Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros and Sen. Win Gatchalian were caught off guard during the Senate’s budget deliberations when the Department of Justice revealed that Cassandra Li Ong is now at large.
Ong was the name listed in documents as the representative of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator involved with Lucky South 99. Her absence from government custody surprised lawmakers, who had expected her to remain available to authorities.
Gatchalian explained that Ong was released earlier by the House of Representatives during the transition from the 19th Congress to the 20th Congress. He said the period of turnover affected her custody status. He added that charges were filed against her only after she had already been freed, referring to the case lodged at Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 157.
Authorities are currently searching for her.
Hontiveros expressed concern that Ong might attempt to use a backdoor exit, similar to previous cases involving other individuals. She noted the risk this poses to ongoing investigations tied to offshore gaming operations and related inquiries.
The disclosure prompted further questions from senators about the timeline of Ong’s release and how her handover was managed during the congressional transition. The DOJ did not provide additional details during the session, sticking to confirmation of her at-large status.
The issue is expected to remain under scrutiny as authorities continue efforts to locate Ong and move forward with the case filed in Pasig.
