Ex-Duterte adviser Michael Yang says presence in House probe ‘not necessary’

Michael Yang, who served as economic adviser to former president Rodrigo Duterte, said he does not see the need to attend the congressional probe on the September 2023 drug bust in Pampanga.

Yang, who has been in Dubai since May 12,  made the statement after he was cited in contempt on Wednesday by the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs for his repeated absence during the hearings.

“I wish, however, to state that my presence is not necessary and is only intended to embarrass me, if not for someone’s political purposes. I have always denied being involved in drugs,” he said through his lawyer Raymund Fortun.

“If they have evidence against me, then that person or evidence should be presented during the hearings instead of wasting time with my denials,” he added.

The former presidential adviser is allegedly linked to an incorporator of Empire 999 Realty Corp., the firm that owns the warehouse in Mexico, Pampanga where over P3 billion worth of shabu was seized. 

The House dangerous drugs panel issued a show-cause order against Yang in May also for his failure to attend the hearing. 

Yang is also being linked by Senator Risa Hontivero to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators in the country, which is also being investigated by the upper chamber.

But he denied any involvement in any illicit businesses, noting that former president Duterte or any of his friends did not help him in his business in the Philippines.

“I have also stated under oath that I am not engaged in POGO activities,” said Yang. “For the same reason, if they have evidence against me, then that person or evidence should be represented during the hearings instead of wasting time with my denials.”

“I am a simple trader engaged in retail and wholesale of RTWs and dry goods in Davao. I have since tried to engage in real estate business with and on behalf of investors and other partners.”—RF, GMA Integrated News