Michael Yang —MALACAÑANG PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Michael Yang, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic adviser, is a central character in Chinese intelligence operations in the Philippines, according to Sen. Risa Hontiveros.
During the Senate panel on women’s final hearing on the proliferation of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) on Tuesday, Hontiveros described these firms as “monsters” facilitating human trafficking, money laundering, torture, and espionage.
To support her claims, Hontiveros presented a photograph of Yang alongside She Zhijiang, a self-confessed spy who previously revealed the presence of Chinese intelligence agents in the Philippines.
READ: Michael Yang’s bro Tony named ‘true architect’ of their ‘operations’
“But who fed this monster? Friends, this photo was given to us by one of our key informants and it further deepens what we already know: Michael Yang is a key actor in Chinese intelligence operations here. Michael Yang is involved in Pharmally, and if the reports are accurate, in drug operations here. Michael Yang was the economic adviser to the former President. We have been exploited. We have been betrayed,” said Hontiveros.
To emphasize her concern, Hontiveros disclosed that “Chinese Communist propaganda” is right under Filipinos’ noses, specifically in a spa beside Newport City in Pasay.
“This Yatai spa was once associated with She Zhijiang, but we do not know if he still has controlling interest. My informants got a massage there a few weeks ago, and they took a photo of this QR code that was freely available in the buffet area. This is what the QR code directs to,” Hontiveros revealed.
The QR code linked to a Telegram group called Hongsheng.
While she could not confirm if it is the same entity, Hontiveros pointed out that former Bamban mayor Alice Guo, also known as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, is linked to Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc.
Pogo troll farms?
Apart from Yang’s supposed key role in Chinese intelligence operations in the country, Hontiveros also revealed the possible existence of Pogo troll farms that sow disinformation campaigns to influence the public.
READ: Disinformation networks exploit West Philippine Sea tensions for profit
“I was also shocked by the information, which confirms some of my earlier theories that scam cities are used to sow disinformation campaigns to influence hearts and minds. It seems that these compounds are not only aimed at gambling, scams and trafficking, but also fake news,” said Hontiveros.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the attacks on me and my colleagues like Senator Sherwin (Gatchalian) also come from the Pogos,” she added.