Hontiveros: PBBM veto of Li Duan Wang citizenship bid necessary

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Hontiveros, who had opposed Wang’s naturalization from the beginning, said the rejection upholds the sanctity of Filipino citizenship and reflects a firm stand for national interest. (File Photo: Senator Risa Hontiveros/Facebook)

MANILA – Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Friday welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to veto a bill seeking to grant Filipino citizenship to Chinese national Li Duan Wang, calling the move “necessary and welcome.”

“The President’s veto is demanded by the weight of available evidence,” Hontiveros said in a statement, citing Wang’s alleged ties to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), multiple taxpayer identification numbers, and reported links to the Chinese Communist Party.

“These are not small issues or minor technicalities. Rewarding Wang with Filipino citizenship, despite these red flags, would have sent the wrong message and set a dangerous precedent,” she said.

Hontiveros, who had opposed Wang’s naturalization from the beginning, said the rejection upholds the sanctity of Filipino citizenship and reflects a firm stand for national interest.

She also urged continued investigation into other foreign nationals involved in the POGO industry who may be exploiting Philippine laws and compromising national security.

“It is in this spirit that I welcome and appreciate the President’s decision,” she said.