Former President Rodrigo Dutertewas criticized for allegedly appointing a Chinese national, Michael Yang, to an executive position in the government.
Matapos maaresto at madala si Duterte sa International Criminal Court (ICC), binatikos ni Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., na inakusahan ng kawalan ng utang na loob.
According to Baste, his father allowed former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to be buried at the Heroes' Cemetery during his term.
But Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that President Marcos has already thanked Duterte.
Castro explained that even though Marcos was indebted, the government still had to follow the law. He stressed that Duterte only followed the law when he moved Marcos Sr.'s remains to the Heroes' Cemetery.
According to Castro, aside from gratitude, it is still important to maintain the rule of law. This includes the country's compliance with agreements such as its commitment to Interpol.
Castro called Duterte's appointment of Michael Yang"reason."
“Is it because of what Mayor Baste Duterte said about utang na loob, is this also the reason why former President Duterte appointed Michael Yang as economic adviser? Isn't this treason because he is a Chinese national?” Castro asked.
Michael Yangwas appointed as economic adviser in 2018 but has been reported to be involved in various illegal activities such as illegal drug trade and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
Yang was also mentioned in the Pharmally scandalwhere billions were raised;' government funds for the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Congressional hearings, Yang Jianxin, Michael Yang's brother, is also often mentioned, having admitted that when he was a Chinese citizen, he used the identity of a Filipino to do business in the country.
While Jianxin is now in the custody of Bureau of Immigration officials, Michael Yang remains at large and has not been apprehended by authorities since 2024.
While Yang continues to be free, Rodrigo Duterte is currently facing a crimes against humanity case in The Hague in connection with the drug war that has resulted in the deaths of at least 6,000 people, with some reports saying it could be as high as 30,000.
