·, 
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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No.2420 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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'W SEP 22 PS :3' 
This bills seeks to grant Philippine citizenship in deference to the rich cultural 
heritage that has made the Philippines a vigorous artistic community, especially in the art 
of painting. 
Inspired by the likes of Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, two Filipino 
painters recognized in Europe, it is submitted that Philippine citizenship be accorded to a 
foreign national artistic painter whose heart has always been a Filipino - Master Painter 
Juvenal Sanso. 
Juvenal Sanso came to the Philippines in 1934 when his father, Jose Sanso- Pedret 
'decided to settle in the Philippines. He was four years old. He received his first art lesson 
from Alejandro Celis, one of the first graduate of the U.P School of Fine Arts, who 
introduced the young Juvenal to a whole universe. He later emolled at the U.P School of 
Fine Arts. His art professors were Fernando Amorsolo, Guillermo Tolentino, Dominador 
Castaneda, Torribio Herrera and Ireneo Miranda. It was in U.P where Sanso found 
himself totally committed to art. 
In March 1951, Sanso joined the annual exhibit of the Art Association of the 
Philippines. His entry, an oil painting entitled "the Sorcerer" won first prize and for the 
first time he was considered an artist. Later that year, he won first prize in water color for 
a work entitled "Incubus". His professor Antonio Garcia Llamas advised Sanso to go to 
Europe if he was serious about a career in art. Sanso departed for Europe in 1952 where 
he took formal art lessons in Rome and Paris. 
Juvenal Sanso made a name for himself in different parts of the globe but the 
Philippines, his home country, always had a special place in his heart. His painting 
depicted themes and scenes of the Philippines such as his "Baclad", "Barong Tagalog" 
and "Bulaklak" series. He was cited "Artist of the Year" by the Cleveland Print Club. His 
work entitled "Moonglow" was chosen as "Print of the Year" by the Philadelphia Print 
Club. Sanso exhibited his works in all capitals of the world. His paintings were acquired 
by major museum and private collectors world-wide. All the recognitions he received 
abroad always traced him back to the Philippines. Filipino artist and critics refer to Sanso 
as "Spanish by birth but Filipino at heart". The Philippines was and is always in Sanso's 
heart even when he lived abroad. He spent two to three months a year in Manila. In 2002, 
Sanso decided to retire and live pennanently in the Philippines. He registered with the 
Philippine Retirement Authority. 


Juvenal Sanso is now eighty four (84) years old. And part of his many continuing 
commitments to his beloved country, the Philippines, was to give scholarships to 
promising Filipino art students. Through his membership with the u.p College of Fine 
Arts Alumni Foundation he helped in making available valuable works of art to the 
public. He was a volunteer mentor to art students in the Shell National Artist 
competitions. 
In view of the foregoing, this bill is respectfully submitted for approval. 
-Cig 
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2A 2 0 
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Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
"AN ACT GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP 
TO JUVENAL SANSO" 
.,. SEP 22 P5 at 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representative o[the Republic of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
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Section 1. Juvenal Sanso is hereby granted Philippine Citizenship with all the 
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rights and privileges and prerogatives appurtenant thereto. 
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Sec. 2. After the taking and the registration of the oath of allegiance to the 
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Republic of the Philippines, Juvenal Sanso shall enter into the full enjoyment of 
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Philippine citizenship. 
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Sec. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in 
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the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
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Approved. 
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