By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Senator Miguel Zubiri recently filed two bills, Bills 1390 and 1391, seeking the naturalization of Ceres-Negros FC’s Bienvenido Marañon and Robert Lopez Mendy.
Marañon, one of the key pieces to Negros’ dominant run in the Philippines Football League which includes three titles since 2015, dreams of settling in the Philippines for good while playing football.
“He dreams of building a family in this country, and raising his children surrounded by the kindness, humility, and hospitality that Filipinos are known for,” Zubiri stated in a note.
Meanwhile, Lopez Mendy, Marañon’s co-striker in Negros, is currently married to a Filipina, Ameera Lacastesantos.
“It is his desire to play an integral part in developing football in the country and helping mold the youth to become competitive and at the same time teach them to uphold the ideals of sportsmanship and fair play,” added Zubiri.
If the naturalization for both Marañon and Lopez Mendy will be pushed through and finalized, both will be able to play for the Azkals and represent the Philippines in international tourneys.
