Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros publicly called on the Senate to deny Philippine citizenship to any Chinese nationals linked to the online gambling industry.
During the Senate discussion on the naturalization case of Li Duan Wang, also known as Mark Ong, she presented a photo of Mr. Wang with Duanren Wu.
Duanren Wu is allegedly the behind-the-scenes operator of an online gambling company in Polac, Banbania Province, and a regular guest at the 9 Dynasty casino banquets.
According to Hontiveros, Duanren Wu is not only a fugitive suspected of human trafficking but also has a complex relationship with Cassandra Li Ong, being her godfather.
"How can we trust a person associated with a fugitive and involved in illegal online gambling activities to be suitable for Philippine citizenship?" Hontiveros questioned.
She further pointed out that Mr. Wang's application concealed the fact that he was an operator of a VIP lounge intermediary group for the 9 Dynasty Group casino, which shares senior management with the illegal online gambling scam center Rivendell in Pasay City.
"Why did he not mention this information in his application? This is a clear act of concealment," she emphasized.
Moreover, Hontiveros noted that Mr. Wang, under the name "Mark Ong," claimed to be a Philippine citizen and appeared as a legal representative in the corporate documents of Avia International Club. However, this identity was not mentioned in his citizenship application, raising further questions.
"Claiming to be a Philippine citizen while applying for citizenship is clearly contradictory. This dishonest behavior has already proven his character issues," she added.
Hontiveros also disclosed that Avia International Club has direct connections with Yatai Spa, which is allegedly linked to a Chinese fugitive, Zhe Zhi Jiang. Both companies share the same address in Pasay City, further intensifying her concerns.
She also revealed that Mr. Wang has multiple Tax Identification Numbers (TIN), including one that has been canceled and another used for Avia International Club.
"It is illegal for a person to have multiple tax numbers. If these actions are intentional, he could face legal action," Hontiveros stated.
The senator also expressed concern about Mr. Wang's relationship with the Philippine Jinjiang Yuxi Hometown Association, which is believed to be connected to the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party.
"If the Senate approves his citizenship, where will his loyalty lie? This is worth our deep consideration," she warned.
Hontiveros finally emphasized that she could not support the proposal to grant Mr. Wang citizenship. She urged the Senate to carefully review the case and ensure they are not deceived.
"Allowing a person with so many warning signs to pass through the naturalization process mocks our laws and trust mechanisms. I hope the Senate will not be easily deceived," she firmly stated.
