Ex-Duterte adviser cited for contempt

(UPDATES) The House Committee on Dangerous Drugs on Wednesday cited Michael Yang, a former economic adviser of former president Rodrigo Duterte, for contempt after snubbing a panel investigation.

Yang was summoned as a resource person in an ongoing probe into the P3 6 billion worth of methamphetamine seized in a warehouse in Pampanga in 2023.

Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop, vice chairman of the committee, said Yang repeatedly ignored subpoenas sent to him.

Acop's motion to cite Yang for contempt was approved without objections.

Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, the committee's chairman, said Yang has not appeared before the committee despite several invitations.

In a virtual hearing on Wednesday, dismissed police colonel Eduardo Acierto alleged that Duterte wanted him dead.

«Duterte wants me killed because I ordered a drug investigation on Michael Yang and Allan Lim,» Acierto said, adding the two were close friends of the former president and Senator Bong Go.

Former Palace spokesman Harry Roque said Acierto could file a case in court to prove his claims.

The Manila Times reached out to Go for comment but has yet to receive a reply.

In 2021, then-Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency director general Wilkins Villanueva cleared Yang of any involvement in illegal drugs.