SAMAHANG Basketbol ng Pilipinas hopes to have Bennie Boatwright issued his naturalization papers and Philippine passport in time for Gilas Pilipinas’ title defense in the 20th Asian Games.
SBP Executive Director Erika Dy said the federation is now awaiting House Bill 6639 to finally be signed into law by Malacanang after being approved by the Senate on third and final reading.
Dy added the primary endgoal is for the 6-foot-10 Boatwright to play his first stint with the Philippine national team come the Asiad in Nagoya, Japan this September.
“The goal is paabutin siya (Boatwright),” said the SBP executive.
The bill granting Boatwright Filipino citizenship just needs the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. - or in the event he doesn't, the bill will still lapse into law after 60 days.
“So yan ang hinihintay natin,” said Dy.
“After nun, mag-oathtaking na siya and makakakuha na siya ng naturalization certificate sa BI (Bureau of Immigration) and yun ang dadalhin natin sa DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) para ma-issue-han siya ng passport.”
After staying in the country to play as San Miguel’s import in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup while also attending Senate hearings on his naturalization, the 29-year-old Boatwright has since returned to the U.S. to be with his family.
“As soon as pwede na siyang mag-oathtaking, puwede na siyang bumalik ulit,” said Dy of the University of Southern California product.
Gilas 1-2 punch
Boatwright would be a major addition to a Gilas side out to retain the basketball gold in the Asian Games, as coach Tim Cone hopes to have an explosive partnership between him and fellow naturalized player Justin Brownlee.
“Ang rule kasi sa Asian Games is there’s no limit sa naturalized players. Ang definition kasi nila dyan is as long as you’re in the country for three years. And alam naman natin si Bennie first played for San Miguel three years ago, so papasok siya dun sa residency rule,” said Dy.
Boatwright first suited up for the Beermen in the 2023 Comm’s Cup, steering the squad to the championship after beating the Magnolia in six games in the finals.
He could have gotten his naturalization papers earlier had his return to the Philippines not been delayed by his stint with the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the 2026 Korean Basketball League.
As things stand, his fellow naturalized players Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means had already taken their oaths of citizenship.
“Tapos na silang mag-oathtaking, so for release na lang sa BI yung naturalization certificates nila, and then diretso na yan sa DFA for their passports,” Dy said.
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