The Senate approved on third and final reading the bills seeking the naturalization of Boatwright and wrestler Matthew Ramos, opening another important chapter in the Filipino-American basketball prospect’s journey toward becoming eligible to represent Gilas Pilipinas.
With a 13-0 vote, the Senate gave the green light to House Bill Nos. 6639 and 6644, moving Boatwright one step closer to completing the process of becoming a naturalized Filipino citizen.
The development could have a major impact on the future of Philippine basketball, as Boatwright has been identified as a potential successor to longtime naturalized player Justin Brownlee.
Once finalized, Boatwright could become part of Gilas Pilipinas’ plans not only for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, but also for FIBA-sanctioned competitions as the country continues its push toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Boatwright’s naturalization journey faced unexpected delays after his bill became caught in the middle of a Senate leadership standoff.
Several measures, including the naturalization applications for Boatwright and Ramos, were left pending as the Senate dealt with an internal impasse.
The situation changed after a few senators shifted blocs, prompting President Bongbong Marcos to call a special session before the opening of the Third Regular Session on July 27.
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SENATE APPROVES CITIZENSHIP BILLS FOR BOATWRIGHT, RAMOS
The Senate on Wednesday, June 17, approved on third and final reading House Bill Nos. 6639 and 6644, granting Philippine citizenship to basketball player Bennie Francois Boatwright III and wrestler Matthew James Ramos. pic.twitter.com/4YqxtYuNMK
— iMPACT Leadership (@iMPACTPH2019) June 17, 2026
During that session, lawmakers were finally able to address the stalled measures, including the bills that could pave the way for Boatwright’s Gilas eligibility.
Although Boatwright and Ramos were not physically present during the special session, the Senate approved their measures in absentia after acknowledging their efforts throughout the process.
Senator Migz Zubiri highlighted the athletes’ commitment despite the previous delays.
“I would just like to put on record, they were here three days straight in the last, before we ended the session. I think they’re back to training, so I think it’s okay we elect them in absentia, because they deserve it Mr. President,” Senator Zubiri said.
The amendment was carried out under newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian after Alan Peter Cayetano stepped aside following Senator Joel Villanueva’s move to Gatchalian’s bloc.
Senator Francis Pangilinan, who sponsored the naturalization measures, welcomed the approval and recognized the patience Boatwright and Ramos showed while waiting for the legislative process to move forward.
For the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Boatwright represents a potential long-term addition to the national team pool.
The former PBA import brings a unique skill set as a versatile big man who can stretch the floor, create scoring opportunities, and defend multiple positions.
If the naturalization process is completed and all requirements are fulfilled, Boatwright would join Brownlee and Ange Kouame as foreign-born players eligible to wear the Gilas Pilipinas jersey.
With Brownlee already established as one of the country’s most important international players, Boatwright’s potential arrival gives Gilas another weapon as it prepares for future global competitions and the ambitious goal of reaching the 2028 Olympic stage.
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