House Quad Committee co-chairmen on Friday stressed the panel’s decision ordering the transfer of Philippine offshore and gaming operator (POGO) person-of-interest Cassandra Li Ong to the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW), saying that the move was in accordance with the law.
In a statement, Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers, Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., Abang Lingkod Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano, Sta. Rosa Rep. Dan Fernandez, and Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop all emphasized that Ong’s transfer was carried out strictly with 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 QuadCom has followed all necessary protocols, and the decision is rooted in the rule of law,” they said in a joint statement.
“Walang nilabag na batas ang Quad Comm sa pag-utos na ilipat si Ms. Ong sa correctional. Lahat ng aksyon ng committee ay naaayon sa aming Rules of Procedure at sa batas,” according to them.
“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.
Addressing allegations that lawmakers applied pressure on the decision to transfer Ong, the lawmakers said the allegation is "speculative" and “lacking in substantiated evidence.”
They pointed out that "walang basehan ang mga paratang na ito. Our legislative inquiries are designed to seek the truth and uphold justice, not to manipulate the outcome of these proceedings."
As for concerns that Ong’s transfer may violate international human rights conventions, lawmakers 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 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.
They added that the proceedings involving Ms. Ong have been conducted transparently while respecting the constitutional rights of its resource persons.
"We cannot allow the narrative to shift away from the truth. All of the proceedings have been open and conducted with transparency. Ms. Ong, like anyone else, deserves her day in court," said the congressmen.
“Bilang mga lingkod-bayan, tungkulin nating tiyakin na ang lahat ng proseso ay naaayon sa batas at patas. Huwag nating hayaang masira ang tiwala ng publiko sa ating mga institusyon."
Barbers is the overall chair of Quad Comm and chair of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, Fernandez is the chair of the Committee on Public Order and Safety, Abante is the chair of the House Committee on Human Rights, and Paduano is the chair of the House Committee on Public Accounts.
Acop is the vice chair of all four panels and the House Committee on Transportation chairman.
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