DOJ to file criminal cases against Tony Yang over POGO violations

The Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that it intends to file criminal cases against Tony Yang, brother of former President Rodrigo Duterte's economic adviser Michael Yang, instead of deporting him.

Yang was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration and other government agencies for violations related to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and is now facing additional charges including falsification and illegal use of alias.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that filing criminal cases takes precedence over deportation as Yang denies involvement with POGOs, despite claims from Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 10 is studying preliminary charges against Yang, who was apprehended at NAIA on Sept. 19 for alleged ties to various illegal activities.

Yang used his fake Filipino citizenship to obtain lands and corporations in the Philippines, potentially leading to more serious charges according to DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty.

Former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo is also facing several complaints related to illegal POGOs and may face a falsification complaint for obtaining documents like passports fraudulently.