I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m not a fan of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. He knows me personally—as a friend, even. But friendship should never be a shield against criticism, nor should it prevent us from giving credit where credit is due. And on this issue, the President did the right thing.
His decision to veto the bill granting Filipino citizenship to Chinese national Li Duan Wang was a rare but welcome act of discernment, one that stood in stark contrast to the questionable enthusiasm shown by Congress to push the bill through in the first place.

Let’s review how this unfolded.
House Bill 1318, authored by Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, was filed on July 6, 2022. It was approved by the House Committee on Justice, chaired by Rep. Juliet Ferrer, on August 14, 2023. Less than a month later, on September 9, it passed on third and final reading in the House of Representatives. Swift, smooth, and suspiciously uncritical.

But it gets more troubling.

When the bill reached the Senate, it didn’t hit resistance—it found a sponsor in no less than Senator Francis Tolentino. He championed the bill that sought to grant Filipino citizenship to a Chinese national with alleged ties to the largest Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) service provider in the country—a sector notorious for its links to criminal syndicates, labor violations, and the exploitation of immigration loopholes.
Yes, you read that right: the Senate, the supposed "chamber of sober reflection," enabled this.

Now, let’s be crystal clear: this wasn’t just about granting citizenship to one man. It was about granting legitimacy, access, and deeper systemic influence to someone operating in one of the murkiest, most corruption-laced sectors of our economy.

What does it say about our lawmakers—especially in the Senate—that they would push this bill forward with so little scrutiny? What promises were made? What interests were served? What were they thinking?
Thankfully, Malacañang wasn’t asleep at the wheel.

The President’s veto was more than an act of policy—it was a signal, a line in the sand. It said, “Not this time.” And for that, we must give credit. We need more of this—more backbone, more vigilance, more willingness to say no when power and influence knock at the door.

But this episode also reveals something deeply unsettling about our legislative process. While the Executive took a stand, Congress—both the House and the Senate—almost handed our citizenship on a silver platter to a man with clear red flags.

Filipino citizenship is not for sale. It is not a token to be handed out to foreign nationals with powerful connections, especially those tied to operations that regularly undermine our laws, abuse our labor force, and exploit our system.

This isn’t just about one Chinese national. This is about the integrity of our institutions and the accountability of every branch of government.

Let this serve as a warning. Not just to those who push shady bills in silence, but to all of us: silence and complicity allow corruption to thrive. Political dynasties, illicit businesses, and foreign interests don’t flourish in strong democracies—they flourish in ones where lawmakers turn a blind eye and the public stops paying attention.
Well, we’re paying attention now.

Let’s hold Congress accountable. Let’s ask hard questions. Let’s demand better. And let’s remember that a government truly for the people must act with both courage and conscience—no matter who’s asking for a favor.(TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada)

For your comments or suggestions, complaints or requests, just send a message through my email at fmesj@yahoo.com or text me at cellphone number-+14086345931
PHOTO: (L-R) President Marcos Jr.,Bicol Rep.Joey Salceda, Sen.Francis Tolentino and Li Duan Wang.