House panel cites ex-presidential adviser of PRRD for contempt

House of Representatives (File Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The House Committee on Dangerous Drugs on Wednesday cited for contempt former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang for his refusal to attend hearings on the September 2023 illegal drug seizure worth PHP3 billion in Mexico, Pampanga.

During the hearing, Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop moved to cite former president Rodrigo Duterte’s economic adviser for contempt over his non-appearance at the congressional hearing despite the issuance of a show cause order.

Yang was invited to the hearing to shed light on the interlocking incorporators of all the corporations connected with Empire 999 Realty Inc.

“I move then, Mr. Chair, that we cite Mr. Michael Yang in contempt for continually being absent in spite of the subpoena, in spite of the invitation given him,” Acop said.

Panel chairperson and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said Yang was implicated in the hearings because his interpreter, Lincoln Ong, was identified as an incorporator of Empire 999, which owned the warehouse where the illegal drugs were seized.

Barbers further noted that Yang violated Section 11 of the House rules for his refusal to obey the summons without a legal excuse.

Acop’s motion was approved by the committee without any objection.

The investigation also touched on the PHP3.8 billion worth of shabu shipment intercepted at the Subic Freeport.