Michael Yang, former economic adviser to President Rodrigo Duterte, has refuted allegations linking him to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
In an interview, Attorney Raymond Fortun, Yang’s lawyer, emphasized that Yang’s name has not been linked to any of the corporations mentioned.
“Mr. Yang’s name has never appeared in any of these corporations. To make sweeping statements of that nature may lack legal or factual basis,” Fortun stated.
During a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Senator Risa Hontiveros raised questions about a potential connection between Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and Gerald Cruz, an incorporator of the illegal POGO Brickhartz Technologies. Cruz is reportedly the corporate secretary of Yang’s Full Win Group of Companies and Pharmally Biological, where Yang holds shares.
Responding to these connections, Fortun argued against presumptions of illegality solely based on associations: “Just because a person is connected with a company that may have business dealings with another company under investigation does not imply wrongdoing.”
Fortun urged the Senate to present concrete evidence against Yang, emphasizing the importance of due process.
In a statement read by Fortun, Yang criticized the fairness of congressional proceedings: “People have witnessed the unfairness in the House and Senate proceedings. There is a disregard for due process or procedural rules akin to those in regular courts that safeguard the presumption of innocence.”
Yang also clarified his relationship with Duterte, asserting no special favors were granted in his business dealings: “My relationship with former President Duterte is a matter of record. He or any close associates did not assist in my business ventures. I reiterate, I am not involved in any illegal activities.”
Yang expressed regret for his absence in House hearings regarding the P3.6 billion illegal drugs seized in Pampanga in 2023, citing his current location in Dubai.
Fortun acknowledged Yang’s citation in contempt but expressed uncertainty about his return to the Philippines, noting his Chinese citizenship. He urged authorities to pursue legal charges if sufficient evidence exists.