American basketball player Justin Brownlee attended a hearing on his naturalization conducted by the House Committee on Justice and Human on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. (Photo from the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines—Justin Brownlee, a fan-favorite for Barangay Ginebra import in the PBA, moved closer to being granted Filipino citizenship after the House of Representatives approved on the third and final reading a bill seeking his naturalization.
During Tuesday’s session, House Bill No. 6224 — a substitute bill of House Bills No. 825 and 6071 by 1-Pacman party-list Rep. Michael Romero and Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting, respectively — was approved with 274 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and one abstention.
Romero, who justified his yes vote, said that he believed Brownlee’s naturalization would significantly boost the Philippines’ international standing, mainly because the Philippines will be hosting the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The 34-year-old Brownlee was at the plenary to witness the bill’s approval.
After this, both the House and the Senate would consolidate their respective versions of the bill, which was then sent to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his signature.
Last Tuesday, Brownlee appeared before a Senate panel tackling his naturalization wearing a Barong Tagalog — the national attire of the Philippines — while answering questions in the vernacular.
Brownlee, a two-time Best Import, drew praise from Senators who appreciated his enthusiasm in answering queries and eagerness to represent the country in international games.