By Clarist Mae Zablan
(January 2, 2025) – Authorities have started investigating allegations that some immigration officials are pushing for the release of businessman Tony Yang on bail, a Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) official said on Thursday.
Usec. Gilbert Cruz, the executive director of PAOCC, said Executive Sec. Lucas Bersamin has ordered an investigation into the issue, which was first raised by Sen. Risa Hontiveros. Bersamin sits as the chairperson of the commission.
“Iniimbestigahan nga ‘yon,” Cruz said on Ted Failon at DJ Chacha sa True FM. “Mayroon po yatang attempt na ire-release siya (Tony Yang) through bail na ni-request po ng kanilang abogado. So, pinaiimbestigahan na po ito ni Executive Secretary, kung ano po ‘yung nangyari talaga dito.”
Earlier this week, Hontiveros called out reports of officials in the Bureau of Immigration who allegedly pushed for the release of Yang from detention.
Tony Yang, the brother of former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang, is believed by lawmakers to be linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO). The businessman faces multiple criminal charges over accusations of hiding his Chinese citizenship while starting businesses in the Philippines.
Tony Yang is currently under physical custody of PAOCC, Cruz said.
The government has been cracking down on POGOs over allegations of criminal activities such as human trafficking and online scams. Last year, Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered the closure of POGOs before the end of 2024.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra has said that his office will focus on seizing properties and cancelling birth certificates that were illegally acquired by foreigners linked to POGOs.
Hontiveros urged authorities to be vigilant with “efforts of POGO criminals to obtain Filipino citizenship by whatever means.”
“Ngayong bagong taon, dapat New Year’s resolution na ng gobyerno ang matiyak na walang dayuhan ang mananamantala ng ating mga institusyon,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
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