Douthit officially Filipino citizen

MANILA, Philippines -  Marcus Eugene Douthit is now officially a naturalized Filipino.

Antipolo City First District Rep. Robbie Puno yesterday said that House Bill 2307 is now Republic Act 10148, making the 6-10 Douthit eligible to suit up for Smart Gilas Pilipinas and other national teams competing in future international tournaments.

“House Bill 2307 is now Republic Act 10148, an Act granting Philippine citizenship to Marcus Eugene Douthit,” said Puno, who authored the law that lapsed last week after President Aquino left it unsigned following the month-long grace period.

With the law, Douthit can now suit up for the Nationals seeking the lone berth in the 2012 London Olympics in the FIBA-Asia Championship in Wuhan, China in September.

“Yes it’s official and its good news not just for Smart Gilas but Philippine basketball as well because he can play for 4-5 years more,” said Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim, referring to the 30-year-old Syracuse, New York native.

Douthit is currently spearheading Smart Gilas’ campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup although he sustained an ankle injury during Smart Gilas’ game against B-Meg Derby last Wednesday.

Douthit, however, is expected to return to action against Powerade on Sunday.