Bennie Boatwright eyes completion of Gilas naturalization bid in return to PH

Bennie Boatwright flew back to the Philippines not only to reinforce San Miguel anew in the PBA, but also to get his naturalization process rolling again as part of his bid to play for Gilas Pilipinas.

The 6-foot-10 import is back on Philippine soil to help revive the Beermen’s campaign in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup after San Miguel dropped four of its last seven games and made two import changes.

Boatwright wasted no time making his presence felt, erupting for 41 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists to power San Miguel to a 98–94 victory over NLEX on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

His return could also serve as a timely boost for the national team program as he can now restart his naturalization process to become a Filipino citizen.

“I'm looking forward to it. I think we have one more hearing in the Senate and I think I should be good to go after that. It's nice that I'm here,” Boatwright told reporters on the heels of his explosive return.

"I'm very confident. I'm just being patient."

Boatwright's naturalization process started in April 2024 after former Senator Sonny Angara sponsored Senate Bill No. 2646 to grant Philippine citizenship to Boatwright.

Boatwright, alongside other Gilas' naturalization candidates Malick Diuof and Elizabeth Means, then attended a hearing before the House of Representatives in November 2025. On March 3, the Senate, led by Senator Kiko Pangilinan, held a public hearing to tackle their naturalization process but Boatwright could not attend due to his then-commitment with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in Korea. 

The Senate approved Diouf's and Means' naturalization, while Boatwright remains pending. 

The 29-year-old Boatwright, who previously led San Miguel to the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup title, remains confident of securing the upper chamber's approval and moving closer to representing the Philippines on the international stage.

"It's good to be back home. I appreciate coach and everybody for bringing me back as San Miguel's import. I'm just excited to be playing with the guys. You know, it's like I never left," he said.

—JMB, GMA News