Cassandra Ong Gets 4th Contempt Order for Refusing to Submit Docs to Quad Comm

October 23, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Katherine Cassandra Ong, a stakeholder in Whirlwind Corporation, has been cited for contempt once again for failing to submit crucial documents required by the House of Representatives’ quad committee. The latest citation occurred during a hearing that began on October 22, 2024 and extended into Wednesday.

The motion to cite Ong for contempt was introduced by Abang Lingkod party-list Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano. He expressed concerns that the existing contempt order would expire on Thursday, October 24. Paduano noted that the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW), where Ong is currently detained, had informed the committee about the expiration of the order.

“We are in receipt of a copy of a letter coming from the CIW in which Katherine Cassandra Li Ong is detained. The content of the letter informs this committee that the contempt order for Ms. Cassandra Li Ong will last until October 24,” Paduano was quoted as saying in an Inquirer report.

Paduano moved to cite Ong for contempt again due to her ongoing refusal to provide necessary documents. The motion was approved by the quad committee’s presiding officer, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers, after being duly seconded.

Initially, the lawmakers considered extending the duration of the contempt order. However, they ultimately decided to cite Ong for contempt again, resulting in a detention order that will remain in effect until she submits the required documents.

In previous hearings, lawmakers had requested that Ong provide her bank records and other pertinent documents related to her role at Whirlwind Corporation, where she holds a significant 58 percent stake. Ong has claimed that she cannot access these documents because they are stored on a phone that was confiscated by authorities.

Whirlwind Corporation has leased land in Porac, Pampanga, to Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO). This POGO hub was raided on June 4 due to allegations of human trafficking. Lawmakers have raised concerns that Whirlwind and Lucky South 99 operate as interconnected entities, a theory supported by Ong’s admission that she works for both companies.

During the sixth quad committee hearing on September 19, Ong was previously cited for contempt for providing evasive answers regarding various topics, including her educational background. This latest citation marks the fourth contempt order against her. The third contempt order was issued on September 19, while the second was lifted after she cooperated with the committee. The first order was handed down when she skipped the initial hearing.

Lawmakers view Ong as a crucial figure in their ongoing investigation into the POGO industry. In a previous hearing on September 4, she revealed that Whirlwind’s top executive, Duanren Wu—who is also her godfather—is a former Chinese police officer.