Charlie “Atong” Tiu Hay Sy Ang (born August 29, 1957) is a prominent Filipino‑Chinese businessman and gambling magnate
He was born in the Philippines to Catalina Ang, with one known sibling.
Atong emerged as a key figure in jueteng, cockfighting (sabong), and small‑town lottery enterprises.
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Table of Contents
Atong Ang’s Family and Personal Life
Atong Ang is legally married to Iris Ang, with whom he has three children, including actress Elaine Ang.1
Media sources confirm that, as of mid‑2025, he remains legally married and has not publicly disclosed annulment or divorce proceedings.
Business Career
Atong rose to national attention in the 2000s for jueteng operations and later for involvement in the Small Town Lottery under government regulation.
He chairs Pitmasters Live and owns Lucky 8 Starquest, a major online cockfighting platform. He also helped found the Ultimate Fighting Cock Championship (UFCC).
Atong Ang’s Legal Issues & Controversies
Impeachment and Exile (2000–2006)
Atong was co‑accused in the impeachment trial of President Joseph Estrada in 2000 over jueteng revenue sharing and alleged corruption.
An arrest warrant was issued in April 2001. He fled the Philippines during EDSA II, reached the United States, and was arrested by the FBI in Las Vegas in November 2001.
Extradition, Plea Bargain, and Prison Sentence
After five years of detention in the U.S., Atong was extradited back to the Philippines in November 2006. In 2007, he entered a plea bargain, pleading guilty to indirect bribery.
He was sentenced to two years of probation and served time until his release in May 2009.
Small Town Lottery Allegations
Atong was widely perceived as the shadow operator of the Small Town Lottery (STL), a government program accused of political favoritism and corruption.
His influence in STL operations generated criticism, particularly during the Duterte administration which suspended STL citing corruption in 2019.
Barretto Family Feud (2019)
In October 2019, Atong was drawn into a public controversy during the Barretto family wake. Actress Gretchen Barretto denied romantic involvement, stating Atong was a business associate.
He explained he accompanied her at the request of friends and insisted on being just a gentleman. The incident made national headlines.
Recent Allegations: Sabungero Disappearances
In 2025, a whistle‑blower alleged that Atong was involved in the disappearance of over 100 cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros) during 2021–2022.
Atong denied the accusations and filed a counter‑affidavit before the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court.
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Summary Table of Atong Ang’s Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Charlie Tiu Hay Sy Ang |
| Nickname | Atong Ang |
| Date of birth | August 29, 1957 (age 67 as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Filipino‑Chinese |
| Occupation | Businessman, gambling magnate |
| Spouse | Iris Ang (legally married; married since before 2000s) |
| Children | Three, including daughter Elaine Ang |
| Known for | Jueteng, STL, online sabong platforms, UFCC |
| Legal history | Co‑accused in impeachment; arrest and extradition (2001–2006), guilty plea, probation (2007–2009) |
| Major controversies | STL corruption allegations; Barretto wake confrontation; sabungero disappearances allegations |
Love Story with Iris Ang
Early Romance and Marriage
Details about Atong Ang’s early courtship with Iris Ang remain private and largely undisclosed by media.
What is known is that they were already married by the 1990s, as public records and Inquirer reporting from 2006 mention Iris as his wife alongside their children.
At that time, Atong’s legal troubles were surfacing, but he referred to Iris and their children as his family, calling himself a “family man” amid rumors.
Life Together Through Turbulent Years
Despite Atong’s legal battles, extradition, and prison term (2001–2009), Iris reportedly stood by him. They maintained a family unit even as headlines swirled about jueteng, lottery operations, and political fallout.
Present‑day Status
As of early 2025, reports confirm Atong Ang is still legally married to Iris, and has not disclosed any annulment or separation.
In media coverage of his new relationship with actress Sunshine Cruz, it is pointed out that he remains legally married to Iris and has not clarified the legal status of that marriage.2
Character and Privacy
Though Atong is frequently in the limelight, Iris maintains a very low profile. There is no public update on her personal background, public appearances, or any professional pursuits.
A Love Defined by Stability
Despite controversies and notoriety, the marriage of Atong and Iris persisted for decades, which suggests a sustained partnership and shared history. They raised three children together.
At least one daughter, Elaine Ang, pursued acting—confirming that family ties remained intact through the years.
FAQ’s
Q1: Who is Atong Ang married to?
A1: He is legally married to Iris Ang. They have been married since at least the early 2000s and have three children.
Q2: Is Atong Ang divorced or annulled?
A2: No. As of early 2025, there is no public record or announcement of separation, divorce, or annulment. Reports still refer to Iris as his legal wife.
Q3: Who is Sunshine Cruz and what is her relationship to Atong Ang?
A3: Sunshine Cruz is a Filipino actress. In December 2024, Atong Ang publicly confirmed he is in a relationship with her.
They attended a wedding together in late December 2024 and have been seen together at public events. Their relationship emerged while Atong remains legally married to Iris Ang.3
Q4: How many children do Atong and Iris have?
A4: They have three children. One daughter, Elaine Ang, is noted to have become an actress.4
Q5: How old is Atong Ang?
A5: Born August 29, 1957, he is 67 years old as of June–July 2025.
Q6: What controversies is Atong Ang associated with?
A6: Major controversies include:
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Involvement in President Estrada’s impeachment and plunder allegations (2000–2001).
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Arrest, extradition, and guilty plea (2001–2009).
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Alleged control of Small Town Lottery, criticized for corruption.
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Public scandal during Barretto family incident in 2019.
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2025 allegations of disappearing sabungeros, which he denies and is contesting legally.5
Final Thoughts
Atong Ang remains a controversial yet enduring figure in Philippine public life. His legal marriage with Iris Ang has lasted for decades through turbulent times.
The lack of public detail about Iris underscores her preference for a private life. Their love story may not be charted romantically in media, but the longevity of their marriage in the face of controversy speaks volumes about commitment.
If you’d like a more narrative love‑story style or deeper family anecdotes, feel free to ask and I’ll weave together verified quotes and sources as available.
Let me know if you need a shorter summary or focus on any specific aspect of his biography.
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