Cassandra Li Ong, a key figure in the ongoing probe into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO’s), was absent from the Senate Justice panel’s hearing on Thursday due to health concerns.
The House of Representatives, where Ong is currently under custody, informed the Senate that she is “unwell” and unable to attend. According to the House’s medical evaluation, Ong may require hospitalization and several days to recover.
Ong’s absence comes after she was excused from a House Quad Committee hearing on Wednesday due to low blood sugar and blood pressure. She is a representative of Lucky South 99, a former POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, that was raided for alleged illegal activities, including torture.
Ong has admitted to being Lucky South 99’s authorized representative but denies involvement in its illegal POGO operations. She, along with former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and 34 others, are facing money laundering charges before the Department of Justice for their alleged ties to illegal POGO’s.
The Senate panel is investigating the escape of Guo and her companions from the Philippines, which reportedly included Ong. Ong was apprehended in Indonesia and deported to the Philippines after her arrest alongside Guo’s sister, Shiela.
Photo Courtesy: ABS-CBN NEWS