The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 8839, granting Philippine citizenship to Li Duan Wang, a Chinese national linked by Sen. Risa Hontiveros to the alleged leader of a raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.
The measure passed with 19 votes in favor and one against. The bill requires Wang to take an oath of allegiance and be issued a certificate of naturalization.
Sen. Hontiveros, who voted against the bill, raised concerns over what she described as “red flags” regarding Wang’s background. She cited his alleged connections to Duanren Wu, reportedly the “big boss” of the raided POGO operation, and his role as a junket operator.
Hontiveros also claimed that Wang had a business in the same building as a firm linked to confessed Chinese spy She Zhijiang, as revealed in an Al Jazeera documentary. Additionally, she pointed out Wang’s association with Jinjiang Yuxi Association, which she alleged is tied to the Communist Party of China’s united front efforts, as well as his false identification as Filipino in corporate filings.
“These red flags are enough reason not to grant him Philippine citizenship so easily,” Hontiveros said in a GMA News report, emphasizing that while she was not accusing Wang of any crime, the risks warranted careful scrutiny.
The Senate has yet to comment on these concerns. Efforts to reach Senate President Francis Escudero, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, and Wang for their statements are ongoing. Wang’s side will be published once available.
