The Philippines’ 20th Congress has called for a deeper investigation into Lin Weixiong, a largely mysterious figure whose connections run deep within a foreign network allegedly involved in drug trafficking and operating scam farms in the country. Lin, a financial officer for Pharmally Pharmaceutical—an undercapitalized company that secured most of the pandemic contracts under the Duterte administration—has been a subject of increasing scrutiny.
Currently at large, Lin is evading a warrant for his arrest issued by the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan in relation to three allegedly anomalous contracts for coronavirus test kits worth a total of P4.1 billion. These charges are part of a broader investigation into Pharmally’s role in the government’s pandemic spending. Although newly appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has withdrawn some of the cases for reinvestigation and stronger re-filing, Lin’s connection to the company remains central to ongoing corruption investigations.
Lin’s close ties to Michael Yang, Duterte’s former economic adviser, have raised concerns about the business network that both men belong to. The House quad committee has identified this network as “interlocking,” with connections to illegal activities, including the Alice Guo scam farm in Bamban, Tarlac, and a warehouse in Pampanga that reportedly housed smuggled shabu (methamphetamine) from Mexico.
Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, was convicted of human trafficking and sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2025. Lin’s business ties extend beyond the Philippines, with connections to the Hsu brothers of Taiwan, whose conglomerate, Lixin Group, is allegedly linked to the Asia-Pacific drug syndicate Sam Gor. Lin and Hsu Ming-chao, the head of Lixin, are involved in a property venture in Batumi, Georgia, which has raised questions about the scope of Lin’s international criminal network.
The investigation into Lin Weixiong’s business dealings has intensified following his ties to the Hsu brothers, with a focus on their operations in Southeast Asia. Lin’s involvement with the Lixin Group highlights his role in a much larger and more complex criminal enterprise that spans multiple countries. Philippine authorities are closely monitoring these connections, with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) expressing concern over the strength and reach of the Hsu brothers’ network.
Lin’s legal team has claimed that he has divested from the Georgian property venture, but corporate filings still list him as a shareholder. The Philippines’ Presidential Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has linked Lin to drug-related intelligence, though Lin has denied the accusations of involvement in illegal drug operations. The ongoing investigation is exploring Lin’s possible role in the illicit activities that span both his business ventures and personal connections.
In addition to his alleged drug ties, Lin’s involvement in the Pharmally scandal further complicates his criminal profile. The company, which won the majority of pandemic-related contracts from the Duterte government, has been under investigation for overpriced and substandard personal protective equipment (PPE), including test kits and face masks. Lin, as Pharmally’s financial manager, had significant influence over the company’s finances, which are now at the center of the corruption probe.
Lin’s connections to the Hsu brothers and the Lixin Group bring to light the international dimension of the criminal network operating in Southeast Asia. The Hsu brothers have also been linked to human trafficking and investment scams, with their operations extending into Cambodia, where Lixin is involved in a series of investment frauds. The Philippines has been working with international law enforcement to track the Hsu brothers’ movements and their influence in the region.
The investigation into Lin Weixiong continues to unfold as authorities in the Philippines and beyond seek to understand the full extent of his criminal ties and activities. As the legal proceedings evolve, Lin’s future in the Philippines remains uncertain, with law enforcement agencies determined to bring him to justice for his alleged role in drug trafficking, corruption, and illegal business operations.
