Debatable IV: PH— Should Filipino Athletes Exchange Citizenship for Opportunity? (with Akeem Fabila)

The second round of Debatable IV 2021 is about the Philippines (and sports, too!).

Last March 2021, the Filipino-born chess super-grandmaster Wesley So officially attained American citizenship. He had previously left the Philippines to play on behalf of the United States. Around a month later, Filipino volleyball player Jaja Santiago was offered Japanese citizenship so she could represent Japan in the Olympics and the World Championship. This brought into the popular consciousness the question: should Filipino athletes stay in the Philippines if they do not get opportunities to thrive?

That's why the motion for this round reads: THBT Filipino athletes should never give up Filipino citizenship in exchange for sports opportunities abroad. We thank Akeem Fabila for contributing this motion and for giving us their insights.

00:00 Introduction
1:00 What inspired this motion? Wesley So and Jaja Santiago
3:00 Why are sports so important in Philippine culture?
4:37 What issues will come out in this motion?
5:50 Framing on gov
7:57 Arguing on gov
12:23 Extending on gov
18:05 Reframing on opp
19:26 Arguing on opp
26:45 Extending on opp
31:40 Advice for novices