SC dismisses Pogo link Ong's plea vs Senate, House powers

The Supreme Court has dismissed the petition filed by Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, a key personality linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), questioning the authority of the Senate and House of Representatives to compel her to testify in their investigations.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez, the SC stated that Ong failed to justify taking her case directly to the Supreme Court.

Ong, who was linked to Pogo facilities Lucky South 99 Outsourcing and Whirlwind Corp., had petitioned the Supreme Court to stop congressional committees from allegedly violating her rights when she refused to attend hearings.

She argued that her rights to remain silent and against self-incrimination were violated when lawmakers insisted she answer queries about her alleged participation in illegal activities.

The Supreme Court ruled that Ong's broad invocation of her right against self-incrimination was incorrect, as this right can only be asserted when a specific incriminating question is asked during a legislative inquiry.

The Court also noted that Ong failed to identify specific questions during the hearings that would have required an incriminating answer, and that submitted video recordings were unverified.

The Supreme Court reiterated its previous stance that the right to counsel is applicable only during custodial investigations, not for individuals invited as resource persons.