Boatwright, Ramos naturalizations boost Phl sports

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go welcomed the enactment of laws granting Philippine citizenship to basketball standout Bennie Boatwright and Filipino-American wrestler Matthew James Ramos, calling the development another investment in the country’s ability to compete in the international arena.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, is an author and co-sponsor of the measures that became Republic Act 12323 for Boatwright and Republic Act 12324 for Ramos.

“Citizenship is more than a legal status; it is a bond of loyalty, responsibility and shared purpose. In the case of these two athletes, we see two individuals who are willing to carry our flag, represent our people, and contribute to the continuing development of Philippine sports,” Go said when he co-sponsored their naturalization measures in May.

The Senate approved House Bill Nos. 6639 and 6644, granting citizenship to Boatwright and Ramos, respectively, on third and final reading during its 17 June special session. Both measures received 13 affirmative votes with no negative votes or abstentions.

The bills were transmitted to the Office of the President on 30 July. The measures subsequently lapsed into law after the constitutional period for presidential action expired.

Go was among the authors of Senate Bill No. 1595, the Senate counterpart for Boatwright’s naturalization, together with Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano. He solely authored SBN 1613 seeking Philippine citizenship for Ramos.

Boatwright, a 6-foot-10 United States-born forward who previously reinforced San Miguel Beer in the Philippine Basketball Association, has been eyed as an additional option for Gilas Pilipinas in future FIBA competitions and other international tournaments.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has supported his naturalization as part of efforts to deepen the national team pool.

“We support this measure because it will help our national team and advance Philippine sports,” Go said.

“When an athlete is ready to represent the Philippines and abide by our laws, we should study and support steps that will benefit the nation.”