International boxing referee Bruce McTavish with Sen. JV Ejercito | Photo via Sen. JV Ejercito Twitter account
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate of the Philippines on Monday, October 1, granted boxing official and philanthropist Bruce McTavish his long-overdue Filipino citizenship “with all the rights and corresponding obligations appurtenant thereto as a natural-born Filipino citizen.”
Sponsored by Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights chair Sen. Richard Gordon, House Bill 7388 grants Philippine citizenship to McTavish in recognition of his “exemplary contributions as a sportsman, entrepreneur, civic leader, devout Catholic and philanthropist.”
McTavish has applied for a Filipino citizenship by naturalization as early as 2010.
Originally from Auckland, New-Zealand, the respected veteran boxing referee has been residing in Angeles City, Pampanga since 1967. He has been married to Filipina Carmen Tayag for over 35 years with whom he has two daughters.
Known for officiating several world title fights and some previous matches of Sen. Manny Pacquiao, McTavish is also noted for his philanthropic projects for street children in the country. — Yssa Jalmasco
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