THE photograph showing Cassandra Li Ong with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos is authentic, but the narrative is not, the President's special envoy to China for trade, investments and tourism said Monday.

Benito Techico was referring to the photo presented by Ong's counsel, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, to the media that showed his client posing with President Marcos, the first lady and several other people.

Topacio claimed that the photograph "may hold the clue as to why [Philippine offshore gaming operators], especially illegal POGOs, multiplied during the time of President Marcos. Because they were being aided and abetted by some officials of the present administration."

However, Techico said that his group of "food tasters" was also part of the photo shown by Ong's lawyer.

He said that what happened that day inside the Hao Hao Restaurant in SM Mall of Asia in November 2020 was just a casual encounter with several Chinese patrons, one of whom was Ong, who requested a souvenir shot with their group.

"The President does not know all those who ask that a photo be taken with him," Techico said.

That particular photo presented by Topacio was taken before Marcos became the president, and "we were having dinner that night," he said.

He said the owner of the restaurant approached the group to introduce a person and also requested that a photo be taken.

"Naturally, since he is a very accommodating person, the President said yes," said Techico.

He said the claims made by Topacio were malicious and unfounded.

"What transpired was really simple. The group of Ong arrived, they asked that they be introduced to our group with President Marcos and the first lady, they requested to take a picture, and after that, Ong left. I hope they don't add color to what happened," Techico said.

He said it was normal for people who recognize Marcos to ask for a souvenir photo as people do with celebrities and public officials.

Techico, who was also in the photo, said other well-known personalities were part of the group that night, including chef Sandy Daza and former world shooting champion Jethro Dionisio.

Ong is said to be the authorized representative of an illegal POGO that was raided in Porac, Pampanga.

She and the sister of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, Shiela, were arrested in Indonesia and sent back to Manila last week, but Alice remains at large.

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