THE bill seeking the naturalization of Bennie Boatwright has lapsed into law, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy confirmed.
The bill was left unsigned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., but is set to become law 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
The said condition, however, makes Boatwright unavailable for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming Asian Games since his Philippine passport will only be processed once the 15-day period elapses, an Oath of Allegiance is conducted, and documents required by the Bureau of Immigration are submitted.
House Bill No. 6639 that sought for the naturalization of Boatwright was approved by the Senate on third and final reading on June 17.
Boatwright as another option
But Boatwright will probably be eligible by the time the next window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian qualifiers which will fall in November when Gilas faces Syria and Iran.
Boatwright will be a big boost to the Philippine national team program which already has Justin Brownlee as its primary naturalized player.
Brownlee, though, is already 38 years old and missed the recent window due to injuries.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
