POGO hub official detained at women’s facility

Metro Manila, Philippines – An official of an offshore gaming hub is now detained at a prison for women in Mandaluyong City.

Cassandra Li Ong was transferred from the House of Representatives to the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) on Wednesday, her legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio told NewsWatch Plus on Thursday, Sept. 26.

The transfer is based on the contempt order of the House quad-committee which is investigating illegal offshore gaming activities.

Topacio expressed concern on his client’s transfer for a number of reasons.

“Ignorant of these rights and/or hell-bent on punishing Ms. Ong for merely invoking her rights under our Constitution, some of our legislators are bringing pressure to bear on those running the CIW to place Ms. Ong under conditions reserved for convicted inmates,” he said in a statement.

Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Ace Barbers, chairperson of the quad-committee, denied claims of pressuring the CIW warden to mix Ong with regular inmates.

Asked if the contempt order against Ong may be withdrawn, Barbers replied: “Unless she tells the truth, unless she cooperates. Imagine how many times has the quad-comm invited her? She has not given us anything.”

He also challenged Topacio to bring his concerns to court.

“As far as we are concerned, we implemented our rules which are above-board and constitutional," Barbers told NewsWatch Plus.

He said the contempt order would push future resource persons to respect the committee.

The quad-committee will hold another round of investigation on Friday.