The controversial Phamally scandal in 2021 exposed the involvement of former President Rodrigo Duterte in the award of multibillion contracts to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation for the supply of medical supplies to the Philippine government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The investigation raised questions as to how an unknown company with minimal capitalization was able to secure government contracts worth billions and exposed issues, such as overpriced and substandard quality of medical supplies meant for healthcare workers. Because of this, the lives of our health workers were put at risk just when they needed the assistance of the Government the most.
Among those questioned was Duterte’s former economic adviser, Michael Yang. Although Yang denied any connection, it was found that he acted as financier and guarantor for Pharmally and had previously introduced Pharmally officials to Duterte in Davao City.
Yang is also linked to the rise of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), with Duterte’s endorsement of POGOs as “malinis yan” or clean allowing their entry into the country. Yang’s brother, Hongjiang Yang, has connections with Baofu Land Development, Inc., where Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo was an incorporator and shareholder. Investigations revealed multiple transactions between Yang’s brother and Baofu.
In particular, a report from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) indicates that Baofu received money from the account of Yang’s brother. The money was used to build the POGO complex in Bamban, Tarlac which authorities raided earlier this year. Documents from the raid uncovered illegal activities, such as money laundering, human and drug trafficking, immigration bribery, and investment scams. This has fueled suspicion that the individuals involved in the Pharmally scandal are the same people linked to these POGOs and their criminal activities. As one legislator said, one big happy Pharmally.
Further adding to the connection are the drug trade and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during Duterte’s administration. As a result of the investigations, it is now obvious that the “I hate drugs” of Duterte was just a cover-up used by the Duterte administration to control the drug trade and eliminate competitors for the Duterte family’s illegal drug trade business. Testimonies from the recent Quad Committee hearings revealed that a reward and quota system was used to incentivize police officers in the implementation of Duterte’s drug war.
The Quad Committee has been instrumental in finding out the truth and exposing the link on the various scandals and anomalies that emerged during Duterte’s presidency. It is undeniable the orders of Duterte were carried out by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who was the Chief of the Philippine National Police under the Duterte administration, and his long time assistant Senator Bong Go. Previous investigations and the recent Quad Committee hearings has provided evidence linking Duterte to the Pharmally scandal, POGOs, and illegal drugs and EJKs, and personalities like Yang and Guo. As the Quad Committee continues its investigations, it won’t be a surprise if more witnesses come forward against Duterte. Duterte’s influence is diminishing, and the fear he once instilled is fading. The truth is emerging, and Duterte and his cronies will eventually face justice.

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