It was simply a friendly banter between Senator Francis Pangilinan and myself. It may not be widely known, but Senator Pangilinan’s wife, Ms. Sharon Cuneta, is a dear friend of mine, and our friendship goes back many years — long before I entered politics.As for the question directed at Ms. Elizabeth Jeanette Means, it was asked within the context of determining her reasons for seeking naturalization as a Filipino. Part of the Committee’s responsibility is to understand whether applicants intend to truly make the Philippines their home — whether by settling here permanently or even establishing a family in the future.
The question simply came to mind because another basketball player seeking naturalization, Mr. Maodo “Malick” Diouf, who has been living in the Philippines since 2018, shared during the hearing of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights that he already feels at home in the country and, in fact, has been in a relationship with a Filipina for quite some time.
There was absolutely nothing malicious in the question. It was asked in a light and conversational manner during the proceedings, especially since both Ms. Means and Mr. Diouf themselves expressed that they already feel at home in the Philippines.