The Presidential Palace of the Philippines is prudently evaluating a controversial naturalization proposal, featuring Chinese businessman Wang Liduan (also known as Mark Ong), who is closely associated with the offshore gaming (POGO) industry.
According to information released by Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, President Ferdinand Marcos is still weighing whether to approve the case, which has quickly sparked widespread attention among the domestic political community and the public.
Wang Liduan is accused of being involved in illegal POGO park manipulation, fraud, and money laundering cases, and his background is undergoing a comprehensive review by senior government officials.
President "seriously studying" the case, with three days to decide
Claire Castro, Deputy Minister and spokesperson of the Presidential Communications Office, confirmed at a press conference that the President is "seriously reviewing" the legislative naturalization application, with three days left to make a final decision.
"The President is reviewing Mr. Wang Liduan's naturalization legislation case, let us wait for his decision," Castro briefly responded to media inquiries.
Alleged relationships raise questions about legislative integrity, senators clearly divided
The controversy over Wang Liduan's naturalization application stems from his revealed connections with Chinese fugitive Wu Duanren, who is wanted by the Chinese government for alleged telecommunications fraud and money laundering and is believed to be the mastermind behind the illegal POGO park sealed in Pampanga province in 2024.
Well-known opposition senator Risa Hontiveros raised strong doubts about the naturalization case early in 2025. She pointed out that there are substantial connections between Wang Liduan and Wu Duanren in terms of funds, projects, and park management, and further disclosed that Wang Liduan is the actual person in charge behind the intermediary company "9 Dynasty," which shares senior management with the POGO operator "Rivendell." These key details were not included in Wang's naturalization application materials, casting doubt on the authenticity and integrity of his application.
Hontiveros emphasized that naturalization should be based on national interest and public safety, and should not provide a "convenient legal identity" for those with complex backgrounds.
Supporters argue Wang is "without prior record, meets procedural standards"
However, some political figures defend Wang Liduan. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian supported the legislation during the Senate deliberation phase, stating that Wang Liduan "meets all legal standards for naturalization," and that there are "no adverse records" in the related files.
Gatchalian stated that naturalization should be viewed according to legal standards, rather than based on unverified allegations or media portrayal.
POGO controversy adds to sensitive timing of China-Philippines relations, President faces multiple pressures
The background of this naturalization application not only involves discussions on the regulation of the gaming industry and the entry threshold for foreign investors in the Philippines but also places it within the highly sensitive context of geopolitical tensions and cybercrime issues between China and the Philippines. The POGO industry itself has been involved in many illegal activities in recent years, including human trafficking, fraud, and telecommunications crimes, and is widely seen as a "double-edged sword."
If Wang Liduan's naturalization is approved, it may raise public concerns about the government's weak stance and loosening naturalization thresholds; if rejected, it may also raise concerns among Chinese businesspeople about the business environment in the Philippines, affecting future investments.
Conclusion: Naturalization case may become a new benchmark for gaming regulation and national security policy
Currently, President Marcos has not yet made a final decision. Whether or not Wang Liduan's naturalization application is approved, the case is likely to become a new benchmark for the Philippines' gaming policy, foreign investment scrutiny, and even national security standards. The developments in the coming days are worth close attention from the gaming industry, legal community, and regional security observers.
