Former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang failed to attend the continuation of the Senate inquiry into the “overpriced” COVID-19 supplies, his legal counsel Raymond Fortun said Monday.
Fortun told senators that the doctor had advised Yang to take a rest after the latter’s blood pressure “shot up.”
“I regret that Mr. Michael Yang would not be able to attend today’s hearing. We are supposed to be meeting here at the place in Insular Village 1 before 9:30 today. On the way, he had texted me and then called and said his blood pressure suddenly shot up and for that reason, he was advised by his doctor to stay at home,” Fortun said when asked on the whereabouts of his client.
The lawyer said he would submit Yang’s medical certificate to support his explanation regarding his client’s absence.
In response, Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee, said Yang should still attend today’s hearing.
“That always occurs, when somebody is in investigation, they come in on a wheelchair, show their picture, and they cannot appear or they’re in hospital bed,” he said.
“Please tell your client that we will expect him to appear in the course of the hearing,” he added.
The inquiry was sought after state auditors flagged the Department of Health’s transfer of P42 billion funds to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management for the purchase of face masks and face shields at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.
Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corporation secured more than P8 billion worth of government contracts for the said procurement of personal protective equipment (PPEs), which were believed to be overpriced.
Pharmally president Huang Tzu Yen had admitted that the company borrowed money from Yang, who has since denied ties with the firm, but said he had linked them to suppliers.—AOL, GMA News
Michael Yang no-show in Senate probe after blood pressure ‘shot up’
Source: Pinoy Hub News
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