A director of Pharmally Pharmaceuticals, the company accused of benefiting from political connections to corner lucrative deals for medical supplies to the government, was transferred to Pasay City Jail for not answering questions during a Senate inquiry on Friday.
In a Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Pharmally Pharmaceuticals director Linconn Ong was cited in contempt and was sent to jail by the chairman, Sen. Richard Gordon.
Ong was asked how much financial assistance was given to Pharmally, but refused to answer, citing a non-disclosure agreement with ex-presidential adviser Michael Yang.
Ong continued to evade the question after being asked repeatedly by Sen. Franklin Drilon, and requested instead to speak with his lawyer. He said he wanted an executive meeting with the senators.
“I really want to discuss this with my lawyer about the executive session,” Ong said.
Michael Yang said he only introduced Ong to his friends who provided the funds to finance the transactions with the government.
Like Ong, Yang said he had a non-disclosure agreement with his friends and refused to mention any names.
After speaking with his lawyer and going back to the meeting, Ong still refused to cooperate.
“You lie and steal from our people, you’re gonna pay.” Gordon said. –Joshua Tristan Montecillo