The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading three measures granting Philippine citizenship to three basketball players, clearing the way for them to represent the country in international competitions.
Lawmakers approved House Bill 6639 granting citizenship to Bennie Boatwright, House Bill 6640 for the naturalization of Malick Diouf, and House Bill 6641 for the Philippine citizenship of Elizabeth Jeanette Means.
The measures were authored by House Committee on Youth and Sports Development chairperson and Isabela 5th District Representative Faustino Michael Dy, House Committee on Justice chairperson and Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, Rizal 2nd District Representative Emigdio Tanjuatco III, and Cagayan de Oro City 1st District Representative Lordan Suan.
Boatwright, a 29-year-old 6’10” player from Los Angeles, California, recently played as an import in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and won a championship with San Miguel Beermen.
Diouf, a 6’11” center from Cité Taco Commune Nord in Senegal, first played for Centro Escolar University before transferring to the University of the Philippines, where he was named Most Valuable Player in the UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball tournament.
Meanwhile, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is seeking the naturalization of Means, who was born in Thousand Oaks, California, citing her exceptional character, values, and athletic contributions.