[ G.R. No. L-15543, September 29, 1961 ]
LAO LIAN SU ALIAS LORENZO TING, PETITIONER AND APPELLANT, VS. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, OPPOSITOR AND APPELLEE.
D E C I S I O N
REYES, J.B.L., J.:
We see no merit in the appeal. In his sworn petition for naturalization as well as in his testimony, petitioner stated that he has only three children with his wife Chua Kim Tia, namely:
Besie Ting, born 11/25/39Esteban Ting, born 4/11/46Betty Ting, born 8/16/51
Yet in the verified income tax returns filed in his name and that of his wife for the years from 1951 to 11957, the contents of which he ratified under oath while on the witness stand, the spouses appear to have claim exemption; for a fourth child by the name of Ting Kock King, supposedly born on 10 October 1948. Of the inconsistency between the sworn statements, petitioner proferred no explanation whatsoever, although counsel for appellant insinuates in the brief that Ting Kock King could be an adopted child of the spouses; but the insinuation is totally devoid of proof, which the applicant was duty-bound to submit to the Court. As the record now stands, the contradictory statements under oath can only lead to the conclusion either that the petitioner tried to evade lawful taxes due from him or that he has concealed the truth in his application. Either alternative would be sufficient to disqualify him for admission to Philippine citizenship.
For all the foregoing considerations, the decision appealed from is affirmed, with costs against the appellant.
Bengzon, C. J., Padilla, Labrador, Concepcion, Paredes, and De Leon, JJ., concur.
Bautista Angelo, J., did not take part.