Naturalization of Li Duan Wang
| An Act Granting Philippine Citizenship to Li Duan Wang | |
|---|---|
| Congress of the Philippines | |
| Enacted by | House of Representatives |
| Enacted | September 5, 2023 |
| Passed by | Senate |
| Passed | January 27, 2025 |
| Vetoed by | President Bongbong Marcos |
| Vetoed | April 11, 2025 |
| Legislative history | |
| Initiating chamber: House of Representatives | |
| Bill citation | House Bill No. 8839 |
| Introduced by | Joey Salceda (Albay) Juliet Ferrer (Negros Occidental) |
| Introduced | September 7, 2023 |
| Third reading | September 13, 2023 |
| Voting summary |
|
| Revising chamber: Senate | |
| Member(s) in charge | Francis Tolentino |
| Committee responsible | Justice and Human Rights |
| First reading | September 13, 2023 |
| Second reading | January 20, 2025 |
| Third reading | January 27, 2025 |
| Voting summary |
|
| Committee report | Committee Report No. 216 |
| Status: Vetoed | |
The averted naturalization of Li Duan Wang was subject to scrutiny at the Senate of the Philippines due to controversy involving Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). Wang is a Chinese businessman in the Philippines who is involved in the gambling and leisure industry.
Wang's naturalization bid was first started in 2023 at the House of Representatives. It was endorsed to the Senate in 2025 where it was supported by every Senator, except Risa Hontiveros who questioned Wang's association with Duanren Wu who allegedly ran illegal operations on POGOs.
President Bongbong Marcos vetoed the bill which would have granted Wang, Philippine citizenship.
Naturalization bid
Li Duan Wang is a Chinese businessman who has been in the Philippines since 1991.[1] House Bill No. 8839 was filed on September 27, 2023, by Joey Salceda of Albay's 2nd district and Juliet Ferrer of Negros Occidental's 4th district in the House of Representatives[2][3] The bill proposing the granting of Philippine citizenship to Wang via naturalization was sent to the Senate for approval.
The bill was approved by the Senate on January 27, 2025, with 19 affirmative votes, one negative, and zero abstention.[4] Only Senator Risa Hontiveros voted against raising "red flags" to Wang's application. Hontiveros said that Wang is a "junket operator" of Nine Dynasty Casino and an associate of Duanren Wu, the alleged boss of the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga raided by authorities, his affiliation with the Philippine Jinjiang Yu Shi Association which Hontiveros is alleged to be part of China's united front.[5][6][7]
Wang also declared himself to be a Filipino named Mark Ong, who owns Avia Leisure Group according to Securities and Exchange Commission records. Avia operates KTVs, lounges, coffee shops and provides services to Chinese casino players. Hontiveros was suspicious of Avia operating a spa in Newport City in the same building and a floor above the spa operated by the Yatai group as claimed by self-confessed Chinese spy She Zhijiang.[8]
Veto
On April 11, 2025. Philippine President Bongbong Marcos, vetoed the legislative naturalization of Wang.[9] Marcos cited warnings by relevant government agencies about Wang's character stating that Philippine citizenship which is a privilege cannot be used to advance "ominous interests".[10]
References
- ^ "Naturalization of Foreign Nationals". Philippine News Agency. February 15, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ Cruz, Larry (February 15, 2024). "Senate Justice and Human Rights panel conducts public inquiry". Daily Tribune. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ "Philippine CItizenship to Li Duan Wang". Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ Abarca, Charie (January 27, 2025). "Senate OKs bill granting PH citizenship to Chinese linked to Pogo". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ Bordey, Hana (January 28, 2025). "Escudero: Majority of senators approved Wang citizenship". GMA News. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ Border, Hana (January 27, 2025). "Senate passes PH citizenship for Chinese despite 'red flags' Risa raised". GMA News Online. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ Gonzalez, Mia (January 28, 2025). "Hontiveros on grant of PH citizenship to Li Duan Wang: 'Hindi pa ba tayo natuto?'". Rappler. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ Buan, Lian (January 26, 2025). "'Spies' and spas: How PH is doubling down on 'red flag' Chinese investors". Rappler. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ Casilao, Joahna Lei (April 11, 2025). "Marcos vetoes naturalization of alleged incorporator of biggest POGO". GMA News. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ Sarao, Zacarian (April 11, 2025). "Marcos vetoes naturalization of Li Duan Wang". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
External links
- House Bill No. 8839 at the Senate of the Philippines website.