NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. B. NO. 1519
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(Ofiirr of till? r • rrrt.'u'p
•22 NOV 21 A 9 24
RKCEiVlD BY;
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO 
JUSTIN DONTA BROWNLEE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is a nation that considers basketball as one of its favorite 
past times. The Philippine Basketball Association, the country’s professional 
basketball league, prides itself as the first of its kind in Asia. Since then, a 
number of other professional and collegiate basketball leagues have been 
introduced in response to the growing enthusiasm of the Filipinos to participate 
in this sport.
This dedication to the game is further manifested in international 
basketball competitions wherein the best players of our country are gathered to 
form our national team. To improve our chances in international competitions, 
we have taken advantage of the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) 
ruling to allow naturalized players to play for the national team of the country 
that naturalized him. In 2010, Congress naturalized Marcus Eugene Douthit 
from Syracuse, New York. In 2014, Congress also naturalized Andray Blatche, 
a former NBA player. During their stint, these players contributed significantly 
to our national team leading to our modest improvement in the FIBA standings.
It is in this light that this bill seeks to grant Philippine citizenship to Justin 
Donta Brownlee.
Justin Donta Brownlee was born on April 23, 1988 in Georgia, United 
States of America. He is an American professional basketball player and has


distinguished himseif as an excellent player in the NBA D-League as well as 
the NBA Summer League.
His contributions helped his team win five PBA titles, aside from 
winning the Best Import Award not once but twice. These achievements have 
brought enormous pride and joy to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 
and to all basketball enthusiasts in the country. With a very illustrious career in 
basketball, he wishes to play for the Philippine national team and has 
expressed his desire to stay in the country and be a naturalized citizen.
His drive to hone his craft, discipline to stay in shape, and determination 
to win games makes him an epitome of a true Filipino athlete. Mr. Brownlee 
also demonstrated his willingness to immerse himseif in the Filipino culture by 
practicing the Bayanihan spirit with his involvement in several community 
service projects.
Mr. Brownlee’s unequivocal allegiance to this country, admirable 
sportsmanship, and remarkable skills in the field of basketball will complement 
the country’s roster of world-class athletes and help the Philippine national 
team regain recognition in international basketball tournaments.
His love for the Philippines and basketball truly makes him a Filipino at
heart.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is highly 
recommended.
SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA^


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
o( tlic £i'i cirtai'^>
*22 NOV 21 A 9 24
RECEIVED BY;
SENATE
S. B. NO. 1519
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO 
JUSTIN DONTA BROWNLEE
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Justin Donta Brownlee is hereby granted Philippine 
citizenship with all the rights, privileges and prerogatives 
appurtenant thereto.
SEC. 2. Upon taking and registration of the Oath of Allegiance to the 
Republic of the Philippines before an officer duly authorized for this 
purpose and registration with the Bureau of Immigration, Justin 
Donta Brownlee shall enter upon the full enjoyment of Philippine 
citizenship.
SEC. 3. Upon registration of the Oath of Allegiance, the Bureau of 
Immigration shall issue Mr. Justin Donta Brownlee his Certificate of 
Naturalization.
SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,