Marcos vetoes naturalization of Pogo-linked Li Duan Wang

Marcos vetoes naturalization of Pogo-linked Li Duan Wang

By: - Reporter / @zacariansINQ
/ 10:01 AM April 11, 2025

Marcos vetoes naturalization of Li Duan Wang

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (REUTERS/File Photo)

[Updated April 11, 2025, 1:31 p.m.]

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday vetoed the legislative naturalization of Li Duan Wang, also known as Mark Ong, who is allegedly linked to a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo).

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According to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, Marcos vetoed Wang’s naturalization due to warnings raised by relevant agencies about his character.

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“I am unable to blindly ignore the alarming and revealing warnings raised by our relevant national agencies that find the subject grantee’s character and influence to be full of ominous and dire consequences, if not of a clear and present danger,” Marcos was quoted by Castro as saying in a Palace press conference.

Marcos added that disregarding such warnings would have been akin to neglecting the government’s duty to Filipinos as a Filipino citizenship is a “privilege” which cannot be used as a tool to advance ominous interests.

“The President also said that when we grant Filipino citizenship, we are giving more than just legal rights. We are opening up the full honor of our history, our race, and our heritage,” said Castro in Filipino.

“That is why anyone who receives it must also embrace the aspirations of our nation,” she added.

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Meanwhile, when asked to give a message to the lawmakers who allowed Wang’s naturalization, Castro responded that the President was simply not convinced.

“We will not grant Philippine citizenship to individuals with questionable interests or those so-called grantees,” she said.

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It was Senator Risa Hontiveros who previously claimed that Ong was a “junket operator” for Nine Dynasty Casino, one of the biggest POGO operators revealed in earlier hearings by the Senate panel on women.

Marcos vetoes naturalization of alleged Pogo incorporator | INQToday

Hontiveros likewise bared that Wang has multiple taxpayer identification numbers, which goes against the country’s policy.

Only Hontiveros voted against the passage of the measure when it went through the Senate before being submitted to Marcos for signing.

In a separate statement, Hontiveros welcomed the vetoing of Wang’s bill, tagging it as a “necessary” move which shows “the government’s commitment to protecting the sanctity of Filipino citizenship.”

According to the senator, granting Wang citizenship even with his alleged connections to Pogos, possession of multiple taxpayer identification numbers, and alleged ties to a group linked to the Chinese Communist Party would have set a dangerous precedent.

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“I firmly believe that rejecting Li Duan Wang’s application is a firm stand for our national interest,” Hontiveros said.

“At the same time, we must continue to investigate and bring to justice other abusive personalities in the POGO industry who may be exploiting our laws and putting our security at risk,” she added.

TAGS: Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., POGO

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