By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Spanish striker Bienvenido Marañon will follow in Ivorian center Ange Kouame’s footsteps after the Philippine House committee on Justice approved House Bill No. 7427 authored by Rep. Manny Lopez.
The bill seeks to grant Marañon Filipino citizenship with the ultimate goal of formally including him as a member of the Philippine national team.
“In his five-year football career in the Philippines, Marañon has shown exceptional skills complemented by commendable work ethic. He is known as one of the most prolific scorers in Southeast Asia,” Lopez said.
The current striker of the United City FC (formerly Ceres-Negros FC) in the Philippines Football League (PFL) is also the all-time scoring leader in the AFC Cup with 35 goals.
Marañon’s blazing offense also led the United City in their win in the recently concluded PFL bubble after topping the score sheet in points, overtaking the Iloilo City-based squad Kaya FC.
“I would like to become a Filipino because I love the country and I love the people. I feel too much love from them, and I would like to give them the love I’ve received. I would love to play for the Azkals national team ’cause I feel like I’ve been a Filipino since arrived here. I want to help them reach the World Cup, play in the Asia Cup, and win the Suzuki Cup,” Marañon shared.
