Marcos rejects citizenship of POGO-linked Li Duan Wang
During a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that Marcos could not ignore the concerns on Li’s citizenship bid.
“I cannot blindly disregard the alarming warnings issued by our national agencies, which indicate that the grantee’s character and influence pose ominous, dangerous consequences—or even a clear and present danger,” President Marcos said in his veto message, as read by Castro.
The Palace official also reminded the public that citizenship is a privilege, not a right, and should not be granted lightly.
“Sinabi rin ng Pangulo na kapag tayo ay nagbigay ng Filipino citizenship, higit pa sa mga ligal na karapatan ang ating ibinibigay – binubuksan natin ang buong karangalan ng ating kasaysayan, ang ating lahi at ang ating pamana, kaya dapat ang tatanggap nito ay sumasailalim din sa mga adhikain ng ating bayan,” Castro added.
[Translation: “The President also stated that when we grant Filipino citizenship, we give more than just legal rights—we open up the entire honor of our history, our race, and our heritage, so those who receive it must also adhere to the aspirations of our nation]
Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vetoed a bill on Friday that would have granted Filipino citizenship to Chinese national Li Duan Wang, who has links to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).
Li, also known as Mark Ong, was identified by Senator Risa Hontiveros as an alleged incorporator of the largest POGO service provider in the country.
“(The) legislative naturalization ni (of) Li Duan Wang and the bill on modern Baguio City Charter (have been) vetoed by the President,” said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a text message to Palace reporters.
Hontiveros had earlier raised concerns over Wang's alleged links to questionable activities. She claimed Wang is a business associate of Duanren Wu, the suspected POGO boss behind the raided facility in Porac, Pampanga. She also noted that Wang’s business is located in the same building connected to self-confessed Chinese spy She Zhijiang, and that he has ties to the Philippine Jinjiang Yuxi Association — reportedly part of the Chinese Communist Party’s united front operations.
“Hindi ko po hinatulan na guilty sa anumang krimen si Li Duan Wang, Mr. President, pero sapat ang mga red flag na ito para hindi siya pagkalooban ng pagiging Pilipino nang ganito lamang kadali,” Hontiveros said when she explained her “no” vote in January.
[Translation: I did not judge Li Duan Wang guilty of any crime, Mr. President, but these red flags are enough to prevent him from being granted Filipino citizenship so easily.]
Some senators previously defended their decision to support the measure, insisting that proper vetting was done.
Senator Win Gatchalian said the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights even “went beyond the minimum requirements” by coordinating with several intelligence agencies, including the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Security Council, and Interpol.
“May mga certification naman itong tatlong ahensya na wala silang nakikitang hindi maganda at walang negative reports from these three agencies,” Gatchalian said.
Senator JV Ejercito also vouched for Wang, saying he consulted with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force, which found no links between Wang and any POGO activities.
“Based on information he has been residing in the Philippines for several years now and his children are studying in exclusive Chinese schools Xavier and ICA (Immaculate Conception Academy) which are strict and do not usually accept transferees. He is likewise an active member of both the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Filipino Chinese Chamber,” Ejercito said.
