Filipino Citizenship of Bennie Boatwright and Matthew James Ramos
House Bill No. 6639 (Boatwright) and House Bill No. 6644 (Ramos)
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
May 19, 2026
Madam President, distinguished colleagues, I am honored to co-sponsor the bills granting Filipino citizenship to two remarkable athletes, to wit:
- House Bill No. 6639, under Committee Report No. 61, entitled, “An Act Granting Philippine Citizenship to Bennie Francois Boatwright III”
- House Bill No. 6644, under Committee Report No. 62, entitled, “An Act Granting Philippine Citizenship to Matthew James Ramos”
The said bills are reported out by the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, under the able leadership of its Chairperson, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
Mr. Bennie Francois Boatwright III is a 29-year-old professional basketball player, born in Los Angeles, California. He stands at 6 feet 10 inches. He has demonstrated an immediate and powerful impact upon joining the San Miguel Beermen in December 2023 for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
His exceptional skill and leadership were instrumental in leading the Beermen to the championship crown, securing the title after tallying nineteen points, thirteen rebounds, and eight assists in the crucial Game Six. This performance quickly earned the admiration of Filipino fans. His naturalization will pave the way for him to play for the national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas.
His bid for naturalization is supported by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy and Gilas Team Manager Alfrancis Chua.
Another athlete applying for Philippine citizenship is Mr. Matthew James Ramos, a 25-year-old Filipino-American wrestler, born in Naperville, Illinois.
Matthew traces his Filipino roots from his father, Crisante Holanday Ramos, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Basista, Pangasinan. He is the 2022 US Open Champion (57 kg) and reached the 2022 NCAA Championship Round of 12 (133 lbs).
Matthew has expressed his earnest intention to become a naturalized Filipino citizen in order to proudly represent the Philippines in international wrestling competitions. His desire to carry the Philippine flag on the global stage reflects not only his personal affinity for his Filipino roots but also his commitment to contribute to the nation’s sports development.
Granting Filipino citizenship to Bennie Boatwright and Matthew James Ramos serves as a recognition of their dedication, exemplary talent and earnest desire to represent the Philippines in international competitions.
As a staunch advocate of basketball and sports in general, this representation has been continuously supporting measures that will improve the conditions of Filipino athletes and to make them globally competitive, dahil sama-sama tayong nangangarap na makita ang Philippine sports, basketball man o wrestling, na umangat sa buong mundo.
With this, Madam President, this representation supports the granting of Philippine citizenship to Bennie Francois Boatwright III and Matthew James Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President.