Justin Brownlee’s naturalization process can now begin.
On Wednesday, the 6-foot-5 resident import of Ginebra will appear in the House of Representatives Committee of Justice chaired by Negros Occidental Fourth District representative Juliet De Leon-Ferrer to kickstart the process.
“Bukas, may hearing na sa Congress, mag-aappear na si Justin Brownlee doon,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios said on Tuesday’s edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.
“Initial pa lang. Kailangan personally makita siya ng Committee on Justice ng Congress.”
Barrios also shared that Brownlee has already submitted the necessary documents to begin the process and is already well-versed in singing the country’s national anthem.
Brownlee, 34, has been playing in the Philippines since 2016 and has also played with San Miguel Alab and Mighty Sports-Philippines.
The SBP is hoping that Brownlee’s naturalization will be done by Window 6 of the FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers set in February at the Philippine Arena.
However, it will be a long process as Brownlee needs to hurdle three readings in both chambers of congress before it will be signed by President Bongbong Marcos.
“Ayokong manguna sa ating mga Congressmen at Senators. Let’s allow them to do their jobs first. They know what’s required. We are very fortunate that both houses, Lower and Upper House, the support for basketball is immense and unquantifiable.”
