Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday justified the Senate’s decision to grant Filipino citizenship to Chinese entrepreneur Li Duan Wang, saying he complied with all legal requirements and has no derogatory records. In a virtual briefing, Gatchalian said his team evaluated Wang’s application, which has been approved by the House of Representatives based on the documents submitted by the businessman.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of having no derogatory reports and the completion of all necessary legal requirements. The lawmaker clarified that the Senate conducted an independent review of Wang’s naturalization application. When concerns arose about Wang’s possible links to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), additional background checks were made by the Senate Committee on Justice, chaired by Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino.

“They went beyond the minimum requirements,” Gatchalian noted, highlighting that the committee sought additional information from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Security Council, and Interpol. He acknowledged the concerns raised by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros regarding Wang’s alleged connections to fugitive Duanren Wu and POGO-linked businesses but asserted that naturalization decisions should be based on concrete evidence rather than speculation.

Gatchalian stressed the importance of evidence in naturalization proceedings, warning against decisions based on unfounded accusations. He mentioned that Wang has lived in the Philippines for a long time, with his children studying in local schools and his businesses operating legally in the country. After reviewing the documents multiple times, Gatchalian found Wang’s application to be fully compliant.

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito supported Gatchalian’s stance, stating that he conducted his own research before signing the committee report on Wang’s proposed naturalization. Ejercito mentioned consulting with Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Chief Gilbert Cruz, who confirmed Wang, also known as Mark Ong, is a long-time junket operator for casinos, not POGO. Ejercito noted Wang’s long-term residence in the Philippines and his children’s education in exclusive Chinese schools.

Ejercito also highlighted Wang’s active membership in the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. He pointed out Wang’s involvement in the Association of Fire Volunteer Chiefs of the Philippines as an active fire brigade volunteer.

One of the 18 measures approved by the Senate on Monday includes House Bill No. 8839, which seeks to grant Philippine citizenship to Wang. The measure passed with 19 affirmative votes, one negative vote, and zero abstentions. Hontiveros was the sole dissenting vote, citing multiple ‘red flags’ associated with Wang, including alleged ties to junket operations, POGOs, and the United Front Work Department of China.