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.

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.