Gilas Pilipinas’ bid to defend its Asian Games crown may soon receive a major boost—not through a new recruitment drive, but through the final steps of a long-running process.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is now racing against time to complete Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization before the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, where the federation hopes the former San Miguel import can finally wear Philippine colors in official competition.
For months, Boatwright’s availability has depended less on basketball and more on paperwork.
According to SBP Executive Director Erika Dy, the federation is now waiting for House Bill 6639 to officially become law after it secured Senate approval on third and final reading.
“The goal is paabutin siya (Boatwright),” Dy said, referring to the national team’s target of having the 6-foot-10 forward eligible in time for the continental meet.
The legislation now only requires the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. If no action is taken within the constitutional period, it will automatically lapse into law.
“So yan ang hinihintay natin,” Dy explained.
“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.”
Once those formalities are completed, Boatwright is expected to immediately return to the Philippines.
The 29-year-old University of Southern California product had remained in the country during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup not only to reinforce San Miguel Beer but also to attend Senate hearings related to his citizenship application before eventually returning to the United States to spend time with his family.
“As soon as pwede na siyang mag-oathtaking, puwede na siyang bumalik ulit,” Dy said.
Boatwright’s arrival would give Gilas another proven scorer with familiarity in Philippine basketball.
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INAPRUBAHAN NA NG SENADO
The Senate approved on third and final reading on Wednesday, June 17, bills granting Filipino citizenship to basketball player Bennie Boatwright and wrestler Matthew James Ramos, after the measures were delayed by the Senate leadership dispute that… pic.twitter.com/ajCjmP0HEk
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) June 17, 2026
The American big man first suited up for San Miguel in the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup, leading the Beermen to the championship after defeating Magnolia in the Finals. His previous stint in the PBA also works in his favor under Asian Games eligibility rules.
“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,” Dy explained.
That eligibility could allow national team head coach Tim Cone to deploy Boatwright alongside longtime Gilas naturalized player Justin Brownlee, potentially giving the Philippines one of its deepest frontcourts in recent years as it seeks to defend the gold medal won in Hangzhou.
Boatwright’s naturalization process could have been completed earlier had his return to the Philippines not been delayed by his commitment with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League.
Meanwhile, two other Gilas hopefuls are already nearing the finish line.
Naturalized basketball prospects Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means have already completed their oath-taking ceremonies and are now awaiting the release of their naturalization certificates before securing Philippine passports.
“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.
With the legal process entering its final stage, Gilas Pilipinas now waits for the last signature that could pave the way for another key piece in its quest to remain Asia’s basketball champion.
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