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Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means attend the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights' public hearing on their naturalization bids, March 3, 2026. Photo from Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas/Facebook.

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773656021988IMG_0377.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means attend the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights&#x27; public hearing on their naturalization bids, March 3, 2026. Photo from Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas/Facebook."/>Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means attend the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights&#x27; public hearing on their naturalization bids, March 3, 2026. Photo from Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas/Facebook.MANILA — The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading separate bills seeking to grant Philippine citizenship to basketball players Maodo “Malick” Diouf and Elizabeth Jeanette Means, bringing both athletes a step closer to naturalization.</div>Senators passed House Bill Nos. 6640 and 6641, which seek to make Diouf and Means Filipino citizens in a move expected to strengthen the country’s basketball programs.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/3/3/senate-justice-panel-discusses-naturalization-bids-of-gilas-prospects-1743">READ: Senate Justice panel discusses naturalization bids of Gilas prospects</a></div>Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, sponsor of the measures, said the naturalization of the two athletes could help bolster Philippine basketball while inspiring the next generation of players.The measures will now be transmitted to the Office of the President for signing into law.Diouf previously played as a foreign student-athlete (FSA) for University of the Philippines in the UAAP, highlighted by his role in helping the Fighting Maroons capture the Season 84 men’s basketball title in early 2022.Means, meanwhile, played in the NCAA Division II in the United States for Westminster University. She also traces her family roots to Naga, Camarines Sur.Diouf is being eyed to join the Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 pool, while Means is expected to provide a significant boost to the Gilas Women’s 3x3 program once her naturalization is completed.

The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading separate bills seeking to grant Philippine citizenship to basketball players Maodo “Malick” Diouf and Elizabeth Jeanette Means, bringing both athletes a step closer to naturalization.

The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading separate bills seeking to grant Philippine citizenship to basketball players Maodo “Malick” Diouf and Elizabeth Jeanette Means, bringing both athletes a step closer to naturalization.

Senate approves Diouf, Means’ naturalization bids on third and final reading

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Senate approves Diouf, Means’ naturalization bids on third and final reading

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Published March 16, 2026 06:25 PM PHT

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