House panels cite Cassandra Ong in contempt, order detention

The four joint House committees have cited Cassandra Ong, a documented official of Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) firm, in contempt for refusing to answer the lawmakers’ questions.

This happened after the House committees unanimously adopted the motion made by Manila lawmaker Benny Abante to cite Ong in contempt after she repeatedly responded “I refuse to testify” or “I invoke my right to remain silent” on questions fielded by lawmakers.

She gave the same response even to questions about where she studied in college.

The committee later adopted two motions that will detain Ong at the Women's Correctional Facility in Mandaluyong City until the House terminates the ongoing probe on the POGO-related crimes.

Authorities raided Lucky South 99 located in Porac, Pampanga due to suspected illegal activities such as scam hubs and human trafficking in the guise of POGO.

The House took custody of Ong last August 23 after she and Shiela Guo, the alleged sister of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, were arrested in Indonesia and brought back to the Philippines.

Upon hearing that she would be detained at the correctional facility,  Ong appeared worried and emotional.

Abante, however, said that he was willing to withdraw his motion to cite her in contempt provided she agreed to testify in an executive session which is limited to lawmakers and resource persons.

An executive session is also not open to the public, including journalists.

Ong, however, appealed for more time before she could decide.

“Puede po pag-isipan (Can I think about it?)," she said.

House public order and safety chairperson and Laguna lawmaker Dan Fernandez agreed to give Ong time to think about the offer for an executive session.

Earlier, the National Prosecution Service (NPS) recommended the filing of charges against Ong for disobedience to a summons issued by the House of Representatives.

Aside from this, charges of obstruction of justice for harboring, concealing, or facilitating the escape of a criminal offender were also recommended against her in connection with Alice Guo's illegal departure from the Philippines.

The recommended charges by the NPS were different from those filed by the National Bureau of Investigation.

Ong was initially charged with obstruction of justice and violation of the Philippine Immigration Act. —LDF, GMA Integrated News