Cassandra Ong (Facebook)

The controversial Cassandra Ong’s transfer from the House of Representatives detention center to the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City is in accordance with the law. 

Thus, said the co-chairmen of the House quad-committee, which ordered the transfer after Ong was cited for contempt for the third time after she allegedly refused to tell the truth in the hearings. 

In a statement, Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Ace Barbers, Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano, Santa Rosa lone district Rep. Dan Fernandez, and Antipolo City 2nd district Rep. Romeo Acop all emphasized that Ong’s transfer was carried out strictly by due process and established legal procedures. 

"We want to make it clear: Ms. Ong's transfer to the Correctional Institute for Women is legal. The quad-comm has followed all necessary protocols, and the decision is rooted in the rule of law,” they said in a joint statement. 

"Lahat ng aksyon ng committee ay naaayon sa aming Rules of Procedure at sa batas (All of the committee's actions were based on our rules of procedure and the law)," they said. 

“Her lawyers were the ones who said that Cassy Ong would prefer to be detained in a prison cell rather than in Congress. Cassy should blame her lawyers for putting her in this uncomfortable position,” they added. 

Ong is a representative of Lucky South 99, a suspected illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga. She is believed to be a key figure in the POGO controversy. 

She was transferred from the House of Representatives in Batasan, Quezon City to the CIW last Wednesday, Sept. 25. 

Addressing the allegation that lawmakers applied pressure on the decision to transfer Ong, the veteran lawmakers said this was "speculative" and “lacking in substantiated evidence.” 

"Walang basehan ang mga paratang na ito (These allegations are baseless). Our legislative inquiries are designed to seek the truth and uphold justice, not to manipulate the outcome of these proceedings." 

As for concerns that the 24-year-old's transfer may violate international human rights conventions, the quad-comm leaders said: "We are carefully looking into all concerns regarding international conventions. We assure the public that we remain committed to respecting the rights of individuals, and ensuring that all actions taken are in compliance with both domestic and international laws." 

They also urged the public and other concerned parties to let the legal processes involving the ongoing hearings proceed. 

"It's important that we let the system work. Casting baseless accusations does nothing but create confusion and divert attention from the real issues at hand," they stressed. 

The lawmakers also reiterated that all necessary health and safety measures were being taken to ensure Ong's welfare, contrary to the fears expressed by her legal counsel. 

"Ms. Ong’s well-being is a priority. The authorities have ensured that her transfer was conducted safely and with respect for her rights," they stated.