By Leo A. Deocadiz
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| The Shatin magistrate imposed a sentence more lenient than the one suggested by the defence |
A Filipina escaped jail today, Jan. 20, despite pleading guilty
to breach of condition of stay, which is punishable under the Immigration
Ordinance by a fine of up to $50,000 and imprisonment of up to two years.
Acting Principal Magistrate of Shatin Court David Cheung
Chi-wai convicted I.V. Macanta as charged and sentenced her to 16 days in
prison, but suspended the punishment for 12 months.
This allowed Macanta to stay out of jail, but she was warned
that if she commits a new crime in the next 12 months, she would have to serve
her sentence, plus the punishment for the new crime.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
Macanta arrived in
She initially got 14-day extensions of her visa, the last of
which was on Feb. 5, 2021, until she was told on Feb. 23 that her application
for visa extension was rejected and that she should report to Immigration to
deportation proceedings.
From then on, she did not show up until Nov. 17, 2021.
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After the facts of the case were read to her, Macanta pleaded
guilty.
Macanta’s lawyer explained that during the seven and a half
months that she was missing, she gave birth and took care of her baby. He added
that the baby’s father was a
The lawyer also said she took care of her partner’s mother.
The lawyer sought leniency for her, citing her clean record,
and recommended a suspended sentence of 24 days so that she could take care of
her baby, who was just outside the court room, being looked after by the
father.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
In his ruling, the judge shortened the recommended period to
16 days.
Asked how she felt about the proceedings afterwards, Macanta
blurted out: “Salamat!”
