PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vetoed the proposed measures that would have granted Filipino citizenship to Chinese entrepreneur Li Duan Wang. The President also amended the Baguio City Charter.
“The legislative naturalization of Li Duan Wang and the bill on the modern Baguio City Charter have been vetoed by the President,” said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a text message.
Malacañang has yet to release copies of the veto messages for the two proposed laws.
The proposed naturalization of Wang was met with criticism due to his alleged connection to Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities and questionable personal records.
Wang, also known as Mark Ong, is reportedly the operator of the 9 Dynasty junket group, which has offices in Rivendell, a POGO hub in Pasay, involved in illegal activities.
“His supposed involvement in POGOs was not disclosed in his naturalization application,” said Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros.
Meanwhile, the law on the modern Baguio City Charter aims to correct defects in the existing charter.
The proposal is seen to downgrade the status of Baguio City as an “independent and highly urbanized local government” and empower other agencies in the titling of properties.
