De Lima wants probe on Michael Yang’s alleged appointment as economic adviser

Detained Senator Leila de Lima has filed a resolution seeking a probe into the alleged appointment of foreign nationals to public office, particularly Chinese businessman Michael Yang.

In Senate Resolution No. 922 filed October 18, De Lima urged the appropriate Senate committee to look into Yang’s supposed appointment as presidential economic adviser and determine the extent of his “official engagement” under the Duterte administration.

The resolution stated that Yang, also known as Yang Hong Ming, has been publicly issuing business cards which identify him as “presidential economic adviser” using the official seal of the Office of the President of the Philippines and the official logo of his firm, Full Win Company.

It added that photographs of Yang's lavish room have surfaced and showed that it is the office of the presidential adviser and the presidential seal is emblazoned at the entrance.

Duterte, however, has denied appointing Yang as his economic adviser. The President also cleared the Chinese businessman of any links to the illegal drug trade.

State visit in China

De Lima’s resolution also said that during the October 2016 state visit in China, Malacañang photographs showed President Rodrigo Duterte walking Yang, Ambassador Zhao Jianhua, and then-Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

Yang has also been reported to have hosted Cayetano and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade in his office as presidential economic adviser, it added.

“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.

Last October 4, Duterte revealed of Yang’s close relations with Ambassador Zhao during his speech before the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association.  He also disclosed that Yang was part of the Philippine delegation to China. 

“In conformity with the requirement exacted from public officers to at all times maintain allegiance and loyalty to the Philippines, there is a need to inquire into the citizenship of presidential appointees as public office held by a foreign national is inimical to the public interest and welfare,” De Lima said.

She said there is a need for the sake of public interest to determine the authenticity of Yang’s appointment as presidential economic adviser, his relationship with Duterte, and the extent of his access to sensitive state information.

“More stringent penalties must be imposed upon any foreign national who willfully, knowingly and conspicuously usurps into public office,” said De Lima, who remains detained at the PNP Custodial Center over drug charges.

She also proposed for more severe penalties upon foreign nationals for violation of the law that prohibits the use publicly and improperly of the official insignia of public offices, particularly the Office of the President and Office of the Vice President. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News