Philippine Senators justify granting citizenship to POGO-linked Chinese national    

Jenny Ortiz January 30, 2025
Philippine Senators justify granting citizenship to POGO-linked Chinese national    

Philippine Senators has defended their decision to grant citizenship to Chinese national Li Duan Wang, despite allegations linking him to offshore gaming operations. Li’s naturalisation was approved by 19 senators, with only Senator Risa Hontiveros voting against it.   

Hontiveros raised concerns over Li’s connections to the 9 Dynasty junket group, which allegedly shares ties with Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs previously linked to illicit activities. She pointed to Li’s associations with entities under investigation for illegal POGO operations and his alleged connections to Chinese intelligence networks.  

Senators cite due process and lack of evidence  

According to local reports, Senate President Francis Escudero and other lawmakers defended their vote, stating that Li’s application was thoroughly reviewed. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who played an active role in investigating POGO-related crimes, asserted that Li’s background was scrutinised, and no direct evidence linked him to illegal gaming activities. Documents were obtained from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Security Council, and Interpol, all of which reportedly found no criminal record or security concerns regarding Li.  

Hontiveros raises concerns  

Hontiveros, however, remained firm in her opposition, citing what she called “red flags” in Li’s application. She argued that he failed to disclose his role in 9 Dynasty, which was previously associated with Rivendell Gaming Corp., a company linked to an illegal POGO hub in Pasay City. She also noted Li’s affiliation with the Philippine Jinjiang Yuxi Association, which she suggested might have ties to China’s Communist Party. Additionally, Hontiveros raised issues regarding Li’s possession of multiple taxpayer-identification numbers, a violation of Philippine policies.  

Senators maintain confidence in review process  

Gatchalian and other senators maintained that the review process was sufficient, adding that accusations without solid proof should not be the basis for denying citizenship. He emphasised the need for evidence in such matters, warning that accusations without verification could set a dangerous precedent for future naturalisation applications. Senator JV Ejercito added that discussions with law enforcement officials confirmed that Li had resided in the Philippines for an extended period and adopted a Filipino named, Mark Ong.  

Final approval and future implications  

Despite opposition, the bill granting Li citizenship passed its third and final reading in the Senate. While concerns remain, senators in favour of the decision stressed the importance of adherence to due process and evidence-based decision-making. The case highlights the ongoing debate on the oversight of POGO operations and foreign influence in the Philippines, with questions about national security and economic impact likely to persist.  

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