Left scrambling to find a replacement for the injured Bol Bol, the TNT Tropang 5G has tapped former UAAP champion Malick Diouf. It appears the plan is for Diouf to suit up in Game 3 while team manager Jojo Lastimosa looks for a longer-term replacement.
Potential Hitch to TNT’s Malick Diouf Plan
It’s a sensible plan. However, the big question is: Will the PBA allow Diouf to play?
If veteran scribe Quinito Henson is to be believed, the answer could be no. That’s because the reed-thin big man still doesn’t have all the necessary papers that would pave the way for him suiting up for TNT.
“TNT may play without import vs. Meralco in Game 3 of PBA Coms Cup semis at MOA Arena tomorrow,” Henson tweeted. “Malick Diouf would’ve been interim replacement, but no time to process Special Work Permit for foreigners. It would’ve been OK if his naturalization was already processed, although approved na.”
What’s the Hang-Up?
Henson is right in a way. Diouf’s naturalization was technically approved already when Republic Act (RA) 12318, the bill sponsoring the Senegalese-born big man’s naturalization, lapsed into law on Friday, May 22.
But, as it turns out, the 27-year-old former UP Fighting Maroon still needs to do a few more things to finalize his being a Filipino. First, he must take his Oath of Allegiance before an authorized officer. Second, he needs to register with the Bureau of Immigration. Only after accomplishing these two will Diouf be able to fully enjoy the rights and privileges of Philippine citizenship.
Curiously, the PBA has sent out an advisory of an import change requiring TNT and Diouf to submit some necessary documents. Among these documents are the Uniform Players Contract, a Games and Amusements Board (GAB) license, and a Letter of Clearance.
As of press time, it is unclear if Malick Diouf will be able to obtain that GAB license without office work over the weekend. It is also unclear whether the PBA will allow Diouf to play in Game 3, with the submission of documents to follow.
TNT takes on Meralco in Game 3 later today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
