THE naturalization bill of Gilas Pilipinas prospect Bennie Boatwright remains pending action at Malacañang, Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro said Wednesday.
“Pending for action,” Castro said in a message to Bilyonaryo News Channel’s Rachel Ivy Reyes.
The development further clouds Boatwright’s chances of completing his naturalization in time for the 2026 Asian Games, where Gilas Pilipinas is set to defend its men’s basketball gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Boatwright’s naturalization bill has reached Malacañang after clearing Congress, but it has yet to be acted upon by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
Even if the measure lapses into law without the President’s signature, Boatwright would still need to complete several requirements before he can represent the Philippines, including taking his oath of allegiance, securing a naturalization certificate from the Bureau of Immigration and obtaining a Philippine passport.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas had earlier included Boatwright in its initial Asian Games pool and had been hoping to complete his papers in time for the tournament.
However, Gilas head coach Tim Cone has already ruled out Boatwright for the Asian Games, saying the naturalized forward will not be available because his papers did not come through on time.
Boatwright is also unavailable for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers window, leaving Gilas without a naturalized player for its games against Jordan and Iran.
Justin Brownlee is recovering from multiple injuries, while Angelo Kouame remains in France under contract, forcing Gilas to go all-Filipino for the crucial August window. (Adrian Co)
