The House of Representatives Quad Committee lifted contempt orders against former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, Chinese businessman Tony Yang, and Whirlwind Corporation stakeholder Cassandra Ong during a marathon hearing on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) late Thursday.
Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano moved to grant the appeals of the three individuals, which were approved by Quad Comm overall chairperson, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.
Ong, detained at the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW), faced contempt charges last October 23 for failing to submit key documents regarding her stake in Whirlwind Corporation. The company is linked to Lucky South 99, a POGO hub based in Porac, Pampanga.
“I just signed earlier an order addressed to the CIW to release her (Ong), so maybe tomorrow (Friday) [she will be freed],” Barbers told reporters.
Meanwhile, Guo was cited for contempt on September 19 and is currently held at the Pasig City Jail. She was accused of coddling POGO operators during her tenure as Bamban mayor through her China-linked business enterprises.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) raised concerns about her divestment claim, citing the disproportionate value of her reported sale. Guo also faced allegations of espionage, who allegedly acquired Filipino citizenship through questionable transactions.
Yang, on the other hand, was detained under the custody of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission. He was cited for contempt on September 27 for allegedly lying about his business associates.
The Quad Comm’s decision marks a significant development as it winds down probe into POGOs and other activities related to illegal drugs as well as human rights abuses.
