SEN. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara has filed a measure seeking to grant Philippine citizenship to Ateneo Blue Eagles center Angelo Kouame, a citizen of Ivory Coast, and make him eligible to join the Gilas Pilipinas team.
Senate Bill 1892, filed by Angara last Thursday, is a counterpart measure of House Bill 5951 filed by Antipolo City Rep. Robbie Puno, also the Samahang Basketol ng Pilipinas (SBP) vice chairman.
Angara, who is SBP chairman, said the proposed granting of Philippine citizenship to Kouame is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to build the national team in time from the 2023 World Cup.
“We have seen what Kouame has accomplished as a member of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the past three years and his game continues to develop. We have not seen the full potential of Kouame yet and his desire to continue developing his game here in the Philippines is something that is worth supporting,” Angara said.
