Senators grill Tony Yang; named “true architect” behind their operations

September 24, 2024 , 04:36 PM

By Ace Pariña

(September 24, 2024) – Former economic adviser Michael Yang’s brother, Tony, whose real name is Yang Jiang Xin, faced questioning from senators during the Senate hearing on illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) on Tuesday.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros believed that the POGO-linked Tony Yang is the “real architect” of Yang operations.

“Matagal na natin nababalitaan si Michael Yang. Ang katotohanan ay bagamat mas kilala si Michael, si Tony ang sinasabing totoong architect ng operations ng mga Yang,” Sen. Hontiveros said.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) also testified that Yang manages the family’s businesses, including the Sanjia Steel Corporation and a rice mill in Cagayan de Oro, where he allegedly holds significant influence.

The senator further questioned Yang about his decision to employ Chinese nationals instead of Filipinos in his cattle business, sparking frustration among the senators due to his inability to speak Filipino fluently, despite living in the country for more than 25 years.

“‘Di ako makapaniwala na quarter of a century na kayo sa Pilipinas at hindi kayo marunong magbisaya o Filipino fluently. ‘Di ako buang para maniwala dyan,” Hontiveros remarked.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada also voiced his frustration, accusing Yang of pretending not to understand Filipino.

“Ginag*go tayo ng Chinese national na ito. Marunong ka managalog at magbisaya eh! Kunwari ‘di ka marunong eh. I know you understand Tagalog and Visaya language! Ginaggo mo kami!,” Estrada said.

Yang admitted that he only holds a Chinese passport, though he does possess a Filipino birth certificate, which he claims his grandfather processed to help him establish businesses in the Philippines.

However, Sen. Hontiveros questioned the legitimacy of his Filipino birth certificate, suspecting it might be fake.

(With reports from Maeanne Los Banos-Oroceo, News5)

(PB)

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