Hontiveros

PH CITIZENSHIP FOR CHINESE OPPOSED

January 21, 2025 Camille P. Balagtas 184 views

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros urged the Senate to reject the citizenship application of Chinese national Li Duan Wang, also known as Mark Ong, citing connections to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and other concerning affiliations.

During her interpellation, Hontiveros revealed that Wang had concealed significant details about his business interests, including involvement with Avia International Club and 9 Dynasty junket operations, both tied to gambling and allegedly dubious activities.

In her presentation, Hontiveros showcased photos of Wang at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 9 Dynasty casino, alongside Duanren Wu, identified as the “brains” behind POGO operations in Porac, Pampanga, and a wanted fugitive in China.

“It should not inspire confidence in us Senators that Wang is an associate of a fugitive and a POGO boss embroiled in human trafficking. Sana suriing mabuti ng mga kapwa ko senador itong background ni Wang kasi nagwawagayway ang mga red flag ng aplikante,” Hontiveros emphasized.

She also disclosed that Wang, using the alias Mark Ong, had falsely identified himself as a Filipino citizen in corporate documents, including those of Avia International Club.

Hontiveros noted that Avia International Club caters exclusively to Chinese clientele, operates from a shared building with the controversial Yatai Spa, and is associated with self-confessed Chinese spy She Zhijiang.

Additional revelations included Wang’s possession of multiple taxpayer identification numbers (TINs), with one linked to the canceled foundation JuanCare.

“Sino ba siya talaga? Hindi po legal ang pagkakaroon ng napakaraming TIN,” Hontiveros said, warning that such practices could lead to legal action.

Hontiveros also highlighted Wang’s role as chairman of the Philippine Jinjiang Yuxi Association, which she said is linked to the United Front work of the Communist Party of China.

“I question where Mr. Wang’s loyalties would be if he is granted Filipino citizenship by the Philippine Senate. I cannot in good conscience vote to confer citizenship on this person. Maraming red flags ang aplikante, and these should not be ignored,” she said.