Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6679

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable REYNALDO V. UMALI

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to grant Philippine citizenship to HANS GUENTER SCHOOF, a
69-year old German citizen and businessman.

Hans Guenter Schoof was born in July 31st 1947 in Wiesbaden, Germany. In
1986 he came to the Philippines, married a Filipina and adopted his wife’s
two Filipino children. Hans was granted a Special Retiree’s Visa in 1991 that
he holds until today. Hans and family established their home in Ayala
Alabang, first at Biata Street, and then 516 Country Club Drive.

Hans Schoof founded the Old Heidelberg Restaurant in 1987 that he operated
until November 1995 at Soldado Street Ermita and Nakpil Street corner
Bocobo Street in Malate. It was a popular destination and melting pot of the
Filipino and foreign communities. Hans, a lover of Rizal history, wished to
recreate the experience of when our National Hero stayed in Heidelberg, where
we wrote parts of Noli.

In 1987 he was invited by to join The Order of the Knights of Rizal, the first
Filipino socio-civic organization converted into a public corporation by
Republic Act No.646, and was knighted by Associate Supreme Court Justice
Conrado Vasquez.

His deep interest in Rizal and work with the Knights caused him to rise to the
rank of Exchequer, then Supreme Councilor, and finally Deputy Supreme
Commander - the highest post held by a foreigner. As part of the Supreme
Council he was instrumental in the formation of international chapters while
being based in the Philippines. For his contributions to Rizal’s memory, rare
pieces of Rizal memorabilia and Philippine history have been donated to him.
In the early 90s, Hans financed the renovation of Rizal Park in Luneta, with
President Ramos being present during the celebration.


In 1995 Hans Schoof and family established a home in Upper Laya, Baclayon
Bohol, where he currently resides since establishing The Peacock Garden
Resort, independently owned and operated by Quelle Resorts and Hospitality
of which he is chairman. The Peacock Garden Resort and Spa is TripAdvisor’s
Top 4 Hotel in the Philippines for 2016 and 2017 and has been a Traveller’s
Choice award winner since 2012 onwards. Of the hundreds of staff employed
at The Peacock Garden, all but one are Filipino, reinforcing Hans’ pride in
Filipino service and his commitment to supporting constant employment in
Bohol, which he has long called his home. The establishment remains the
largest private employer in Baclayon.

Hans has contributed extensively to the community: he is an active, well-
known philanthropist and patron of the Arts and Rizal history. He was
appointed consultant for tourism by then Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado
from 2001 to 2010, and also asked by the governor to head the “Prime
Movers”, a multi-stakeholder organization devising strategies and solutions
for Bohol’s challenges.

In 2007, resolution 2007-171 of Sangguniang Bayan of Baclayon, Bohol
recognized Hans Schoof as an adopted son of Baclayon as the highest taxpayer
and for his philanthropic deeds. In 2009 Hans was given the distinguished
award of merit for his rare achievement and contributions in the field of
business and tourism and for breaking cultural barriers by embracing a country
and people as if his very own by the City of of Tagbilaran and was declared an
adopted son of Tagbilaran in 2011.

Hans has donated continuously to schools and educational programs, health
and medical services, and various LGUs. He contributed financially to Bikes
of The Philippines foundation - of which his son Chris is on the board - the
only Bike organization that operates in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,
currently a partner of the Department of Education’s pedals and paddles
project - which provides bicycles to children with a monthly income of below
P5000 for a family of six who have to travel at least eight KM everyday to
school and back.

He has contributed to Bohol Local Development Foundation (BLDF), founded
by another Baclayon resident, Dr. Nestor Pestelos. BLDF is committed to
enhancing the social assets of Bohol through education and livelihood
programs.

Hans is a co-publisher of the only German translation to Rizal’s El
Filibusterismo, and has financed Rizal statues in Peru and the Bohol
provincial capitol.

Since his arrival in 1987 Mr. Schoof has rarely left the Philippines knowing
since then that it is where he wished to live the rest of his life. Mr. Hans
Guenter Schoof has indicated true and sincere intention to stay for good in
the Philippines and to continue serving its interests.


In view of thereof, early consideration and approval of this bill is
earnestly sought.

Vv. UMALI
Representative
Second District, Province of Oriental Mindoro



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6679

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable REYNALDO V. UMALI

AN ACT GRANTING PHILIPPINES CITIZENSHIP TO HANS GUENTER
SCHOOF

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 1. Mr. Hans Gunter Schoof is hereby granted Philippines
citizenship with all the rights, privileges and prerogatives, as well the
duties and obligations appurtenant thereto under the Constitution and
the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.

Section 2. After the taking by Mr. Hans Gunter Schoof of his Oath of
Allegiance before an officer duly authorized for this purpose, and the
registration of the same with the Bureau of Immigration, Mr. Hans
Gunter Schoof shall enter upon the full enjoyment of his Philippine
citizenship.

Section 3. Upon registration of the Oath of Allegiance, the Bureau of
Immigration shall forthwith issue Mr. Hans Gunter Schoof’s Certificate
of Naturalization.

Section 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,