Congress OK's bill for Bienve Maranon's naturalization

Bienve Maranon is now a step closer to finally becoming a Filipino. PFL (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--United City striker Bienve Maranon took one giant step toward Filipino citizenship as the House of Representatives approved with finality the legislation that would grant him naturalization.

On Tuesday, the Congress approved on the third and final reading House Bill 8631 seeking Maranon's naturalization in the lower chamber.

All the 206 congressmen present in the final reading voted in favor of passing the said bill.

Now, it is now up to the Senate on whether it will approve a bill for Maranon's naturalization filed there too.

Senator Migz Zubiri filed Senate Bill 1391 seeking for Maranon's Filipino citizenship.

If the Senate approves Zubiri's bill, it will only need President Rodrigo Duterte's approval to formally grant Maranon naturalization.

Once becoming a naturalized Filipino, the 34-year-old Maranon is now eligible to become a member of the Philippine men's football team, also known as the Azkals.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno