Cassandra Ong, the documented representative of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Lucky South 99, has been transferred to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, according to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
Velasco confirmed the transfer after Ong was cited for contempt during the House Quad Committee's investigation into POGO-related crimes on September 19. Ong's contempt citation, her second, was for allegedly providing false information about her educational background.
"Yesterday, Ms. Cassandra Ong was moved from the House of Representatives to the Correctional Institution for Women," Velasco stated in a message to GMA News Online.
Ong was cited for contempt after she told lawmakers she couldn't recall details about her education when questioned by Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano of Abang Lingkod party-list. Ong had claimed to have completed schooling through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) but failed to remember the name of the school where she supposedly enrolled.
Previously, Ong had denied any involvement in POGO operations, maintaining that she is only a 58% owner of Whirlwind Corporation, the entity that leases part of its land to Lucky South 99. She has been reluctant to disclose her earnings from Whirlwind Corporation or confirm whether she filed income tax returns. She also denied being a front for other individuals despite questions about the large sums of money under her control.
Ong's legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, expressed concerns over her transfer, arguing that it raised legal questions about the Legislature's authority to place her in a facility managed by the Executive Branch.
Topacio emphasized that Ong was simply exercising her Constitutional rights and decried her mingling with convicted prisoners, citing international and constitutional protections such as the presumption of innocence and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.
Despite these objections, House leaders affirmed the legality of Ong's transfer, stressing that it was carried out with respect for her rights. They refuted claims by Ong's counsel, stating that the legislative inquiry is aimed at seeking justice, not manipulation.
Ong and her legal team had previously indicated a preference for her to be jailed in the CIW rather than endure further legislative proceedings.
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