Bennie Boatwright stays patient on Gilas Pilipinas naturalization
FILE– San Miguel Beer import Bennie Francois Boatwright III attends the consultative meeting conducted by the Committee on Justice and Human Rights Monday, May 6, 2024, on a proposal to grant him a Filipino citizenship. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)
ANTIPOLO—With Bennie Boatwright back in town reinforcing San Miguel Beer in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, expectations are that the process for his naturalization could speed up.
Boatwright, however, is letting things play out as he expressed his elation over the prospect of being part of the Gilas Pilipinas program.
READ: PBA: San Miguel banks on Bennie Boatwright to steady ship
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said after dropping 41 points in the Beermen’s 98-94 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors at Ynares Center here. “I keep that in mind every day when I’m training, just preparing for it. I think it’s a real good opportunity and I’m grateful for it.”
The 6-foot-10 has attended just one committee hearing each in the Senate and House of Representatives, but is due for at least one more appearance.
Bennie Boatwright talks about his naturalization process after an impressive PBA return for San Miguel Beer | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/ktO9aWsu9s
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A bill for Boatwright’s naturalization has to pass the committee level and approved on the second and third levels of both chambers before it is sent to Malacanang for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign it into law.
READ: Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization for Gilas Pilipinas set to begin
Boatwright could also become a Filipino citizen if the bill is not signed by the Chief Executive after 30 days.
“I just wait on Coach Richard,” said Boatwright, referring to Richard del Rosario, who serves as Gilas team manager. “Coach Richard takes care of everything; he makes everything smooth. I just stay patient.”
Boatwright made his comeback after San Miguel was left in the dark by the sudden absence of Justin Patton in a loss to Magnolia.
He shot 13-of-29 from the field with two threes and two fours while hauling down five rebounds in the win that improved San Miguel’s record to 4-4.
