This is a naturalization case. Te Chao Ling, alias Dinga, applies for Filipino citizenship. All the legal formalities as to publication of the application having been accomplished, it was set for hearing. After hearing, the Court found that he has all the qualifications except that he does not speak and write English or Spanish, as required by section 2, paragraph 5, of Com. Act No. 473, as amended by Com. Act No. 535, and denied the application. He appeals.

The appellant admits that he does not speak and write the English language but understands a little of that language and that he does not speak Spanish but understands a little of it.^[1] This admission jibes with his previous statement in an investigation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation presented by the oppositor as Exhibit 1. It appears on page 3 thereof that he understands a little English but he cannot speak and write it.

In an application for naturalization it is incumbent upon the applicant to show by competent proof that he possesses all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications as provided by law. Upon the evidence presented, it cannot be asserted that he has complied with the language requirement.^[2]

The judgment dismissing the application is affirmed, with costs against the appellant.

Paras, C.J., Bengzon, Montemayor, Reyes, Jugo, Bautista Angelo, Labrador, Concepcion, and Reyes, J.B.L., JJ., concur.

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^[1] Pp. 33, 49, t.s.n.

^[2] Ang Ke Choan vs. Republic of the Philippines, G.R. No. L-6330, 25 August 1954.