AMID reports that a business partner of President Rodrigo Duterte’s brother Emmanuel was arrested by the Japanese police for allegedly plotting a robbery in Tokyo, Malacañang stressed on Thursday, May 17, that the president cannot be influenced by family members.
According to presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr., Duterte had advised the public not to believe individuals who claim that they could influence government policy.
“In one instance, the president asked me to tell the public to stay away even from his siblings. He did not authorize anyone, including his siblings, to do business with the government,” Roque said.
He added, “Unfortunately, President Duterte does not control his relatives. He has repeatedly clarified it to the public. He had nothing to do with the activities of his siblings.
If his siblings or relatives are using his influence as president, please report it to Malacañang.”
Duterte does not condone influence peddling in his administration, as stated by Roque.
An article posted on the website cryptonews.com said Takanori Okuno was taken by Japanese authorities for allegedly orchestrating an assault and robbery in the Minato ward of Tokyo that left two people injured. The victims were supposedly forced to surrender cash to the attackers.
Okuno and Duterte’s brother, Emmanuel, founded Cebu-based company Japhil Global Coins Corp that engages in virtual currency trading.
Cryptonews said Okuno has denied involvement in the incident, which reportedly took place two years ago.
