BENNIE Boatwright's naturalization has been co-sponsored by Senators Francis Pangilinan, Jinggoy Estrada, Pia Cayetano, and Bong Go on Tuesday.
The four senators spoke at the plenary to support House Bill 6639 that sought the naturalization of Boatwright, as well as House Bill 6644, seeking the naturalization of Fil-Am wrestler Matthew James Ramos.
The senators will now study the measure for approval as Boatwright's naturalization process continues to move even after recent developments at the Upper House.
Boatwright personally attended the Senate session as his naturalization was part of the agenda with hope that he can be declared a Filipino citizen in time for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Pangilinan chaired the Senate Committee of Justice and Human Rights which held a hearing on Boatwright.
“By embracing the Philippines and choosing to stand with Filipino athletes, Bennie Boatwright strengthens not only our basketball program but also our hopes of excelling on the international stage, defending our Asian Games title, and one day returning to the Olympics,” said Pangilinan.
Estrada also supported the measure after also attending the hearing on Boatwright's naturalization.
“As a staunch advocate of basketball and sports in general, this representation has been continously supporting measures that will improve the conditions of Filipino athletes and to make them globally competitive, dahil sama-sama tayong nangangarap na makita ang Philippine sports, basketball man o wrestling, na umangat sa buong mundo,” said Estrada.
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