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Advocates Philippines
Michael Yang's Brother Linked To POGO Raid
Hongsheng Gaming Inc in google map
Over the weekend, the Senate issued arrest orders for "Alice Guo" or "Guo Hua Ping" and other individuals implicated in numerous alleged crimes and deceit surrounding the POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) industry. This move underscores the Senate's commitment to safeguarding Filipino interests amid the significant issues posed by POGOs in the country.

Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized that this isn't merely procedural; it's about upholding the Senate's mandate to protect Filipinos. However, despite these orders, the individuals, including Mayor Alice Guo, remain elusive. Even the Office of the Sergeant at Arms has been unable to locate them, and they have been cited for contempt for their absence.

Currently, only Alice Guo's alleged accountant, Nancy Gamo, is in Senate custody. The senator called out those who continue to evade authorities, urging them to appear and face accountability.

"The truth cannot be hidden by evasion," Senator Hontiveros declared. "Mayor Alice Guo, or Guo Hua Ping, if you can manage Facebook, surely you can face the Senate. Using social media to spread fake news claiming you're Filipino, when you're not, is an insult to our citizens."

Evidence suggests deeper connections between Guo Hua Ping and larger syndicates. Images from the Anti-Money Laundering Council reveal transactions linking Alice Guo's company, Baofu, to joint accounts. One such account involves Yu Zhengcan, an incorporator of Hong Sheng, a POGO raided in Bamban, Tarlac. Notably, another joint account holder is Hong Jiang Yang, who happens to be Michael Yang's brother.

"Yes, the same Michael Yang who was once touted as Duterte's Economic Presidential Adviser," Senator Hontiveros remarked. "In essence, funds linked to Michael Yang's brother were used to support Hong Sheng, the POGO raided in Bamban. Furthermore, Hong Jiang Yang is also an incorporator of Full Win Group of Companies, where Gerald Cruz, a Pharmally Biological incorporator, is also involved. Cruz is additionally linked to Brickhartz, another POGO whose documents were found in Bamban."

"It seems like one big 'Pharmally' family—where POGO and Pharmally members intertwine," Senator Hontiveros commented wryly.

The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality vows to delve deeper into these connections. "We will not stop until we trace and sever the roots of POGO," Senator Hontiveros affirmed.

The POGO industry in the Philippines has long been under scrutiny for various issues, including tax evasion, criminal activities, and the influx of illegal workers. Critics argue that while POGOs contribute significantly to the economy, their operations often come at a high social cost, exacerbating problems such as crime, human trafficking, and cultural displacement.

As the Senate investigation progresses, the Filipino public awaits further developments, hoping for transparency and justice in addressing the complex web of issues surrounding POGOs and their affiliates.
Jul 15, 2024
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