A panel from the House of Representatives has issued a show-cause order to former Presidential Economic Adviser Michael Yang for failing to attend a hearing regarding a significant drug bust in Pampanga last September 2023.
Yang’s absence was noted during the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs session, led by Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.
“(We are) seeking the former Duterte adviser because based on documents, he is an incorporator or stockholder or financier of several interlocking corporations linked to Empire 999 Realty, Inc.,” said Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who chairs the committee.
Despite being summoned, Yang did not appear at the hearing. Instead, his lawyer, Raymond Fortun, attended on his behalf, explaining that Yang was currently abroad on a business trip in Dubai.
This prompted the committee to demand an explanation from Yang for his non-attendance.
Rep. Barbers highlighted Yang’s involvement with several interconnected corporations linked to Empire 999 Realty, Inc., suggesting potential financial ties to controversial companies Omni and Pharmally Pharmaceutical.
These companies were previously implicated in irregularities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the decision to issue a show-cause order, Rep. Dan Fernandez of Santa Rosa City argued that a subpoena should be issued instead, as Yang’s lawyer had already provided a valid reason for his client’s absence.
The investigation stems from a shipment intercepted by the Bureau of Customs, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, which traced the contraband to a warehouse owned by Empire 999 Realty Corporation, allegedly under the name Willy Ong.
However, Barbers revealed that “Willy Ong” is believed to be a fictitious identity.
The committee has also issued an arrest warrant for the elusive “Willy Ong,” who has been absent from hearings since last year.
Barbers stated that the authorities have no choice but to arrest Ong due to his repeated failure to appear and testify.
Further complicating the case, Barbers mentioned that the Bureau of Immigration has no records of Ong using a Philippine passport.
However, a Chinese national named Cai Quimeng, bearing a photograph identical to Ong’s, has been identified in travel documents.
“Since he consistently failed to appear before us, we have no other recourse but to issue a warrant of arrest against him,” said Barbers. “Soon as you determine his whereabouts, arrest and bring him to this Congress so we can get his side of the story.”
The House panel’s actions underscore the seriousness of the drug bust investigation and highlight the challenges faced in tracking and holding accountable those involved.
The developments call for heightened scrutiny and cooperation from all parties to uncover the truth.