Bennie Boatwright is now closer to becoming a Filipino citizen, but the Gilas Pilipinas prospect will have to wait before he can officially suit up as a naturalized player.
The naturalization bill for the American basketball player lapsed into law on August 31 after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. neither signed nor vetoed the measure within the 30-day period prescribed by law.
The development effectively makes the measure a Republic Act, but Boatwright does not automatically become a Filipino citizen upon its lapse into law.
The law must first be officially published in the Official Gazette or in at least two national newspapers of general circulation. After publication, it typically takes effect 15 days later.
Boatwright must then take his Oath of Allegiance to the Philippines before an authorized government official.
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The oath must subsequently be registered with the Bureau of Immigration, which will issue his Certificate of Naturalization upon completion of the process.
Only after securing the certificate will Boatwright officially gain the rights of a naturalized Filipino, including eligibility to represent the Philippines, subject to FIBA’s requirements.
Boatwright’s naturalization was pursued through House Bill No. 6639 and Senate Bill Nos. 1595 and 2646.
House Bill No. 6639, the consolidated measure, cleared the House of Representatives before receiving unanimous approval from the 13 senators present during a special session on third and final reading.
Senate Bill No. 2646 was initially authored by former senator Sonny Angara, now Department of Education secretary, while Sen. Kiko Pangilinan handled the committee review and eventually sponsored the measure on the Senate floor.
However, Boatwright will not be able to join Gilas Pilipinas for the men’s basketball competition of the 20th Asian Games.
The men’s basketball tournament is set for September 10 to 20, leaving Boatwright with too little time to complete the remaining naturalization requirements and secure the necessary documents before the Games.
