POGO Executive Cassandra Ong Denies Alice Guo is Her Business Partner

Cassandra Ong, a stakeholder in Whirlwind Corporation, has clarified her relationship with dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. Ong testified before the House of Representatives’ quad-committee, stating that she is neither friends with nor a business partner of Guo. Ong explained that her connection to Guo is limited to her relationship with Wesley Guo, Alice’s brother.

During the August 28, 2024 committee hearing, Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. inquired about Ong’s relationship with the Guo family.

Ong admitted that Wesley Guo is her boyfriend, which makes her acquainted with Alice Guo. However, Ong was quoted as saying in an August 28 report of the Inquirer, “Hindi po […] Kakilala syempre, sister po siya ng boyfriend (ko).” (“Not really… Of course, I know her, she is my boyfriend’s sister.”)

Ong firmly denied any business dealings with Alice Guo, stating, “No” when asked if they were business partners.

Ong also addressed allegations about her involvement with Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). She denied owning or managing any POGO hub, stating that her businesses are not related to POGOs. Ong responded, “Hindi po, ‘yong business po namin is nagrerent lang para, building, real estate lang po, I’m not related to any POGO.” (“No, our business is just renting for buildings and real estate; I’m not related to any POGO.”)

Despite Ong’s assertions, the hearing revealed that Whirlwind Corporation, where Ong holds a 58 percent stake, leased land in Porac, Pampanga to Lucky South 99.

At least 186 foreign and Filipino workers were rescued from Lucky South 99, the Porac Pogo hub that was raided last June 4 over human trafficking concerns.

Ong admitted to working for both Whirlwind and Lucky South 99 but insisted that these corporations are for legitimate purposes. She said, “Yes,” when asked if the corporations were established for lawful reasons.

Ong also confirmed her role in processing applications for Lucky South 99 at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) but refused to elaborate on her previous work experience, citing privacy concerns. Ong denied that she started as an executive assistant at Lucky South 99. She said, “Yun ang alam ng other people but hindi.” (“That’s what other people know, but not really.”)

She only mentioned dealing with applications for Lucky South 99.

The Department of Justice has highlighted Ong’s and Shiela Guo’s arrest in Indonesia as evidence linking the Porac and Bamban POGOs. Ong’s testimony and her connections continue to be scrutinized as the investigation into POGO operations and related activities unfolds.

Read related article: Two Associates of Alice Guo Arrested in Indonesia