THE Senate has issued arrest warrants against former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang and five executives of Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corporation to compel them to appear before the Senate blue ribbon committee.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Tuesday afternoon, September 7, 2021, that he has already signed the arrest warrants.
Aside from Yang, those ordered arrested were Mohit Dargani, Twinkle Dargani, Linconn Ong, Krizle Grace Mago and Justine Garado.
The panel invited the six as part of the investigation into the awarding of a government contract worth P8.68 billion to Pharmally. The committee is looking into the alleged irregularities in the use of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response funds by the Department of Health (DOH).
The contract awarded by the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management required Pharmally to deliver face masks, face shields, personal protective equipment and Covid-19 test kits.
Earlier Tuesday, the Senate committee cited Yang in contempt because attempts to serve a subpoena inviting him to attend the Senate investigation failed.
The Senate blue ribbon committee also cited in contempt the five Pharmally officials.
Only Pharmally CEO Huang Tzu Yen attended the hearing Tuesday, albeit virtually. (SunStar Philippines)