THE House Quad Committee (QuadComm) has cited former Mexico, Pampanga mayor Teddy Tumang in contempt for allegedly lying during its investigation into the drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte. Tumang has been ordered detained at the Batasang Pambansa until the inquiry concludes.
The contempt motion was filed by Abang Lingkod party-list Representative Stephen Paduano, who accused Tumang of dishonesty after the former mayor denied personally knowing Aedy Yang, a Chinese citizen linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firm Empire 999.
The company operates in Mexico, Pampanga, and is embroiled in a major drug case.
In September 2023, authorities seized PHP 3.6 billion worth of illegal drugs from a warehouse in Mexico, Pampanga, owned by a certain Willie Ong.
According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Ong and Yang are incorporators of Empire 999.
During the inquiry, Tumang claimed he only met Ong twice and first encountered Yang in Fujian, China, later meeting him again when Yang expressed interest in purchasing land in Mexico, Pampanga.
Despite his explanations, QuadComm members expressed frustration over Tumang’s responses. The committee had repeatedly asked him to clarify his connections with Yang.
At one point, Tumang shouted, “Hindi po ako nagsisinungaling, your Honor!” (“I am not lying, your honor!”). However, his outburst did not sway the committee, which adopted Paduano’s motion to hold him in contempt.
Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro resumed questioning Tumang about his ties to Yang, but the former mayor abruptly asked to be excused, citing illness.
“Hindi ko na po ma-elaborate, your honor, masama na po ang pakiramdam ko,” Tumang said. (“I cannot elaborate further, your honor. I am not feeling well.”)
Tumang was subsequently excused, but his detention order remains in effect as the QuadComm continues its probe into the drug war and its alleged ties to key players in Pampanga.