Senator Risa Hontiveros Exposes Red Flags in Senator Francis Tolentino’s Citizenship Bill for Li Duan Wang

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

On January 20, 2025, a heated Senate session saw a tense interpellation between Senator Risa Hontiveros and Senator Francis Tolentino regarding a bill seeking to grant Filipino citizenship to Chinese national Li Duan Wang, also known as Mark Ong.

As the bill’s sponsor, Senator Tolentino faced tough questioning from Senator Hontiveros, who scrutinized Wang’s credibility and the potential security risks of granting him Filipino citizenship.

Red Flags and Concerns

During her interpellation, Hontiveros highlighted several alarming issues that cast doubt on Wang’s character. First, she revealed that Wang is a "junket operator" for Nine Dynasty Casino, an establishment linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Wang did not disclose this affiliation in his naturalization application, raising concerns about why he chose to hide it if it was legal. (gmanetwork.com)

Hontiveros also presented photos of Wang with Duanren Wu, who is allegedly the mastermind behind a POGO operation in Porac, Pampanga, and a fugitive wanted by Chinese authorities. Such connections raise serious concerns about national security. (mb.com.ph)

Identity and Allegiances

Another critical issue raised by Hontiveros was Wang’s use of the name Mark Ong and his declaration as a Filipino citizen in the Articles of Incorporation of his company, Avia International Club—despite not yet being officially naturalized. This calls into question his honesty and loyalty to the Philippines. Additionally, records showed that Wang had multiple Tax Identification Numbers (TINs), which is illegal and suggests potential attempts to deceive authorities. (globalnation.inquirer.net)

Calls for Rejection

Given these serious concerns, Hontiveros strongly urged her fellow senators to reject Wang’s citizenship application. She emphasized that the Senate must not be fooled by an applicant with numerous red flags and potential threats to national security. She also stressed the importance of thorough vetting in the naturalization process to ensure that only individuals with unquestionable integrity and loyalty to the Philippines are granted citizenship. (gmanetwork.com)

Senator Tolentino’s Stance

Despite the allegations and doubts, Senator Tolentino remained firm in supporting the bill. However, faced with Hontiveros’ pointed questions and compelling evidence, he struggled to provide clear answers that would ease concerns about Wang’s character and intentions. His explanations were widely seen as insufficient to dispel doubts.

Conclusion

This controversy highlights the critical need for rigorous scrutiny and due diligence in granting Filipino citizenship to foreigners. Being a Filipino is not just a legal status but a privilege that should only be granted to individuals with unquestionable integrity and genuine love for the country. In the end, the Senate’s decision should prioritize the security and interests of the Philippines and its people above all else.

You Won’t Believe What’s Now Required in QC Restaurants—And It Could Save Your Life!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a pioneering move to promote public health, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has enacted an ordinance mandating that restaurants, fast-food chains, and other food establishments display calorie counts on their menus. This initiative aims to empower residents to make informed dietary choices, thereby reducing the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases.

Mayor Belmonte emphasized the ordinance's significance, stating, "With calorie labeling, QCitizens have the power to make healthier food choices because they have the correct information." 

Implementation Phases

The ordinance will be rolled out in stages to ensure a smooth transition:

First Year: Applies to restaurants or food businesses that are part of a chain or franchise with five or more branches nationwide.

Second Year: Extends to establishments with two or more branches.

Third Year: Encompasses all restaurants and food businesses within Quezon City.

Notably, barangay micro businesses and micro, small, and medium enterprises, such as ambulant vendors, hawkers, and carinderia owners, are exempt from this ordinance. However, Mayor Belmonte has offered incentives to these smaller establishments if they voluntarily include calorie counts in their menus. 

Health Implications

Data from the Quezon City Health Department underscores the pressing need for this initiative:

Nearly 20% of adult residents suffer from high blood pressure.

In 2018, 19.9% of school-age children and 43% of adults were found to be overweight or obese.

By providing calorie information, the local government aims to combat these alarming statistics and foster a healthier community.

Broader Impact

This ordinance positions Quezon City as a trailblazer in public health advocacy in the Philippines. Atty. Sophia San Luis, executive director of public interest law group ImagineLaw, lauded the move, stating, "This is the first of its kind in the country, and as a pioneer in calorie-labeling, we hope that QC inspires more cities and municipalities to do the same." 

The Department of Health has also expressed support, noting that such measures enable Filipinos to make informed and healthy dietary choices, ultimately reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases like heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.

Conclusion

Quezon City's calorie labeling ordinance represents a significant step toward enhancing public health. By equipping residents with essential nutritional information, the city empowers its citizens to make healthier choices, paving the way for a future with reduced lifestyle-related health issues.

Rising Political Consciousness in the Philippines: A Call for Accountability, Integrity, and National Pride

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the Philippines, the political landscape is increasingly being shaped by a new wave of critical thought, activism, and demands for accountability. As the country grapples with corruption, misuse of public funds, and political favoritism, more and more Filipinos are finding their voices, challenging the status quo, and standing up for what truly matters: the principles of honesty, transparency, and national integrity.

Impeachment Complaints Against Vice President Sara Duterte

In December 2024, civil society groups filed an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, accusing her of grave misconduct and failure to perform her constitutional duties. This move followed concerns regarding her alleged involvement in questionable financial practices, failure to attend budget hearings, and mishandling of government resources. In January 2025, a second impeachment complaint was filed, this time citing betrayal of public trust and improper handling of 612.5 million pesos in funds.

The filing of these complaints doesn't automatically position the critics against a specific political faction. Instead, it reflects the growing demand for accountability among those in power. What is at stake is not just the reputation of any individual leader but the health of the country’s democratic institutions.

The Push for Restoring PhilHealth Funds and Addressing Budget Cuts

Another issue that has sparked significant public outrage is the government's handling of its national budget. In 2025, the budget for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) was slashed by a staggering 74 billion pesos, raising alarms among health workers, patients, and ordinary citizens alike. Many are questioning whether the current administration is truly committed to improving healthcare access for Filipinos, especially given the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic and rising healthcare costs.

At the same time, the government's conditional implementation of the Ayuda Para sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP) has also come under fire. AKAP provides financial aid to Filipino workers abroad and other marginalized sectors, and the 2025 budget placed severe restrictions on its rollout. These cuts directly impact millions of Filipinos who rely on these funds for survival and basic necessities.

For those calling for the restoration of PhilHealth funds and the continuation of social protection programs like AKAP, their stance isn't about supporting or opposing any one leader. Instead, it is a stand for the welfare of the Filipino people and the essential services that can help improve their quality of life.

The Reorganization of the National Security Council

In early 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made a significant move by reorganizing the National Security Council (NSC), removing former presidents and the vice president from its ranks. The goal of this reshuffle was to streamline the council’s decision-making process and ensure that its members were better positioned to address both domestic and international security challenges.

While this action has been interpreted in various ways, it highlights the ongoing power struggles within the highest levels of government. Whether seen as an effort to strengthen governance or a move to consolidate power, it underscores the importance of having a national security apparatus that is focused on serving the nation’s best interests rather than personal political agendas.

The Rise of #TeamBayan: Loyalty to Country Over Politician

The political environment in the Philippines is becoming increasingly polarized, with people being pressured to choose sides between competing political factions. However, as more Filipinos begin to engage in these critical issues, many are opting for a new approach—one that prioritizes loyalty to the country rather than to any individual politician. This is the essence of the emerging movement known as #TeamBayan.

Supporters of #TeamBayan are not blindly following political idols or partisan lines. Instead, they are standing up for the country's best interests, advocating for honesty, justice, and the elimination of corruption across all levels of government. This movement is not about supporting one politician over another; it is about fighting for the Philippines' future and demanding that those in power put the needs of the people above their own political gain.

The message is clear: the fight for a better Philippines isn't about choosing sides based on party loyalty; it’s about holding leaders accountable and upholding the principles that will allow the country to thrive.

Conclusion: Moving Toward a More Just and Transparent Future

As the Philippines faces growing challenges, from political infighting to corruption scandals and budget cuts, the call for accountability and integrity in governance is louder than ever. Filipinos are beginning to recognize that real change can only come from those who are willing to fight for the nation’s future, not for individual leaders or partisan interests.

By championing causes like impeachment proceedings, restoring critical health funds, and advocating for fair budget allocation, the Filipino people are asserting their right to demand more from their leaders. Whether through grassroots movements like #TeamBayan or public petitions for transparency, Filipinos are uniting to reclaim their country from the hands of corrupt politicians.

Ultimately, the goal is not just a change in leadership, but a transformation of the political culture itself—one that values principle over personality and places the welfare of the people at the forefront of governance.

The Philippines deserves leaders who are accountable, transparent, and truly committed to serving the public. It’s time for the people to make their voices heard, loud and clear.