Russian figure skater granted Philippine citizenship

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has signed into law a measure granting Philippine citizenship to figure skater Aleksandr Sergeyevich Korovin.

Republic Act No. 12115 signed on Dec. 20 granted the figure skater Philippine citizenship with all the rights, privileges, prerogatives, duties and obligations attached to it under the Constitution and existing laws.

Korovin will take the oath of allegiance to the Philippines to be registered with the Bureau of Immigration. The bureau will then issue a certificate of naturalization to the athlete.

During a hearing of the House justice committee this year, the Russian figure skater vowed to give his 100 percent in his training and competitions for the Philippines. He also expressed desire to bring pride and honor to the Philippines and to train Filipino children.

Korovin is the partner of Filipina figure skater Isabella Gamez. The duo has been winning titles in international contests since 2021.

In 2022, the Philippines achieved its first international medal for skating pairs when the duo won silver during the 2nd Trophee Metropole Nice Cote d’Azur in France in 2022.