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| Bennie Boatwright's naturalization bid finally got the nod from the Senate after a long delay. PBA Images (file photo) |
PASAY—Bennie Boatwright is now just one step away from gaining Filipino citizenship as the Senate finally approved his naturalization on its third reading.
After a long delay caused by a leadership impasse that was finally resolved when Sherwin Gatchalian was sworn in as Senate president, the quorum present during the morning part of a special session called upon by President Bongbong Marcos unanimously said yes to passing House Bill 6639 at the senatorial level.
Also given approval after a long delay was House Bill 6644, granting Filipino citizenship to Filipino-American wrestler Matthew Ramos, with a 13-0 vote.
Boatwright and Ramos will now need the signature of Marcos to be formally granted naturalization, although they may be lapsed into law after 30 days without his signature.
If Marcos can act on it quickly, Boatwright may make it in time for the Asian Games, where the eligibility only requires players to have a Philippine passport.
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