Malick Diouf nears senate approval for naturalization as Bennie Boatwright’s bid faces delay

The push to strengthen the Philippines’ national teams shifted to the Senate floor Tuesday as lawmakers began deliberations on bills seeking to grant Filipino citizenship to four foreign athletes.

The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights tackled the naturalization measures for basketball players Malick Diouf, Bennie Boatwright, and Elizabeth Means, along with wrestler Matthew James Ramos, in a bid to boost the country’s international campaign.

Among the four, Diouf and Means are closest to the senate’s approval for naturalization.

Senate Bill No. 1596, which covers Diouf, and Senate Bill No. 1594 for Means, both authored by Sen. Pia Cayetano is expected to reach third and final reading at the Senate plenary next week. Their applications have gained steady traction and could soon be transmitted for final approval.

Boatwright and Ramos, however, encountered a temporary setback. Both athletes failed to appear during the first and second readings of their respective bills before the committee chaired by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, potentially pushing further deliberations to April.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) closely monitored the proceedings. Executive director Erika Dy and Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 program director Ryan Gregorio attended the hearing, highlighting the federation’s commitment to reinforcing its national squads.

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PARA SA GILAS, PARA SA PILIPINAS

Former UP Fighting Maroons standout Malick Diouf and NCAA Division II player Elizabeth Means were present at the Senate of the Philippines to address matters concerning their naturalization.#GilasPilipinas #FIBA

Facebook | SBP pic.twitter.com/s7p1rbrnP2

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) March 3, 2026

Means is projected to provide an immediate boost to the Gilas Women 3×3 team, while Diouf is being developed as part of the Gilas 3×3 pool. 

Boatwright, on the other hand, has long been eyed as a major addition to the Gilas 5×5 squad, where he could join naturalized standouts Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame.

Despite the delay affecting Boatwright and Ramos, sports officials remain optimistic that all four athletes will secure their naturalization within the year.

“As former (first ever) SBP executive director, I support the naturalization process of the SBP. Basketball is the “national passion” of the Pinoys. We must support,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.

Senate Committee on Sports chairman Sen. Bong Go also voiced support for the measures, pointing to areas where the national team needs reinforcement.

“During the past two games of Gilas, nakita po natin ang kakulangan ng team. Boatwright can play outside and inside. Although papasok na tayo sa next round, malaking tulong po kung sakaling maipasa natin ito,” Go said.

Having already cleared the second round at the Lower House, the bills for Diouf and Means are now one hearing away from being forwarded to Malacañang for President Bongbong Marcos’ signature.

Still, Gregorio stressed that the legislative process requires personal accountability, explaining that Boatwright and Ramos must appear before senators to undergo scrutiny is a crucial step before citizenship can be granted.

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