Recently, a Chinese businessman named Li Duan Wang, also known as Mark Ong, successfully applied for naturalization in the Philippines, but his citizenship case has sparked significant controversy in the Philippine political and social spheres. The case is not only related to the gaming industry but also alleged to involve illegal activities, fugitives, and suspicious business networks.
Senator Risa Hontiveros First Questions Wang's Background
On January 22, Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros publicly called in the Senate meeting to reject the naturalization of any Chinese nationals associated with the online gaming (POGO) industry. She specifically mentioned Wang and displayed a photo of him with Duanren Wu.
Duanren Wu is considered the mastermind behind an illegal gambling center in Porac, Pampanga, and a regular at the 9 Dynasty Group casino banquets. The 9 Dynasty Group is alleged to share management personnel with the illegal online gambling scam center Rivendell in Pasay City.
Hontiveros pointed out that Wu is not only suspected of human trafficking but also has a complex relationship with another Chinese woman, Cassandra Li Ong, and acts as her "godfather." She questioned, "How can we trust a person associated with fugitives and involved in illegal gambling activities to be suitable for Philippine citizenship?"
Moreover, she further accused Wang of concealing in his naturalization application that he is an operator of a VIP room intermediary group at the 9 Dynasty Group casino, and questioned his business activities in the Philippines. For instance, Wang had claimed to be a Philippine citizen under the name "Mark Ong" and appeared in the corporate documents of Avia International Club, but this identity was not disclosed in his naturalization application, raising doubts about his integrity.
"Claiming to be a Philippine citizen while applying for naturalization clearly contradicts and exposes his flaws in integrity," said Hontiveros.
At the same time, she also revealed that Wang holds multiple Tax Identification Numbers (TIN), including one that has been canceled and another used for Avia International Club. She emphasized that owning multiple tax numbers is illegal, and intentional concealment could lead to legal action.
Furthermore, Wang is also alleged to have ties with the Philippine Jinjiang Yuxi Hometown Association, which is reportedly linked to China's United Front Work Department. Hontiveros questioned, "If we approve his citizenship, where will his loyalty lie?"
Senate Passes Wang's Naturalization Bill Amid Widespread Controversy
Despite Senator Hontiveros's warnings raising social concerns, on January 28, the Philippine Senate still passed House Bill No. 8839 with 19 votes in favor and 1 against, officially granting Wang Philippine citizenship. According to the bill, Wang only needs to complete an oath of allegiance and obtain a naturalization certificate to become a Philippine citizen.
The only vote against was cast by Hontiveros. She again warned in the meeting that Wang's business background has many questionable aspects, including:
- Being a gambling operator and associated with Duanren Wu, suspected of controlling a gambling center;
- Allegedly related to the Philippine Jinjiang Yuxi Hometown Association, which has connections with Chinese officials;
- Holding multiple tax identification numbers, possibly involving tax evasion or other illegal financial operations;
- Providing false identity to the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), impersonating a Filipino.
"Haven't we learned from the cases of Guo Huaping and Yang Jianxin?" she mentioned past instances of foreigners obtaining Philippine citizenship through dubious means and called for the government to strengthen background checks on naturalization applicants. She emphasized that without strict scrutiny, Philippine nationality could be misused, even posing a national security risk.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian Rebuts, Claiming No Evidence of Wang's Illegal Activities
On January 29, Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian publicly stated that Wang's background had been thoroughly reviewed, and no concrete evidence of his involvement in illegal or improper conduct was found. He explained that the Senate Judiciary Committee, during the review process, specifically inquired into Wang's records with multiple security agencies, including the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), National Security Council (NSC), and Interpol, and found no negative information.
"We have adopted stricter review standards than the law requires, but found no evidence of Wang's involvement in POGO or other illegal activities. We cannot deny his naturalization application based solely on unsubstantiated allegations," Gatchalian said.
He further warned that arbitrarily blocking citizenship applications without concrete evidence could lead to abuse of the system and even become a tool for persecution against individuals. "If we allow unsubstantiated allegations to become a reason to prevent naturalization, anyone in the future could be unfairly treated based on false accusations."
Last-Minute Bombshell: Wang Alleged to be a Founder of New Oriental?
Currently, both the Philippine House of Representatives and the Senate have passed the bill granting Wang Philippine citizenship, now waiting for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to decide whether to sign it into law.
Unexpectedly, a last-minute bombshell has been dropped!
Recently, Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that the Chinese businessman Wang, who is waiting for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign the naturalization bill, is a key figure in the Philippine offshore gaming (POGO) industry and had been sanctioned by the government for violations.
According to her, Wang was one of the founders of the well-known gambling platform New Oriental Club 88 as early as 2019, which was once the largest online gaming service provider in the Philippines, but the company was shut down by the government in 2019 due to regulatory violations.
However, in 2020, the company adjusted its business strategy, amended its corporate charter, and continued to provide services to offshore gaming operators under the name of "Special Category BPO." In August this year, the company again modified its registration information to extend its corporate lifespan.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) also confirmed that Wang was seen in a building suspected of telecommunications fraud on March 18. However, Wang was not on the raided floor or involved with the implicated company at the time, but in another area of the same building, and the specific circumstances are still under investigation.
It seems that Wang's identity is not simple!
Public Reaction and Subsequent Developments
Wang's naturalization case quickly sparked widespread discussion across various sectors of Philippine society. Supporters believe that if there is no concrete evidence of Wang's illegal activities, he should not be deprived of the right to obtain Philippine citizenship. Opponents argue that the case highlights loopholes in the Philippine naturalization process, and the government should adopt stricter review mechanisms to prevent the improper acquisition or misuse of Philippine nationality.
As of now, Wang has not publicly responded to the allegations, and Senate President Francis Escudero and Majority Leader Francis Tolentino have not made formal comments.
As public opinion ferments, whether this case will prompt the Philippine government to adjust its naturalization review system or take further investigative actions remains to be seen.
