By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings’ resident import Justin Brownlee is now a Filipino citizen after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. signed his naturalization papers.
According to Senator Francis Tolentino, Marcos signed Republic Act 11937, which officially makes the long-time Gin Kings import a Filipino on Thursday, January 12.
“Itong batas na ito po ay nagbibigay ng Filipino citizenship kay Brownlee kaya siya po ay magiging miyembro na ng Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team,” Tolentino said in a video statement.
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 could also be used as the national basketball team’s naturalized player in other upcoming tournaments such as the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games.
Meanwhile, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman Renault Barrios welcomed the development.
“[The] signing shows his resolve to strengthen Gilas Pilipinas’ lineup to make our National Team more competitive in Window 6 qualifiers,” Barrios said./ASC, WDJ