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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Naturalized Filipino athletes should enjoy same rights, privileges of natural-born players, Tolentino reminds DOJ

Naturalized Filipino athletes should enjoy same rights, privileges of natural-born players, Tolentino reminds DOJ

Published Nov 8, 2023 04:00 pm

Senator Francis Tolentino on Monday, October 9 reminded the Department of Justice (DOJ) that naturalized Filipino athletes should enjoy the same rights and privileges of natural-born athletes, specifically in terms of employment.


Tolentino clarified this with Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Brigido Dulay during the Senate’s hearing into the agency’s proposed budget for 2024.


Tolentino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, had earlier administered the oathtaking of Gilas Pilipinas hero Justin Brownlee in allegiance to the Philippines last January.


The senator is also set to lead the naturalization hearings of other players. The Senate has also approved bills that sought the naturalization of several import players at Philippine basketball competitions like Ange Kouame and Marcus Douthit.


Tolentino said they should be allowed to play as locals in the country, a matter which Dulay agreed to, when the senator inquired if they enjoy the same rights as the ordinary Filipino who is also a passport holder.


Dulay responded: “The naturalized Filipino enjoys the same privileges as a natural-born Filipino. So I suppose, they should be treated the same.”


But while naturalized players can be employed in the Philippines, Dulay said it is still the discretion of the private organizations and enterprises to craft contract terms.


Tolentino, however, insisted that there should be “equal protection of the laws.”


“We are talking about equality once you have earned a badge as a Filipino,” he said.

Related Tags

naturalization DOJ Justin Brownlee Francis Tolentino
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