Bienve Marañon's Philippine citizenship gets House nod

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading the bill seeking to grant Philippine citizenship to Spanish football player Bienvenido Morejon Marañon.

Voting 206-0-0, House members approved House Bill 8631 which aims to grant citizenship to Marañon, one of the top football players in the country.

The bill said Marañon had shown exceptional skills complemented by a commendable work ethic in his football career, adding that he was a "catalyst" for the country's growing reputation as a football contender in Southeast Asia.

"He will undoubtedly be an invaluable asset to the national football team - the Azkals - and bring pride and honor to our country, if granted the opportunity to play for the Philippines," the bill said.

Marañon is the leading goal scorer of the Philippines Football League and the all-time top scorer in the Asian Football Confederation Cup after scoring his 35th goal in Ceres-Negros' 4-0 win against Bali United in March 2020.

He is also known as the most prolific scorers in Southeast Asia. -NB, GMA News