Senate orders arrest of ex-Duterte adviser Michael Yang, Pharmally execs

The Senate on Tuesday afternoon issued warrants of arrest against former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang and five Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation officials.

This was confirmed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III to reporters.

Apart from Yang, the following Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation executives were served with an arrest warrant:

• Mohit Dargani
• Twinkle Dargani
• Linconn Ong
• Krizle Grace Mago
• Justine Garado

Earlier today, the Senate blue ribbon committee cited Yang and five officials of Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. in contempt and recommended the issuance of arrest warrants for skipping the inquiry into the government’s procurement of alleged overpriced COVID-19 equipment.

The Senate panel has already served two subpoenas against Yang, asking him to appear before the inquiry to answer questions on his alleged connection with Pharmally Pharmaecuetical Corp., a firm that bagged billions worth of government contracts for the procurement of PPEs.

Lawyer says Yang to attend

Yang, through his legal counsel, Atty. Raymond Fortun, sent a letter to the office of Senator Richard Gordon, chair of the Senate blue ribbon committee today.

According to Fortun, Yang has not received a copy of the subpoena issued by the Senate panel but the Chinese businessman “has expressed his full and complete cooperation” to the inquiry.

“Mr. Yang apologized for his absence at today’s hearing, but gives his assurance at the next scheduled hearing of the Committee,” Fortun said. -NB, GMA News