Douthit turns naturalized Phl citizen

MANILA, Philippines - With House Bill 2307 lapsing into law after President Aquino left it unsigned following the prescribed month-long grace period, Marcus Douthit is now a naturalized Filipino.

Antipolo Second District Rep. Robbie Puno, who authored the Bill seeking Douthit’s naturalization, yesterday said they’re now in the process of finalizing the completion of Douthit’s papers, making the 6-10 Syracuse, New York native eligible to play for Smart Gilas and other national teams as a Filipino in future international meets.

“Our bill is still in Malacañang but they will forward the enrolled copy to their records within the week where it will be assigned its Republic Act Number,” said Puno. “The Palace also acknowledged that this bill did lapse into law as of March 11.”

The Bill was forwarded to the Palace last Feb. 9.

Douthit welcomed the news, saying he could now completely focus on the task at hand, which is spearheading the Nationals’ bid to snare the lone berth in the 2012 London Olympics in the FIBA-Asia Championships set in September in Wuhan, China.

“I’m very happy, of course, because I can now concentrate on playing and not worry on anything about my papers. I can now focus on helping the team completely without the distraction.”

Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman and team manager Frankie Lim also welcomed the news.

“He will be a very integral part of our future campaigns not only for Smart Gilas Pilipinas but also for other future national basketball teams in the next four to five years,” said Toroman referring to Douthit.

“It’s good news for everyone, Marcus gives us a legitimate chance in the FIBA-Asia Championship in China,” said Lim.

The 30-year-old Douthit’s presence is expected to address the Filipinos’ need for a dominant inside presence.

Douthit has been churning out solid games in the ongoing PBA Commissioners Cup where the Nationals lead the field with a 4-0 (win-loss) slate.

As this developed, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Board of Trustees will meet today at its PLDT Office in Makati City to discuss several matters, including the naturalization of Douthit and the possibly the appointment of the successor of outgoing executive director Noli Eala.