Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1445
HOUSE BILL NO.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

More popularly known for his boxing stint as a referee representing the Philippines,
the Auckland, New Zealand-born Bruce Donald Mc Tavish first arrived in the Philippines on
February 12, 1967. He is best recognized for his exemplary contributions in the City of
Angeles as manifested in various projects that no other foreigner or natural born citizen
Filipino in the City has accomplished as a sportsman, entrepreneur, civic leader, devout
Catholic and a philanthropist.

Being a popular sportsman, Mc Tavish popularized international darts in the
Philippines and has championed five international tournaments that were held in Pampanga
and Manila. As boxing referee for over 35 years, he has been recognized by the Games and
Amusements Board and had spearheaded seminars for ring officials around the country
sponsored by the board and the World Boxing Council (WBC),

While as an entrepreneur, he was included among the pioneer investors at the then
Clark Special Economic Zone, now Ciark Freeport Zone. His exemplary business skills and
leadership seated him as the President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of
Pampanga (HARP) and the only non-Filipino to become a director of the Metro Angeles.
Chamber of Commerce.

As a civic leader. he became the president of the Rotary Club of Mabalacat in 1983
and whe instigated the first anti-polio program of the international club worldwide. in 1999, he
also became the president of the Rotary Club of Ciark Centennial and together with some
notable members, the Rotary Club of Clark Centennial Street Children Foundation, inc. was
formed.

Being 2 devout Catholic, he had actively participated in different religious organizations such


as the Knights of Columbus in 1969 as a Grand Knight and in 1971 as the first non-Filipino
appointed District Deputy: and St James Cursillo as president in 1972 and a lector the
following years.

Above ail these exemplary rosters of achievements, Mc Tavish is best admired for his
philanthropic works advancing the plight of street children. in fact, he consistently raised
funds to support the education and subsistence of 71 school children and provided lodging to
35 of them. As a former international rugby player, he was also successful in motivating the
street children to engage in sports by introducing rugby-football in 2005. In fact, out of the
nine tournaments held, seven were championed by the said children. Further, he hosted the
first Pony League Basebail Tournament elimination Series at the “Angeles Bahay Bata
Center,” which was participated by teams from Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and two other
Filipino Teams.

With these exemplary achievements, he was bestowed the privilege as an Honorary
Citizen of Angeles City by the City Council. Indeed, in his forty year-stay in Angeles City, Mc
Tavish had embraced Philippine customs, traditions and ideals. Hence, he decided to
become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and make the Philippines as his
permanent home, which he shall forever pledge and hold loyalty, obedience and allegiance.

Section 1 (4), Article IV of the 1987 Constitution provides that those who are
naturalized in accordance with law are considered citizens of the Philippines. By granting
citizenship to Bruce Donald Mc Tavish, the undersigned hereby bestow upon him all the
rights and corresponding obligations appurtenant thereto as a natural born Filipino citizen,

In view of the foregoing issues, the approval of this bill is ardently sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 1445

introduced by Honorable Carmelo F. Lazatin

AN ACT GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO BRUCE DONALD MC TAVISH
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Bruce Donald Mc Tavish is hereby granted Philippine citizenship with all
the rights, privilege and prerogatives appurtenant thereto.

Upon taking and registration of the oath of allegiance to the Republic of the
Philippines, Bruce Donald Mc Tavish shall enter the full enjoyment of the Philippine
citizenship. t

SECTION 2. Repealing Clause. - Any faw, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, fetter of instruction, administrative order, rule of regulation contrary to or inconsistent
with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SECTION 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,