The Senate of the Philippines approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 6641, a measure granting Philippine citizenship to Elizabeth Jeanette Means, during its plenary session on Monday, March 16.
The bill was passed with a 17-2-1 vote, clearing its final hurdle in the chamber. The measure will now be transmitted to the Office of the President of the Philippines for signing into law.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who presided over the session, confirmed the voting outcome, stating that the bill received 17 affirmative votes, two negative votes, and one abstention.
Opposition to the measure came from Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, who both raised concerns over the absence of Means during the plenary deliberations.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who ultimately abstained from voting, explained that applicants seeking Filipino citizenship should personally appear before the Senate to demonstrate their interest.
“If she is really interested in acquiring Philippine citizenship, she should be present here at the gallery right now, like the presence of Mr. Malik,” Estrada said, citing the presence of another applicant, Maodo “Malik” Diouf, as an example of commitment.
Senator Joel Villanueva, meanwhile, cast a “no” vote, echoing the sentiment that Means should have been present during the proceedings.
“Just like some of our colleagues here, I feel that the applicant for Filipino citizenship should be here,” Villanueva said.
He said that while he initially considered not participating in the vote, he ultimately decided to formally register his opposition.
Despite the objections, the majority of senators voted in favor of the bill, advancing Means’ bid for Philippine citizenship.
Means previously played collegiate basketball in the United States under the NCAA Division II program of Westminster University. She also traces her roots to Naga, Camarines Sur.
Meanwhile, Diouf, a former foreign student-athlete for the University of the Philippines, helped the Fighting Maroons secure the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball championship in 2022.
Once naturalized, Means is expected to bolster the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3x3 program, while Diouf is being considered for inclusion in the Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 pool.
