SENATOR Risa Hontiveros has raised serious concerns about the naturalization of Li Duan Wang, an incorporator of the largest Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) service provider, New Oriental Club 88 Corporation.
During a Tuesday hearing of the Justice and Human Rights Subcommittee, Hontiveros revealed that Li, whose Filipino citizenship application awaits President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s signature, was a key figure in the company that was shut down in 2019.
Hontiveros highlighted that New Oriental Club 88 Corporation amended its articles of incorporation in 2020 to operate as a “Special Class of BPO” serving as a POGO service provider.
She asserted that the company remains operational and that Li’s involvement was concealed from Congress. “We find it offensive that Li Duan Wang concealed all those from Congress,” Hontiveros stated.
Despite Hontiveros’s opposition, Congress approved House Bill No. 8839 in January, granting Li Philippine citizenship. The subcommittee’s probe will continue to investigate how Alice Guo, a key figure in the POGO industry, and other POGO actors were able to leave the country and who facilitated their departure. The investigation will focus on the roles of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration.
Hontiveros’s revelations raise serious questions about the transparency and integrity of the naturalization process, particularly in relation to individuals involved in the POGO industry.
The subcommittee’s investigation aims to shed light on the potential for abuse and manipulation within the system, prompting calls for greater scrutiny and accountability.
