Two bills are already in the pipeline in the Senate seeking the naturalization of Spaniard Bienvenido Maranon and Senegalese Robert Lopez Mendy.
Senator Miguel Zubiri initiated Bills 1390 and 1391, which he filed last March 3.
Maranon, who is 33 years old, has been in the Philippines since 2015. He has steered Ceres-Negros FC to three PFL titles.
“He dreams of building a family in this country, and raising his children surrounded by the kindness, humility, and hospitality that Filipinos are known for,” Zubiri said in his explanatory note.
“He also aspires to represent the Philippines as part of the national team vying in international competitions, and make the country known as one of the top teams in the world of football.”
On the other hand, Lopez Mendy, a 33-year-old striker of Ceres-Negros, is married to a Filipina, Ameera Lacastesantos, according to a report by the Manila Bulletin.
“Mr. Mendy envisions a Philippines that is known not only in the worlds of basketball and boxing,” said Zubiri.
“It is his desire to play an integral part in developing football in the country and helping mold the youth to become competitive and at the same time teach them to uphold the ideals of sportsmanship and fair play.”
If the naturalization pushes through, both Maranon and Lopez Mendy will be eligible to play for the Philippine Azkals.
