Phl, HK affirm close ties at Phl Independence Day reception

 

Toast to friendship between Congen Jun Israel and Chief Secretary Eric Chan

The Philippines and Hong Kong last night reiterated their commitment to maintaining their close diplomatic, economic and cultural ties, at ceremonies marking the 128^th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence held at Island Shangri-la Hotel in Admiralty.

Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor Israel said: “On this occasion, we reaffirm the unbreakable bond between the Philippines and Hong Kong which is rooted in history, driven by commerce and sustained by the bond of mutual respect.”

He announced various Philippine cultural events slated to be held in Hong Kong, including the staging in December of a musical show depicting the life of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who once practised as an ophthalmologist in the city. The play will mark the 130^th anniversary of Dr. Rizal’s martyrdom.

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The world-famous Philippine Madrigal Singers will also hold a musical concert in Hong Kong in August, with the support of the HK Tourism Board and HK Chamber of Commerce.

In his reply, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan noted that the day also marked the 51^st anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between the two governments. He also pointed out that the Philippines is this year’s host of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit, which goes by the theme “navigating our future together.”

Chan said that working together for peace and security is vital to ensuring the ties between the two governments remain strong.

“In a world of political uncertainties, we must all work together, we must advance peace and security in our region. That is how we create the conditions for shared economic prosperity and people-centered progress.”

Chan also cited statistics showing remarkable growth in trade between the two places and tourism arrivals from the Philippines to Hong Kong

Handshake ASEAN style between the region's consuls general and HK govt officials

Chan's comments were made a day after Beijing imposed sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and his immediate family, barring them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, and prohibiting Chinese businesses from dealing with them.

China’s Foreign Ministry said the sanctions were due to Teodoro making “irresponsible remarks (that) undermines China’s legitimate interests and sabotages China-Philippines relations.”

No specific remarks of Teodoro were mentioned, but the Philippine defense chief is known to be an outspoken critic of Beijing’s actions in the West Philippine Sea. 

He has previously said he had no assets in China and no plans to visit the country.

The formal program at the diplomatic reception ended with Asean consuls general going up the stage and traditional handshake by linking crossed arms.

Around 200 Filipino community leaders joined guests from the Hong Kong government, diplomatic corps, as well as civil society, business and professional groups at the event hosted by the Philippine Consulate.

 

Breakfast, protest mark 128th Independence Day activities

Philippine Consulate officials pose with Filcom guests at the Agahang Bayan

The Philippine Consulate General and the Filipino community today began the celebration of the 128^th Independence Day with an Agahang Bayan 2026, the traditional breakfast held at the OFW Global Centre on the 18^th floor of the United Centre in Admiralty.

Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr. led the ceremonies by welcoming the community leaders.

“Let this day be a reminder that everything we possess and enjoy is a precious inheritance entrusted by those who came before us,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his video message, one of several from government officials.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

“It is incumbent for us, the present generation, to carry forward the duty of building the nation where justice, opportunity and dignity are not distant promises but the daily inheritance of every Filipino,” the President added.

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a video message: “Wherever they are in the world, our Oveseas Filipino Workers are living symbols of courage, industriousness and hope in every ship, hospital, home, school, construction site or office or any place fo work in every part of the world, where they show the excellence, care and discipline of the Filipino race.”

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac

The breakfast was spiced by musical numbers and raffles of an air ticket and mobile phones.

Filcom guests dance to 'Rock, Baby, Rock

As the community leaders started leaving after the breakfast, a group of Filipinos gathered at the back entrance of the United Centre where the Consulate General is located, with some of the speakers calling the Independence Day fake.

Sheila Tebia, chairman of Gabriela, said Philippine independence is fake because the poor are still not independent from poverty.

Dolores Balladares, chairman of the Unifil-Migrante, said there will be no independence until the government ends its labor export program.

Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr. listens to Sheila Tebia, chairman of Gabriela.

Consul General Israel was seen In the shaded walkway nearby, listening until the group ended their speeches and dispersed. He then proceeded to a waiting vehicle.

The protest was heavily supervised by police in uniform and plainclothes.

Cacdac, Caunan topbill Sunday’s K3 event on Chater Road

Program for the Sunday event on Chater Road (PCG handout)

Migrant Works Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan will join the Filipino community in Hong Kong this Sunday on Chater Road for the celebration of three big events: the 128^th Philippine Independence Day, 31^st Migrant Workers Day and 11^th Kapangyawan Friendship Festival.

The day-long celebration dubbed as the K3 Festival for “Kalayaan, Kagitingan (ng mga Bagong Bayani) and Kapangyawan,” will start with a parade of Filcom organizations at 9am, followed by a flag-raising ceremony.

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Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. will open the program proper, during which Secretary Cacdac and Administrator Caunan are expected to address the crowd on the government’s recent initiatives on migrant workers’ upskilling and reintegration.

Separately, the Philippine Consulate General will hold a breakfast reception for Filcom leaders to mark Philippine Independence Day today, June 12, at the OFW Global Centre in Admiralty. Messages from President Ferdinand R. Marcos and other top Philippine government officials will be read during the reception.

A diplomatic reception also hosted by the PCG will be held at Island Shangri-La hotel starting at 6:30pm with representatives from the Hong Kong government led by Chief Secretary Eric Chan among the guests.

Photos from last year's Kapangyawan Festival (PCG handout)

At Sunday’s triple K celebration on Chater Road, the most awaited parts are the colorful Filipino traditional dances, cultural performances, theatrical play and musical presentations.

There will also be a dance competition in the afternoon, followed by a presentation by OWWA dancers. The celebration will culminate with a Catholic mass at 4:30pm.

But the program flow will depend on the weather, as the HK Observatory is forecasting nine days of heavy rain starting this Saturday, June 13.

Should the Chater celebration proceed as planned, participants are encouraged to register for the Festival Raffle at the entrance for the chance to win prizes like mobile phones, roundtrip airfare and balikbayan boxes.

For the major prizes, all winners are required to be onsite at Chater Road on June 14 to personally claim their winnings. Minor prizes can be claimed from the PCG on the 26^th floor of United Centre at any time after the event.

Pinay held for 36 fake $500 bills faces additional charge

 

District Court

A Filipina asylum seeker arrested for allegedly in possession of 35 pieces of fake $500 bills, found herself facing an additional charge as she was remanded in jail after she appeared today at District Court.

Chief District Judge Justin Ko adjourned the case of Leah Sanesteban, 44 years old, to Dec. 1 this year for plea.

Sanesteban’s first charge is having custody or control of counterfeit currency notes, contrary to section 100(2) of the Crimes Ordinance.

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A police complaint said Sanesteban was found to have in her custody 36 pieces of $500 Hong Kong currency banknotes, “which were, and which she knew or believed to be counterfeits of currency notes.”

She was  arrested in July 1, 2024, outside No. 89D Nanking Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon.

In her first District Court hearing last March 11 last year, however, she failed to show up and was ordered arrested.

After her arrest, she was charged with failing to surrender to custody without reasonable cause, contrary to section 9L(1) and (3) of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance.

Sanesteban failed to surrender to custody as had been appointed by a court  on March 11, 2025, in Hong Kong, “being a person admitted to bail, without reasonable cause,” the police complaint added.

OWWA to set up training & assessment centers for HK OFWs

 

OWWA and TESDA sign agreement to expand skills training for OFWs

Fresh from signing a memorandum of agreement on expanding access to skills development for overseas Filipino workers, officials of TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) met with representatives of the Hong Kong Labor Department on Monday, June 8, for exploratory talks.

Their talk which was arranged by the Philippine Consulate General centered on a possible collaboration on upskilling, re-skilling and certification of overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong side was briefed by TESDA on its training programs and accreditation schemes which OWWA aims to implement in Hong Kong and other overseas posts, and ultimately, adopt as its own through a train the trainors (and assessors) program.

Phl and HK officials talk on possible skills training & assessment for OFWs on site

OWWA administrator PY Caunan told The SUN afterwards that the “tech-voc” (or technical-vocational program) with TESDA is one of four initiatives she is pursuing under its Step-UP program, to provide better opportunities to OFWs all over the world.

The others include an entrepreneurship program with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) with the Commission on Higher Education and the Marino program for seafarers.

Admin Caunan plans to have OFW trainors and assessors in HK

Under the tech-voc scheme, OWWA plans to enlist TESDA’s help in providing core training to OFWs so they could eventually become not just trainors, but also assessors themselves.

“OWWA will have its own trainors and assessors,” said Admin Caunan. Ïnitially, all this will be done at the OFW Global Center in United Centre, but Caunan said she is open to the idea of setting up a new place to serve as its training center.

“I am open to getting a new place for more training (for our OFWs), lalo na with our talks with the Hong Kong government. Hopefully our talks will progress so there will be more opportunities for our OFWs.”

In the Philippines, all 42 OWWA centers now have not just a coffee nook, but also reintegration offices, she said. At these Kapihan at Kabuhayan Centers, OFWs who drop by are given tips on setting up a business, from handling their finances, getting relevant training, and securing loans.

Caunan said she does not want OFWs who have returned to the Philippines to just get a scholarship voucher from TESDA, but to actually use that specialized training to gain better job opportunities or to set up their own business.

For Hong Kong, the main focus is to train enough domestic workers to become caregivers, as this not only elevates their work experience, but also allows them to get higher pay or better opportunities elsewhere.

“Ang laki ng jump,” (That’s a big jump) said Caunan, which is why she said she fully supports this kind of shift for domestic workers.

Soon, she said there will be a melding of the app features of OWWA, TESDA, the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Labor and Employment in the Philippines so OFWs are notified of any job openings that match their skills and qualifications. Such job postings can be anywhere in the Philippines, or at any overseas posts.

During the signing of the MOA on Sunday, Caunan disclosed that DTI Secretary Cristina Roque has set aside Php P200 billion for the OFW Negosyo Fund. This will be used to extend loans of between Php30,000 to Php20 million to OFWs for business.

No collateral is needed to secure loans of up to Php3 million, and the interest is just about 7% per annum, or about 1% on the recurring balance.

First batch of HK OFWs to get the NC2 certificate since 2019

For his part, TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez said the government is providing all OFWs with free training skills, online courses and competency certifications to upgrade their skills and secure better jobs abroad or in the Philippines.

These include the overseas assessment program which allows OFWs in select overseas posts like Hong Kong to undergo free competency assessments so they could get a national certificate; or the online program which allows them to learn courses like entrepreneurship or caregiving at their own pace.

Benitez said the new initiatives are in recognition of the OFWs’ hard work, perseverance and contribution to nation-building.

“This support of our OFWs will ultimately redound to the benefit of the country,” he said.

The signing of the landmark MOA was held at the OFW Global Centre and was witnessed by Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. and Labor Attache Cesar Chavez, Jr. 

Admin Caunan with early customers at the OFW Global Center

Apart from Benitez and Caunan, those who signed the agreement included OWWA Deputy Administrator Rosalia Catapang and TESDA executive directors Gio Franco Gomez and Janet M. Abasolo.

During the ceremony, about 60 OFWs who passed TESDA’s assessment for competency in massage therapy were handed their NC II cerfiticates.

The partnership marks an important milestone in coordinating government services for Filipino migrant workers in terms of skills training, referrals, scholarships and other benefits.

 

 

 

Lying to Immigration sends Filipina to four months'' jail

 

Lying to Immigration officers to be able to get an employment visa as a domestic helper has resulted in a Filipina being jailed for four months.

Rovelyn Calimquim, 39 years old, pleaded guilty today in Shatin Court to making a false statement for the purpose of obtaining an entry permit, contrary to section 42(1) (c) of the Immigration Ordinance.

This law provides a penalty on conviction on indictment, to a fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for 14 years; and on summary conviction, to a fine at level 6 ($100,000) and to imprisonment for two years

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But Magistrate Raymond Wong set a starting point of just six months and gave Calimquim a one-third discount, leaving a final sentence of 4 months.

Calimquim was charged with making a statement, “knowing the same to be false or not believing the same to be true,” in obtaining an entry permit, an employment visa to work as a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong.

The false claim in the application for the entry permit, made in Aug. 8, 2025, was that she would work for Danny Cheung Chiu Lung as a foreign domestic helper.

 

Freebies and perks to mark HKSAR day

 

Tram rides will be free for everyone from Jul 1-3 (Facebook photo)

This year’s celebration of the 29^th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR on July 1 will again be marked with free rides on some public transport, as well as free entrance to facilities run by the Leisure and Services Department.

According to Chief Executive John Lee who announced the celebration plans on Tuesday, more than 1,000 restaurants and about 100 shopping malls will also offer discounts and giveaways.

"I am deeply grateful for the enthusiastic response from all sectors of society in providing a variety of activities and special offers for our citizens," CE Lee said.

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He called on more businesses and organizations to join in offering perks to the public to make the celebration more fun and far-reaching.

Apart from the flag-raising ceremony at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai in the morning, there will be various celebratory activities across Hong Kong’s 18 districts, including marching bands and carnivals.

As before, tram rides will again be free not just on July 1, but for the first three days of the month. Ferry rides on selected routes will not be ticketed as well.

Those lucky enough to secure one of the 71,000 electronic tickets that the MTR Corporation will be giving away on the same day can take one free trip on the subway.

The Airport Express will be free to children aged between three and 11, while students and those aged 60 and above get to pay only half the usual fare.

Among the leisure facilities that will be open to the public for free are Wetland Park, the permanent exhibitions at the Space Museum and Science Museum, and selected exhibitions at the M+ and Hong Kong Palace Museums.

Special fares will also be offered for the Ngong Ping 360 cable ride, Peak Tram and Ocean Park, while participating restaurants and other establishments will give free gifts and special offers to a number of customers.

Pinay cleared, 2 others on bail in "fighting in public" case

 

Night life on Pottinger street (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina walked free out of Eastern Court today  after a charge of fighting in public against her was withdrawn and the prosecution offered a bind-over arrangement as a settlement.

But while the arrangement cleared A. Pui, a 31-year-old guest relations officer at the wine bar Trilogy in Central where the fight took place, her two co-accused remained on the dock after their case was adjourned to July 23. 

They remained free on $500 bail each.

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Pui as well as Jean-Charles Huguenet, a 44-year-old French businessman, and unemployed Indonesian Fam Chai Jun, 46 years old, were charged with fighting in a public place, contrary to section 25 of the Public Order Ordinance.

They were charged after “an unlawful fight” fight inside The Trilogy, a wine bar on the 26^th floor of H Code at 45 Pottinger Street, Central, on Sept. 13, 2025.

It later emerged that the two allegedly ganged up on Pui, who said she would file separate charges against the two.

 

Rescue work continues after 7.8 quake rocks Mindanao

 

This Jollibee outlet in GenSan was filmed as it began collapsing due to the tremor

Search and rescue operations are continuing after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Mindanao early on Monday, killing at least 35 people and injuring more than 100 others as of the latest count.

The massive quake struck off the coast of struck Maasim, Sarangani, at 7:37 am, triggering tsunami warnings, damaging dozens of buildings, disrupting power, communication and transportation services across several parts of Mindanao.

Video footages posted online showed a number of collapsed buildings in neighboring General Santos City, including one taken as a Jollibee outlet in the heart of the city began toppling in the wake of the tremor.

A statement issued subsequently by the fastfood giant said that all the staff in the outlet were safe, including three who were initially reported as trapped in the rubble. (see video of damage in GenSan as posted by netizen Ryan JayQuizon: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1759717438800440

Another video showed part of a high school in Davao del Sur collapsing, as students and teachers gathered outside.

Various rescue teams led by the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government agencies have worked throughout the day to look for survivors, but aftershocks are hampering their operations.

As of this afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology has recorded more than 180 aftershocks since the killer tremor struck. PhilVocs warned that aftershocks may continue for more than a month, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain alert and avoid damaged structures.

Tsunami waves reported in six areas, with the highest recorded reaching 1.4 meters above normal tide levels. However, the tsunami was lifted Monday afternoon.

Authorities warn the death toll may continue to rise as rescue operations continue.

According to the Office of Civil Defense, most of the fatalities were hit by falling debris or trapped in landslides.

Ten thousand families were reportedly evacuated in Saranggani and Sultan Kudarat, while there were reports of a landslide in South Cotabato. The OCD said it is still verifying if there were casualties in that landslide.

Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers extended condolences to all those affected by the quake.

It added that it has stepped up monitoring to determine if families of overseas Filipino workers were affected so it could extend help. It is also on standby to assist OFWs who might have been stranded because of the closure of the airport in GenSan City.

OFWs who want to ask for help for their affected families may approach the nearest DMW of OWWA regional offices in their hometown, or call the 24-hour DMW-OWWA hotline: 1348.

Pinay DH jailed 10 months for taking intimate photo of ward

 

The offense was committed in one of the units in this development (Google Maps photo)

Never take and, worse, transmit intimate photos of the child in your care for whatever reason.

Filipina domestic helper, Wendelyn Alberto, 33 years old, admitted doing just that and she is now in jail, serving a 10-month sentence handed down to her today at Kwun Tong Court.

Alberto was charged with publication of intimate images without consent, contrary to section 159AAE(1) and (5) of the Crimes Ordinance.

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The offense took place in a flat at 1 Lohas Park Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories on Sept. 29 last year.

Acting Principal Magistrate May Chung acknowledged that Alberto took the photo of herself cleaning the genitals of her six-year old ward to show to a friend one of her daily chores over Messenger. This was confirmed by CCTV footage, she added.

This is serious, especially since the victim is very young, was using her hand to cover herself and was highly humiliated, Magistrate Chung said.

It is a “serious breach of trust,” she added.

“You intended the publication to cause humiliation, alarm or distress to the said girl X,” the charge sheet filed by police said.

She “knew or was reckless as to whether the publication would or was likely to cause humiliation, alarm or distress to the said girl X, and no consent was given by the said girl X to the publication,” it added.

Magistrate Chung said the law prescribes a penalty of 5 years’ jail, but she set a starting point of 15 weeks.  With the one-third discount, the final sentence is 10 weeks.

14-year-old Filipina raises HK$76,000 for Bethune House

 

Bella, Roslyn and Blums Pineda present proceeds to Bethune's Edwina Antonio

A Filipino teenager moved by stories of abuse and injustice faced by migrant workers in Hong Kong successfully staged a musical concert which raised HK$76,485 for Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge,  a shelter for distressed domestic workers.

Fourteen-year-old Bella Pineda chose to do the BringIt4Bethune concert at Dara Filipino Restaurant on May 31 as her service project for her Humanities in Action course at HK International School.

She pulled off the heartfelt fundraiser with help from her parents Blums and Roslyn Pineda, a host of talented Filipino musicians who performed for free, some generous sponsors, and a vibrant crowd that eagerly supported the worthy cause.

Bella sings 'Pare Ko'

In her message of thanks for Bella’s inspiring initiative, Bethune House executive director Edwina Antonio said: "We are gathered here today because of one remarkable young girl — Bella, a 14-year-old freshman from HKIS — who decided that compassion should not wait for adulthood. She launched BringIt4Bethune with a simple but powerful idea: that each of us can make a difference, no matter our age."

Antonio emphasized the importance of Bethune House, which has been a safe haven for migrant women in crisis since 1986.

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"It offers free shelter provisions, medical and emergency support, and hope for those whose contracts are terminated and become homeless and jobless. Behind every service, every meal, and every bed, there is a story of resilience — and a need for support."

Among the notable performances were from Bella herself who sang "Pare Ko," Monica Linden who performed "Ikaw," Felix Rivera with his "Ugoy Ng Duyan," and Crisel Consunji who concluded the show on a triumphant note with "Tagumpay Nating Lahat."

BringIt4Bethune performers and organizers

The other talented performers included Eugene and Ann Tan, Franz Arcilla, Ariel Reonal, Jen Bautista, and Mike Inot, the renowned saxophonist who added a special touch to the event.

The concert also included testimonials from current residents of Bethune House including Liezel Bautista, a survivor of the Tai Po fire, who shared how Bethune House extended her vital support during her time of crisis. Bing Merano, a Stage 2 breast cancer warrior, also spoke about her journey and how the community support helped her regain hope.

Bella concluded the concert by giving thanks to the sponsors, Huawei, First Pacific, and TinBo powered by PLDT Global, as well as to all the guests who came. She said that their contributions would help ensure Bethune House remains a vital resource for women in need.

For more information about Bethune House and to learn how you can support their mission, please visit https://bethunehouse.org/

 

SSS releases 2nd batch of pension increase

 

The Social Security System (SSS) has begun releasing the second tranche of its pension increase to its 4.1 million pensioners, spending an additional ₱6 billion on pension benefits from June to August 2026.

The increase, under the Pension Reform Program (PRP), was originally scheduled for September. It follows the first tranche released September last year.

SSS pensioners as of May 31, 2026, will be eligible to receive the pension increase beginning June 1, 2026, while those whose contingencies fall between June 1 and August 31, 2026, will receive their increased pension starting September 1, 2026.

Details here

Under the second tranche of the PRP, retirement and disability pensioners will receive a 10% increase in their monthly pensions, while death and survivor pensioners will receive a 5% increase.

The PRP is the first-ever multi-year pension increase in SSS history. Under the program, pensioners will receive annual increases in their pensions every September from 2025 to 2027.

Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission (SSC) Chair Frederick D. Go said: “We are releasing the second tranche of pension increases ahead of schedule to support millions of pensioners and their families, helping them meet their daily needs and enjoy greater financial security sooner.”

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SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said: “With the early implementation, we hope to provide timely relief to our pensioners and their families as they continue to face every day financial challenges.”

De Claro added: “Through the PRP, SSS ensures that our pensioners have access to timely, affordable and reliable financial support when they need it most.”

Pinay’s fraud case back to square one

 

Shatin Court

A Filipina scheduled to be sentenced for two counts of conspiracy to defraud the Immigration Department is back to square one at Shatin Court, when her case was adjourned for mention after the charges were amended.

Desiree Bernabe, aged 47, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to Common Law and punishable under section 159C(6) of the Crimes Ordinance.

Details here

The defense asked for additional time for further legal advice.

Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong adjourned the case to July 31 while she was freed on $500 bail.

In the first charge, Bernabe is accused of conspiring with a person known as Jacky, by “dishonestly and falsely representing to the (Immigration) Director and his officers that you had been employed by So Kam Lo as a domestic helper” and was given “permission to enter and remain in Hong Kong in circumstances which they would not otherwise have granted.”

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The offence allegedly took place between an unknown day in May 2025 and 26 June 2025.

The same offense was committed again between June 26, 2025 and Oct. 22, 2025 when she allegedly conspired with Jacky and another person known as Jimmy, in lying to Immigration officers that she had been employed by Kwan  Yun Pak as a domestic helper.

TESDA, OWWA to sign deal expanding skills development for OFWs

 

TESDA trainor conducts skills assessment of OFW in Malaysia (TESDA FB page)

Top officials of the TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) are set to sign a memorandum of understanding tomorrow in Hong Kong to expand access to skills development for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families worldwide.

The MOA signing between TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez and OWWA Administrator PY Caunan will take place at the OFW Global Centre at United Centre in Admiralty. It will be witnessed by Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. and Labor Attache Cesar Chavez, Jr.

The partnership between the two government agencies marks an important milestone in institutionalizing coordinated government services for Filipino migrant workers in terms of skills training, referrals, scholarships and other benefits.

Details here

“Ang gusto natin, ibuhos palagi ang lahat ng makakaya natin para sa ating OFWs. Sa tulong ng MOA na ito, sa wakas, magiging institutionalized na ang ating coordination para sa profiling, referral, skills training, assessment and certification, scholarship support, pati na rin sa employment facilitation,” said Secretary Benitez in a statement.

(We would like to give us much as we can for our OFWs. With the help of this MOA, finally, there will be institutionalized coordination for the profiling, referral, skills training, assessment and certification, scholarship support, and even employment facilitation (for them).

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“Ang layunin natin sa TESDA, kasama ang OWWA, ay dapat siguraduhin na bawat patak ng pawis at bawat sakripisyo ng OFW ay magbubunga ng mas magandang oportunidad,” he added.

(TESDA, along with OWWA, aim to ensure that every drop of sweat and every sacrifice of OFWs will result in better opportunities for them).

Coinciding with the MOA signing is a competency assessment by TESDA of 63 OFWs trained in massage therapy NC II by in-house trainors of OWWA Hong Kong today and tomorrow (June 6 and 7).

Those who pass the competency test will be awarded their TESDA certificates at the end of the signing ceremony tomorrow afternoon.

OFW in Saudi Arabia undergoes skills assessment in child care with TESDA

The assessments, which were last conducted in Hong Kong by TESDA before the pandemic, are conducted free of charge under TESDA’s overseas assessment program (OAP).

The OAP which was launched in 2014 and further institutionalized through a Joint Circular in Implementing Guidelines in 2016 and amended in 2019, provides free competency assessment and certification services to OFWs on site.

The program was implemented in partnership with OWWA and the Department of Labor and Employment through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (precursor of the Migrant Workers Office of the Department of Migrant Workers).

Since its launch until end of May this year, a total of 10,468 OFWs have been assessed through the OAP, of whom 9,054 were certified for an 86.49 percent certification rate.

Through the MOA, there will also be data sharing, systems integration and joint program implementation at regional offices, migrant centers and overseas facilities, not only for OFWs but also their families.

The partnership builds on existing government efforts to expand services to OFWs, including a 2024 agreement between TESDA and DMW to facilitate the delivery of skills and livelihood training programs for OFWs and their families overseas, supporting the registration of eligible overseas training centers and access to TESDA scholarship grants.