developing, and selling real and personal properties. He is also a Director of Eaglestar Marine (Philippines) Corporation, a manning agency duly licensed and authorized by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to engage in the business of ' House Committee Report 991, 19th Cong., 21ª Sess. (2024). Committee on Justice. 2 Based on submitted Certificate of the Marriage Relation, Certificate of Live Birth, and Condominium Certificate of 3 Based on submitted Affidavit of Intent to Become A Naturalized Citizen. 4 Based on submitted General Information Sheet.
recruiting and providing manpower for maritime vessels in Philippine and foreign ports.5 During his stay in the Philippines, Simon has demonstrated his desire to learn and embrace Philippine language, customs, traditions, and ideals not only through his professional engagement in various domestic corporations, but also through his continuous and conscious effort to maintain good reputation and friendship among his Filipino peers and business associates. Through his frequent interactions with Filipinos, Simon has become conversant in both English and Tagalog.6 Simon's business acumen and continuous service in an essential industry in the Philippines is testament to his allegiance to the Philippines and dedication to the betterment of Filipinos. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 5 POEA, Eaglestar Marine (Philippines) Corporation, POEA JOBS, at https://poeajobs.ph/agency/eaglestar-marine- philippines/ (last visited June 22, 2025) • Based on submitted Affidavit of Intent to Become A Naturalized Citizen
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG -7 P3:10 SENATE RECENED 3 1123 S. B. No. Introduced by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN AN ACT GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO WONSUK HEO Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SEC. 1. Grant of Philippine Citizenship to Wonsuk Heo. - Mr.
Wonsuk Heo is hereby granted Philippine citizenship with all the rights, privileges and prerogatives, as well as the duties and obligations appurtenant thereto under the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.
SEC. 2. Oath of Allegiance. - Mr. Wonsuk Heo shall take the Oath of
Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines before an officer duly authorized to administer the same. The Oath of Allegiance shall be registered with the Bureau of Immigration.
SEC. 3. Certificate of Naturalization and Enjoyment of Philippine
Citizenship. - Upon registration of the Oath of Allegiance, the Bureau of Immigration shall issue a Certificate of Naturalization to Mr. Wonsuk Heo who shall thereupon enter into the full enjoyment of Philippine citizenship.
SEC. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,