Cassandra Ong Admits to Applying for PAGCOR POGO License

September 5, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Cassandra Ong, the “authorized representative” of Lucky South 99, finally admitted her involvement with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) during a House quad-committee hearing on September 4, 2024. The confession came after persistent questioning from Manila 6th district Representative Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr.

Abante confronted Ong about a transaction she made with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Despite Ong’s initial evasive responses, Abante pressed on. “You answer me now, what kind of license did you get, [try] to get from PAGCOR?” Abante was quoted as saying in a report published by Manila Bulletin.

Ong replied, “Mr. Chair, license to operate po ng PAGCOR” (It was a license to operate from PAGCOR). This vague answer only fueled Abante’s frustration. He insisted, “You applied for a license from PAGCOR. To operate what?”

Ong eventually admitted, “Ah. To operate POGO po” (Ah. To operate POGO). Her admission shocked the panel. “Ayon! Ibig sabihin involved ka sa POGO. Hindi ka pwedeng mag-apply ng license sa PAGCOR na hindi mo alam na POGO yan. Oh my goodness” (That’s it! That means you’re involved with POGO. You can’t apply for a license at PAGCOR if you didn’t know that it was POGO), Abante exclaimed.

Further scrutiny revealed Ong’s connection to former presidential spokesperson, lawyer Harry Roque. Abante recounted, “Nagpunta ka sa Pagcor. Sinama mo pa si Atty. Harry Roque. Si Atty. Harry Roque naman, sapagkat alam mong may influence sa Pagcor yan, nagpasama ka sa kanya at nagbayad ka pa ng dollar…back charges” (You went to Pagcor. You brought Atty. Harry Roque along. Atty. Harry Roque has influence over PAGCOR. You asked him to accompany you and paid in dollars…back charges).

When Ong continued to deny deeper involvement and presented herself as merely a representative, Abante grew exasperated. “Wag kang magsisinungaling dito, kahit genius ka, hindi mo kami kayang paikutin” (Don’t lie to us here, even if you’re a genius you can’t trick us), he said.

Ong faced a tougher line of questioning compared to her previous appearance before the committee on August 28. The quad-committee chairmen threatened additional contempt charges and a transfer to the Correctional Institution for Women due to her persistent evasions and delaying tactics.

Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong voiced his frustration, “Masyado kang pa-cute eh!” (You think of yourself as too cute), in response to Ong’s behavior during the hearing.

At around 6 pm, Ong complained of dizziness. The House’s resident physician reported that she had low blood sugar and low blood pressure. It was also reported that Ong had not eaten much, as she was very particular about her food.

During the August 28, 2024 committee hearing, Ong denied any connection to POGO at that time. “Yong business po namin is nagre-rent lang para, building, real estate lang po. I’m not related to any POGO” (Our business involves renting, like with buildings, real estate. I’m not related to any POGO.).