NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Second Regular Session
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24 HAY 22 All 56
SENATE
Introduced by Senators SONNY ANGARA and GRACE POE
AN ACT
GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO MATTHEW STEEVES WESTFALL
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Matthew Westfall is an urbanist, author, filmmaker and former multilateral 
development bank executive with over 29 years of experience in the international 
development field. His enduring dedication to the Philippines began in 1983 when he 
arrived as a US Peace Corps Volunteer. His initial work in Zambales and Benguet 
focused on municipal development and providing water access to the Aeta 
communities. Wanting to fully understand the Filipino way of life, Westfall mastered 
dialects such as Ilokano.
Westfall's contributions extend beyond grassroots development. He is the 
director of the award-winning documentary "On Borrowed Land," which addresses 
urban development challenges in Manila. His expertise was further recognized when 
he returned to Manila as a project leader for USAID, overseeing initiatives in 
decentralized shelter and urban development across the country.
In 1994, Westfall joined the Asian Development Bank, where he helped 
champion numerous innovative projects, including efforts to rehabilitate the Pasig 
River, clean up the Payatas dumpsite, support critical infrastructure projects, and lead 
pioneering informal settler relocation projects in Muntinlupa and Quezon City. These 
projects have had a lasting impact on improving the living conditions and environment 
for countless Filipinos.


Westfall's contributions are not limited to such professional endeavors. He is a 
passionate historian, as evidenced by his publication "The Devil's Causeway," which 
explores a forgotten chapter of Philippine-American history. His work has enriched 
the cultural narrative of the country by bringing lesser-known historical accounts to 
light.
In 2018, he founded Full Circle Craft Distillers Co., a PEZA-registered 
enterprise located in the Carmelray II Special Economic Zone. The company is 
dedicated to manufacturing a line of world-class craft spirits, with the goal of putting 
the Philippines on the global craft spirits map. Currently exporting to 18 countries, 
including the USA, EU, UK, and regional Asia, Full Circle embodies our collective 
aspiration to become an industrialized nation. Its award-winning spirits, inspired by 
the country's botanical flavors, are truly "Tatak Pinoy."
Westfall has been captivated by both the beauty of the Philippines and its 
people. He married a Filipina, and together they raised three daughters who are now 
contributing to the country's development through their work in filmmaking, 
journalism, and art.
Completely by chance, Matthew Westfall's connection to the Philippines is part 
of a family legacy as his grandfather first arrived in Manila in 1918. A century later, 
Westfall launched his own company in the country and is now committed to 
becoming a legitimate Filipino citizen.
Hence, in view of the foregoing, immediate passage of the bill is earnestly
sought.
SONNY ANGARA
ff GRACE POE


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Second Regular Session
‘©flue of tllf :'t ' II
24 MAY 22 All :56
SENATE
Introduced by Senators SONNY ANGARA and GRACE POE
AN ACT
GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO MATTHEW STEEVES WESTFALL
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Grant of Philippine Citizenship to Matthew Steeves
1 Westfall. - Matthew Steeves Westfall is hereby granted Philippine citizenship with all
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the rights, privileges and prerogatives, as well as the duties and obligations
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appurtenant thereto under the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of the
5 
Philippines.
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SEC. 2. Oath of Allegiance. - Matthew Steeves Westfall shall take the Oath
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of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines before an officer duly authorized for
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this purpose. The Oath of Allegiance shall be registered with the Bureau of
9 
Immigration.
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SEC. 3. Certificate of Naturalization and Enjoyment of Philippine
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Citizenship. - Upon registration of the Oath of Allegiance, the Bureau of Immigration
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shall forthwith issue Matthew Steeves Westfall's Certificate of Naturalization, who shall
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thereupon enter into the full enjoyment of Philippine citizenship.
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SEC. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon publication in the Official
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Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,