Senator Risa Hontiveros accused the family of Michael Yang as a part of a “massive crime syndicate” on Monday, September 23. The statement was made after the arrest of Michael’s older brother, Tony Yang.
“It is much clearer now that their family business is a massive crime syndicate that has operated in the country for far too long and has victimized far too many,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
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Tony Yang was arrested on September 19 at NAIA by the immigration authorities after being classified as an undesirable alien. The senator also suspected that Tony and Michael Yang are involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
“It is much clearer now that their family business is a massive crime syndicate that has operated in the country for far too long and has victimized far too many.”
Risa Hontiveros also revealed in a previous hearing that Hongjiang Yang has a joint account with Hongsheng incorporator Yu Zheng Can. She added that the joint account allegedly grants Hongjiang direct transactions with Baofu Land Development Inc. This very company leased Bamban, Tarlac property to POGOs.
“Malabong nagkataon lang na pare-pareho ang ginagawa nitong magkakapatid na Yang,” Hontiveros said. “There are indications that corporate layering and the crimes they committed through these entities may be part of their modus operandi.”
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Michael Yang, known as the former economic advisor to ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, has denied any involvement in POGOs. He even called out how unfair the proceedings were in his statement.
“There is no respect for due process or rules of procedures that can be found in regular courts that would guarantee a person’s rights to be deemed innocent,” Michael said. “Whether they admit it or not, the legislators are worse than learned prosecutors instead of fact-finding in aid of legislation.”
The House of Representatives also discussed inviting Tony Yang to its hearings.
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