MANILA, Philippines — Walang kumontra sa mga senador nang ipasa sa ikatlo at huling pagbasa ang panukalang gawing Pilipino ang NBA center na si Andray Blatche.
Nakakuha ng 20 affirmative votes ang House Bill No. 4084 ni Senador Sonny Angara upang maisama sa national men's basketball team si Blatche para sa kanilang pagsabak sa FIBA World Cup.
"Andray Blatche has openly expressed his desire to play for the Philippines. He is in a position, at age 28, to make significant contributions to Philippine basketball and accordingly, eligible for the conferment of the honor of being a Philippine citizen," sabi ni Angara.
Kabilang si Blatche sa Brooklyn Nets kasama sina Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce at Deron Williams.
Tumatabo ang 6â€11 center ng 11.2 points kada salang na sinahugan pa ng 5.3 rebounds.
"Blatche is possibly the best center from the NBA that we can get who is willing to shun more lucrative offers now and in the future just to be part of our national team," banggit ni Angara.
Nakadepende na kay Pangulong Benigno Aquino III kung tuluyang niyang hahayaang maging Pilipino si Blatche.