Solon files naturalization bill for basketball players Douthit, Zheng

MANILA, Philippines -- The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has applied for the naturalization of American Marcus Douthit and Chinese Zheng Xiaojing to boost the chances of two national teams.

Antipolo City Rep. Roberto V. Puno filed House Bill No. 2307 seeking a Philippine citizenship for Douthit, who is being eyed to reinforce the RP five for the Guangzhou Asian Games in November and the 2011 Fiba Asia Championship in Beirut.

Puno also filed a separate bill for the naturalization of Zheng, who is being tapped for the women's team for the Asean championship the country is hosting next month with an eye on a championship to make it to the RP Asiad roster.

The 6-foot-10 Douthit has played for Smart Gilas in the Philippine Invitationals in June, the Jones Cup in Taipei last July and the ongoing Asian Basketball Association Invitationals in China.

The 6-3 Zheng played for the Fujian team and has been training for the Discovery Perlas' women's squad for nearly two years. She also played for the Nationals in tournaments in the US and China.

The initial hearing for both bills, which were referred to the House committee on justice chaired by Iloilo Rep. Neil Tupaz Jr., is scheduled for Tuesday.

In his explanatory note, Puno cited the valuable contribution of Douthit and Zheng to the national team with their height, experience and skill.

Puno also mentioned the willingness of both players to accept Filipino citizenship. In fact, Puno said Douthit and Zheng have been residing in the country for quite some time now.

“The 15th Congress has a unique opportunity to make a concrete contribution to our efforts to regain lost glory in international competitions,'' said Puno.

Meanwhile, SBP President Manny Pangilinan welcomed the filing of the twin congressional measures as crucial and integral parts of the long-term program for the national teams.

“With a dedicated team of hardworking players, an experienced foreign coach, and continued exposure to the international game, the naturalization of foreign players will complete our preparation for the tougher tournaments down the road in our quest for a return to the Olympics,” said Pangilinan.

The international basketball federation Fiba allows the use of one naturalized player per team and it is widely practiced all over the world.

“Fiba rules, in effect, state that our national team is defined as eleven natural born players and one naturalized Filipino player and that is why we filed the bill,” said Puno.