Filipino Naturalization
| “ | I'll never have Filipino blood, but as far as becoming a Filipino, I'll always have it in my heart." | ” |
|
—Marcus Eugene Douthit |
In February 2011, former Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Noli Eala announced that Douthit's application for Filipino naturalization has already been transmitted for signature to the office of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. Thirty days after February 9, the day the application reached the president's office at Malacañan Palace, Douthit would secure his Filipino citizenship with or without Aquino's signature.
In March 11, 2011, Antipolo Second District Congressman Robbie Puno said that House Bill 2307, which grants Filipino citizenship to Douthit, lapsed into law after President Aquino failed to sign it.
Douthit's eligibility to play for the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team was confirmed by FIBA Sport and Eligibility committee head Ivanka Toteva in June 2011. With the confirmation, Douthit will be allowed to represent the Philippines as a naturalized player in all FIBA sanctioned events.
Read more about this topic: Marcus Douthit