FILE–Ginebra import Justin Brownlee. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra import and naturalization candidate Justin Brownlee is willing to join the country’s military reserve force.
During the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights’ hearing on Monday, panel chair Senator Francis Tolentino quizzed Brownlee if he has performed uniformed services in the United States, where the athlete is from.
“Have you served under the uniformed services of the United States — army, air force, navy, coast guard, national guard?” Tolentino asked to which Brownlee answered “no.”
Tolentino then raised that at least 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippines every year. The senator inquired if Brownlee is willing to defend the country and join in disaster and rescue response.
“Under Article 2, Section 4 of our Constitution: ‘The prime duty of the government is to serve and protect the people. The government may call upon the people to defend the state and in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required under conditions provided by law to render personal, military, or civil service.’
“Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to defend the Philippines? Are you willing to participate in any disaster, calamity, rescue operations during typhoon season?” he further asked and Brownlee replied “opo (yes).”
Tolentino further pressed: “So, that means you’re willing to join the military reserve force?”
The athlete again replied in the affirmative, saying “opo.”
The committee, which deliberated the naturalization of Brownlee, approved the granting of Philippine citizenship to the athlete.
