Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio claims that the controversy involving Cassandra Li Ong has resurfaced to divert attention from the ongoing anomalous flood control scandal.

“It was only released now because someone is pointing out that the President's son and other personalities are involved in flood control. This is just a cover up,” Topacio said in an interview with DZBB’s Saksi sa Dobol B on Wednesday morning.

Ong is the representative of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga, which has been linked to cases of human trafficking and abuse.

Topacio denied that Ong’s decision to flee the country signifies guilt, referring to her instead as a “fugitive from injustice.” He added that he feels sorry for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque for being dragged into the issue.

“From the start, the persecution was visible... Even Harry Roque, I feel sorry for him because he's just doing his job as a lawyer and then he was included in the persecution,” he said.

Earlier reports stated that Roque served as a legal counsel for the offshore operations.

Pasig Court cancelled Ong’s passport Monday night, 24 November 2025, alongside Roque’s.

Despite having no communication with his client for an extended period, Topacio maintained that he remains duty-bound to represent Ong.

“It's been quite a while since my client and I have had any communication,” he said. “We are still trying to render the best legal services that we can under the circumstances.

Topacio explained that since Ong was released from the Women’s Correctional after the last Congress, they have rarely been in touch. He described their communication as difficult.

According to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Ong was tracked in Japan earlier this year.