Authorities have arrested Jianxin Yang, the brother of former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang, over multiple charges including falsification of public documents, perjury, and violation of the law regulating the use of aliases.
Yang, a Chinese national also known by several aliases such as Antonio Lim y Maestrado, Antonio M. Lim, Tony Lim and Tony Yang, was served an arrest warrant around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, at the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) facility in Pasay City.
Pasay City police chief Col. Joselito De Sesto confirmed that Yang remains in custody and faces additional concerns related to his immigration status.
“Meron pa rin siyang kaso sa Bureau of Immigration, that’s why ‘yung kanyang passport ay confiscated ng Bureau of Immigration,” De Sesto said.
Yang, who has allegedly been living illegally in the Philippines for nearly 30 years, was first apprehended by the Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit and Intelligence Division in coordination with the PAOCC on September 19, 2024, upon his arrival from Cagayan de Oro at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
Despite public scrutiny, Michael Yang has distanced himself from his younger brother’s activities. When asked for comment, Yang claimed he was unaware of his brother’s arrest or legal issues.
“Michael at ako hindi usap. Ako may asawa, may bata, siya iba,” Jianxin Yang said, emphasizing they lead separate lives.
The elder Yang has previously faced allegations of involvement in illegal drugs, which he continues to deny. “Wala, wala,” he stated when asked about any criminal activity.
As of now, police said there is no additional information indicating that Jianxin Yang is involved in other illicit operations.
“Wala pa naman kaming info kung meron siyang other illegal activities except lang yung tatlo niyang kaso na aming isinerve,” said Col. De Sesto.
Yang remains under the custody of Pasay City police while authorities continue to process his immigration and legal violations.