The House of Representatives approved on the third and final reading a bill seeking the naturalization of Philippines Football League star Bienvenido Marañon.
Members of the lower chamber gave the nod on the motion with a 206-0 voting during Tuesday’s plenary session, thus paving the way for the Senate to act on the bill.
A Senate version of the bill which will give citizenship to the Spanish-born Marañon was submitted last year by Senate Miguel Zubiri.
Once the bill hurdles all the necessary steps at the Upper House, the bill needs the signature of President Duterte in order for the 34-year-old United City FC striker to become a Filipino citizen.
Marañon is hoping to be granted citizenship in order to suit up for the Philippine Azkals in international competitions, namely the AFF Suzuki Cup and Asian Cup.
He has made a great impression among Filipino fans since being signed by in 2015 when United City was still known as Ceres-Negros.
Marañon is the all-time leading scorer of the AFC Cup, Asia’s second biggest club competition, with 35 and had led Ceres/United City to the first four titles of the PFL.