(PNA) MANILA – Senators approved on Tuesday House of Representatives Bill No. 10048, or the naturalization of Russian athlete Aleksandr Sergeyevich Korovin, who is being eyed to play in pairs figure skating with Filipina Isabella Gamez in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
With 21 affirmative, zero negative, and zero abstention from the Senate, Korovin is now a Filipino citizen.
“I voted ‘yes’ on the citizenship of Mr. Alexandr on the premise that he committed to help our future skater(s) here in the Philippines after he retires from figure skating. If not, I will have to vote ‘no.’ But he committed to me personally that he will help our children, our future figure skaters in the Philippines,” Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, former chairperson of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said Korovin proudly stood and vowed to give his 100 percent when representing the Philippines in international sporting events.
“The future looks bright for the partnership of Isabella Gamez and Aleksandr Korovin in pairs figure skating. Being able to participate in the 2013 World Figure Skating Championships is a step closer for the Philippines’ chance for a medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics,” Tolentino said when he sponsored the measure on May 22.
“Because Mr. Korovin is committed not just to winning us a medal at the Olympics but also imparting skills and a champion’s heart to our youth,” he added.
Korovin is a Russian and has partnered with Gamez in international figure skating competitions since 2021.
He won a prestigious Grand Prix medal and a silver from the 2018 Skate America.
His talents on the ice made him successful in the International Skating Union Challenger Series, where he has amassed a substantial collection of medals.
He secured gold medals at the 2018 Challenger Series Nebelhorn Trophy and the 2018 Challenger Series Golden Spin of Zagreb. (PNA)