NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Second Regular Session
of Hi? .<■ ft , i"
24 APR 29 P 6 :05
RHCEi m.D 8’ ;
SENATE
S. B. No. 2646
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO BENNIE FRANCOIS
BOATWRIGHT III
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Bennie Francois Boatwright III, a 27-year old American-born basketball player 
who currently plays for the San Miguel Beermen of the Philippine Basketball 
Association (PBA), has endeared himself to this basketball-loving nation with his 
combination of explosive athleticism and shooting touch. At 6 foot 10 inches, 
Boatwright possesses a unique skill set that makes him formidable both offensively 
and defensively as he has both the ability to stretch the floor and be dominant in the 
post.
Born on July 13, 1996 in California to Bennie Boatwright Sr. and Rebeca Monje, 
Boatwright III played college basketball for the University of Southern California (USC) 
Trojans. His performance throughout his stint as a Trojan earned him a spot in the 
AII-Pac-12 which is a distinction given to the best players in the conference after the 
season. He then played for several teams both in and outside the United States of 
America including the Memphis Hustle and the Fort Wayne Mad Ants under the 
National Basketball Association's (NBA) G League. He also had a stint with the 
Libertadores de Queretaro in Mexico and is currently affiliated with the Shanxi Loongs 
of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
However, his stay with the San Miguel Beermen during the PBA 2023-2024 
Commissioner's Cup was what Filipinos know and love him most for as his performance


was incredibly instrumental in the Beermen's championship run. In fact, in one of the 
games during the said conference, Boatwright III scored 51 points. Boatwright III has 
also embraced the love and support of Filipinos and has expressed a strong willingness 
to continue playing for the Philippines not only in the PBA but also in the world's stage 
which would - in turn - be very beneficial to Philippine basketball as we continue to 
improve our global standing.
Hence, in view of the foregoing, immediate passage of the bill is earnestly 
sought.
SONNY ANGARA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Second Regular Session
SENATE
S. B. No. 2646
(©ftiCP Of Ilir f
2A «29 P6m
RI:CE)V;;o bv.
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO BENNIE FRANCOIS
BOATWRIGHT III
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress Assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Grant of Philippine Citizenship to Bennie Francois
2 
Boatwright III. - Mr. Bennie Francois Boatwright III is hereby granted Philippine
3 
citizenship with all the rights, privileges and prerogatives, as well as the duties and
4 
obligations appurtenant thereto under the Constitution and the laws of the Republic
5 
of the Philippines.
6 
SEC. 2. Oath of Allegiance. — Mr. Bennie Francois Boatwright III shall take
7 
the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines before an officer duly
8 
authorized for this purpose. The Oath of Allegiance shall be registered with the Bureau
9 
of Immigration.
10 
SEC. 3. Certificate of Naturalization and Enjoyment of Philippine
11 
Citizenship. -Upon registration of the Oath of Allegiance, the Bureau of Immigration
12 
shall forthwith issue Mr. Bennie Francois Boatwright Ill's Certificate of Naturalization,
13 
who shall thereupon enter into the full enjoyment of Philippine citizenship.
14 
SEC. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect immediately upon publication
15 
in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,