MANILA, Philippines – Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, identified as the authorized representative of Lucky South 99, admitted to “having information” on offshore gaming operations in the Philippines, said lawyer Ferdinand Topacio.
“She also confirms that she has some information regarding POGO operations. And this picture may hold the clue as to why POGO operations, especially illegal POGO multiplied during the time of President Marcos. Because they were being aided and abetted by some officials of the present administration,” Topacio said in a press conference Monday.
The statement was in supplement of a photo he presented to the media showing Ong posing happily with no less than President Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Marcos as well as other past and present government officials and controversial POGO personalities.
“Sabi nga nila a picture speaks a thousand words,” he said.
Because questions at the congressional hearings could get her in trouble, Topacio said he advised his client to invoke her right against self-incrimination.
“We are hoping that the members of the Senate and the House will not attempt to threaten, bully, bamboozle her into waiving these rights. Because these rights are sacred under the Constitution,” he said.
“Pag sinabing I don’t want to incriminate myself, galangin mo, huwag mo pilitin. Gusto mo, ipakulong mo. Power din yun ng legislature. Pero karapatan din ng tao na hindi magsalita. Pa-contempt mo kung gusto mo. But to threaten, to scare to bully anyone to give up the right to remain silent and against self-incrimination, ibang usapan yun. We will not take that sitting down,” he added.
Topacio said he cannot say yet what his client has disclosed to him but all will be revealed to the public “at the right time.”
