Gilas Pilipinas Men's prospect Bennie Boatwright. Photo from SBP
MANILA -- The Philippine Senate on Wednesday held a public hearing tackling the naturalization bid of Gilas Pilipinas Men's prospect Bennie Boatwright.
The Committee on Justice and Human Rights, chaired by Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, led the panel hearing to discuss House Bill No. 6639 and Senate Bill 1595 for Boatwright, as well as the bid of wrestler Matthew James Ramos through House Bill No. 6644 and Senate Bill No. 1613.
Pangilinan expressed its support for the naturalization of Boatwright and Ramos.
READ: Now back in PH, Bennie Boatwright optimistic of naturalization bid
"Through basketball and wrestling, Bennie and Matthew have chosen to carry our flag into the most demanding arenas of global competition. Sports can be one of the purest languages of nationalism and patriotism," said Pangilinan.
Senators Bong Go and Jinggoy Estrada also backed for Boatwright's naturalization.
“Granting deserving individuals Philippine citizenship will not only strengthen our national sports program and enhance our international competitiveness, but will also inspire future generations of Filipino athletes to pursue excellence, discipline, and national pride,” said Go.
"The combination of world-class skill and puso ng Pinoy would definitely give us a good standing in the international stage,” said Estrada.
Meanwhile, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) expressed its gratitude to the Senate for conducting the hearing, moving a step forward to boosting the men's national hoops program.