POGO hub official seeks stay order on badgering in congressional hearings

Metro Manila, Philippines – A key figure in the congressional investigation on illegal offshore gaming has sought court protection against self-incrimination, her lawyer said on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Cassandra Li Ong, offshore gaming hub Lucky South 99 executive assistant, filed a petition for review and prohibition with the Supreme Court to invoke her right to remain silent and protect herself from giving testimony that will subject her to criminal prosecution.

Ong has been invoking her right to remain silent and right against self-incrimination, which drew the ire of House lawmakers. She eventually answered questions after representatives persuaded her to participate in the investigation on offshore gaming-linked crimes.

https://www.newswatchplus.ph/news/2024/8/28/ong-second-contempt.html

“Ang hindi na po nakakaya ni Ms. Cassandra Li Ong ay kapag kanyang ini-invoke ‘yung kanyang right to remain silent or right against self-incrimination… ay sinisigawan siya, kinukutya siya. She’s being ridiculed, tine-threaten. May mga very insulting words na sinasabi po sa kanya,” said Ferdinand Topacio, Ong’s legal counsel.

[Translation: Ms. Cassandra Li Ong can no longer withstand the shouting and mockery when she invokes her right to remain silent or right against self-incrimination. She’s being ridiculed, threatened. Insulting words are thrown at her.]

“‘Yun lang po ang nais naming pigilin [That is what we want to stop], that once the right to remain silent is invoked, no further questionings should be made,” he added.

The petition sought a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction enjoining the Senate and House of Representatives committees or its agents “from doing any act and thing violative of the constitutional rights” of Ong.

Topacio said Ong even preferred to be detained in a jail facility to protect her mental health that has deteriorated due to the investigation.

Ong is under House custody over a contempt ruling. She was arrested in Indonesia with Shiela Guo, the supposed sister of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

https://www.newswatchplus.ph/news/2024/8/26/ong-shiela-guo-congress-custody.html

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.