MANILA, Philippines —Senator Risa Hontiveros has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto a bill that proposes granting Philippine citizenship to a Chinese businessman with alleged ties to a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) and a Chinese individual detained in Thailand for espionage.
Hontiveros raised concerns about the potential national security risks associated with granting citizenship to someone with such connections.
The senator emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the businessman’s background before proceeding with the naturalization process.
She warned that the approval of this bill could set a concerning precedent and undermine national security.
Hontiveros stressed the importance of ensuring that citizenship is granted only to individuals who meet the highest standards of scrutiny, especially when national security is involved.
She has urged for a review of the legislative process to ensure transparency and accountability in citizenship applications.
