Michael Yang’s brod arrested for 3 offenses

MANILA, Philippines —   Tony Yang, the elder brother of former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang, was arrested again on Wednesday for alleged perjury, falsification of public documents and violation of the law on the use of aliases.

A team from the Pasay police station served a warrant for Yang’s arrest at the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC)’s custodial facility where he has been detained since September last year.

Authorities presented the 54-year-old Yang, also known as Yang Jianxin and Antonio Lim, a copy of a warrant issued by Judge Eleuteria Badoles-Algodon of the Cagayan de Oro Municipal Trial Court Branch 2.

The court recommended bail of P93,000 for the three offenses.

On the basis of a mission order for being an undesirable alien and for violating immigration laws, Yang was apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Sept. 19 after he flew in from Cagayan de Oro City.

PAOCC executive director Gilbert Cruz said investigation revealed that Yang has been involved in a “staggering” network of corporate and identity fraud.

According to Cruz, Yang set up at least 12 companies in Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro, such as malls, rice mills and a steel plant.

Yang’s alleged involvement in illegal activities mirrored those of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, who was linked to Philippine offshore gaming operations and other scams, the PAOCC said.

In a Senate hearing in September 2024, Yang admitted to faking his Filipino birth certificate just like Guo.

“This arrest is more than just the capture of a person; it’s about holding people accountable, no matter how deep their ties or how many names they use,” Cruz said.

Yang was turned over to the Pasay police. Once he posts bail, the Chinese national will be transferred to the Bureau of Immigration for proceedings related to his immigration offenses.