“The 15th Congress has a unique opportunity to make a concrete contribution to our efforts to regain lost glory in international competitions,'' said Puno.

A congressman from Antipolo, Rizal filed a bill and attempt to make two foreign basketball athletes become Filipinos. The move is legit and there probably aren't any laws to bar the said legislator from doing what he did. If the law is passed and we become champions, he is definitely putting every Filipinos dream to capture the crown a reality. But he is also causing a dent to capture the crown legitimately. Here's why: (1) We're sending a signal that we really can't do it (win the basketball crown in Asia) without these foreigners - great as they are; (2) The congressman is showing a bad example to children that if you can't win it - you can change the rules - as you please; (3) It will show the world that we win contests by technicalities (FIBA rules), using loopholes to win contests.

What kind of culture are we teaching kids who are playing sports? What kind of culture are we teaching our children by passing House Bill No. 2307?

To describe my utter disgust with this lawmaker's reason for filing this bill, here's what he commented to the media, "The 15th Congress has a unique opportunity to make a concrete contribution to our efforts to regain lost glory in international competitions."

Frankly, congressman, I'm not desperate to giveaway passports in exchange for trophies and "lost glory." If you're Filipino - you're Filipino. Period.

Update: Foreign Basketball Players Hurdles 15th Congress Justice Committee (Sept 21)

The link leads to Quinito Henson's column published in the Philippine Star very recently but his assertions (and Congressman Puno's justification) does not change the fact that the Philippines is entering into this FIBA fray by doing what other countries are doing wrong. It's funny how we contextualize the whole practice as adapting ". . .to the demands of international competitions by naturalizing foreign athletes." What demands? I think what's missing in our culture that dominating the basketball scene in Asia requires a culture of dominance. Does winning once with Douthit make the Philippines the number one team in Asia? It takes five years at least to make that mark. Ironically, Rep. Pacquiao claims this distinction because he's been on top of his game (no pun). That's why try to smile in agreement when you read the congressman's statement on how Douthit is one, ". . .who would aid the country to reclaim its rightful place in international basketball competitions." Yes, a guy from the United States will be the Philippines' crowning glory. Why not a Filipino-blooded like Williams? Why not Yap? This bill is a slap on our faces.

Am I a purist? If you mean standing for truth in the face of technicalities and teaching my kids the value of truth - then yes, call me that.

“The Filipino people have witnessed the abrupt fall from grace of the once mighty Philippine national basketball team which has been shrugged off in international competitions by our Asian neighbors who were able to adapt to the demands of international competitions by naturalizing foreign athletes,” said Puno. 

Congressman Puno may have a good heart but we're turning now to a blind eye on what it really means to be recognized as champions. I'd rather see the Filipino win in gymnastics, Tae-Kwon-Do, boxing, MMAs that does not resort to these kind of moves by congress that, to me, is just very unsportsmanlike.

Suddenly, I started lessening my liking for my nation to win the upcoming crown in the Asian Games. It's not right anymore.