MANILA — The House of Representatives announced on Thursday that Cassandra Ong, a key resource person in the ongoing POGO investigation, has been transferred to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong to “serve the remainder of her detention.”
“Yesterday (Wednesday) po nalipat na si Ms. Cassandra Ong sa Correctional from HRep,” confirmed House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
Ong, an authorized representative of Lucky South 99, was held in contempt for the second time after lawmakers accused her of “lying” during inquiries into her educational background.
The decision to transfer Ong to a regular detention facility came after her lawyer indicated that she expressed a preference to be jailed rather than attend further House hearings.
Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang clarified that Ong would be detained separately from convicted inmates at the facility.
“She will be confined in a separate room,” Catapang stated. “As a commitment order of Congress, we are simply following their directive. However, we cannot permit her to mingle with convicted individuals, as it could compromise her safety and security.”
Catapang added that Ong would be allowed to use her cellphone while in detention, as she has not been convicted of any crime and is being held solely under the authority of the House of Representatives.