EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 2058
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DATE
T»ME
NDEK
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon
AN ACT GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO ANGEL KOUAME
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The passion and excitement for the game of hoops was first introduced in the 
Phiiippines, as part of the official school system in the 1800s by the American 
missionaries. The sport began to exponentially grow in popularity in the decades that 
followed, and has since been nurtured by the school system from primary school up 
to the collegiate level.
Student-athlete Kakou Ange Franck Williams Kouame has dominated the 
basketball scene, and earned the favor of the Filipino crowd, with his commitment and 
desire to continue living in the Philippines.
The 6-foot-lO Kouame averaged 12.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 
1.4 assists to lead the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles into a 16-0 sweep and 
three-peat title conquest in the UAAP Season 82. He was the Rookie of the Year in 
Season 81.
Kouame is seen to boost the country's preparations, and help advance the 
national team in the international basketball ranking in different tournaments.
He is expected to join the players of Gilas Pilipinas, and improve the national 
team's chances in the 2021 RBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. RBA Internal Regulations allows 
just one naturalized player to suit up per national basketball team.


Kouame will be the third naturalized player to represent the Philippines, after 
Marcus Douthit and Andray Blatche. Douthit was instrumental in the Philippines' 
campaign in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships, while Blatche played for Gilas Pilipinas 
in the 2014 and 2019 RBA Basketball World Cups.
The commitment to go through the process of naturalization is more than the 
aspiration to represent the country in the game of basketball. Kouame has embraced 
the culture and the people, that the Philippines has become his home.
It is for the reasons stated above that the passage of this measure is earnestly
sought.
.GORDON
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 2058
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon
TIME
AN ACT GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO ANGELO KOUAME
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in
Congress assembied:
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SECTION 1. Mr. Kakou Ange Franck Williams Kouame is hereby granted Philippine 
citizenship with all the rights, privileges and prerogatives, as well as the duties and 
obligations appurtenant thereto under the Constitution and the laws of the Republic 
of the Philippines.
SEC. 2. After the taking by Mr. Kouame of his Oath of Allegiance before an officer 
duly authorized for this purpose, and the registration of the same with the Bureau of 
Immigration, Mr. Angelo Kouame shall enter upon the full enjoyment of his Philippine 
citizenship.
SEC. 3. Upon registration of the Oath of Allegiance, the Bureau of Immigration shall 
issue a Certificate of Naturalization to Mr. Kakou Ange Franck Williams Kouame who 
shall thereupon enter into full enjoyment of Philippine citizenship.
SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette 
or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,