Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado has rejected a recommendation to grant bail to Tony Yang, the brother of former presidential adviser Michael Yang. Tony Yang is linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities.
Viado said the recommendation for Yang’s release on bail was issued while he was out of the country. Upon his return, he denied the request and ordered that Yang remain in detention.
He described the recommendation as a “blatant attempt to push through a resolution” and stressed that he would not tolerate compromises on such serious matters.
The recommendation was issued by the BI-Special Inquiry (BSI), which typically handles complex and sensitive cases. However, the final decision on detainees rests with the BI commissioner.
Viado added that further appeals were made to reconsider his decision, but he stood firm. Yang’s case has drawn public attention due to its links to transnational crime and alleged corruption involving law enforcement agencies.
