The Senate building in Pasay City

The Senate is "looking forward" to the participation of Sheila Guo, the sister of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo; and her companion, Cassandra Li Ong, in the chamber's continuing inquiry on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) controversy. 

"The Senate is looking forward to their presence in the proceedings. The hearings will provide an opportunity for Guo and Ong to present their statement and contribute to the ongoing discussions and investigation," Senate spokesman, lawyer Arnel Jose Bañas said in a statement Friday, Aug. 23. 

On late Thursday afternoon, Sheila and Cassandra were flown back to the Philippines by Indonesian authorities. 

Bañas says the Senate is "prepared to receive" the two women. The joint Senate hearing will take place on Aug. 27. 

"The hearing will be conducted by the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights chaired by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III as the primary committee and the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality led by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros and the Senate Committee on Public Services chaired by Senator Raffy Tulfo will be the secondary and tertiary committees, respectively, to tackle the Privilege Speech Urging the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) to Cancel Alice Guo’s Passport," Bañas said. 

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"Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Roberto Ancan said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has assured the Senate that the duo will be made available for the hearings and will be responsible for bringing them to and from the Senate. Guo and Ong will be turned over to the Senate after the inquest proceedings," he added. 

Ong is the authorized representative of Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc. and the corporate secretary of Whirlwind Corporation. 

Authorities are still looking for ex-mayor Guo, who repeatedly fled the country last July 18.