Tony Yang is the brother of Michael Yang, former economic adviser to former president Rodrigo Duterte

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado has rejected an internal recommendation to release Chinese national Tony Yang on bail, describing the attempt as a “clear effort to slip [the resolution] past me.”

Yang remains in BI custody for alleged involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities.

In a statement released earlier today, Commissioner Viado acknowledged the existence of a resolution recommending bail for Yang but did not name the official behind it.

However, documents obtained independently by Advocates confirm that the recommendation was made by Atty. Gilberto U. Repizo, chairman of the BI’s Board of Special Inquiry (BSI).

The resolution was reportedly issued while Viado was briefly away from office. Upon his return, he ordered the recommendation rescinded and rejected all subsequent appeals to reverse his decision.

“It is a fact that I rejected the plea to allow Mr. Yang to be released on bail,” Viado stated. “Mr. Yang shall remain and still remains in detention.”

Yang is the brother of Michael Yang, the former economic adviser to then-President Rodrigo Duterte. His detention has drawn national attention amid broader concerns over illegal POGO hubs and transnational crime.

The Commissioner also disclosed that he faced additional pressure following his decision. “While I found the effort to have Mr. Yang released on bail disgusting, I preferred to keep the matter within the agency,” he said, noting his dismay over what he described as an orchestrated vilification campaign against him and the Bureau.

The clash between BI’s top leadership and the BSI brings to light concerns over internal oversight and integrity. The BSI, which is tasked with handling complex and high-profile immigration cases, holds considerable influence, but ultimate authority on detention decisions rests with the Commissioner.

Yang remains confined at the BI Warden Facility in Taguig and is expected to face criminal prosecution as well as possible deportation following the resolution of local charges.

Viado confirmed that the incident has been elevated to the Department of Justice, and that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has been fully briefed, leaving open the possibility of internal or legal consequences for officials involved in pushing for Yang’s release.