Hontiveros backs passport cancellation of Ong, Roque

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday backed the cancellation of passports of businesswoman Cassandra Li Ong and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, both facing serious human trafficking charges, saying they should not be allowed to evade the law.

“Dapat lang na kinansela ang pasaporte nila lalo pa na tila tinatakasan nila ang batas (It is only right that their passports were canceled, especially since they appear to be evading the law),” Hontiveros said in a statement, expressing confidence that both will eventually return to the country.

“Hindi nila habambuhay matatakbuhan ang kanilang pananagutan (They cannot run forever from their accountabilities),” she added.

Hontiveros also urged authorities to extend accountability beyond Ong and Roque, calling on all individuals involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) scam hubs to face justice.

She cited the recent conviction of Alice Guo, emphasizing that “hindi lang siya ang mananagot — dapat lahat na sangkot (She is not the only one who must be held accountable — everyone involved must face justice).”

The senator vowed continued vigilance to ensure that all individuals and groups linked to human trafficking and POGO-related criminal operations are prosecuted.