MANILA – Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed concern over the release and current whereabouts of Cassandra Li Ong and Ronelyn Baterna, key figures linked to the Lucky South 99 POGO operations, while also urging swift action on anti-political dynasty legislation.

Hontiveros said she was surprised that Ong, a key witness in the POGO investigation, was released following the adjournment of the 19th Congress and the opening of the 20th, in accordance with constitutional and Supreme Court guidance. She raised concerns during the Department of Justice budget interpellation, emphasizing the need to ensure that witnesses face court proceedings.

“The urgency is clear. We need to determine where Cassandra Li Ong is and ensure she appears before the courts to uphold justice,” Hontiveros said.

Ong and Baterna remain outside the Philippines, with Interpol red notices reportedly issued for their arrest. Hontiveros also highlighted that Alice Guo, another key figure, has been convicted of qualified human trafficking and faces additional charges related to cybercrime, scamming, and other transnational crimes.

Hontiveros also weighed in on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is in The Hague, Netherlands. She said the cancellation of his passport and enforcement of pending warrants are “overdue” and that as a lawyer, he has a responsibility to face the Philippine legal process.

On the legislative front, Hontiveros discussed her Senate Bill 1548, a counterpart to anti-political dynasty bills filed in the House, aimed at defining and prohibiting political dynasties in line with the 1987 Constitution. The bill covers relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and affinity, including first cousins and great-grandparent relations, and restricts them from running for simultaneous national or local positions.

“Passing this bill is not only a constitutional mandate but also a critical step toward reducing entrenched dynastic control, improving public service, and curbing corruption,” Hontiveros said. She noted that 113 of 149 cities in the country are currently controlled by political dynasties.

Hontiveros also confirmed the stability of the Senate majority and assured that the 2026 budget deliberations are on track for completion before the start of the year.

The senator stressed that the Senate and Congress must also continue pursuing oversight investigations, including those by the Blue Ribbon, Tricomm, and the Inter-Agency Committee on Infrastructure, to address corruption and uphold accountability.