MANILA – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings’ resident import Justin Brownlee is now a Filipino after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed his naturalization papers.
According to Sen. Francis Tolentino, the Chief Executive signed on Thursday evening Republic Act 11937 which officially makes the long-time Gin Kings import as Filipino citizen.
“Itong batas na ito po ay nagbibigay ng Filipino citizenship kay Justin Brownlee kaya siya po ay magiging miyembro na ng Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team,” Tolentino said in a video statement.
“Si Justin po ay ganap nang Filipino citizen at tulad ng pangako niya sa akin, siya tutulong na maging reservist ng Philippine Army at malaking tulong ito sa atin mga Pilipino,” he added.
With Marcos officially signing Brownlee’s naturalization bill, the now-Filipino cager will make an oath of allegiance to the Philippines and will then apply for a Philippine passport right after.
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes is eyeing Brownlee for the final window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in February 2023 against Lebanon and Jordan at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The 34-year-old Brownlee can also be used as the national men’s basketball team’s naturalized player in other upcoming tournaments such as the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) chairman Renault Barrios welcomed the development and thanked the members of Senate and House of Representatives who pushed for the bill.
“PBBM’S signing shows his resolve to strengthen Gilas Pilipinas lineup to make our National Team more competitive in this February Window 6 qualifiers,” Barrios said in a statement.
“We also want to thank Senator Tolentino, who worked hard to fast track Brownlee’s naturalization process (in the Senate) after it was approved by the Lower House,” he added./PN
