Who is Li Duan Wang, and Why Did the Senate Grant Him Citizenship?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The recent decision of the Philippine Senate to grant citizenship to Chinese businessman Li Duan Wang, also known as Mark Ong, has sparked intense controversy. With 19 senators voting in favor, only one opposing, and none abstaining, the swift approval of House Bill No. 8839 has raised serious questions.

At the center of the debate is Senator Risa Hontiveros, the lone dissenter, who flagged Wang's alleged ties to junket operations, POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators), and questionable business dealings. But why did the Senate, led by Senator Francis Tolentino, push for Wang’s citizenship despite these red flags?

Who is Li Duan Wang?

Li Duan Wang has been residing in the Philippines since 1991 and is engaged in the gambling and leisure industry. He owns Avia Leisure Group, a company that operates KTVs, lounges, and coffee shops, and provides services for high-rolling Chinese casino players.

Wang also declared himself a Filipino in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) records under the name Mark Ong. However, he was born a Chinese citizen and only applied for naturalization through legislation, instead of undergoing the usual lengthy process.

Red Flags Raised by Hontiveros

During the Senate deliberations, Hontiveros aggressively opposed Wang’s naturalization, presenting multiple concerns that she believed made him unfit for Philippine citizenship:

He is a casino "junket operator" – Wang earns commissions by bringing high-rolling gamblers to casinos, particularly Nine Dynasty Casino.

He has ties to POGOs – Wang is closely associated with Duanren Wu, the alleged leader of a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, which was raided by authorities.

He declared himself "Filipino" on SEC papers – This is misrepresentation, as citizenship can only be granted by birth, naturalization, or legislation.

He used multiple Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) – This is illegal, and Wang's excuse was that it was "inadvertent."

He has connections to China’s United Front – He is a member of the Philippine Jinjiang Yu Shi Association, which Hontiveros claims is linked to China’s influence operations.

Why Did the Senate Approve Wang’s Citizenship?

Despite these concerns, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, JV Ejercito, and Francis Tolentino defended Wang’s naturalization, citing his long residence in the country and contributions to business and employment.

Gatchalian insisted that Wang had complied with all requirements and that no direct evidence linked him to illegal POGO activities.

Ejercito pointed out that Wang has been an active member of the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Tolentino, who sponsored the bill, claimed Wang had no criminal record and was qualified for citizenship.

A Citizenship That Raises More Questions Than Answers

Hontiveros fired back, arguing that Wang does not meet the high standards that should be required for naturalization. Unlike athletes, scientists, or investors who bring prestige or economic growth to the country, Wang is merely a businessman with a questionable track record.

“Why are we giving this man Philippine citizenship on a silver platter?” she asked, warning that this move could set a dangerous precedent for wealthy and well-connected foreigners to buy their way into Philippine citizenship.

Calls for a Presidential Veto

With growing public scrutiny, Hontiveros is now urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto the bill, arguing that Wang’s background should disqualify him from being a Filipino citizen.

The controversy surrounding Wang’s naturalization highlights deeper issues in the Philippine government’s vetting process. Is the Senate prioritizing economic contributions over national security? Did Wang simply buy his way to citizenship?

These are the tough questions that Filipinos must now demand answers to.