Justin Brownlee now a Filipino after BBM signs naturalization law

Justin Brownlee is now Filipino. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Justin Brownlee is now a Filipino citizen after President Bongbong Marcos enacted Republic Act 11739, which grants the Ginebra resident import naturalization.

Senator Francis Tolentino confirmed Thursday night that Marcos has already signed the legislative act.

This means Brownlee, who has been the Gin Kings' import for the PBA Governors' Cup since 2016 and is currently their import for the 2023 Commissioner's Cup, can now enjoy the privileges of being a Filipino citizen as well as eligibility to play for Gilas Pilipinas.

The six-foot-five shooting guard will take an oath of citizenship and apply for a Filipino passport.

If he gets his passport in time, Brownlee could make the Gilas lineup for the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers on Feb. 24 and 27 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue.

However, according to Tolentino's brother, Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol, Brownlee could also be allowed to join Gilas for the Southeast Asian Games this May due to new rules on the athletes' eligibility.

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