NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Risa Raises Alarm Over Alleged Abuse Of PH Asylum System In Case Of Mr. Yin
Photo credit: Sen. Risa Hontiveros
A fresh controversy is brewing over the country’s asylum system, as Sen. Risa Hontiveros flagged what she described as a troubling case involving a foreign national facing criminal charges abroad.
During a recent hearing, Hontiveros revealed that a certain Mr. Yin—also known as Elvis Chan—allegedly has a standing warrant of arrest in China for operating an illegal casino. Despite this, he was able to apply for asylum in the Philippines on August 24 and secure refugee status just a month later.
For the senator, the speed of the approval raises serious questions.
“Who exactly are we granting asylum to?” Hontiveros asked, pointing out that the individual is reportedly a fugitive in his home country yet is now enjoying protection in the Philippines.
Hontiveros also noted that Mr. Yin is reportedly behind “Playtime,” which she described as currently the number one online gambling platform operating in the Philippines—raising further concerns about how he continues to operate while under asylum status.
She warned that the issue might go beyond ordinary criminal allegations, adding that individuals in similar situations could potentially pose broader risks if not properly vetted.
Hontiveros stressed the need to safeguard the integrity of the country’s asylum process, saying it should not be exploited by individuals seeking to evade justice.
The senator is now calling for a deeper investigation by both the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Immigration, noting that the situation is puzzling given that the individual was reportedly still able to operate while already in the country.
She confirmed that the matter has already been raised with both agencies in a previous hearing, and that inquiries are ongoing.
“I’m hoping that by the next hearing, we’ll get clearer answers from the DOJ and BI,” Hontiveros said.
As the investigation continues, the case is shaping up to be a major test of how the Philippines handles asylum applications—especially when questions of legality, security, and due process come into play.
During a recent hearing, Hontiveros revealed that a certain Mr. Yin—also known as Elvis Chan—allegedly has a standing warrant of arrest in China for operating an illegal casino. Despite this, he was able to apply for asylum in the Philippines on August 24 and secure refugee status just a month later.
For the senator, the speed of the approval raises serious questions.
“Who exactly are we granting asylum to?” Hontiveros asked, pointing out that the individual is reportedly a fugitive in his home country yet is now enjoying protection in the Philippines.
Hontiveros also noted that Mr. Yin is reportedly behind “Playtime,” which she described as currently the number one online gambling platform operating in the Philippines—raising further concerns about how he continues to operate while under asylum status.
She warned that the issue might go beyond ordinary criminal allegations, adding that individuals in similar situations could potentially pose broader risks if not properly vetted.
Hontiveros stressed the need to safeguard the integrity of the country’s asylum process, saying it should not be exploited by individuals seeking to evade justice.
The senator is now calling for a deeper investigation by both the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Immigration, noting that the situation is puzzling given that the individual was reportedly still able to operate while already in the country.
She confirmed that the matter has already been raised with both agencies in a previous hearing, and that inquiries are ongoing.
“I’m hoping that by the next hearing, we’ll get clearer answers from the DOJ and BI,” Hontiveros said.
As the investigation continues, the case is shaping up to be a major test of how the Philippines handles asylum applications—especially when questions of legality, security, and due process come into play.
Mar 24, 2026
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