Santa Rosa, Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez is facing an ethics complaint for allegedly violating the Code of Conduct during the hearings of the Quad Committee, which was investigating the operations of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The complaint was filed by Ferdinand Topacio, the legal counsel for Cassandra Li Ong, who is reportedly linked with Lucky South 99 as an authorized representative.
Ong previously appeared before the committee as a resource person during its hearings, where she was questioned about her alleged involvement in the criminal activities associated with Lucky South 99 while it was still operating.
"This is a verified complaint against Danilo Ramon S. Fernandez, Member of the House of Representatives for the Lone District of Santa Rosa, Laguna, and the Chairperson of Public Order and Safety Committee, presiding over the Joint Public Quad-Committee Hearing on August 28, 2024 and September 12, 2024 for his unethical conduct in said hearings," the complaint read.
Topacio accused Fernandez of misconduct, alleging that he disregarded the constitutional rights of resource persons during legislative inquiries.
Furthermore, Topacio pointed out that Fernandez failed to recognize Ong's right to counsel, stating that he was prevented from advising his client and was even warned of possible contempt charges.
