Metro Manila, Philippines—The special envoy to China appointed by President Bongbong Marcos has denied accusations linking the President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to Cassandra Lim Ong, an individual allegedly involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) activities.
In a press briefing on Monday, Special Envoy Benito Techico publicly clarified that President Marcos has no connection to Ong.
The controversy arose after lawyer Ferdinand Topacio presented a photograph during a forum that included the Marcoses, Ong, and other current and former government officials.
Techico explained that the photo in question was taken some time after the COVID-19 lockdown.
According to him, the picture was captured at a dinner in Pasay City, where the owner of a local restaurant invited some friends, including Ong, to join the event and requested a photo with the Presidential couple.
“Gusto ko lang ikuwento na kami po ni Presidente at iba naming kaibigan ay madalas po kami dati pa po nagta-travel at sumusubok ng iba’t ibang pagkain at kultura ng iba’t ibang bansa,” said Techico.
[Translation: I just want to share that the President, our other friends, and I frequently travel and explore different cuisines and cultures from various countries]
He clarified that while the restaurant owner introduced some guests, the group did not know them personally and saw no issue in posing for a photo.
“After dinner may pinakilala yung restaurant owner at hindi rin naman namin alam kung sino. Pumasok sya at may mga kasamang Chinese at humingi ng litrato sa ating Presidente [around] 2020. Ang ating Presidente naman ay pinayagan naman po, the typical na nagpapapicture. Ganon lang kasimple. After that lumabas na po sila,” the official added.
[Translation: After dinner, the restaurant owner introduced someone to us, but we didn’t know who they were. This person, along with some Chinese companions, asked for a photo with our President, which he graciously allowed, as is typical. It was as simple as that. After the photo, they left]
Techico pointed out that it was only later, when Topacio revealed the photo in his press conference, that they learned of its existence.
He underscored that it is unfair for the President and First Lady to be associated with Ong based on this encounter.
“Our group feels that it’s extremely unfair to the President,” Techico added.
“100 percent contrary to what really happened,” he asserted.
Topacio, who displayed the controversial photo during a forum on Monday, refused to disclose further details about when and where the image was taken.
