FILE PHOTO: Pharmally Director Linconn Ong. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Linconn Ong, Director of Pharmally, denied on Tuesday any association with a company that Senator Risa Hontiveros mentioned during a speech given under privilege that accused the firm of illegal activity.
In a statement released by Ong’s lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio: “Filipino-Chinese businessman Linconn Ong today denied any involvement in a Chinese company which, according to opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros, is involved in illegal gambling and human trafficking.”
But Topacio admitted that Ong worked with Yatai International Corporation “in the capacity of an employee, and Ong never owned any part of the said company.”
He explained that Yatai International Corporation, which has been established for over 20 years, produces rechargeable lamps, electric fans, and lightning fixtures under the name and style of “Omni.”
“The said company had never been involved in any illegal activity, least of all human trafficking,” he claimed.
He likewise stressed that Yatai International Corporation is “a totally different entity from the company mentioned by the good Senator and named Yatai International Holdings Group, which is not connected with Yatai International Corporation in any shape, manner or form.”
Topacio noted that “Yatai” is a common Chinese word that means “Asia Pacific.”
On Monday, Hontiveros said that victims of human trafficking in Myanmar were located at Shwe Kokko Special Economic Zone or Yatai New City, owned by Yatai International Holdings Group.
READ: Hontiveros: Chinese mafia plans all-Filipino scammer team in Myanmar
She also disclosed receiving information that the firm “may possibly have a connection to the Pharmally players” since Ong is associated with Yatai International Corporation.
Last year, Pharmally was accused by legislators of overcharging the government for medical supplies. These supplies were used in the COVID-19 response.