Cassandra Li Ong arrives in the Philippines following her detention in Indonesia. Bureau of Immigration handout/file

MANILA — The lawyer of Cassandra Li Ong confirmed Monday the authenticity of a photo of her posing beside public officials that has circulated online.

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Ong has been linked to the illegal operation of a POGO in Porac, Pampanga.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio showed media a photo of his client next to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also in the group.

Topacio declined to divulge when or where the photo was taken.

"I would like to tell you that Miss Cassandra Li Ong confirms the authenticity of this picture. Sabi niya, ang nakikita niyo rito sa picture na ito ay talagang andiyan at the same time, at this place and on that date with President Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos. She confirms this," Topacio said.

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In the photo were several current and former public officials including Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Director Jose Maria Ortega and Special Envoy to China Benito Techico.

Also identified in the picture were former Bureau of Customs official Noel Patrick Prudente, Retired General Noel Estanislao, and a certain Mr. Wo who owns a POGO in Porac, Pampanga.

Meanwhile, the House Quad Committee co-chair Rep. Robert Ace Barbers tagged as “immaterial” the photo presented by Topacio.

“Hindi ko pa nakikita ‘yung picture. Pero kung picture lang na magkatabi, I don’t think it has value. Kasi di ba kaming mga pulitiko, normal naman na may ganyang mga litrato. Unless may pruweba directly linking me to the illegal activities of the person beside me in the photo. Sa tingin ko hindi naman material ‘yun,” Barbers said.

Malacañang and those identified in the photo have yet to issue a statement.

KNOWLEDGE ON POGOS

Topacio said Ong admitted she has information on POGO operations.

"She also confirms that she has some information regarding POGO operations. And this picture may hold the clue as to why POGO operations, especially illegal POGO multiplied during the time of President Marcos. Because they were being aided and abetted by some officials of the present administration. Sabi nga nila a picture speakers a thousand words," Topacio claimed.

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"Bahala na kayo mag-conclude kung sino nag-aid and abet ng POGO operations. Ito na rin sigurong picture na ito ang clue kung bakit nagkaroon bigla ng crackdown sa POGO operations. Kasi ang alam natin, alam nating lahat yan eh, dalawa yung POGO eh yung sa Porac at saka sa Island Cove sa Cavite province. Andito na lahat ng clues," he claimed.

Topacio said he advised Ong to not answer questions that are self-incriminatory.

The lawyer said his client will answer questions at Congressional hearings, depending on the nature of the inquiry.

"We are hoping that the members of the Senate and the House will not attempt to threaten, bully, bamboozle her into waiving these rights. Because these rights are sacred under the Constitution," Topacio said.

"Pag sinabing I don't want to incriminate myself, galangin mo, huwag mo pilitin. Gusto mo, ipakulong mo. Power din yun ng legislature. Pero karapatan din ng tao na hindi magsalita. Pa-contempt mo kung gusto mo. But to threaten,  to scare to bully anyone to give up the right to remain silent and against self-incrimination, ibang usapan yun. We will not take that sitting down," he added.

Topacio cited the lawyer-client privilege preventing him to disclose what Ong shared with him. He said the information from Ong will eventually be revealed to the public "at the right time."

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