House committee on justice approves Kouame’s naturalization grant

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

The Philippine House committee on Justice just approved the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Antipolo City 1st District Representative, Deputy Speaker Roberto “Robbie” V. Puno’s House Bill No. 5951 which seeks to grant Ivorian Center Ange Kouame Filipino citizenship.

“I am thankful that my colleagues in the House of Representatives recognize the potential Mr. Kouame, who gave a stunning performance in the 82nd Season of the UAAP, can bring to our national team as they prepare to compete in the 2023 FIBA World Cup,” said Puno.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles’ center was initially a member of the Gilas Pilipinas roster heading to Bahrain but his naturalization process faced delays that forced SBP program director Tab Baldwin to cut him from the roster.

“It’s a really good opportunity sa akin kasi I wouldn’t have even expected this. I’m grateful to represent the country and despite the fact that I came from Africa, I’m doing it for my family also,” Kouame said.

Now that Kouame’s naturalization approval is already done in the committee level, it will now move on to the next stage of the final proceedings where the decision will be put into the hands of the congressmen in the House of Representatives.

“Gilas Pilipinas is in need of a new breed of players, and I am hopeful that we will be able to include Mr. Kouame to their roster. But of course, we need more like him to ensure not only an exciting start but more importantly a strong finish in the next FIBA World Cup,” Puno added.