Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 18) — Senators will tackle next week the proposal to grant Philippine citizenship to American basketball player Justin Brownlee.
The Committee on Justice and Human Rights — which has jurisdiction over naturalization matters — will hold a public hearing on Nov. 21, the office of panel chairperson Senator Francis Tolentino said Friday.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ target is to include the 6-foot-6 Barangay Ginebra import in the national team Gilas Pilipinas for the sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers in February 2023.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa filed in September a measure seeking the naturalization of the 34-year-old athlete. Just earlier this week, Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara also filed a similar bill.
On Monday, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Justice approved its version of the measure.
Committee chairperson Rep. Juliet Marie de Leon said lawmakers aim to pass the bill before Congress goes on break in December.
Earlier, Brownlee expressed his desire to become “a great citizen” of the Philippines and inspire young basketball players, as he thanked fans for their support.
The athlete has been living in the country since 2016 and has twice been named Best Import at the Philippine Basketball Association.
