The Senate Committee on Women, Family Relations and Gender Equality resumed its ongoing public hearing on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) and related issues with Tony Yang (also known as Yang Jian Xin) and other key Chinese nationals on Tuesday, September 24.
Yang is the brother of Michael Yang, the former economic adviser of then President Rodrigo Duterte, who was recently arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for violating immigration laws. The Yang brothers are suspected to be connected with POGOs among other crimes linked to it.
Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, meanwhile, reportedly arrived in the Senate building from the Pasig City Jail, where she is currently detained. She joined the panel around 10:00 AM.
Also present to participate in the discussion were Guo’s sister Shiela, Lucky South 99 stakeholder Cassandra Li Ong, Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Liseldo Calugay, former BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, and other officials from relevant government organizations.
Yang is participating in the hearing with the aid of the Chinese translator. Addressing the first question raised by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, the chairperson of the panel, he said he has been staying in the Philippines since 1998 or 1999—around 26 years.
The elder Yang was being investigated for allegedly faking his Filipino identity, so he could run businesses in the country. The Senate obtained official documents where he was using the name Antonio Maestrado Lim.
Also invited at the legislative inquiry are Zhao Shou Qui and his son Zhao Long, the Chinese nationals, who were reportedly involved with the illegal scamming operations of Lucky South 99 as well as the POGO hub raided in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story.
