CA dismisses Ong's petition on human trafficking charges

The Court of Appeals (CA) dismissed businesswoman Katherine Cassandra Li Ong's petition challenging her indictment for qualified human trafficking charges on June 25.

Ong filed the petition on May 13, 2025, after learning through news outlets that the Department of Justice (DOJ) had issued a resolution indicting her and over 50 others, including former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, on April 28, 2025.

The CA ruled that Ong's petition lacked merit because she did not file a motion for reconsideration or appeal under DOJ rules before seeking certiorari.

Ong argued that filing a motion for reconsideration would be futile due to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla's alleged bias, but the CA dismissed this claim as speculative and conjectural.

The court emphasized that where reconsideration is available, it must be pursued first to allow administrative bodies an opportunity to correct their decisions.

In August 2024, Ong was intercepted in Indonesia along with Guo Hua Ping and Shiela Guo when they attempted to flee the country.

Ong's indictment relates to her alleged involvement in illegal activities of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Central Luzon.