Manila, Philippines – Russian-born figure skater Aleksandr Korovin is now officially a Filipino citizen after taking his oath in a ceremony led by Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino at the Senate on Monday, January 6.
This follows the signing of Republic Act No. 12115 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last December, granting him citizenship.
Senator Tolentino, who also sponsored Korovin’s naturalization bill, said this move strengthens the Philippines’ chances of clinching a medal in the Winter Olympics.
The 30-year-old skater, who has been representing the Philippines alongside Filipina partner Isabella Gamez since 2021.
The duo has already made history to qualify for the World Figure Skating Championships and secured a silver medal in the pairs free skating event at the 2022 Trophee Metropole Nice Cote d’Azur held in France.