Cassandra Li Ong, a key figure in the investigation into money laundering and illegal activities linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), was unable to attend the Senate Sub-Committee on Justice hearing on Thursday due to illness.
In a letter addressed to Atty. Andre B. Mortel, Arturo Felix H. Catarata, Officer-in-Charge of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs, explained that Ong’s blood sugar and blood pressure dropped to low levels, leading to the suspension of the hearing.
"According to our own doctors, Ms. Ong may need to be confined in a hospital and may require 2 to 3 days to stabilize her health condition," the letter stated.
BASAHIN: Cassandra Li Ong hindi nakadalo sa hearing ng Senate Sub-Committee on Justice dahil masama ang kaniyang pakiramdam | RH 28 @RaymundDadpaas, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/vZ7IlH837f
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 5, 2024
The Senate is looking into how former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and her companions, including Cassandra Ong, managed to flee the country.
Ong was placed under the House of Representatives' custody after being deported from Indonesia, where she was arrested with Guo's sister, Shiela.
Ong was also excused from the House Quad Committee hearing on Wednesday night due to low blood sugar and blood pressure.
She is said to represent Lucky South 99, a former POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, which was raided by authorities for alleged illegal activities, including torture.
Ong admitted being Lucky South 99's representative but denied involvement in any illegal POGO operations.
Ong, Alice Guo, and 34 others face money laundering charges at the Department of Justice for their suspected ties to illegal POGO operations.
Ong, Alice Guo, and 34 others are currently facing money laundering charges before the Department of Justice in connection with their alleged ties to illegal POGO operations.
