Cassandra Ong’s release from detention expected Dec 13, says lawyer

POGO HEARING SENATE / SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 Katherine Cassandra Li Ong attends the a public hearing conducted by the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality on the alleged illegal activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hubs in Pampanga and Tarlac. INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Cassandra Li Ong, an alleged stakeholder of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo), is expected to be released from detention on Friday, her lawyer said.

Ong’s impending discharge from the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City comes after a House of Representatives panel lifted the contempt citation it issued against her due to health reasons.

The House committee also lifted Thursday the contempt orders it issued against ousted Bamban Mayor Alice Guo (real name: Guo Hua Ping) and Chinese businessman Tony Yang, a brother of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s adviser Michael Yang.

READ: Contempt orders vs Alice Guo, Cassie Ong, Tony Yang lifted

“I believe that the collective weight of public and media opinion worked to make the QuadComm realize that her continued detention is a grave injustice,” Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said in a statement.

“She is to be released today (Friday), it is hoped,” he added.

Ong was cited for contempt on October 23 after failing to submit documents needed by the House quad committee, which has been probing into Pogos and their alleged illegal activities.

She is said to be a stakeholder of Whirlwind, the company that leased the land in Porac, Pampanga to alleged scam hub Lucky South 99 — which was raided last June 4 due to human trafficking issues.

READ: Money laundering raps vs Alice Guo, others up for resolution – DOJ

According to lawmakers, Whirlwind and Lucky South 99 operated as one firm. Ong admitted during a hearing that she worked for both companies.

Ong is also among the people sued by the Anti-Money Laundering Council, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and the National Bureau of Investigation for the 87 counts of money laundering in relation to Pogo.

Guo and her alleged sister Shiela Guo (real name: Zhang Mier) were also part of that complaint.