THE House of Representatives’ quad committee has lifted the contempt charge against Cassandra Ong, a 24-year-old Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) worker linked to the alleged scam hub in Porac, Pampanga. Ong, who had been detained for nearly four months, was released after citing mental health issues stemming from her incarceration at the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW), a facility for convicted individuals.
The decision to release Ong was made during the committee’s final hearing for the year, held late Thursday night, December 12. Quad committee chair Representative Ace Barbers confirmed the move, stating, “I just signed earlier an order addressed to the CIW to release her, so maybe tomorrow (she will be freed).”
Ong has been a central figure in the investigation of the POGO network in Porac and a similarly raided scam hub in Bamban, Tarlac, linked to dismissed mayor Alice Guo. Despite documents showing Ong as a representative for the POGO licensee in Porac and an officer of the leasing company, she has consistently denied acting as a “dummy” or middle manager in the operations. Ong is also in a relationship with Guo’s brother.
Barbers explained the committee’s decision, saying, “We can no longer extract more information from her, and what she has said before the committee is sufficient enough for us to write our committee report.”
Ong was transferred to the CIW in late September as part of a strategy to pressure her into providing more details about her employers, with offers of witness protection. Despite this, she maintained her denials. Ong faces pending complaints of human trafficking and money laundering, which remain under review by prosecutors. Without charges or an arrest order, Ong will regain her freedom for now, unlike Guo, who has already been detained.
Other Developments in the Quad Committee Probe:
The committee also lifted the contempt charge against Tony Yang, the eldest brother of Rodrigo Duterte’s former economic adviser Michael Yang, who is alleged to have played a key role in a Chinese-linked network. However, Tony Yang remains detained on immigration charges, though he had earlier been granted a medical furlough.
In contrast, the contempt charge against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque remains in effect. Roque, who has been in hiding since the committee ordered his arrest, confirmed signing his counter-affidavit from the United Arab Emirates. Roque faces similar complaints of human trafficking and money laundering for allegedly facilitating meetings between Ong and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to renew the Porac POGO license. Barbers stated that Roque’s contempt charge would persist until the hearings conclude.
The committee also disclosed ongoing efforts to vet a new potential witness in the POGO investigation. Barbers hinted at “entirely new information” that may come to light in January when hearings resume.
Outlook:
The quad committee’s findings and upcoming hearings are expected to further unravel the complex network of POGO operations, human trafficking, and financial crimes tied to key figures and institutions in the Philippines.