MANILA – “Hahayaan lang ba siyang makawala na lang?” (Are we going to let him walk away?)
This was the question raised by Senator Risa Hontiveros after reports surfaced suggesting that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Tony Yang may be close to being released.
“I have received reports that there are officials in the Bureau of Immigration (BI) who attempted to push for the release on bail of Tony Yang,” Hontiveros said in a statement on Monday, December 30.
The senator expressed disbelief, asking, “After all of the evidence proving his abuse of the country’s rules, we still let him go?”
Hontiveros also pointed to the ease with which former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, was able to slip out of the country, questioning whether Tony Yang would truly follow the law.
“Do we really believe that Tony Yang will follow the law?” she asked.
Hontiveros added, “He has made his fortune in the country by pretending to be Filipino. He, along with his brother Michael Yang, has exploited the Filipino people for his own gain. He should stay in detention.”
The senator emphasized that while Tony Yang may require medical attention, he should remain in government custody.
“If he allegedly needs medical attention, he can be sent to a hospital, but he should remain under government custody. Aside from this, he has a warrant of arrest from China,” Hontiveros said.
In the same statement, Hontiveros urged the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to expedite the investigation into Tony Yang’s involvement in money laundering activities.
“We cannot let him go unpunished. What is this, a trial balloon? Then Guo Hua Ping will be next? Do not deceive the country.”