Former UAAP MVP Malick Diouf set for naturalization deliberation

A proposed measure seeking to grant Philippine citizenship to former UAAP MVP and UP Fighting Maroons star Malick Diouf is among the items being deliberated by the House Committee on Justice today.

Based on the committee’s schedule posted on the House website, House Bill No. 5899, filed by Speaker Faustino Michael Carlos Dy III, aims to naturalize the 6-foot-11 Senegalese center, who starred for the Fighting Maroons and helped deliver a UAAP championship to Diliman.

Diouf, who also once represented the country in international 3×3 play, is the latest athlete being considered for naturalization as various national sports bodies continue bolstering their programs with foreign-born players who have spent significant time competing and living in the Philippines.

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As shared by 1st district Rep for Zamboanga Sibugay, Marlo Bancoro

Malick Diouf (HB05899), Bennie Boatright (HB04401), Elizabeth Means (HB05813) getting their naturalization legislative action in order.

All three Bills are principally authored by Speaker Bojie Dy. pic.twitter.com/ZlgWCDZJWV

— PHSports LiveScores (@LiveScoresPH) November 18, 2025

Also up for discussion are separate naturalization measures for wrestler Matthew James Ramos and former San Miguel Beermen import Bennie Francois Boatwright III.

He will join a long list of naturalized Filipinos such as former NBA player Andray Blatche, Gilas Pilipinas big men Ange Kouame and Justin Brownlee, and former national team player Marcus Douthit.

The hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. at the Speaker Belmonte Hall in the South Wing Annex of the Batasang Pambansa, and will be streamed live on the official Facebook page of the House of Representatives.

Should the bills secure committee approval, they will proceed to the plenary for debate and voting before moving on to the Senate and eventually the Office of the President for enactment.

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