Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed confidence on Monday night that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Cassie Li Ong will eventually be compelled to return to the Philippines to answer the charges filed against them.
Her remarks followed the Pasig City Regional Trial Court’s order canceling the passports of both individuals, who are accused of involvement in a human trafficking case linked to operations of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub Lucky South 99 and Whirlwind Corporations.
Hontiveros said the government’s recent actions show a stronger effort to hold all key figures in POGO-related criminal networks accountable. She stressed that the two individuals can no longer sidestep their legal obligations, noting that “Cassie Li Ong and Harry Roque are facing serious charges of human trafficking. It is only right that their passports were canceled, especially since they appear to be evading the law.”
The senator also pointed to the larger web of organized groups behind these operations, reiterating that authorities must move beyond individual convictions. “Our government must also not stop until other criminal syndicates that enabled these Pogo scam hubs are held accountable. The conviction of Alice Guo is not the end of the story. She is not the only one who must answer for these crimes—everyone involved should be held responsible,” she said.
