Rep. Villar seeks Filipino citizenship for Korean Shopee advisor

Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar has filed a bill seeking to grant Filipino citizenship to South Korean businessman Won Suk Heo also known as Simon Won Suk Heo, a long-time advisor to e-commerce platform Shopee Philippines.

Villar made the proposal under House Bill 6578, saying Simon, who hails from Incheon, South Korea, has been a resident of the Philippines since 1992 and a a permanent resident visa holder since June 5, 1997.

In her explanatory note, Villar noted that Simon and wife Hae Jung Lee have two children who are both enrolled in a private school in the Philippines.

Aside from being a longtime Shopee Philippines advisor, Villar's bill identified Simon as the Director at the Eagle Star Crew Management Corporation, a domestic corporation primarily engaged in the recruiting, processing, and deploying Filipino seafarers onboard ocean-going vessels.

Simon, according to her, also serves as the director at BCH Holding, Inc., a domestic corporation primarily engaged in investing, purchasing, developing and selling real and personal properties, as well as one of the directors of Canal Holdings, Inc., a domestic corporation primarily engaged in investing, purchasing, developing and selling real and personal properties.

In addition, Villar says Simon is a longtime member and former President of Y.P. O. Phils, Inc., a non-stock corporation involved in developing and promoting the exchange of ideas, experiences and practices pertaining to the problems of business management.

"While successful in his corporate career, Mr. Simon remains humble. With his dedication and commitment, he has, and continuously contributes, his valuable service in the business industry of the country which helps thousands of Filipinos and their families," Villar said in her explanatory note.

"His allegiance to the Philippines is indubitable, considering his skills and knowledge and will be a welcome addition to our society."

Simon, Villar said, is also a golf enthusiast and a member of the Manila Polo Club, Inc., Manila Golf and Country Club, Inc., Wack Wack Golf and Country Club as well as Manila House. —Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA Integrated News