Cassandra Ong, a stakeholder in Whirlwind Corporation, sought advice and expressed fear during a conversation with Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez before a House committee hearing on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations. Fernandez revealed that Ong reached out to him, seeking guidance on how to navigate the hearing. Ong, who holds a 58% stake in Whirlwind Corporation, is a key figure in the POGO hub controversy in Porac, Pampanga. Fernandez indicated that Ong’s fear stemmed from concerns about potential involvement in both Whirlwind and Lucky South 99, a POGO operator that leases land from Whirlwind. The House committee initially contemplated detaining Ong for contempt, but softened its stance after her cooperation during the hearing. However, the hearing saw an exchange where Rep. Romeo Acop alleged favoritism towards Ong, highlighting her selective responses to lawmakers’ questions.