2 Gilas players naturalized

MANILA, Philippines —  The House of Representatives has approved on second reading the measure granting Filipino citizenship – via naturalization – to two foreign basketball players in the Gilas Pilipinas team – American Bennie Francois Boatwright III and Senegalese Maodo Diouf.

During plenary sessions late Wednesday, lawmakers approved House Bills 6639 and 6640, granting Philippine citizenship to the two foreigners who have long been fixtures in Philippine basketball both in the professional and collegiate leagues.

Boatwright is a 29-year-old US-born basketball player who currently plays for the San Miguel Beermen of the PBA. A separate bill was filed by former senator Sonny Angara in the Senate for his naturalization, through Senate Bill 2646.

Angara noted that Boatwright has “endeared himself to this basketball-loving nation with his combination of explosive athleticism and shooting touch.”

The 26-year-old Diouf, who stands at 6-foot-11, meanwhile, used to play as a center for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.