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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hontiveros lauds cancellation of Cassie Ong, Harry Roque's passports

Hontiveros lauds cancellation of Cassie Ong, Harry Roque's passports

Published Nov 25, 2025 10:51 am

At A Glance

  • Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the cancellation of the passports of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Cassandra Li Ong and other individuals linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) by a Pasig City Regional Trial Court.
Senator Risa Hontiveros (Senate PRIB photo)
Senator Risa Hontiveros (Senate PRIB photo)

Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the cancellation of the passports of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Cassandra Li Ong and other individuals linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) by a Pasig City Regional Trial Court.

Both Roque and Ong are facing charges of human trafficking. The court also cancelled the passports of  Ronelyn Baterna, Dennis Cunanan and Mercides Macabasa.

Hontiveros, who headed the investigation into the crimes involving POGO firms as head of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, had repeatedly called on authorities to cancel their passports following allegations of their involvement in trafficking.

“Si Cassie Li Ong at Harry Roque ay nahaharap sa mabigat na kaso ng human trafficking. Dapat lang na kinansela ang pasaporte nila lalo pa na tila tinatakasan nila ang batas (Cassie Li Ong and Harry Roque are facing serious charges of human trafficking. Their passports should have been canceled, especially since they seem to be running away from the law),” Hontiveros said in a statement.

“I am positive that soon enough they will be brought home to face the charges against them. Hindi nila habambuhay matatakbuhan ang kanilang pananagutan (They can't escape their responsibility forever),” she said.

This development comes after the Pasay City RTC convicted former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and several other personalities, for trafficking and sentenced them to a life term. 

“Our government must also not stop until other criminal syndicates that enabled these POGO scam hubs are made accountable,” she said.

“The conviction of Alice Guo is not the end of the story. Hindi lang siya ang mananagot — dapat lahat na sangkot (She’s not the only one responsible — everyone involved should be),” the lawmaker stressed. 

Related Tags

POGO Risa Hontiveros CASSANDRA ONG harry roque
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