Katherine Cassandra Ong, an incorporator of Whirlwind Corporation, takes her oath after being presented before the House of Representatives’ quad-committee to hear her side regarding issues surrounding the Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub in Porac, Pampanga. Whirlwind only leased land to Pogo hub operator Lucky South 99, but several lawmakers believe that Ong is possibly involved in both companies. Photo from the House of Representatives media bureau
MANILA, Philippines — Whirlwind Corporation stakeholder Cassandra Li Ong was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday afternoon, the House of Representatives said on Wednesday.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco relayed a report from House Medical Director Dr. Jose Luis Bautista stating that Ong was brought back to the House premises to serve the remainder of her detention.
“Update on Ms. Cassandra Li Ong from HRep Medical Director Dr.Louie Bautista: Ms. Ong was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon, September 10, 2024 and safely brought back immediately to the House of Representatives to be under our custody to serve out the rest of her contempt sentence at the HRep detention facility,” Velasco told reporters.
“The HRep is happy to report that she has recovered with the treatment she received from the hospital and with all the diagnostic procedures she had, our in house medical personnel can be fully prepared to handle any other medical condition she might have as she continues to appear in the QuadComm hearings,” it added.
Ong was ordered detained at the House after she was cited for contempt last August 16 due to her skipping the quad-committee hearings. At the fourth quad-committee hearing held last September 4, Ong was brought to the hospital after her blood pressure fell to 80/40.
During the probe, Ong went to the bathroom but was unable to return to the hearing. Bautista said Ong’s situation was unstable.
READ: Cassandra Ong excused from quad-comm hearing as BP fell to 80/40
Ong’s importance
Lawmakers from the quad-committee believe Ong is crucial to their investigation.
She holds a 58 percent stake at Whirlwind Corporation, the company that leased land in Porac, Pampanga to Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub Lucky South 99.
During the hearing, Ong admitted that Whirlwind’s top boss, a certain Duanren Wu who happens to be her godfather, is a former Chinese cop.
READ: Cassandra Ong: Top boss at Whirlwind an ex-Chinese cop
However, lawmakers were infuriated with Ong’s refusal to answer certain questions, like those about her education.
On Wednesday, Ong’s camp asked the Supreme Court to determine if lawmakers committed grave abuse of discretion by asking her to answer questions.
READ: Lawmakers fume over Cassandra Ong’s behavior at House hearing
READ: Ong asks SC to determine if grave abuse committed during Pogo probe
According to Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., whose committee on human rights forms part of the quad-committee, it is well within Ong’s right to raise the issue before the Supreme Court.
However, Abante also told Ong that she can either assist lawmakers or cover up for those who violate the law.
“Ms. Ong has every right to explore every recourse available to her under the law. However, she has a choice; she can either choose to assist lawmakers or choose to cover up for lawbreakers,” Abante said.
“It is unfortunate that she has chosen to hide behind the veil of silence rather than help Congress in its efforts to address the evils brought about by Pogos. Her silence makes her an accomplice, and if Ms. Ong chooses this path, she will be treated as such,” he added.