Lee O’Brian and Pokwang. Image: Instagram/@leeobrian, @itspokwang27
Lee O’Brian has filed a counter-affidavit in response to the petition for deportation filed by his former partner, comedian Pokwang, with the American actor appealing to the Philippine government to look at his case “fairly and with justice.”
“Just filed a counter-affidavit to the complaint filed by Marietta Subong (Pokwang’s real name),” O’Brian said, as seen in a video shared by entertainment reporter MJ Marfori on her Instagram page.
“You know, what I’d like to say is first of all, above everything, I always have respect for the mother of my child,” he continued. “Second of all, because this is kind of a quasi-judicial issue for the Bureau of Immigration, I can’t comment on the details. That’s just the nature of the issue.”
O’Brian also stressed that despite his whole dispute with Pokwang, he has “always put the best interest” of their daughter Malia first as he loves his child “more than anything.”
O’Brian then expressed his gratitude and appreciation to those who support him, and made an appeal to the authorities for his case to be treated fairly.
“Given the fact that the complainant is very well-known, widely known throughout this country and very very influential, I am basically asking and pleading with the Philippine government and the Bureau of Immigration to look at my case—my deportation case—fairly and with justice,” he stated.
“According to the merits of the case and whatever I’ve filed here, I would plead to them to look at it justly,” he added.
In response, Pokwang released a statement from her legal counsel Ralph Calinisan, through her Instagram Stories on Monday, June 26.
“We maintain that Mr. William Lee O’Brian must be deported immediately from the Philippines. Undesirable aliens have no place in this country,” it said.
“With this case we are pursuing, we are putting a stop to the gross manipulation of Philippine Immigration laws and the acts of abuse against our client, Marietta Subong,” it further read. “The Philippines must be a safe place for everyone, especially us Filipinos. ”
Image: Instagram/@itspokwang27
Pokwang earlier filed a deportation complaint and cancellation of visa against O’Brian, with the comedian claiming that the American actor has been using a tourist visa even though he has been staying in the country for the past eight years. /ra