The Senate on Monday, January 27, approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 8839, which seeks to grant Philippine citizenship to Li Duan Wang, a Chinese national with alleged POGO ties, with 19 affirmative votes, one negative vote, and zero abstentions.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros was the only one who voted against the measure, citing multiple “red flags” associated with the applicant.
During her explanation of her vote, Hontiveros raised concerns about Wang’s alleged connections to questionable activities, including ties to junket operations, POGOs, and the United Front Work Department of China.
“Hindi ko hinatulan na guilty si Li Duan Wang, pero sapat ang mga red flag na ito para hindi siya pagkalooban ng pagiging Pilipino nang ganito kadali,” Hontiveros said.
