Former Mexico, Pampanga Mayor Teddy Tumang was cited in contempt by the House Quad Committee for lying about the illegal land acquisition and his connections with Chinese nationals, Willie Ong and Aedy Tai Yang.
During the Committee hearing on Wednesday, the Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro recalled how 560 kg of shabu were found in Empire 999, a realty corporation owned by the two Chinese nationals. According to the lawmaker, the place was not just involved in dangerous drugs but also dabbled with the illegal acquisition of land.
In the same company, 320 land holdings are suspected to have been illegally acquired, including Mexico, Pampanga.
Tumang recalled how Empire 999 began acquiring properties in 2017. However, he denied personally knowing Ong and Yang, stating that he only met the two when they came to his office.
“Hindi ko po personally kilala si Willie Ong at Aedy Yang. pumunta po sa munisipyo, doon ko lang po sila nakilala dahil nag inquire na bibili po sila (ng) lupa,” Tumang said.
However, Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano refuted Tumang’s statements and said the latter was invited to China alongside Yang.
“May mga picture kayo. You were invited and you represented Mexico, Pampanga in that travel with Aedy Yang. And it’s Aedy Yang that introduced all of you, and that includes the Governor to the Ambassador,” Paduano said.
“I have warned you, pasensiyahan po tayo. I move to cite you in contempt, Mr. Tumang,” he added.
Tumang’s Explanation
Before the panel approved the motion, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers gave Tumang a chance to explain. The former Mayor also pleaded to hear his side first and asked that the mega panel reconsider.
According to this former Mayor, it was true that he met the two for the first time when they went to his office. However, he said that it was Yang whom he met several times, while he only met Ong twice.
“And then, pagkatapos non. Maraming series na nag-meet kami ni Aedy Yang dahil bumili sila ng lupa, hanggang pumunta kami ng China; Ininvite kami doon. Doon ko lang nakilala si Aedy Yang. Ang pinupunto ko po, hindi ko po personal na kakilala, nameet ko lang sila sa munisipyo,” Tumang said.
On record, it was determined that Tumang knew the two foreigners, Paduano pointed out. He moved to cite Tumang in contempt because of his refusal and evasiveness in answering the panel’s questions.
“I will establish to you that you have transactions with Willie Ong. And you will not make transactions with a certain person, especially kung hindi mo siya kilala, and you’re lying,” Paduano said.
The Quad Committee unanimously approved the motion to cite Tumang in contempt for violating Section 11 Paragraph B of the House rules of procedure governing inquiries in aid of legislation.
Tumang will be detained at the House detention facility until the Committee terminates its hearing on the issue surrounding drugs and POGOs.
