Cassandra Li Ong, the legal representative of Lucky South 99 POGO in Porac, is hopeful for her release after three months of detention by the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee (QuadComm), according to her lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio.
Topacio expressed optimism that the committee would consider Ong’s release on humanitarian grounds, noting her prolonged detention.
“We are just hoping there’s still a bit of humanity left in these people and that they will release her for humanitarian reasons,” Topacio said during a press briefing.
Prolonged Detention
Ong was first cited for contempt by QuadComm in August and again in September for refusing to answer inquiries. Since then, she has faced continuous detention, with her current confinement at the Correctional Institution for Women.
Topacio criticized the circumstances of Ong’s initial detention, calling it illegal.
“She left the country legally before any contempt charges were filed. When she was intercepted in Indonesia and returned to the Philippines, there was no case against her. Why did the NBI detain her?” Topacio questioned.
Ong and Shiela Guo, sister of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, were intercepted in Indonesia in August and subsequently brought back to the Philippines.
Legal Battles Continue
Ong currently faces qualified trafficking and money laundering charges filed with the Department of Justice. She has denied the allegations and sought their dismissal.
When asked if Ong’s legal team would formally request her release, Topacio said they would evaluate the situation but still hoped the committee would act out of fairness.
“We are still giving the QuadComm the benefit of the doubt. But if they don’t act, we will do what needs to be done,” he added.
GMA News Online has reached out to QuadComm Lead Chairperson Ace Barbers for comment but has yet to receive a response.