The naturalization bids of Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means are moving forward in the Senate, while the applications of Bennie Boatwright and Matthew James Ramos were deferred as both are abroad.
Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means took another step in their bid to become naturalized players by appearing before the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights on Tuesday, March 3.
The committee, chaired by Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, deliberated on four measures seeking to naturalize athletes as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s men’s and women’s basketball programs.
Also on the agenda were former PBA champion and San Miguel import Bennie Boatwright and wrestler Matthew James Ramos, although deliberations on their applications were deferred because both are currently out of the country.
Senate Bill No. 1596, which covers Diouf’s naturalization, and Senate Bill No. 1594 for Means were authored by Sen. Pia Cayetano.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy and Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 program director Ryan Gregorio were present at the hearing.
The proceedings come as Gilas Pilipinas continues to recalibrate across its programs.
[RELATED: Bennie Boatwright, Malick Diouf, Elizabeth Means take first steps in naturalization bids]
The Gilas 3x3 teams are coming off a disappointing campaign at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, where both the men’s and women’s squads failed to reach the podium.
Meanwhile, the Gilas Women reclaimed regional supremacy after defeating host Thailand in the gold medal round.
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.