Boatwright returns, revives Gilas naturalization bid

Bennie Boatwright flew back to the Philippines not only to reinforce San Miguel Beer in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, 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 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 Ynares Center in Antipolo.

He also shot 3-of-5 from the four-point line in his first game back with the Beermen.

His return could 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 is seeking to be naturalized to become eligible to play for Gilas Pilipinas.

His naturalization process started in April 2024 when then-Sen. Sonny Angara filed Senate Bill No. 2646 in the 19th Congress to grant Philippine citizenship to Boatwright.

Boatwright suffered an Achilles injury in August 2024, putting the process on hold.

Boatwright, alongside other Gilas naturalization candidates Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means, then attended a hearing before the House of Representatives in November 2025.

On March 3, the Senate, led by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, held a public hearing to tackle their naturalization process, but Boatwright could not attend because of his commitment with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in South Korea.

The Senate approved the naturalization of Diouf and Means, while Boatwright’s bid remains pending.

The 29-year-old, 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.

Boatwright said he is not privy to details on the naturalization process because it is being handled by Gilas deputy coach Richard del Rosario.

For now, Boatwright said he is staying positive and keeping himself ready for the chance to suit up for the national team.

“I keep that in mind every day when I’m training. So I’m just preparing, just preparing for it. I think it’s a real good opportunity that I’m grateful for,” Boatwright shared.

Boatwright said his return to San Miguel has also been seamless.

“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.

The import reunited with the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA 50 Commissioner’s Cup last week and played his first game on Sunday.

For San Miguel, Boatwright’s return provides an immediate answer to its import situation as the Beermen try to regain momentum in the conference.

For Gilas Pilipinas, his presence in the country could help move forward a naturalization bid that has stretched for nearly two years.