THE House of Representatives quad committee on Wednesday began questioning Cassandra Li Ong regarding her purported participation in the illicit Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hubs raided in Pampanga.
Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro at the onset outlined the conditions under which Ong, represented by Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, could invoke her “right to self-incrimination.”
Ong earlier sent a letter to the quad committee, stating her decision to decline testifying by invoking the right to remain silent.
“I deeply lament this action, Mr. Chair,” Luistro said, noting that Ong’s name had been mentioned by various resource speakers before the quad committee was formed.
“It is unacceptable for the resource speaker to remain silent and not answer our questions under the guise of her right against self-incrimination,” she added.
Ong eventually cooperated with lawmakers during the hearing after narrowly avoiding a second contempt citation for refusing to answer questions.
She was nearly ordered to be detained at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City for the duration of the quad committee hearings.
During the hearing, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Assistant Vice President Atty. Jessa Mariz Fernandez, along with Ronalyn Baterna, Stephanie Mascareñas and Alberto Rodolfo De la Serna, all testified that they know Ong.
Baterna said Ong was her boss and used the checks under her name, while Mascareñas described Ong as her co-worker who manages dealings at Lucky South 99.
Fernandez confirmed that Ong visited PAGCOR in 2023 regarding Lucky South 99 arrears, accompanied by Atty. Harry Roque.
De la Serna added that Ong allowed him to stay rent-free at the Lucky South 99 compound.
Their statements highlighted Ong’s significant role in the operations of Lucky South 99 and Whirlwind Corporations.
Ong was offered an executive session to disclose her knowledge of POGO operations in Porac, Pampanga, but has yet to decide.
Further, the quad committee also agreed to let Ong attend the Senate hearing scheduled for Sept. 2.
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