PBBM vetoes bill granting Chinese citizenship

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vetoed a bill seeking to grant Filipino citizenship to Chinese national Li Duan Wang, also known as Mark Ong, Malacañang announced Friday.

Wang is a businessman earlier identified by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros as having ties to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). She linked him to Powergate Infinity Holdings, a POGO service provider allegedly involved in crimes such as kidnapping, smuggling and bribery.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro explained the president’s decision, quoting Marcos:

“I cannot ignore the serious and revealing concerns raised by our national security agencies, which found the character and influence of the applicant to carry ominous consequences — if not a clear and present danger.”

Marcos said disregarding these warnings would be a disservice to the Filipino people.

Castro emphasized that Filipino citizenship is a privilege, not a right, and must not be granted lightly, especially when national interests could be at risk.

“The President said that when we grant Filipino citizenship, we are offering more than just legal rights — we are opening the door to the full honor of our history, our identity and our heritage. Therefore, the recipient must share in the aspirations of our nation,” Castro added.

Aside from Wang’s alleged links to criminal activities, reports also say he failed to disclose critical information in his naturalization application. He is also believed to be behind the 9 Dynasty junket group, which shares officers with Rivendell, a POGO hub in Pasay City tied to illegal operations.

Malacañang has yet to release a full copy of the president’s official veto message.