Senator Win Gatchalian revealed that Cassandra Li Ong, one of the personalities previously linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) activities, has not been in detention for some time — a development he said came as a surprise even to him.
During the Senate hearing on the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Gatchalian shared information provided by the agency.
“Ngayon si Cassandra Li Ong naka-release po siya, so hindi siya [nakakulong],” he said.
Speaking to Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros — who had closely monitored Ong’s case and was present during the hearing — Gatchalian added, “Actually nagulat rin ako. Pareho ho tayong nagulat kasi tinututukan ho natin itong case… I was advised that dahil nung nag-recess po ‘yung [Congress], pinalabas ho natin siya because ‘pag nagmo-move from one Congress to the other Congress, pinapakawalan ho natin ‘yung mga nade-detain dito.”
Hontiveros expressed concern over the development, noting the seriousness of the case Ong is currently facing.
“Nakakabahala talaga. Ngayon pa na humaharap na si Cassandra Li Ong sa kaso sa RTC sa Pasig,” the senator said.
In September 2024, the House QuadCom had allowed Ong’s transfer from its custody to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW). However, Gatchalian explained that Ong was later released due to the transition between the 19th and 20th Congress.
“Na-detain ho siya sa House and then because of the transition from the 19th Congress to the 20th Congress, pinalabas siya sa detention. At that point, wala pang kaso. So ngayon ho meron nang kaso, the same, qualified human trafficking,” he said.
The third regular session of the 19th Congress adjourned in June 2025, with the 20th Congress convening in July.
Gatchalian noted that after Ong’s release, charges were only filed months later — resulting in her current status as a fugitive.
“Unfortunately, because nung nakalabas siya saka lang na-file yung kaso, at large siya ngayon,” he said.