The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has issued a deportation order for Lee O’Brian, an American actor and the estranged partner of comedian Pokwang.
The decision, detailed in an eight-page resolution dated December 12, stems from a complaint filed by Pokwang, also known as Marietta Subong, in June. Originally from San Francisco, California, O’Brian relocated to the Philippines in 2015 to pursue his acting career.
According to Pokwang’s complaint, O’Brian consistently renewed his tourist visa, despite his actual purpose in the country being employment rather than tourism.
Rafael Vicente Calinisan, legal counsel for Pokwang, expressed gratitude to the Bureau of Immigration for standing by the truth in their case against Lee O’Brian.
Thank you atty @ralph_calinisan ❤️🙏🏼 yes!!!!! https://t.co/a9MMo38nFp
— marietta subong (@pokwang27) December 23, 2023
Calinisan emphasized their consistent stance that O’Brian should be held accountable for repeatedly renewing his tourist visa, constituting fraud and willful misrepresentation of facts, especially since his work engagements violated the limitations of his non-immigrant status.
The decision for O’Brian’s deportation comes after Pokwang recently allowed him to visit and spend time with their daughter, Malia. Pokwang welcomed this development, underscoring the importance of seeing her daughter happy in the company of her father.
