OWWA chief explains 6-hour policy at OFW lounges

 

The HK OFW eats by the OFW lounge after being reportedly turned away
for showing up too early (Facebook screen grab)

The head of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration says the policy allowing overseas Filipino workers to stay a maximum of six hours at the two OFW lounges at Ninoy Aquino International Airport is meant to ensure everyone gets a fair chance to enjoy the facilities.

Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan made the clarification after an OFW in Hong Kong using the name Ro De Lyn on Facebook said she and her sister were barred from entering the OFW Lounge at Terminal 3 on May 16 because they would be using the facility more than six hours before their scheduled departure.

Ro De Lyn said they decided to leave their province on the night of May 15 and arrived at the airport at 6am, nine hours before their scheduled flight to Hong Kong at 3pm.

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“Sabi ko sa kapatid ko, tara muna sa OFW lounge at nang makaupo man lang nang maayos at maki charge na din kasi low batt na phone ko…pero hinarang kami at tinanong kung anong oras (ang) flight namin. 3pm po, sagot ko naman, at sabi nila di daw kami pwede pumasok dahil may new rule daw sila na 6 hours before departure ang allowed lang pumasok,”she posted.

(I told my sister, let’s go the OFW lounge first so we can at least sit more comfortably and I can also get my phone charged as its battery was running low…but we were stopped and asked what time our flight was. I said 3pm, and and they said we would not be allowed in because of their new rule that only those leaving within six hours would be allowed to enter).

She said she asked if they could enter and leave after six hours, or once the check-in counters open, but they were refused even if there was hardly anyone inside at the time.

OWWA monitors the number of OFWs inside the lounge at any given time

Administrator Caunan said OWWA fully understands the predicament of OFWs, especially those who live in far-off provinces and need to be at the airport early. But, she said between 4,000 to 6,000 OFWs leave the country each day – far more than the 216 that could be accommodated at the OFW Lounge at Terminal 3, and 140 at Terminal 1, so rules need to be in place to ensure all OFWs get a fair chance to stay there.

Before the policy was first put in place last year, she said there were OFWs who would arrive more than 12 hours before their flights because they had to travel far, or had scheduling restrictions, or for other reasons. There were even those who would arrive one or two days before their flight schedule. Because of these, there were OFWs who needed to use the lounge only for a short period but could not do so because the rest area was full.

“Kaya ipinatutupad ang patakarang ito upang maging patas sa lahat at mas maraming OFW ang mabigyan ng pagkakataong makinabang sa limitadong espasyo ng ating mga lounge at upang matiyak na may lugar na mapagpapahingahan ang mga malapit nang bumiyahe,”said the administrator.

(This policy is being implemented to be fair to all, and so that more OFWs would be given the chance to enjoy the limited space in our lounges, and to ensure those about to leave could have a space to relax in).

“Gayunpaman, kapag may available na espasyo at may mga kababayan tayong nangangailangan ng tulong, sinisikap pa rin nating magbigay ng konsiderasyon hangga’t maaari batay sa sitwasyon.”

(Nevertheless, if space is available and we have compatriots who need help, we would strive to give them as much consideration as possible, given the situation existing at the time).

Despite the space limitations, almost two million OFWs have been accommodated at the lounges in just one year, she added.

OWWA ontinues to explore ways to enhance, expand and improve the facilities so many more OFWs enjoy them, said Caunan, adding that this coming Sunday, a new OFW Lounge will open at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Meanwhile, Ro De Lyn has been nonchalant in responding to bashers who have mostly accused her of complaining about a perfectly fair rule.

“Pinost ko lang naman po to base sa experience namin at para malaman din po ng mga kagaya naming na manggagaling pa sa probinsiya, at para sa di pa nakakaalam ng new rules sa OFW Lounge,”she said. “Love, love lang po.’”

(I just posted this based on our experience and also to inform those like us who live in the provinces, and also to share information about the new rules at the OFW Lounge. Let’s just love, love, love).

There were, however, others who empathized with her, especially those who also live in far-flung places and head to the airport early to make sure they don’t miss their flights, or risk being fired. 

They said it’s not easy traveling for hours, only to be turned away at the OFW lounges where they look forward to catching up on sleep and rest - because they got there too early.

 

Pinay jailed 7 months, 2 weeks for laundering $380K

 

An unemployed Filipina was sentenced to seven months and two weeks in jail after she pleaded guilty to laundering $380,138 of crime money by letting it pass through her bank account.

Flordeliza Atun, 51 years old, had earlier pleaded not guilty and her trial was supposed to start today before Magistrate Tobias Cheng.

However, Atun admitted her role in the handling of the money just before the trial began.

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Atun was convicted of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offence, contrary to sections 25(1) and 25(3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

A police complaint said Atun handled a total of $380,138 which “in whole or in part directly or indirectly: represented any person's proceeds of an indictable offence” in her account with MOX Bank Limited.

The offense was committed with persons unknown between 17 and 19th day of March 2023 in Hong Kong, it added.

Pinay claiming fear of alleged abuser loses asylum bid

 

High Court 

The High Court has denied a former Filipina domestic helper’s application to appeal the government’s rejection of her non refoulement claim, which was based on her fear of being killed or harmed by an uncle who allegedly sexually abused her when she was in high school in the Philippines.

A. Luba, 45 years old, applied for asylum at the Immigration Department after her employment contract was terminated on Aug. 21, 2021, and she overstayed and was arrested by police on Sept. 22, 2022.

In a notification of Deputy High Court Judge Bruno Chan’s decision dated June 18, Christine Chung for the Court Registrar said: “In the premises, and having considered the decisions of both the Director and the Board with rigorous examination and anxious scrutiny, I do not find any error of law or procedural unfairness in either of them, nor any failure on their part to apply high standards of fairness in their consideration and assessment of the Applicant’s claim.”

PINDUTIN DITO

Besides, she added, Luba has withdrawn her appeal.

Immigration denied her application for non-refoulement on the grounds that her reason did not fall under the 1951 International Convention on the Status of Refugees, and did not meet applicable grounds, including risk of torture, death, degrading treatment and persecution.

She appealed to the Torture Claims Appeal Board, which raised doubts about her reason for applying and denied her application on June 26, 2023.

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“… even if her account of sexual abuses and threats from her uncle were true, there was no reliable evidence of any real intention of her uncle to seriously harm or kill her other than just empty threats, and that in any event it was a private and personal dispute between just the two of them only without any official involvement, that state or police protection would be available to the Applicant upon her return to the Philippines as well as reasonable internal relocation alternatives for her to move safely to other parts of the country away from her home district without any risk of being located by her uncle,” the decision said.

Luba filed her Form 86 for leave to apply for judicial review at the Court of First Instance, but cited no ground for her intended challenge.

“As such, and in the absence of any error of law or irrationality or procedural unfairness in her process before the Board or in its decision being clearly and properly identified by the Applicant, I do not find any reasonably arguable basis for her intended challenge of the Board’s decision,” the decision said.

DMW warns of serious penalty for anyone linked to scam hubs

 

DMW's latest advisory on scam hubs in Cambodia

The Department of Migrant Workers has warned that severe penalty awaits anyone who gets involved in online scams in Cambodia.

This may apply not just to the person who did the recruiting for workers in the scam hubs, but to the workers themselves.

The DMW said it has received reports from concerned agencies that the intensified crackdown on online scam syndicates operating in the country continues, and has resulted in the arrest and prosecution of many foreigners, including Filipinos.

PINDUTIN DITO

The Department warned that working in these scam hubs may lead to arrest and imprisonment in the foreign country, and subsequent deportation. The charges that may be laid against them include human trafficking, labor exploitation, forced criminality and other serious criminal offences.

All Filipinos are warned to steer clear of any job offers that (1)  promise a high salary but no clear job description; 2) include free air fare and hasty departure even without proper documentation; 3)  do not pass through licensed recruitment agencies and the DMW; or 4) requires one to allow use of his or her bank account or social media account, in convincing other people to provide their personal details or invest in a product.

The public is advised to follow all regulations imposed by the DMW and ensure that they comply with all legal and documented processing of their overseas employment.

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Those who leave the country without following the prescribed process or proper document or go through unlicensed recruiters face the prospect of being illegally recruited, trafficked, or other forms of abuse, said the DMW.

Anyone who gets involved in an online scam operation abroad is advised to seek help, by themselves or through relatives, from the nearest embassy or consulate of the Philippines, or the relevant authorities in their host country.

 

 

 

DMW warns, referral for overseas work by unlicensed agents is illegal

 

File photo of illegal recruitment victims seeking help from DMW

The Department of Migrant Workers has warned that “referral” by an unlicensed broker for someone to work abroad amounts to illegal recruitment.

“Ang pag-aalok, pagpo-post, o pag refer ng trabaho sa ibang bansa ay hindi simpleng pagtulong o personal na pabor lang. Sa ilalim ng batas, ito ay itinuturing na recruitment activity at kung ginagawa nang walang lisensya, ito ay maituturing na illegal recruitment,” said the DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Program.

(The offer, posting or referral for work abroad is not a simple act of helping or giving favor to another. Under Philippine law, this is considered a recruitment activity and if it is done without a license, it is considered illegal recruitment).

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The post said only licensed agents and recruiters are given the authority to recruit, advertise o process work permit for overseas work. This applies even if the one offering the job is a friend, relative or an acquaintance.

Simply put, if the offeror is unlicensed, the act is illegal recruitment.

This prohibition applies to language centers and visa consultancy firms, said the DMW in a separate post. These entities  are not licensed recruitment agencies so they cannot offer jobs abroad.

The warning follows two separate raids by top DMW officials in Cebu recently, on a language training center in Mandaue City, and a US visa consultancy office in Cebu City.

Both businesses were ordered closed following complaints by job applicants who told the DMW that they were not given the jobs promised them in Japan and the United States, after being asked to pay hefty processing fees.

High Court rejects mother’s appeal for illegitimate son’s asylum

 

The High Court, where the Court of First Instance holds sessions

The High Court refused to intervene in a non-refoulement case filed by a Filipino mother of a child she gave birth to out of wedlock in Hong Kong, who she claims faces death or cruel treatment by her husband if he is sent home to the Philippines.

J. Pascua, acting on behalf of K.Khan Pascua, had appealed the decision of the director of Immigration and then the Torture Claims Appeal Board/Non-refoulement Claims Petition Office which denied his asylum claim.

In a decision rendered on Thursday on order by Deputy High Court Judge K.W. Lung, Klein Tse of the Court of First Instance said the court’s role is supervisory, “meaning that it ensures that the Board complied with the public law requirements in coming to the Board’s Decision on the applicant’s appeal.” 

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“The Court will not usurp the fact-finding power vested in the Director and the Board,” it added. 

The applicant’s claim relies on the facts of the mother, who had lodged her own non-refoulement claim with the Immigration director, which was rejected on Feb. 18, 2018.

“The mother appealed to the Board, which dismissed her appeal.  She applied for leave to apply for judicial review of the Board’s decision dismissing her appeal.  By Order dated 14 December 2022, this Court dismissed her application.  She appealed.  By Judgment dated 5 May 2023, the Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal. She filed a Notice of Motion for leave to appeal to the Court of Final Appeal.  By Judgment dated 12 July 2023, the Court of Appeal dismissed her Notice of Motion,” the decision said.

In her child’s case, the Immigration director found, in his decision on Jan. 7, 2022, that his claims of being at risk of torture, death, inhuman treatment and persecution were unsubstantiated.

The applicant appealed to the board, which in turn conducted an oral hearing with his mother giving oral evidence for him.. “The duty lawyer scheme refused to provide legal representation for the applicant because it considered that there is no merit in the applicant’s application,” the decision noted.

Among the Board’s findings was that the applicant “will not be subjected to any real risk of harm from the mother’s husband or discrimination or unfair treatment upon his return to the Philippines with the mother,” the decision said.

Besides, “there are various government and non-government support and assistance available for the mother and the applicant,” it added.

Filipino arrested at HK airport charged with drug trafficking

 

Drugs allegedly found in luggage of Filipino
 arrested at HK airport

A 21-year-old Filipino tourist was charged in court Tuesday, June 17, of drug trafficking after 8 kilos of suspected cannabis (marijuana buds) was found in his baggage on arrival at Hong Kong International Airport the day before.

The drugs, estimated to have a market value of HK1.4 million, was reportedly found in his check-in baggage during customs clearance after he flew in from Bangkok, Thailand.

The arrest prompted another warning from the Philippine Consulate General for Filipinos visiting Hong Kong to be wary of agreeing to bring in luggage at the request of another person in exchange for for free air fare or cash.

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“Bilang pag-iingat, ang mga Pilipinong bibiyahe sa Hong Kong ay pinapayuhan na dalhin lamang ang mga bagaheng sila mismo ang nag-impake. Ito ay para maiwasan ang maging “mule” ng mga pinagbabawal na bagay (I.e. ipinagbabawal na gamot, nanganganib na uri ng hayop, vape at iba pa.”).

(As a precaution, Filipinos traveling to Hong Kong are advised to bring in only luggage that they themselves packed. This is to avoid becoming mules for prohibited items such as illegal drugs, endangered species, vape and others).

Photos from a press release issued  by the Customs and Excise Department showed the suspected cannnabis buds wrapped in several tightly sealed plastic bags and packed inside a suitcase alongside some Thai snacks and t-shirts.

“Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities, “ said the statement.

Last year, another young Filipino tourist was also arrested at HK airport after arriving from Bangkok with  allegedly HK$2 million worth of marijuana and vape in his suitcase. He remains in detention while the case against him is being heard.

Drug trafficking is a serious offence in Hong Kong, with the maximum prescribed sentence of life imprisonment and HK$5 million fine.

Any suspected drug-related activities may be reported to Customs’ 4-hour hotline, 182 8080 or its dedicated email: crimereport@customs.gov.hk or online form, form.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.

A week of hot weather begins tomorrow

HK skyline at 7:00pm (HK Observatory photo)

The wet weather of the past week is expected to turn tomorrow, Saturday, with the Hong Kong Observatory forecasting mainly fine weather, especially in the following few days, and very hot during the day.

The change in weather comes from the thinning of the cloud-laden southern air stream hugging the southern coast of Guangdong, and the development of a ridge of cloudless air flow in the Western North Pacific.

Thus, the weather tomorrow will be hot.

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"The minimum temperature will be about 28 degrees tomorrow. Hot with sunny periods during the day. The maximum temperature will be around 32 degrees in the urban areas, and a couple of degrees higher in the New Territories," the Observatory's forecast said.

"Moderate to fresh southerly winds, occasionally strong offshore and on high ground at first," it added.

The fine weather will continue in the following few days before rains resume  

"A broad trough of low pressure is expected to bring showers and thunderstorms to Guangdong in the latter part of next week," the Observatory said.

"Besides, the tropical cyclone now near Guam will move towards the seas east of the Philippines and intensify gradually in the next couple of days," it added.

CG challenges business group: counter fake news & preserve history

 

PAHK officials led by Scylla Kwong (4th from left) join Congen Romulo Israel, Jr 
(beige barong) and other PCG officials in cutting the ribbon to start the Ball

Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. has called on members of the business and professional group, the Philippine Association of Hong Kong, to help fight disinformation that disrupts society and threaten to warp the country’s history.

Congen Israel made his call at the annual Philippine Independence Day Ball hosted by the PAHK and held this year on June 14 at the Conrad.

According to Congen, the task of nation-building has become more difficult because of “modern threats” brought about by the digital age, such as fake news, cyber attacks and other manipulations of truth aimed at manipulating public discourse. 

Disinformation could rewrite the country's history, says Congen in his speech

“Truth, which is the backbone of freedom and democracy, is often the first victim of sophisticated info wars, algorithm-driven social media that fuels fear, anger and hatred,” he said.

As opinion leaders, he said members of the PAHK occupy a position of immense influence in helping the Filipino community overcome these modern challenges by leveraging their networks, resources and global expertise to become a “frontline defense of truth.”

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With the country being beset by natural calamities and inefficiency, he said Filipino business leaders in Hong Kong could help in the recovery effort by harnessing the city ‘s status as a global hub for finance and technology to bring in investors and generate industries.

Nearer to home, Congen said the Consulate is grateful to the PAHK for collaborating on various projects that benefit the community, including the traditional gathering on Chater Road the next day to celebrate not just Philippine Independence but also Global Migrants Day.

Kwong says PAHK's partnership with the Consulate remains strong

PAHK chair Scylla Kwong in turn said working with the Consulate has also been beneficial to her group as the sponsors they approached for the two-day celebration were happy with the exposure that they got, particularly on Chater Road, where thousands gathered for a whole-day of festivities.

In her opening speech, Kwong traced PAHK’s history which dates back to 1961. She related how the group was formed, initially as a venue for socialization, and but later became more involved in community affairs, especially when Filipino migrant workers started coming in droves.

Apart from the Ball and the Chater festivities, the PAHK is also set to co-host a post-Independence Day OFW Ball at Mira Hotel on Sunday, June 21.

Amba Vicky (with wine glass) among fellow alumni of the University of the Philippines

A surprise guest at the Ball was Ambassador Victoria Bataclan (ret) who led the Filipino community in Hong Kong through the time of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2003, one of the darkest days in the city’s history.

Ambassador Bataclan also pulled out all the stops in opposing a substantial cut in domestic workers’salary in the form of a levy during her term. With her support, a legal challenge to the new government policy was brought all the way to the Court of Appeal, albeit to no avail.

Pinay in handbag theft bound over

Tuen Mun Court

Another Filipina domestic helper today walked free from the Tuen Mun Court today after prosecutors dropped a theft charge against her in return for her accepting a bind-over agreement, under which she must observe good behavior in the next 18 months.

E, Almado, 39 years old, had been charged with theft contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance, for shoplifting a $200 handbag from The Salvation Army Grace Workshop in Castle Peak, New Territories.

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The offense took place last May 26 at the ground floor of Lok Hang Yuen, Chi Lok Fa Yuen, 18 Tsing Hoi Circuit, Castle Peak, New Territories.

The prosecutor offered the bind-over arrangement, under which she promises to behave. Her fine of $1,000 will activate if she commits an offense in the next 18 months.

Acting Principal Magistrate Daniel Tang formalized the bind-over agreement after she acepted the terms.

Calls for living wage, better work conditions pushed on Intl Domestic Workers Day

 

Filipino domestic workers show the demands they've been pushing for years

Migrant workers in Hong Kong reiterated calls for a “living wage” of HK$6,172 per month and improved living and working conditions as they joined a global celebration of International Domestic Workers Day yesterday, June 16.

According to a statement from the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, an umbrella organization of several migrant workers’ organizations, this was the day the International Labour Organization passed the Convention 189 which provides for decent work for domestic workers.

“June 16 marks the global anniversary of ILO Convention 189 and the historic declaration that domestic work is work and deserves the same decent treatment as other workers,” said the AMCB statement.

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It added that more than 360,000 migrant domestic workers currently support Hong Kong by doing household work, look after children, the elderly and pets; and effectively serve as the backbone of the city’s economy.

“Yet domestic workers are denied dignity, equal, fair, and decent treatment as workers and human beings,” said AMCB.

Their sacrifices and contributions to society are not recognized, and their fundamental rights not protected by both Hong Kong and the sending countries, said the group.

Indonesian workers echo the calls of their Filipino counterparts

As such, they call on the Hong Kong government to take action on crucial issues affecting migrant workers, like increasing the minimum wage to HK$6,172 a month, which is what they need to survive in Hong Kong and to cover the needs of their families back in their home countries.

They also urge for regulating the work hours of migrant workers, who they say clock between 16 and 20 hours of work each day, depriving them of much-needed rest and sleep.

Another demand of long standing is to provide decent accommodation and food for the workers, who by force of law, are made to live with their employers. The group said many domestic workers are still forced to sleep on kitchen floors, in corridors or inside modified closets, further adding to their exploitation and mental stress.

Their calls also include an end to the mandatory live-in arrangement for the workers, the two-week rule that forces them to return to their home countries when they are terminated, and the malicious accusations of “job hopping” which leave them in unsafe environments and escalate the abuse.

DH ends up paying $1k for $174.5 worth of goods she stole

 

 Kwun Tong Court

A domestic helper has learned that shoplifting, or stealing goods from a store, whatever the value, is not worth it.

L. Mindanao, 49 years old, admitted that she shoplifted $174.5 worth of goods from a ParkNShop store and ended up paying $1,000 in fines imposed Tuesday (June 16) by Magistrate Lau Suk-han.

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That is not to mention having a criminal conviction to her name and the anxiety, from being brought to court, it has caused for nearly three months.

That may even lead to her losing her job, and being barred from working in Hong Kong.

A police complaint alleged that Mindanao stole one box of toothpaste, one pack of sanitary pads, four bars of chocolate, one bottle of deodorant, for a grand total of $174.5.

The theft took place on March 14 this year at the ParkNShop Supermarket, in Tsuen Shek House, Ping Shek Estate, 2 Clear Water Bay Road, Kowloon.

She pleaded guilty to theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance last Tuesday (June 16) at Kwun Tong court.

Pinay DH who slapped 8-year-old ward bound over

 

A Filipina domestic helper who slapped her eight-year-old ward during dinner, got off the hook Monday with a bind over and withdrawal of an assault charge against her at Eastern Court.

L. Pesimo, 48 years years old, had been charged with assault by those in charge of child or young person, contrary to section 27(1) of the Offences Against the Person Ordinance.

According to the police complaint, Pesimo “did wilfully assault the said X in a manner likely to cause the said X unnecessary suffering or injury to her health” on the night of March 20 this year at her employer’s flat in Kwong Sang Hong Building on Hennessy Road, Wan Chai.

Basahin ang detalye!

Principal Magistrate David Cheung bound her on Monday (June 15)  to a promise not to commit any offense or threaten violence for 36 months,  or else she would be fined $2,000.

The reason for the assault was not divulged in court. Her employment contract was terminated after the incident.

The prosecutor said the bind-over was suggested by Pesimo’s employers.

Longtime Filipino staff and volunteers honored at MFMW’s 45th anniversary gala

 

The 7 Filipino awardees at the Mission's Gala Night

For decades they faithfully served migrant domestic workers without seeking much in return. They not only rescued, counseled or given the migrants shelter, they also helped them regain their voices.

Such selfless dedication was finally recognized in a grand way, when the Mission for Migrant Workers held its first-ever gala at JW Marriott Hotel on Jun 10, to celebrate the 45^th year of its founding.

The charity gala raised HK$900,000 for the MFMW, far exceeding the target of HK$700,000. The money was raised from donations and auction, both live and silent, on donated prizes ranging from vacation packages to paintings and rare memorabilias.

Edwina, Cynthia and Fr. Dwight listen as their citations are read by Philip Wickeri

First to be honored at the gala was Cynthia Abdon-Tellez, a social worker who came all the way from the Philippines in 1981 to start laying the groundwork for the MFWM, fondly referred to in the migrant community as the “Mission.”

After the Mission was officially established a year later, Cynthia became its general manager, a position she still holds with the same amount of dedication and compassion, but with far more knowledge and experience now on migrant workers’ rights and welfare - assets she has honed over the years.

Cynthia has been at the helm of the Mission through the worst and best of times, from successive legal setbacks for migrants to pandemics and more recently, the massive Tai Po fire that included dozens of migrant domestic workers among the traumatized victims.

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“Her unwavering commitment has been the foundation upon which we stand today. We’re profoundly grateful for Cynthia’s leadership and the passion she brings to her cause,” said Board Member Philip Wickeri, as he handed Cynthia a plaque for her lifelong service.

Next to be honored was Edwina Antonio, a Mission case worker who has also managed the church-based group’s shelter, the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, since it was set up nearly four decades ago on the grounds of the Kowloon Union Church in Jordan.

Bethune House has since scaled down its Jordan operation, but at the same opened another place in Sheung Wan, where Edwina resides to keep an eye on the many problems and concerns that beset their clients, who can number up to 40 at any given time.

Dolor, Esther and Juvy have spent decades working with the Mission

Three other Filipinas who have spent practically all the years that they have been in Hong Kong looking after the distressed workers who have sought solace and help at the Mission and Bethune House were also recognized, catching them by surprise.

They included Esther Bangcawayan, former head of a migrant workers’ trade union who joined the Mission about three decades ago as a case worker; and volunteers Dolores  Dayao and Juvy Bustamante.

Likewise recognized were Fr. Dwight Dela Torre, head of the Philippine Independent Church and current chairman of the MFMW Board, and Jun Tellez, who has worked with Cynthia in setting up the Mission and remains as one of its advisors.

In a fireside chat during the program, Cynthia cited the case of Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, an abused Indonesian worker the Mission helped, as a significant turning point in their years of helping migrant workers.

Cynthia fetched Erwiana from her Central Java home so she could file criminal charges against her local employer who abused her for months until she could barely walk, then forcibly put her on a plane bound for home.

With the Mission’s help, Erwiana testified against her former employer, who as a result was jailed for six years, and ordered to pay more than HK$900,000 in compensation. More importantly, Erwiana got help going back to school, where she ultimately graduated with honors, and has now become an advocate of migrant workers rights.

Erwiana sent a video message to thank the Mission and exend solidarity

“Erwiana’s courage is very encouraging. Because of that, women who have endured years of being invisible and exploited, found the strength to step forward,” said Cynthia. “That is our milestone, not just for the legal victory but for the moment this entire community recognized its own dignity.”

For Edwina, being with the Mission and Bethune House for decades has sparked a dream.

“My dream is that the MFMW and BH will permanently close their doors for good,” she said. “Because if we close down, it means the conditions of foreign domestic workers have finally changed; it means they are safe, respected and fully protected by law. It means our services are not needed any longer.”

Until that day comes, the two courageous and compassionate women intend to be around for as long as possible so they could remain true to the Mission’s advocacy of serving migrants “anytime, anywhere.”

(To donate to the MFMW, please click here: https://www.migrants.net/to-donate )