This came a day after leading the Gin Kings in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup conquest.
As the Filipinos inside the Philippine Arena sang “Lupang Hinirang” minutes before Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday, Justin Brownlee placed his right palm over his left chest.
A day after, Brownlee raised his right hand and swore his allegiance to the Philippines during his Oathtaking at the Senate Building.
Finally, he is officially “Justin Noypi.”
Last January 12, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos signed Republic Act 11937 which grants the Ginebra resident import the Filipino citizenship he had long coveted.
For years, the 34-year-old cager didn’t hide his desire to become a Filipino as he was also being eyed to backstop the Gilas Pilipinas squad as a naturalized player.
It was only on December 12, 2022 that his naturalization really felt close to being a reality. That day, the Senate approved on third and final reading then House Bill 6224 which sought to naturalize Brownlee.
Now after the president signed it into law, the three-time PBA Best Import is expected to reinforce Gilas as naturalized player in the sixth and final window of the Fiba Basketball World Cup Qualifiers.
The Philippines will host Lebanon and Jordan next month at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.