In the fourth hearing of the House Quad Committee on Wednesday, lawmakers resumed their investigation of the involvement of Cassandra Li Ong in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations.
She maintained that her role was limited to leasing properties, denying any deeper involvement in the operations of Lucky South 99 or any POGO activity.
"Wala po akong kinalaman sa operations ng Lucky South 99. Again, nagpapa-upa lamang po kami at wala na po," she insisted.
Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel expressed disbelief, pointing out that Ong’s name appears in several company documents and that she purchased and acquired the raided mansion in Porac, Pampanga valued at P2.5 billion.
"The fact you are able to buy, to purchase a land worth P2.5 billion, hindi lang rental po ang kinikita niyo doon," he said.
Ong admitted investing in Lucky South 99, with her initial investment coming from her late mother. She assured the quad committee that no money from illegal drug sales was used to fund Lucky South 99’s operations.
Pimentel nonetheless concluded, "I sincerely believe that Cassie Ong is withholding information regarding the operation of Lucky South 99. And I certainly believe that Ms. Cassandra Ong is heavily involved or a partner of Lucky South 99."
House Committee on Human Rights chairperson and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. also noted the inconsistencies in Ong's statements.
Although Ong repeatedly denied any involvement in POGO activities, she admitted to applying for Lucky South 99's license renewal with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Ong, claiming to be the "authorized representative" of Lucky South 99, said PAGCOR denied the company’s request for renewal through email.
"Ang sabi po ni PAGCOR po is hindi po sila magbibigay ng lisensya, I mean hindi siya magre-renew," Ong said.
"Ang PAGCOR hindi nagbibigay ng lisensya sa mga buildings. Nagbibigay ng lisensya sa POGO," Abante countered.
Ong eventually admitted that she applied for Lucky South 99's license renewal for POGO operation, as well as paying the corporation's back expenses of USD500,000.
"Ibig sabihin involved ka sa POGO. Hindi ka pwedeng mag-apply ng license sa PAGCOR na hindi mo alam na POGO 'yan," Abante asserted.
The interpellation was halted because Ong unexpectedly became ill while the hearing was taking place. The House Medical and Dental Services unit reported she requires further tests due to hypotension and low blood sugar.
Meanwhile, also in the Quad Committee’s investigation on extrajudicial killings (EJKs), former Davao prison warden Gerardo Padilla submitted a new affidavit, stating that he had objected to the transfer of three Chinese nationals who were later killed inside the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in 2016.
He also disclosed that he had initially lied in his first statement out of fear for his and his family's safety.
According to Padilla, he spoke with former CIDG Visayas chief Royina Garma through prisoner Jimmy Fortaleza's phone.
During this conversation, Garma allegedly threatened him, saying "may mga tao kami diyan na gagawa at huwag mo nang kwestiyunin. And whether you like it or not, we will operate and do not interfere. Baka madamay pa ang pamilya mo. Mag-cooperate ka na lang o mananagot ka sa amin."
When Pimentel asked what he understood from Garma's message, Padilla responded, "ipapapatay iyong tatlong Chinese nationals."
Pimentel, however, was skeptical of Padilla's testimony, noting inconsistencies between his two affidavits and accusing him of withholding crucial information.
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