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Blatche only needs oath to be Filipino—Palace
Gilas head coach Chot Reyes (L) and Andray Blatche. Danny Pata
(Updated 4:54 pm) Brooklyn Nets center Andray Blatche has been accorded Filipino citizenship, Malacañang announced on Wednesday.
The American basketball player underwent the country's naturalization process so he could play for the Philippine national team in the FIBA World tournament in Spain in August.
Blatche is also expected to play for the Philippines in the Asian Games.
"We confirm that the President signed Republic Act 10636 granting Filipino citizenship to Mr. Blatche," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a text message to reporters.
RA 10636 states that Blatche shall be granted Philippine citizenship "with all the rights, privileges, and prerogatives, as well as duties and obligations appurtenant thereto under the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of the Philippines."
The law however says that Blatche will only fully enjoy his citizenship after he has taken his oath of allegiance before an authorized officer and has registered with the Bureau of Immigration, which will issue his certificate of naturalization.
The Department of Justice on Monday cleared Blatche and supported his bid to become a Filipino citizen. — NB, GMA News
