CASSANDRA Ong, the documented representative of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firm Lucky South 99, has been released from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW), Senator Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed on Friday.
The confirmation came during the ongoing plenary debates on the 2026 national budget, where Gatchalian, as the sponsor of the proposed budget of the Department of Justice (DOJ) for next year, was asked by Senator Risa Hontiveros for an update on Ong’s status.
The circumstances surrounding Ong’s release remain unclear. It is unknown if she was released on bail, if charges against her were dropped, or if she completed a sentence. Further details are expected to be released by the DOJ or other relevant agencies.
The release of Ong, a key figure in a POGO firm, is likely to raise further questions and scrutiny regarding the operations and regulation of POGOs in the Philippines. The industry has been under intense scrutiny due to concerns about illegal activities, human trafficking, and its potential impact on national security.
