BI chief reveals bid to secure Tony Yang’s release

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Viado said on Tuesday that there had been an attempt to get Tony Yang, brother of former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang, from the custody of the BI.

In a statement, Viado confirmed he was approached with a request to allow Yang to post bail but it was a plea he turned down.

“It is a fact that it was my decision to keep him in detention while facing judicial processes here in our country,” the BI commissioner said.

The BI chief added that multiple appeals had been made urging him to reconsider, which he described as “disgusting.” He added that he opted not to publicize the matter earlier to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to the case.

Yang was arrested on 19 September 2024 and is linked to human trafficking and illegal operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming operators. Investigations by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) showed Yang used various aliases to establish multiple corporations, including Oro One Inc., Philippine Sanjia Steel Inc., and Mis. Or. Sand and Gravel Corporation.

Amid allegations against him, Viado addressed a “smear campaign” implicating him in corrupt activities. He said he does not know whether Yang’s case is connected to the accusations and declined to name any individuals involved.

“What I can say for a fact is that the Secretary of Justice is fully apprised of this incident and that it will be up to him to take the appropriate action.”

On Monday, Viado also denied claims in a “white paper” that he signed a release order for three individuals allegedly connected to a raided POGO hub in Parañaque City. He called the allegation “patently false.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the government is looking into the white paper and the claims raised against the BI chief.