Malacañang on Wednesday confirmed that Filipino-American athletes Bennie Francois Boatwright III and Matthew James Ramos have been granted Philippine citizenship, clearing the way for both to represent the country in upcoming international sporting competitions.
Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro announced in a message to reporters that Republic Act No. 12323 grants Philippine citizenship to basketball player Bennie Francois Boatwright III, while Republic Act No. 12324 confers citizenship upon wrestler Matthew James Ramos.
Boatwright, a former import for San Miguel Beer in the PBA, has long been eyed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to join the Gilas Pilipinas national team pool as a naturalized player. Meanwhile, Ramos, an accomplished wrestler who traces his Filipino heritage to Basista, Pangasinan, where his father Crisante Ramos was raised, previously expressed his desire to represent the Philippines on the international wrestling stage.
The two measures originated from House Bill Nos. 6639 and 6644, respectively. While both bills passed final reading in the Senate back in June following delays in Congress, their formal enactments mark the final legislative hurdle, allowing both athletes to begin standard post-naturalization procedures, including taking their oath of allegiance and securing Philippine passports.