Philippine Senator calls for rejection of citizenship bid by POGO-linked Chinese national

Jenny Ortiz January 24, 2025

SiGMA news

Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros has urged her fellow lawmakers to deny the Filipino citizenship application of Chinese national Li Duan Wang, also known as Mark Ong. Wang, who allegedly has connections to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), has raised “red flags” regarding his character and intentions, according to the Senator.

Speaking during a Senate forum, Hontiveros criticised Wang for omitting key details in his naturalisation application. “In Mr. Wang’s application for naturalisation, he did not disclose that he was a junket operator for the Nine Dynasty,” Hontiveros stated in Filipino. Nine Dynasty is a prominent POGO operator identified in previous Senate hearings. She questioned Wang’s decision to conceal this, asking, “If junketing is not illegal or legal, why did he keep it a secret? Is he doing something important here in our country?”

Allegations of misrepresentation

Hontiveros revealed that Wang misrepresented himself as a Filipino citizen in the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Avia International Club, one of his companies. “You cannot be a Filipino citizen while applying to be one. Both facts cannot be true at the same time. This clear lie already suggests bad faith on the part of the applicant,” she emphasised.

The Senator also flagged Wang’s possession of multiple taxpayer identification numbers (TINs), which were reportedly cancelled or inconsistently used across his various business entities. “Having multiple TINs is not legal. If proven that this was done intentionally, Wang could face charges under our laws,” she warned.

Links to criminal figures and organisations

Hontiveros presented evidence linking Wang to Duanren Wu, a fugitive wanted in China and alleged mastermind of a POGO operation in Pampanga. Photos of Wang with Wu during a casino launch in Clark, Pampanga, were cited as proof of their association. “It should not inspire confidence in us senators that Wang is an associate of a fugitive and a POGO boss embroiled in human trafficking,” she said.

Additionally, Wang’s role as the operator of the 9 Dynasty junket group came under scrutiny. Hontiveros disclosed that the group shares officers with Rivendell, a POGO operation in Pasay implicated in illegal activities.

Concerns over loyalty

The Senator expressed doubt about Wang’s allegiance, citing his ties to the Philippine Jinjiang Yuxi Association, an organisation allegedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front work. “I question where Mr. Wang’s loyalties would be if he is granted Filipino citizenship,” Hontiveros said.

Call for vigilance

Hontiveros called on her colleagues to remain vigilant against granting citizenship to individuals with questionable records. “This is not just a simple case of forging citizenship at a local registrar. Let’s not be fooled here,” she stressed.

The Senate’s decision on Wang’s application remains pending, but Hontiveros has made her position clear, saying, “We cannot afford to take this matter lightly.”

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