MANILA, Philippines - The Samahang Basketbol ng Pililipas is in no rush to solicit the signature of President Aquino and pave the way for the formal entry of Andray Blatche into the Gilas Pilipinas lineup.
Sonny Barrios, executive director of SBP, told yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate that they have enough time to work on Blatche’s papers.
The 6-foot-11 member of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA has been tapped by Gilas Pilipinas to beef up its lineup for this year’s FIBA World Cup and Asian Games.
The FIBA World Cup is set Aug. 30 to Sept. 14 in Spain while the Asian Games will take place Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Incheon, South Korea.
It’s the first time in 36 years the country has qualified to the World Cup.
Barrios said there’s no need to rush the President on the matter.
``You must understand that the President is a busy person. Let’s not get ahead of him,’’ Barrios said in the weekly forum sponsored by Pagcor, Accel and Shakey’s.
“The President is aware of the urgency. We’re optimistic that he will act on it sooner or later, so let’s not rush him. We’re always in touch with his office,†added Barrios.
He said Blatche’s naturalization papers were already forwarded to the Office of the President for signing. The deadline of submission of the Asiad lineup is on Aug. 15.
Behind the initiatives of Antipolo Rep. Robbie Puno, the Lower House approved the naturalization of the 6-foot-11 Blatche.
Then last week, the Senate approved on the third and final reading the bill granting Blatche a Filipino citizenship. The Senate bill was introduced by Sen. Sonny Angara.
All that’s needed now is the President’s signature.
“Things will work out fine,’’ assured Barrios, the former PBA commissioner.