NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
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SENATE
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•22 SEP-5 P5 *06
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
AN ACT
GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO JUVENAL SANSO
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to grant Philippine citizenship to a true master of the arts, 
whose work carries international prestige and who has had a profound impact in the 
art community from around the world, but whose heart remains a Filipino.
Juvenal Sanso was born in Spain in 1929, but moved with his family to Manila 
five years later. Here, he experienced both an idyllic childhood and the horrors of 
war, and eventually pursued formal education in art. As a student, he received 
tutelage from renowned artists such as Fernando Amorsolo, Alejandro Cells, 
Guillermo Tolentino, and Irineo Miranda.1 He also won competitions such as first 
prize In the 1950 competition by the Art Association of the Philippines for his 
painting Sorcerer, and again in the 1951 competition by the same association for his 
work entitled Incubus.2
He left the country in 1952 in order to pursue further studies In art. In time, 
he achieved world renown for his artistic talents and creations, receiving various 
awards and citations such as "Print of the Year" by the Cleveland Museum of Art for 
his work Leuers? He held numerous one-man shows and exhibits here in the 
country and in other parts of world such as in Italy, the United States, the United
1 Sorilla, Franz IV. "Juvenal Sanso: Master of Visual Artistry". Tatler Asia. (01 December 2021). Accessed from: 
https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/juvenal-sans%C3%B3-life-art-and-legacy
2 Ibid.
3 Business Mirror. "Juvenal Sanso's 'Triumph of Spirit' at Alliance Francaise". (17 April 2017). Accessed from: 
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2017/04/17/Juvenal-sansos-triumph-of-spirit-at-alliance-francaise/


Kingdom, and Mexico.4 His works are featured in prestigious museums like the 
Metropolitan Museum of New York, Chicago Art Institute, and the Philadelphia 
Museum of Art.5
For his invaluable contribution to visual arts In the country, Sanso received 
The Presidential Medal of Merit from Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 20 
May 2006.6 He also received The Distinguished King's Cross of Isabeia from the 
Spanish King Juan Carlos in 08 January 2007 as recognition for his exemplary work 
across national boundaries, and The Chevaiier de i'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres 
from the Ministry of Culture and Communications of the Republic of France in 26 
February 2008.7
His profound legacy also shines through with his earnest generosity and 
unwavering commitment to help fledgling artists. He often visited his alma mater, UP 
College of Fine Arts, to donate funds for students having difficulty in finances.8 In 
2008 and 2009, he served as the artist-in-residence of the Shell National Students' 
Art Competition.9 And in 2015, the Fundacion Sanso (Sanso Museum) was 
established in San Juan City with his guidance and support.10 Aside from showcasing 
and managing his works, it also established a Fine Arts Student Stipend Program for 
select students to help augment their financial resources and cover their expenses 
related to their art studies.11
After 50 years of living in Paris, Sehor Sanso 
to come home in 2008
and establish permanent residence here In Manila.12 Now in his 90s, he continues to 
inspire generations of Filipino artists and enrich our local artistic heritage. With his
4 Ibid.
5 "Juvenal Sanso: Spanish by Birth, Filipino at Heart", Juvenalsanso.com. (Date accessed; 24 August 2022). 
Accessed from: https://www.juvenalsanso.com/profile.htm
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
8 Sorilla, Franz IV. "Juvenal Sanso: Master of Visual Artistry". Toiler Asia. (01 December 2021). Accessed from: 
https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/Juvenal-sans%C3%B3-life-art-and-legacy
9 Business Mirror. "Juvenal Sanso's Triumph of Spirit' at Alliance Francaise". (17 April 2017). Accessed from: 
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2017/04/17/juvenal-sansos-triumph-of-spirit-at-alliance-francaise/
10 Ibid.
11 Deyro, Elizabeth Ruth. "Milestone Year for Sanso". Art+. (Date accessed: 24 August 2022). Accessed from; 
https://artplus.ph/milestone-year-for-sanso/
12 "Juvenal Sanso: Spanish by Birth, Filipino at Heart". Juvenalsanso.com. (Date accessed: 24 August 2022). 
Accessed from: https://www.Juvenalsanso.com/profile.htm


masterful strokes, he has managed to capture what the Filipino spirt truly is: 
resilient, hopeful, and ever-blooming.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure Is earnestly sought.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
of ti)C
*22 SEP-5 P5:06
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
AN ACT
GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO JUVENAL SANSO
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Mr. Juvenal Sanso is hereby granted Philippine Citizenship with all
2 
the rights, privileges and prerogatives, as well as the duties and obligations
3 
appurtenant thereto under the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of the
4 
Philippines.
5 
Sec. 2. Mr. Sanso shall take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the
6 
Philippines before an officer duly authorized to administer the same. The Oath of
7 
Allegiance shall be registered with the Bureau of Immigration.
8 
Sec. 3. Upon registration of the Oath of Allegiance, the Bureau of Immigration
9 
shall Issue a Certificate of Naturalization to Mr. Sanso who shall thereupon enter into
10 
the full enjoyment of Philippine citizenship.
11 
Sec. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its publication in the
12 
Official Gazette or In a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,