MANILA: Senator Risa Hontiveros has voiced significant alarm regarding reports that officials within the Bureau of Immigration (BI) may have sought the release on bail of Tony Yang, who is currently under detention. Yang is the older brother of Michael Yang, the former economic adviser to ex-president Rodrigo Duterte.

According to Philippines News Agency, Yang has been hospitalized due to a lung condition, as stated by his legal counsel, Raymond Fortun. Senator Hontiveros questioned the potential decision to grant Yang bail, citing substantial evidence of his alleged abuses of Philippine policies. Hontiveros referenced similar past incidents, such as the escape of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo, to emphasize her skepticism regarding Yang's compliance with legal standards.

Hontiveros further accused Yang and his brother of exploiting the Filipino people by posing as Filipino citizens for financial gain. She insisted that Yang should remain in detention despite his medical needs, which she stated could be addressed while he is in custody. The senator highlighted the existence of an arrest warrant for Yang from China and urged the Anti-Money Laundering Council to expedite its investigation into his alleged money laundering activities.

Yang, who is currently in the custody of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, faces multiple charges, including falsifying documents, perjury, and violations of the Anti-Alias Law. Additionally, he has been linked to an illegal online gaming facility purportedly owned by Guo.