House withdraws second contempt order vs Ong

Metro Manila, Philippines – The House of Representatives withdrew its second contempt order against an executive assistant of a Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) hub on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

The House Quad-Committee initially issued a contempt order against Cassandra Li Ong for refusing to answer questions of lawmakers, including details about her first job and the college she attended.

Ong consistently replied with "I refuse to answer" or "I refuse to testify" or “I invoke my right to remain silent.”

The joint committee cited her in contempt which meant Ong had to stay at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City pending the investigation on POGO-linked crimes.

But the Quad-Committee then withdrew its second contempt order after Ong changed her mind and cooperated in the investigation.

During the hearing, Ong's counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, was warned to stop coaching his client.

Topacio said Ong is "blatantly being deprived of counsel and is being bullied and bamboozled by the chairpersons and members to testify consulting without counsel."

"This is brazen violation of her constitutional rights," he said in a statement.

Ong will remain detained at the House of Representatives, in accordance with the first contempt order against her.

Ong, a business associate of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, was caught in Indonesia with Shiela Guo, supposed sister of the former mayor.

They were sent back to the country on Aug. 22 and are in Congress custody.