Yang was represented instead by his counsel Raymond Fortun during the hearing, explaining that he is currently abroad. “Mr. Michael Yang could not attend today’s hearing because he had left for Dubai last May 12, 2024. He has been in and out of the country eight times for the past seven months. He is a businessman,” said Fortun. But committee chairperson Surigao del Norte 2nd district Representative Ace Barbers noted that the panel could only interrogate Yang and not his lawyer.
“It is just proper so we will not be accused of violating due process, before issuing subpoena, we should issue first a show-cause order to Mr. Michael Yang,” he said. Committee vice chairperson Antipolo 2nd district Rep. Romeo Acop said panel members could decide on what will be issued against the former presidential economic adviser. Six committee members voted in favor of issuing a show cause order, while Fernandez was the lone opposition.