Here’s an insightful overview of Charlie “Atong” Ang:
Who is Charlie “Atong” Ang?
- Full name: Charlie Tiu Hay Sy Ang
- Born: August 29, 1957, in Mandaluyong, Philippines
- Nationality: Filipino-Chinese businessman deeply involved in gaming
Rise to National Spotlight
- In 2001, Atong Ang was thrust into the limelight as a co-accused in the impeachment trial of then-President Joseph “Erap” Estrada. He was implicated in alleged kickbacks tied to jueteng operations and diversion of tobacco excise taxes—a scandal exposed by then-governor Luis “Chavit” Singson
- He fled to the US, was arrested in Las Vegas, and extradited in 2006. Ang entered a plea bargaining, admitted to corrupting officials, agreed to return a portion of funds, and had his probation ended in 2009
Business Ventures & Positioning
- Ang brands himself a “legal gambling lord,” distancing from illegal jueteng. He works with companies like Meridien Vista Gaming (jai alai) and runs Lucky 8 Starquest, an online sabong operator
- He co-founded the prestigious Ultimate Fighting Cock Championship (UFCC) and bankrolls cockfighting teams nationwide
- Former President Duterte even addressed him in 2018 as the “number one gambler,” urging collaboration to curb illegal gambling
Recent Controversies
- In 2025, whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a former security chief for Ang, alleged that Ang orchestrated the abduction and possible killing of more than 100 “sabungeros” (cockfight participants). Patidongan also implicated actress Gretchen Barretto and others
- Ang’s legal team vehemently denies these allegations and asserts that they’re part of a P300 million extortion attempt by Patidongan
Personal & Family Snapshot
- Age: 67 (as of 2024)
- Height: approx. 168 cm (5′6″)
- Married to: Iris Ang; previously linked with Sunshine Cruz
- Children: Daughter Elaine Yu
In Summary:
Charlie “Atong” Ang is a pivotal figure in the Philippines’ gaming scene—legally running major gambling and sabong enterprises, yet bearing the baggage of past political and criminal controversies from his association with Estrada. His current legal battle centers on explosive allegations of organizing abductions and murders of cockfighters—claims he strongly rejects.