Cassandra Ong has asked lawmakers to allow her friend in detention due to a severe mental breakdown, as they investigate her ties to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
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.
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.
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.
This request comes as Ong faces legal challenges related to her role as an authorized representative of Lucky South 99, a POGO entity. On September 19, she faced a second contempt charge for allegedly providing dishonest testimony during legal proceedings. This citation for contempt adds to the legal pressures surrounding Ong as the investigation into POGOs continues.
Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc. was originally incorporated in 2019 with a focus on business process outsourcing and real estate. However, on February 7, 2024, the company changed its corporate name to Lucky South 99 Corp, according to ABS-CBN News, shifting its primary purpose to gaming, entertainment, and live gaming streaming, with a secondary purpose involving the development of a hotel with internet shops and gaming facilities.
Despite these changes, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revealed that Lucky South 99 Corp. had been included on the list of Offshore Gaming Licensees by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as early as August 8, 2023.
In June 2024, a raid was conducted at Lucky South 99’s facility in Porac, Pampanga, following reports of illegal activities. Authorities discovered cash, jewelry, and suspected illegal drugs during the raid. Among the seized items were P600,000 in cash, assorted jewelry, and 10 sachets of suspected shabu.
Although the company was registered, the SEC stated that Lucky South 99 Corp. was not authorized to operate as a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO). The SEC ruled that any such activities were ultra vires (beyond its legal powers), and the company had misrepresented its authority, leading to serious legal repercussions.
Ong’s involvement has raised questions about the extent of her influence in facilitating the operations of such gambling entities.
Despite her ongoing legal battles, including contempt charges for allegedly withholding evidence, she continues to be a focal point in the investigation into the POGO industry’s regulation. As authorities probe deeper into her ties with Lucky South 99, Ong’s legal team has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that she acted within the bounds of the law.
POGOs have faced scrutiny for alleged illegal activities and links to organized crime, making the investigation a critical focus. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has also been firm on removing POGOs - legal or not - by the end of this year.
As the inquiry progresses, Ong’s request for a companion during her detention highlights the intersection of legal proceedings and personal well-being, a factor that lawmakers are taking into consideration.
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