The naturalization process will be a step closer to being eligible in representing the Philippine flag as Gilas Pilipinas and the Philippine Azkals are widening their pool of players to step up their game on the international stage.

House Bill No. 5951, authored by Antipolo First District Rep. Roberto Puno, and House Bill No. 7427, penned by Manila First District Rep. Manny Lopez, are the bills seeking Filipino Citizenship for Kouame and Marañon respectively.

After it was tackled by the lower house and sponsored by the plenary, both of the bills will need to go through two more readings for it to be passed.

A counterpart Senate Bill No. 1892 was filed by SBP Chairman and Senator Sonny Angara for Kouame, while Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri filed Senate Bill No. 1391 for Marañon’s case.

Both bills are awaiting approval in the upper house.

Once approved by both chambers, the bills will be only needing the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte for Kouame and Marañon to become a full-fledged Filipino citizens.