President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vetoed a bill granting Philippine citizenship to Chinese national Li Duan Wang, citing serious warnings from national security agencies and raising concerns over “dubious interests.”
In his veto message, delivered by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Friday, President Marcos said he could not turn a blind eye to what he called “alarming and revealing warnings” from relevant government bodies.
“I am unable to blindly ignore the alarming and revealing warnings raised by our relevant national agencies that find the subject grantee’s character and influence to be full of ominous and dire consequences, if not of a clear and present danger,” the President said.
Wang’s application for citizenship has drawn criticism due to his alleged links to Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities and a history of questionable personal records. He is reportedly connected to a POGO hub in Pasay City previously raided over illegal operations.
President Marcos also stressed that Filipino citizenship is a privilege, not something to be handed out lightly, especially when national interests may be compromised. He warned against using it as a tool to further questionable agendas.
“To disregard these warnings is to neglect our duty to the Filipino people,” Mr. Marcos said. “We do not hand out citizenship on a whim, and it should not be used to advance suspicious interests.”
He said granting citizenship means more than just extending legal rights—it involves embracing the nation’s identity and values.
“We open the full honor of our history, our people, and our heritage to the recipient. That person must, in turn, uphold the aspirations of the country,” the president said.
Moreover, in a separate message aimed at lawmakers who supported Wang’s naturalization, President Marcos warned that he is aware of all information his office receives.
“If there are dubious interests involved, the President is not deaf to the data or facts that come his way,” Castro said.
“Congress may have made its decision, but the President remains unconvinced,” she added.
Wang’s bid for citizenship had been approved by Congress but required the president’s signature to take effect.
In a statement issued Friday, Senator Risa Hontiveros who opposed Li’s citizenship bid and has actively investigated POGO-related issues welcomed the President’s exercise of his veto power.
“The President’s decision to veto a proposed law granting Li Duan Wang’s Filipino citizenship is a necessary and welcome move. This shows our government’s commitment to protecting the sanctity of our Filipino citizenship,” she said.
“I firmly believe that rejecting Li Duan Wang’s application is a firm stand for our national interest. At the same time, we must continue to investigate and bring to justice other abusive personalities in the POGO industry who may be exploiting our laws and putting our security at risk,” Hontiveros added.