The Bureau of Immigration has ordered the deportation of Lee O’Brian, the former partner of actress Pokwang, for violating the terms and conditions of his stay in the country by engaging in film and television projects.
In an eight-page resolution dated December 12, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) enforced the deportation of Lee, whose full name is William Lee O’Brian. He was also included in the BI Blacklist after his deportation, which included statements such as: “Deported: violation of his work visa” (working for another company), cancellation of Lee O’Brian’s pre-arranged employment visa, issuance of a Warrant of Deportation against him, among others.
According to the resolution, Lee was also warned about his active involvement in the film, television, and entertainment industry, which contravened the terms and conditions of his stay in the country. This pertained to his projects from 2016 to 2023. The resolution was signed by all three members of the Board of Commissioners: Commissioner Norman Tansingco, Deputy Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, and Deputy Commissioner Daniel Laogan.
In June, Pokwang filed a deportation case against Lee, with her lawyer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan from Calinisan Domino & Beron Law Offices defending her.
The complaints Pokwang filed against Lee included financial abuse, intimidation, and abandonment of their child, Malia.
The resolution highlighted Lee’s violation of his work visa by working for another company, an action prohibited by BI regulations. Additionally, the cancellation of Lee’s pre-arranged employment visa was implemented, indicating non-compliance with the agreements of his original visa.
The resolution also pointed out Lee’s active participation in the entertainment industry, where he was involved in various television, film, and stage projects from 2016 to 2023. The BI demonstrated that such activities were considered a violation of the original purpose of his visit to the country.
Justice served 🙏🏼 #thankful #grateful #Healing #moveforward2024 https://t.co/ws3mvoJPn3
— marietta subong (@pokwang27) December 23, 2023
The BI Blacklist is a measure aimed at preventing a foreigner from re-entering the country after deportation. Consequently, Lee is prohibited from returning to the Philippines under any circumstances.
Overall, the BI resolution underscores the importance of compliance with regulations and visa conditions for foreigners as a step towards law enforcement and the enhancement of the integrity of the country’s immigration system.