The House of Representatives began hearings on the naturalization of Malick Diouf, Bennie Boatwright, and Elizabeth Means on Wednesday.
The three athletes attended a congressional hearing at 9:30 AM.
The bills are HB05899 for Malick Diouf, HB04401 for Bennie Boatwright, and HB05813 for Elizabeth Means. All three were authored by Isabela Congressman Rep. Bojie Dy.
Diouf, a product of the University of the Philippines, is a Senegalese big man who previously studied and played for Centro Escolar University before transferring to UP.
The 26-year-old, who stands 6-foot-11, is a former UAAP regular season and finals MVP.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas plans to play him for the 3×3 program.
Meanwhile, Boatwright, 29, is an American who played for San Miguel during the 2023–24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The 6-foot-10 forward is currently playing for P. League+ team Taipei Fubon.
On the other hand, Means is a 6-foot forward who attended Division II school Westminster University.
She just completed her first professional season with A Encestar in Ecuador.
The bills will undergo three hearings in the House of Representatives before moving to the Senate.
Once all three readings are completed in the Senate, the measures will be forwarded to the Office of the President for final approval.
