The Senate now has a clear understanding that Tony Yang, the brother of former economic adviser Michael Yang, is connected to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operating in the country.
During a Senate Committee Hearing on Tuesday, Yang was asked if he had any transactions with POGOs. Yang initially responded that he has no current dealings with POGOs, but later admitted to having previous transactions.
According to Yang, he rented out his condominium property to POGO businessmen.
"Before I had a transaction with a POGO Company for renting out a condo unit for them and the name that I had the transaction with is 'Jiushui'," said Yang when asked by Senator Risa Hontiveros.
Hontiveros further inquired about Yang's involvement with Oroone Inc., the service provider of the POGO company Sonwey Technologies Inc.
Documents disclosed by Hontiveros revealed that PAGCOR had issued a Certificate of Accreditation and Authority to Operate to Oroone, with Yang listed as the president.
"Inaamin niyo ba na presidente kayo ng Oroone?," asked Hontiveros.
Yang, through an interpreter, responded, "I'm actually not sure about the company name, whether it is Oroone, but I remember that perhaps, at the time of its opening, they needed to apply for a business permit."
"Sir, masyado kayong high level para gawing dummy nino man. I don't think na may not sure dito, I don't think na may maybe dito," Hontiveros responded.
Meanwhile, Hontiveros raised concerns about the Philippine Steel Sanjia Corporation, which allegedly operates like a POGO facility, complete with dormitories and restricted areas where Filipinos are prohibited from entering, and which allegedly practices torture.
"Ilan ang foreign nationals (Sanjia facility),?" asked Hontiveros.
Yang stated that there are 110 Chinese national skilled workers in the company, who are responsible for operating the machines' technical and mechanical aspects.
However, Hontiveros refuted that there are Filipinos who are also skilled workers as there are long-time steel manufacturing companies in the country questioning why it needs Chinese nationals to work for him.
Hontiveros proceeded to her inquiries, "Mukhang malapit po kayo sa maraming matataas na opisyal ng gobyerno. Ang kapatid niyo naging economic adviser ni Presidente Duterte. malapit din ba kayo kay dating Presidente?"
"I am not very close with former Pres. Duterte, I don't have contact with him," Yang responded.
"Not very close so only a little close," Hontiveros responded.
On September 20, Yang was arrested at NAIA Terminal 3 by the PAOCC and BI for being an "undesirable alien."
Yang is accused of falsifying documents and failing to remit employee benefits.
Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez revealed that Yang, a Chinese national posing as a Filipino, is linked to POGO operations and alleged drug smuggling. Michael Yang has also been implicated in illegal POGO activities.
