Mikee Romero bats for quick passage of Brownlee naturalization

The legislative bill for Justin Brownlee's naturalization is currently in the congressional committee level. Nikki Collantes (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Congressman Mikee Romero hopes that the naturalization of Justin Brownlee will be done in no time ahead of the FIBA World Cup.

The 1-Pacman party list representative, along with three other congressmen, penned House Bill 8106, which seeks for the naturalization of the Ginebra import.

[Related Story: Mikee Romero, 3 other congressmen file bill seeking Brownlee naturalization]

However, with two weeks left before the Congress session ends, Romero thinks Brownlee's naturalization should be made urgent.

“There may be some time factor for the Brownlee naturalization bill. We are hoping Brownlee can be naturalized weeks ahead of the FIBA World Cup which will be held in China from August 31 to September 15 so that Coach Yeng Guiao can include Brownlee in his strategic and tactical equations for Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team,” Romero, the owner of PBA club NorthPort, said in a statement on Monday.

The bill is currently in the House Committee for Justice, but according to Romero, the approval of the said bill in the committee level is already looming.

"Perhaps, the committee on justice is ready to approve the bill next week, so it could also be calendared for second and third reading soon thereafter,” he continued.

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