Katherine Cassandra Ong, incorporator of Whirlwind Corp., attends the hearing of the Senate committee on women on Tuesday, September 24 2024. (File photo from NOY MORCOSO / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — Cassandra Li Ong moves to dismiss the money laundering complaint filed against her stemming from her alleged involvement in the operations of scam hub Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.
READ: Alice Guo, 35 others sued for P7-billion money laundering scheme
Article continues after this advertisementAccording to Ong’s legal counsel, Atty. Raphael Andrada, a counter affidavit has already been submitted for resolution to the Department of Justice (DOJ) where they denied all the charges filed against Ong.
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“… we would most respectfully submit that there is not enough evidence to sustain a money laundering charge or even a human trafficking charge against our client,” he added.
Article continues after this advertisementAndrada argued that the money laundering charge against Ong should not push through, since the degree of evidence required is now “much higher.”
Article continues after this advertisementThe lawyer said that before, “probable cause” is enough to satisfy the filing of a case against an accused.
Article continues after this advertisementBut now, “Given the higher standard required to sustain the charge in the preliminary investigation, it’s even more so that they should dismiss the case against our client,” Andrada said.
Ong is among the respondents sued for the 87 counts of money laundering filed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation.
Article continues after this advertisementOther respondents included dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo (real name: Guo Hua Ping) and her alleged sister Shiela Guo (real name: Zhang Mier).
READ: Money laundering raps vs Alice Guo, others up for resolution – DOJ
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