Manila, June 17 -- The Senate on Wednesday approved on third and final reading three measures during its special session - a bill declaring the waling-waling as the country's national orchid and two bills granting Philippine citizenship to athletes Bennie Francois Boatwright III and Matthew James Ramos.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri moved for the chamber to consider the bills on third reading, saying printed copies had been electronically distributed to senators on May 25 and 26 in compliance with the Constitution's three-day rule.

First approved was Senate Bill 2092, which declares the waling-waling, or Vanda sanderiana, as the National Orchid of the Philippines.

The measure was approved with 13 affirmative votes, zero ne...