CASSANDRA Ong has requested that the House Quad Committee “allow her friend and stay with her” at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong, the panel announced on Friday.
Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano of the Abang Lingkod party list read Ong’s letter of request after 1 a.m. on Friday, near the close of the hearing.
Ong, according to Paduano, requested that her buddy accompany her to the jail center.
“The basis of this is she is suffering from severe mental breakdown and anxiety attacks, and is currently in a state of severe depression,” stated the representative.
“I presume it is a lady and the word being used is her friend,” he speculated.
Antipolo Second District Rep. Romeo Acop stated it was appropriate to speak with CIW officials about Ong’s request, but Surigao del Sur Second District Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel observed that, according to the letter’s penultimate paragraph, the choice was up to the House.
House Quad Comm overall chairperson and Surigao Del Norte Second District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers stated that they would look into Ong’s request.
“It is appropriate for us to consult with CIW officials regarding Miss Cassie Ong’s request, as she is stressed and needs a friend inside. Barbers asked if the CIW officials and the committee would subscribe and approve the request.
“There are some protocols we should follow which is why we will ask the committee secretary to coordinate with the CIW concerning the protocols and report to this committee the reply of the CIW personnel,” according to him.
Paduano suggested to the panel that they grant Ong’s plea.
“Let’s go instead of having a hearing for this matter or wait for the next hearing,” the senator remarked.
However, Rep. Barbers indicated that they should wait for CIW’s reaction on the topic before granting Ong’s request.
Lanao del Sur First District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong proposed that a psychiatrist watch or evaluate Ong.
Ong, an authorized representative of Lucky South 99, was cited in contempt for the second time on Sept. 19 for “lying.” She was directed to be transported to the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong to “serve the remainder of her detention.”
Following her appearance on the House mega-panel in late September, Ong was admitted to the hospital with low blood sugar and blood pressure.