San miguel: San Miguel import Bennie Boatwright moved closer to becoming a Filipino citizen after the Senate approved on second reading the bill seeking his naturalization, paving the way for a possible stint with Gilas Pilipinas.

According to Philippines News Agency, during Session No. 68 on Tuesday, senators tackled House Bill No. 6639 and Senate Bill No. 1595, with Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan sponsoring and defending the measure before the plenary. The deliberations saw Senator Joel Villanueva raise questions on existing policies governing the evaluation of foreign nationals applying for Philippine citizenship, while Senator Rodante Marcoleta pushed for stricter safeguards to ensure applicants' allegiance to the country.

Pangilinan noted that the concerns had already been extensively discussed during committee hearings, adding that Boatwright's application underwent thorough scrutiny to assess his commitment to the country, including embracing the Filipino culture and eventually settling in the Philippines. The measure will next hurdle the third and final reading before it can be transmitted to Malaca±ang for the President's approval.

Boatwright last suited up in the ongoing PBA Commissioner's Cup, where he powered San Miguel Beer to a quarterfinal finish behind averages of 31 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has been pushing for the naturalization of the versatile 6-foot-10 big man as it continues to strengthen Gilas Pilipinas' pool of naturalized players led by Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame.