DAVAO businessman Michael Yang, who was formerly the presidential adviser for economic affairs, did not show up even virtually at the resumption Monday, September 13, 2021, of the Senate blue ribbon committee investigation into the deficiencies in the use of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response funds of the Department of Health (DOH).
Lawyer Raymund Fortun said Yang's blood pressure shot up while on the way to their meeting place where they were supposed to attend the hearing virtually.
He said Yang's doctor advised him to stay at home.
"Because of the proceedings his health has been affected," said Fortun.
Fortun said they will provide Yang's medical certificate to support his statement but Senate Blue ribbon committee chairman Senator Richard Gordon refused to accept Yang's reason for not attending the hearing.
"Blood pressures go up and down, he will have to appear...Please tell your client that we will expect him to appear in the course of the hearing," said Gordon.
"That always occurs when somebody's under investigation, they come in a wheelchair, show their picture and they cannot appear. Mister Yang is healthy enough... I think he can face the music," he added.
The Senate earlier issued an arrest warrant against Yang for being evasive during the investigation on Friday, September 10.
Yang denied any business dealings with Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corporation but company CEO Huang Tzu Yen said Yang had financed their transactions with the government.
Pharmally, a small company, was awarded an P8.68 billion contract by the Procurement Service (PS) of the Department of Budget and Management for the procurement of face masks, face shields, personal protective equipment and Covid-19 test kits. (SunStar Philippines)