Who is Atong Ang? Here are some things to know.
Facing arrest warrants, Atong Ang is still free, and here are some details to know about the controversial gambling tycoon.
missing sabungeros case
. The RTC issue
arrest warrant against Ang and 17 others
for kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping case.
On January 15,
Ang faces a second arrest warrant
. This time, it was ordered by an RTC in Lipa City.
Who is Atong Ang?
His real name is Charlie Tiu Hay Sy Ang, and he rose to national prominence in 2001 after being named a co-accused in the impeachment trial of then-President Joseph “Erap” Estrada.
After a failed attempt on Singson’s life, events led to Estrada’s impeachment and removal from office. Singson later turned against Estrada and Ang. He became a key prosecution witness and accused them of taking ₱130 million from tobacco excise taxes.
He entered into a plea bargain, admitting to the lesser offense of corrupting public officials. Ang acknowledged diverting ₱130 million in tobacco excise taxes intended for Ilocos Sur and personally delivering the money to Estrada. This confirmed the testimony of Singson. As part of the agreement, he returned the ₱25 million commission he earned from the scheme.
In 2009, the Sandiganbayan Special Division officially declared Ang’s probation terminated.
In 2010, he was named by late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago as one of the country’s top jueteng operators, which he denied. He admitted to being a gambling lord, but only for legal games.