Senator Risa Hontiveros has strongly opposed any attempts to grant bail offshore gaming-linked Tony Yang, a Chinese businessman.
Senator Risa Hontiveros has strongly opposed any attempts to grant bail to Chinese businessman Tony Yang, who faces accusations of money laundering and involvement in illegal online gaming operations within the Philippines.
Hontiveros expressed her concerns in a statement released on Monday, emphasizing that Yang should remain in detention. This stance is fueled by reports suggesting that certain officials within the Bureau of Immigration are advocating for Yang's release on bail.
The senator highlighted the ease with which dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo–accused of being Chinese national Guo Hua Ping–managed to evade authorities. This precedent, according to Hontiveros, raises serious doubts about Yang's adherence to legal processes if granted bail.
"I have received reports that there are officials in the Bureau of Immigration who attempted to push for the release on bail of Tony Yang," Hontiveros said as quoted by The Manila Times.
"We have seen how easy it was for Guo Hua Ping to slip out. Is there reason to believe that this Tony Yang will follow the law?"
Furthermore, Hontiveros urged the Anti-Money Laundering Council to expedite its investigation into Yang's alleged money laundering activities. She accused Yang of exploiting the Filipino people for personal gain, having amassed his wealth through fraudulent means, including falsely claiming Filipino citizenship.
While acknowledging the possibility of Yang requiring medical attention, Hontiveros firmly stated that any necessary treatment should be administered while he remains under government custody.
Yang was apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on September 19th by a joint operation involving the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the Bureau of Immigration, and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His arrest stemmed from alleged connections to various illegal activities.
The Department of Justice Secretary, Jesus Crispin Remulla, has opted to pursue criminal charges against Yang instead of immediately deporting him.
During a Senate investigation into illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators, Yang admitted to possessing a Philippine birth certificate despite his Chinese nationality. He attributed this to his maternal grandfather's actions, claiming it was done for his convenience in establishing businesses within the country.
Immigration authorities earlier confirmed there was a push to grant bail to the detained businessman. But they assured that the approval was "not guaranteed."
“While filing for bail is a right under due process, it does not guarantee approval,” BI emphasized. “Previous applications have not been considered, and Yang’s current application is expected to be evaluated with the same rigorous standard.”
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