Yang Hongming (Chinese: 杨鸿明),[1] more commonly known as Michael Yang in the Philippines, is a Chinese businessman and is an associate of 16th Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. As Duterte's economic advisor, Yang was involved in the Pharmally scandal which allegedly overpriced procurement contracts for medical supplies to be used by the Philippine government during the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]
Michael Yang | |
|---|---|
| 杨鸿明 | |
.jpg) Yang in 2017 | |
| Born | Yang Hongming |
| Citizenship | Chinese |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Economic advisor to President Rodrigo Duterte (2018) |
Education
editYang claimed on his website that he attended Princeton University where he obtained a doctorate degree in business administration.[3] When asked to clarify, Yang said he obtained a "certificate" from Princeton and says that the American university runs a program through its branch in Beijing.[4]
Background
editBusiness career
editYang is based in the Philippines for at least 20 years, starting his ventures in the country in Davao City.[5][6] He has been a permanent resident in the country.[7] He also owns the Davao City Los Amigos (DCLA).[8]
He is a member of the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce Labuan, the executive director of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, the vicechairman of China-Philippines Friendship, and the managing director of Fujian Normal University.[3]
Yang was associated with Pharmally, which was involved in a scandal regarding the procurement of medical supplies for the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]
Political involvement
editDuring the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, Yang served as the chief executive's economic advisor at least for the year 2018. According to presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, he was tapped for the role due to his rags to riches background, connections to the Chinese government and knowledge on Chinese culture.[8] His appointment was initially denied by Duterte to have occurred due to Yang's supposed ineligibility due to being a Chinese citizen.[9]
According to Duterte, Yang maintains close relations to Chinese ambassador Zhao Jianhua and is part of the Chinese delegation to China.[9][10] Despite his connections, Yang has explicitly denied being a member of the Chinese Communist Party or have influenced Duterte's foreign policy.[11]
Duterte, who is noted for his war on drugs campaign, has cleared Yang of involvement in the illegal drug trade, using Yang's very connection to the Chinese government to dissuade the allegation believing that its officials would not associate with drug lords.[6]
References
edit- ^ Ranada, Pia (October 10, 2018). "LOOK: Michael Yang's calling card bears Malacañang seal". Rappler. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Lalu, Gabriel Pabico (May 13, 2024). "Ako Bicol rep wants ex-adviser explain frequent links to anomalies". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ a b Tordesillas, Ellen (October 8, 2018). "Michael Yang is presidential economic adviser". Vera Files. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Ramos, Christia Marie (October 28, 2021). "Yang's Princeton degree raises eyebrows among senators". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Parrocha, Azer (August 31, 2021). "Michael Yang has been in business in PH for 20 years: PRRD". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ a b "Duterte clears Davao City businessman of drug links". GMA News. October 5, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Pazzibugan, Dona Z. (November 26, 2021). "Former Duterte adviser asks SC to stop Senate arrest". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ a b Lopez, Virgil (November 6, 2018). "Palace admits Chinese trader Michael Yang a consultant for Duterte". GMA News. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ a b Panti, Llanesca (October 9, 2018). "Duterte denies appointing Davao-based Chinese trader as his envoy". GMA News. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Sy, Marvin (October 20, 2018). "Leila De Lima: 'Probe Michael Yang'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Ramos, Christia Marie (November 4, 2021). "Yang denies being Chinese communist agent, influencing Duterte's China policy". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 17, 2024.