DoJ trafficking case slammed

The lead counsel for Cassandra Ong on Tuesday criticized the Department of Justice (DoJ) for filing qualified human trafficking charges against his client, labeling the move “pathetic” and politically driven.

In a statement, Ong’s lead counsel Atty. Ferdinand Topacio accused the DoJ of attempting to salvage its reputation following a series of high-profile setbacks which included its failure to extradite suspended lawmaker Arnolfo Teves from Timor Leste and what Topacio described as the DoJ’s “role” in the alleged illegal rendition of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“After having become the laughingstock of the international legal community due to its failure to extradite Congressman Arnolfo Teves from Timor Leste and being instrumental in the illegal rendition from the Philippines of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Department of Justice is trying to redeem itself, albeit in the most pathetic way possible, by filing baseless charges against Ms. Cassandra Li Ong, using so-called evidence obtained illegally and unconstitutionally by the House of Representatives in its QuadCom hearings, as well as pure fabrications,” Topacio said.

Topacio directly attacked Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, describing the DoJ under his leadership as a “brothel of injustice.”

“I can only feel pity for the career men and women of the DoJ, many of whom are my friends, who are silently shaking their heads at the depravity that has permeated their beloved institution,” Topacio said.

Despite his strong words, the veteran lawyer expressed confidence that truth and justice would eventually prevail.

“As the present government nears its swan song and all these perverse political appointees reach the end of their disservice to the country, all lies will vanish and those who have been unjustly implicated will be given the exoneration they deserve,” Topacio said.

“In the meantime, we shall continue to put our faith in the courts as we have always, and shall give those victimized by persecution the benefit of our best defense,” he added.

Topacio’s fiery remarks came a day after DoJ prosecutors filed qualified human trafficking charges against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Ong, an incorporator of Whirlwind Corporation. The charges are connected to an alleged human trafficking operation at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

The charges, filed Monday at the Angeles City Regional Trial Court, stemmed from a raid on 5 June 2024, at the Lucky South 99 compound, a POGO operated by Whirlwind Corporation where Ong and 48 others allegedly served as officers or key employees.

Prosecutors contend that the accused used threats, coercion and intimidation to control their workers, many of whom were Chinese nationals allegedly trafficked into the Philippines and forced to work as customer service agents in online casinos.