Leila: Is Chinese businessman a presidential adviser?

Is Chinese businessman Michael Yang an economic adviser to President Duterte?

Detained opposition Sen. Leila de Lima wants to get to the bottom of the controversy over the identity of the owner of the Los Amigos stores in Mindanao.

The senator has filed Senate Resolution No. 922 seeking an inquiry into reports of Yang’s appointment as presidential economic adviser, which Malacañang has denied.

“The independence of the state from foreign control necessitates that the questionable citizenship of a presidential adviser be authenticated, and the nature and scope of his influence over foreign policy be fully disclosed,” De Lima said in a statement.

Business cards

Yang, also known as Yang Hong Ming, is said to have issued business cards that identify him as “presidential economic adviser” using the official seal of the Office of the President and the official logo of his firm, Full Win Company.

Malacañang said on Friday the President would not interfere with the Senate inquiry.

On Oct. 9, Mr. Duterte denied that the Chinese businessman was his economic adviser.

“[He] cannot be because he’s a Chinese,” he told reporters in Malacañang. —DJ YAP AND JULIE M. AURELIO