Michael Yang’s brother’s arrest crucial for House probe – lawmakers

AIRPORT ARREST Yang Jian Xin, who uses the business name Antonio Yang, was arrested at Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport on September 19 on charges of being an undesirable alien for impersonating a Filipino. He is the elder brother of Michael Yang, who is being sought in connection with a drug bust last year. —BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The arrest of former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang’s brother is a “crucial development” for the House of Representatives quad-committee, as he can shed light on issues involving their family ties and businesses.

House committee on public order and safety chairperson Dan Fernandez said Yang Jian Xin, said to be using the name Tony Yang, could provide “valuable testimony” during the hearings.

Lawmakers believe Tony is president of Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation, a firm allegedly connected to Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) and the illegal drug trade.

“Tony Yang’s capture is a crucial development in our investigation. His company, Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation, has been implicated in drug smuggling and illegal Pogo operations,” Fernandez said in a statement.

“We expect him to cooperate and provide valuable testimony that will help us uncover the intricate web of criminal operations operating under the radar,” he added.

At the latter part of the quad-committee hearing on Thursday, Fernandez announced that they got a report that Tony was under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

READ: Michael Yang’s eldest brother nabbed at Naia — Rep. Fernandez

“His violation is in accordance with the immigration law. Since in [the company documents] that he filed in the SEC (Securities and Exchanges Commission) — can you kindly show the picture of the Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation wherein he is the president? He owns a passport in the name of Antonio Lim,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez believes the steel corporation, which is based in Cagayan de Oro City too, is being set up to be a Pogo site.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said Tony’s arrest can be a crucial step in exposing the criminal network hiding behind legitimate businesses.

“This is a major breakthrough in our fight against illegal drugs and organized crime. Tony Yang’s arrest exposes illicit activities disguised as legitimate businesses,” said Barbers, chairperson of the House committee on dangerous drugs and lead presiding officer of the quad-committee.

“For too long, these individuals have operated with impunity, using corporate fronts to conceal their illegal operations. This arrest strengthens our commitment to pursuing justice and holding everyone involved in these syndicates accountable, no matter how well-connected they may be,” he added.

Michael was one of the names mentioned even before the quad-committee was formed. Previously, Fernandez showed a matrix that allegedly linked Michael to individuals like Aedy Yang, Willie Ong, Jack T. Yang, Yang Hua Huang, and Cai Ji Ru who figured during the hearings on illegal drugs and Pogos.

READ: Solons’ matrix links Yang, Pharmally to Pampanga warehouse owners, drugs

Michael, who was former president Rodrigo Duterte’s economic adviser, failed to attend a hearing about the September 2023 drug bust in Pampanga, prompting Barbers’ committee to cite him for contempt.

READ: Michael Yang cited for contempt, ordered arrested by House panel

Fernandez also believes Tony is connected to dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo by means of being a business associate supposedly responsible for facilitating financial transactions.

“The capture of Tony Yang strengthens the case against his brother, Michael Yang, who has continuously evaded our summons. We will not stop until we uncover the full scope of their involvement in illegal activities that endanger our people and threaten national security,” Barbers said.

“The financial links between Tony Yang and Alice Guo are part of a larger conspiracy that we are determined to unravel,” Fernandez said. “The matrix we’ve uncovered reveals a sophisticated network spanning multiple illegal activities, and we will not rest until all those involved are held accountable.”