Bennie Boatwright appears before Senate as naturalization bid resumes

Gilas Pilipinas prospect Bennie Boatwright appeared before the Senate on Wednesday as his naturalization bid officially resumed, marking his first appearance before the upper house.

The current San Miguel import was joined by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy and Gilas team manager Alfrancis Chua, as Boatwright addressed questions from the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, chaired by Senator Kiko Pangilinan.

Boatwright shared that he has long been familiar with Filipino culture, having grown up in Southern California that featured Filipino communities.

He even noted that he was once teammates with current Terrafirma guard Jerrick Ahanmisi, whom he is set to face later tonight in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

"I grew up in Southern California and there’s a big Filipino community there so just growing up, I have plenty of Filipino friends. I’m actually playing against ex-teammate from high school tonight, Jerrick Ahanmisi," Boatwright said.

"I’m familiar with the culture. Three years ago, when I played here in the PBA I felt at home as soon as I got off the plane. I appreciated everybody. I love playing here, I love being here. I’m excited for the opportunity."

Boatwright returned to the Philippines last month to reinforce the Beermen anew, marking his second stint in the PBA following a title run with the same team in February 2024.

Months after helping lead the Beermen in the Season 48 Commissioner's Cup, Boatwright’s naturalization bid gained traction when Senator Sonny Angara sponsored Senate Bill No. 2646 in April 2024.

He already appeared before the House of Representatives in November 2025 and was supposed to also appear before the Senate in March, but he couldn't attend due to commitment with Daegu KOGAS in Korea.

However, his second tour of duty with San Miguel has now helped pave the way for the resumption of his naturalization bid.

"Number one is the people. Everybody is loving, warm. And the grit, as far as competing, I resonate with that," Bowtwright said when asked why he wanted to play for the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Filipino-American wrestler Matthew James Ramos' naturalization process also got going in the Senate.

Ramos traces his Filipino heritage to his father, Crisente Holanday Ramos, and said he is eager to represent the Philippines on the international stage because of his family’s roots and history.

"It is an honor to be here. This stems back to when I was a child and hearing from my Tatay and a little history with my Lola and Lolo they sacrificed and left the Philippines to (fly) to the United States," Ramos said.

"Hearing this as a child engraved in me that if you may not have everything you have to practice gratitude. My father taught me that he didn’t have everything in the Philippines but he had dreams."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News