Cassandra Ong Requests Presence of Friend While Detained Due To “Severe Mental Breakdown”

November 8, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Cassandra Ong has asked a congressional committee investigating her alleged ties with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to “allow her friend and stay with her” at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong.

“She is requesting to allow her friend to stay with her at the CIW. The basis of this is she is suffering from severe mental breakdown and anxiety attacks, and currently in a state of severe depression,” Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Joseph Paduano said at the tail-end of the House quad committee’s 15-hour hearing, as quoted by the Inquirer.

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

Antipolo Second District Representative Romeo Acop emphasized that it was appropriate to consult with CIW authorities regarding Ong’s request. However, Surigao del Sur Second District Representative Johnny Ty Pimentel pointed out that the decision ultimately rests with the House.

“The basis of this is she is suffering from severe mental breakdown and anxiety attacks, and currently in a state of severe depression,” Rep. Paduano was quoted as saying in an ABS-CBN report.

“I presume it is a lady and the word being used is her friend,” he added.

READ: Cassandra Ong Being Eyed as State Witness in POGO Probe; Cited in Contempt

House Quad Committee chair and Surigao del Norte Second District Representative Robert Ace Barbers added that the committee would review Ong’s request. “It is appropriate for us to discuss the matter with CIW personnel regarding Ms. Cassie Ong’s request, given her current stress and her need for a companion within the facility. If the CIW personnel and the committee agree, the request could be accommodated,” said Barbers.

On September 19, Ong, an authorized representative of the POGO Lucky South 99, faced her second citation for contempt due to alleged dishonesty during court proceedings.

As a consequence, she was ordered to be transferred to the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong, where she is expected to complete the remainder of her detention.

She has been cited for contempt a total of four times, with the most recent being on October 23.