De Lima seeks probe into foreigner's reported appointment to government

Detained Sen. Leila de Lima urged the Senate to look into appointment of foreigners to government offices, in particular the rumored designation of Chinese national Michael Yang.

De Lima filed a resolution urging her colleagues to look into Yang’s reported appointment and determine the extent of the businessman’s “official engagement” under the present administration.

The copy of the resolution has yet to be found uploaded on the Senate website.

“The independence of the State from foreign control necessitates that the questionable citizenship of a presidential adviser be authenticated, and the nature and scope of his influence over foreign policy be fully disclosed,” De Lima said.

Yang reportedly has been handing out business cards where he identifies himself as “presidential economic adviser.” The business card is said to bear the official seal of the Office of the President of the Philippines and the logo of his firm, Full Win Company.

The senator also said that the Chinese businessman has reportedly hosted former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Transportation chief Arthur Tugade in his office as presidential economic adviser.

The president has also disclosed Yang’s close relations with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua. But Duterte, last October 9, denied that Yang is his economic adviser because “he is Chinese.”

The president also wanted to clear the Chinese businessman from drug links, saying that Yang has been in Davao since 20 years ago, and is often with the Chinese ambassador. Duterte said that Yang could possibly duped Zhao if he has drug links since the Chinese ambassador has strong military background.

"In conformity with the requirement exacted from public officers to at all times maintain allegiance and loyalty to the Philippines, there is a need to inquire into the citizenship of presidential appointees as public office held by a foreign national is inimical to the public interest and welfare," De Lima also said.

“More stringent penalties must be imposed upon any foreign national who willfully, knowingly and conspicuously usurps into public office,” the senator added.