Ong seeks friend’s company at women’s jail due to anxiety, mental health

MANILA, Philippines — Whirlwind Corporation stakeholder Katherine Cassandra Ong has requested to be accompanied by a friend inside the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW), citing mental health issues and anxiety as reasons, lawmakers learned early Friday morning.

Towards the end of the House quad committee’s approximately 15-hour hearing, Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano read Ong’s request before other members of the mega panel.

“She is requesting to allow her friend to stay with her at the CIW, and the basis of this is suffering severe mental breakdowns and anxiety attacks and currently in a state of depression,” Paduano said.

READ: Ong transferred to women’s jail in Mandaluyong 

But Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop said it would be best for the committee to consult authorities of the CIW first and check if their protocols allow such requests.

Pimentel, however, pointed out that CIW has left the decision up to the mega panel as stated in the latter part of the document.

READ: Quad-comm heads say Ong’s transfer to CIW legal

Agreeing with Acop, the panel chair and Surigao 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said they should still consult with CIW first before coming up with the decision.

For his part, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong suggested that assistance from a psychiatrist be considered.

After this, Barbers directed the committee secretary to coordinate with the lower chamber’s medical team concerning Adiong’s suggestion.

Ong, a key witness in the congressional probe into illegal offshore gaming companies, was transferred to the CIW in Mandaluyong City last September 26.

She was cited for contempt four times, with the latest occurring on October 23.