The first step to make Barangay Ginebra player Justin Brownlee a Filipino citizen was taken on Wednesday when 1PACMAN party list Rep. Michael Romero and other lawmakers filed a bill seeking to naturalize the American player.

Romero filed House Bill 8106 to process Brownlee's Filipino citizenship.

The lawmakers said Brownlee "has brought enormous pride and joy to the (PBA)."

"(Brownlee) is dependable when it comes to helping Filipinos — a true mark of a Filipino spirit and character," they added.

"His allegiance in this country is indubitable, his skills and competency in the field of basketball shall truly complement the entire nation."

• Ginebra's Brownlee wants to stay in PH 'for good'

Over the weekend, San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua said Brownlee wanted to become a Filipino.

"Hindi na si Brownlee ang import namin, dahil gagawin na natin siyang Pilipino," Chua said.

"Sinabi sa amin ni Brownlee, kaharap ang buong team, 'Boss, I want to be naturalized.' "

If the process succeeds, Brownlee will become the third American basketball player to become a naturalized Filipino citizen after Marcus Douthit in 2011 and Blatche in 2014.

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