Bill granting Philippine citizenship to Ange Kouame gets House panel nod

The House Committee on Justice on Wednesday approved the measure seeking to grant Philippine citizenship to Angelo "Ange" Kouame of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, which would allow him to be part of Gilas Pilipinas, the country's national team for men's basketball.

During its meeting, the panel approved House Bill 5951, authored by Deputy Speaker Roberto Puno, who serves as vice chairperson of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

“I am thankful that my colleagues in the House of Representatives recognize the potential Mr. Kouame, who gave a stunning performance in the 82nd Season of the UAAP, can bring to our national team as they prepare to compete in the 2023 FIBA World Cup," Puno said following the approval of the measure.

Puno praised Kouame's "immense talent" as exhibited in the 16-0 sweep of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the recent UAAP season.

During UAAP Season 82, Kouame averaged 12.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and 1.4 assists for the Blue Eagles.

"I am hopeful that he will bring the same level of intensity as a member of Gilas Pilipinas. We just need to provide him with better opportunities to defend the Philippines internationally,” Puno said.

Puno believes that a pool of naturalized players will improve the national team's chances of qualifying for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Currently, FIBA Internal Regulations only allow a national basketball team player who has acquired the legal nationality of the country through naturalizations or by any other means after reaching the age of 16.

It is not the first time that the Philippines has granted naturalization to athletes to boost its lineup of the Philippine men's national team, with the granting of Philippine citizenship to Marcus Douthit and Andray Blatche.

“Gilas Pilipinas is in need of a new breed of players, and I am hopeful that we will be able to include Mr. Kouame to their roster," Puno said.

"But of course, we need more like him to ensure not only an exciting start but more importantly a strong finish in the next FIBA World Cup,” he added. 

A counterpart measure granting Philippine citizenship to Kouame was filed in the Senate by Senator Sonny Angara. —KG, GMA News