MANILA – Cassandra Li Ong, the authorized representative of Lucky South 99 POGO in Porac, Pampanga, is urging Congress to respect her constitutional rights, specifically her right to remain silent and protection against self-incrimination, as investigations proceed.
Her legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, filed a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, also requesting a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and oral arguments.
In their 27-page petition, Ong’s camp called for the Senate and House of Representatives to cease any actions that might infringe upon her constitutional rights.
“Ang amin lang po, in our humble opinion, ay kapag nag-invoke ka ng right to remain silent ay hindi ka na dapat tinatanong at hindi ka na dapat pinipilit magsalita,” Topacio told reporters regarding the petition.
(In our humble opinion, when someone invokes their right to remain silent, they should no longer be questioned or forced to speak.)
He added, “Yun lamang po. Kami po ay dadalo out of respect to both chambers of Congress. Kami po ay pupunta roon ngunit i-invoke po namin ‘yung right to remain silent.”
(That is all. We will attend out of respect for both chambers of Congress, but we will invoke our right to remain silent.)
Topacio also mentioned that they provided previous rulings to support their claim, asserting that the right to remain silent and protection against self-incrimination applies even in legislative, administrative, and civil cases.
Topacio claimed that Ong has faced ridicule and intimidation in previous hearings, saying she was shouted at and humiliated when she invoked her rights. He reiterated that legislative inquiries are meant to gather information for policy-making, not to investigate guilt.
“Ang hindi na po nakakaya ni Miss Cassandra Li Ong, kapag ini-invoke niya ang kanyang right to remain silent or right against self-incrimination, nakita niyo naman po…. Sinisigawan siya, kinukutya siya,” Topacio said.
(What Miss Cassandra Li Ong can no longer endure is that when she invokes her right to remain silent, she is yelled at and mocked.)
The petition also sought to allow Ong to consult with her lawyer during the proceedings. In a previous hearing, Topacio was barred from advising his client after she initially refused to answer lawmakers’ questions.
The lawyer argued that Ong’s rights must be respected, especially as she faces accusations of money laundering and qualified human trafficking. However, Topacio noted that he has not yet seen the formal complaints and cannot comment on them.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros declined to comment on the petition, while Rep. Benny Abante stated that Ong has the right to explore legal remedies but criticized her decision to invoke silence rather than assist in the inquiry.
Ong’s legal team has also raised concerns about her deteriorating mental health, with Topacio highlighting her hospitalization due to low blood sugar and blood pressure after a previous appearance before the House Quad Committee.