PCG warns Filipinos against engaging in illegal gambling

 

The Consulate advisory against illegal gambling

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has reminded Filipinos in Hong Kong that it is illegal to manage unauthorized gambling establishments or engage in gambling outside of a licensed gambling establishment, “whatever the amount.”

The warning came after police confirmed the arrest of six people, four women and two men aged 35 to 61 years old, for illegal gambling on Chater Road in Central on Sunday, April 19.

Cash amounting to $1,400 and a batch of gambling equipment were seized during the operation.

Eyewitnesses said those arrested were Filipinos and they were led away from the scene in handcuffs, in full view of a large number of people who were in the vicinity at the time.

The area where they were allegedly caught gambling was seen being sealed off for further investigation.

Several areas in Central are known blackspots for illegal gambling by Filipino migrant workers, especially on Sundays. These include a stairway on Murray Road near Chater Garden, and the perimeter of City Hall

The arrest was among at least three carried out over the past several days by police who used drones for the first time to catch the suspects engaging in illegal street gambling.

One was in Chung On Estate in Ma On Shan, which resulted in the arrest of eight people and the seizure of $420 in cash, along with some gambling equipment.

The other one was in Tsuen Wan where 12 elderly suspects were arrested, including a 91-year-old man. Seized from them was $451 cash and some gambling paraphernalia.

Police said in a news conference that it will strengthen patrol to crack down on illegal street gambling.

All gambling activities in Hong Kong are illegal unless run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club or licensed mahjong parlors, restaurants and clubhouses.

Illegal gambling is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$5 million.

 

Mark 6 to mark 50th year with $228M jackpot

 

One of Mark 6 beneficiaries: The Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon

Mark Six will celebrate its 50th anniversary with two mega snowball draws, with the first one featuring the  biggest-ever jackpot of $228 million taking place on May 2.

Tickets for this inaugural snowball draw will be on sale after the regular draw on April 25. Sales will close at 9:15pm on May 2. Details of the second commemorative snowball will be announced later.

This will mark the last draw on the fourth-generation drawing machine, which has been in service for 16 years. The fifth-generation model will be used in succeeding draws, including the second snowball on a still-undisclosed date.

Basahin ang detalye!

The Mark Six, launched in 1976, has supported more than 25,000 projects of social welfare organizations through $55.4 billon in lottery duty to the government, and $30.7 billion in contributions to the Lotteries Fund, the HK Jockey Club said.

As of April 18, its most frequently drawn numbers are 30, appearing 515 times, 49 (514 times), 24 (511 times), 22 (503 times) and 13(500 times). The least popular number is 19, which has been drawn 437 times, followed by 41 (439 times), 23 and 25 (447 times each), and 43 (448 times).

The snowball draw is only one of a series of activities to commemorate five decades of serving the community and part of the club’s Year of the Horse campaign.

The “Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” will be held at Duplex Studio, Tai Kwun, in Central from May 1 to May 10 under the theme “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”. To be featured are precious Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets.

The exhibition will also feature a simulated draw studio, where visitors can take instant photos with a retired drawing machine, and sale of souvenir items.

“The Club’s Year of the Horse campaign is a year-long celebration of the close bond between horses and humans and the contribution racing makes to Hong Kong,” HKJC said.

“Through the success of Hong Kong horses on the international stage, the sport also brings pride to the community and global recognition to our city,” it added.

FDHs urged to get measles vaccine as 3rd airport case reported

 

HK regards FDHs as high risk for measles 

A third measles infection has reportedly occurred among three men working in the same company at the Hong Kong International Airport, prompting a call for airport staff and foreign domestic workers to get vaccinated against the disease.

The latest case involves a 37-year-old airport worker who developed a fever and myalgia since Apr 15, followed by a cough and a sore throat the next day.

He consulted a doctor in a Tuen Mun clinic on Apr 16 and 18 , after which he developed a rash. The next day the Center for Health Protection arranged for his admission to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment and isolation.

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On Monday, tests showed he had measles. He remains in hospital where he’s reported to be in stable condition.

Further investigation showed he worked in the same company at the airport as the two other men who caught the disease earlier.

The patient lives alone and is unsure if he received measles vaccination. The CHP thinks the three cases are related.

According to the patient, in between visiting private clinics on Apr 16 and 18 he reported for work to the airport on Apr15 and 19.

The CHP has started contact tracing to find out close contacts of the patient, as well as high-risk individuals. A total of 31 individuals who were in the clinic while the patient was there, plus 68 staff at his workplace, have been identified as close contacts and will be closely monitored.

In addition a health booth set up by the CHP at the airport on Apr 18 has so far provided assessment and vaccination for more than 200 staff. It will continue to operate until Apr 22.

The press statement did not explain why FDHs were singled out in the police advisory, although it did say that cases of measles remain high in the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.

It added that while Hong Kong has a high level of immunization it remains vulnerable to infection from imported cases, owing to the big number of people who come in from various places.

As measles is airborne it could be highly contagious, but full vaccination is usually enough to protect one from infection. 

The CHP has sent a letter to all registered doctors and aviation industry to inform them of the measles outbreak and urged them to be vigilant and report suspicious cases. A copy of the letter has also been sent to employment agencies asking them to encourage FDHs to receive the measles vaccine.

Measles has an incubation period of 7 to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Travelers returning from places with measles outbreak are urged to seek medical advice, and to isolate immediately. Pregnant women and babies under a year old are high risk for the disease.

 

Filipinos picked up for gambling in Central

 

Gambling area is sealed off after the suspects were led to an unmarked van in handcuffs

UPDATE: A group of Filipinos was hauled away by police officers from Statue Square in Central at about mid-day today on suspicion of illegal gambling.

The arrest was witnessed by a number of Filipinos, including those gathered on Chater Road which is closed to traffic on Sunday, to celebrate Cordillera Day.

According to one eyewitness, about 10 were arrested, all of them women except for two. They were reportedly put in handcuffs and led to an unmarked police van parked nearby before being taken away for questioning.

But a statement issued by the police later said two men and four women aged 35 to 61 were arrested for ïllegal gambling on the street and were still being detained for questioning.

Cash amounting to $1,400 and a batch of gambling equipment were seized during the operation.

Basahin ang detalye!

The bus stop area where they were allegedly found gambling was sealed with police tape for evidence-gathering.

Several areas in Central are known blackspots for illegal gambling by migrant workes, especially on Sundays. These include a stairway near Chater Garden and the perimeter of City Hall .

The Central operation was carried out amid reports police have taken to using drones to track illegal activities, including unlicensed gambling.

A statement from the police released today said drones were used for the first time to counter street-illegal gambling in Chung On Estate in Ma On Shan as part of an operation carried out from Apr 5 to 18.

Eight suspects – seven men and one woman – were arrested and HK$420 in cash was seized, along with gambling equipment.

Police vowed to strengthen patrols to crack down on illegal gambling on the streets.

All gambling activities in Hong Kong are illegal unless run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club or licensed mahjong parlors, restaurants and clubhouses.

Illegal street gambling is punishable by a maximum sentence of nine months in prison and a HK$50,000 fine.

MWO extends help to Filipina DH arrested for alleged child abuse

 

Le Sommet in North Point where the alleged offence is said to have taken place

The Migrant Workers Office has been in touch and is extending help to a 39-year-old Filipina domestic worker arrested yesterday on suspicion of ill-treating a 15-month-old baby in her care.

This is according to a MWO case worker who said their office reached out to the arrested worker after news of her arrest was published earlier today.

According to news reports, the helper was arrested at the flat of her employer at Le Sommet on Fortress Hill Road at about 4pm yesterday after a woman called the police and said that her son may have fallen off a bed because of mistreatment.

Basahin ang detalye!

The details of the alleged abuse were not made clear. However, officers who responded to the call arrested the domestic helper after a preliminary inquiry on suspicion of “ill treatment or neglect by those in charge of a child or young person.”

The helper remains in police custody for further questioning.

The toddler was taken to Ruttonjee Hospital examination though he had no apparent injuries.

Ill-treating a child is punishable under Hong Kong’s Offences Against the Person Ordinance with up to 10 years in prison upon indictment of 3 years on summary conviction.

HK official says new laws vs overborrowing meant to protect low wage earners

 

Finance Asst Sec Kelvin Lo explains the tighter rules that will take effect in August

From August 1 this year, strict new laws that aim to prevent excessive borrowing by low-wage earners like foreign domestic helpers are set to take effect, a Hong Kong government official told Filipino stakeholders during a briefing on Thursday, Apr. 16 at the OFW Global Center in Admiralty.

A second round of regulations which will take effect in June next year will see licensed money lenders being required to join the Credit Data Smart platform, where they must submit personal credit information of their borrowers on a regular basis.

Kelvin Lo, principal assistant secretary at Hong Kong’s Financial Services and Treasury Bureau said the new regulations which still need legislative approval, were crafted after studies showed a high rate of loan defaults among those in the low income brackets.

“We saw a lot of cases of excessive borrowing, especially among the low wage earners,” Lo said.

An ensuing public consultation last year which elicited around 150 submissions, including one from the Philippine Consulate General, resulted in the drafting of laws to enhance the regulation of money lenders.

Congen Israel says the stricter regulations have a big impact on majority of Filipinos in HK

Speaking at the start of the briefing, Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. said, "We understand the purpose and impact of these regulations because we have a large group, some 205,000 Filipinos, who work here as domestic workers."

He said it is important for the Filipino community to fully understand the new rules as they affect a big number of them here.

The first phase of the regulations will include putting a cap on loan repayments of between 35% to 40% of the monthly salary for those earning no more than $12,000 a month.

Those whose monthly wage is below $6,000 will pay no more than 35% of their salary, while the cap on those who make between $6,001 and $12,000 will be at 40%.

In addition, the repayment period of unsecured personal loans cannot exceed the remaining term of the borrower’s employment contract.

Graph shows how the loan limits for those earning no more than $12k a month

However, Lo said the proposed regulations are flexible as regards this requirement. The repayment period can be adjusted accordingly if the FDH is able to show proof that the existing contract has been renewed for another two years.

Another key measure will prohibit money lenders from asking borrowers for a loan referee starting on August 1. This particular provision was drawn up largely in response to employers complaining about being harassed by debt collectors after their FDHs abscond or lose their employment after taking out a huge loan.

But it is the stricter set of regulations that will take effect from next year that appears to have met with stiff opposition from licensed money lenders.

A senior officer at one of the biggest companies that extend unsecured loans said the tighter regulations could just drive FDHs to borrow from loan sharks, miring them in bigger debt and exposing them to a greater risk of losing their jobs.

“They are just pushing the FDHs to go to loan sharks who lend them a small amount at exorbitant interest rate, then harass them if they cannot repay on time,” she said.

What the government should do is to allow the licensed money lenders to regulate themselves, as they are the ones who stand to lose the most when a borrower defaults or absconds, she added.

Further, she said the tighter rules disregard the “more meaningful reason” why many helpers take out loans, which is to use the instant cash to set up a business or build their own homes.

 

 

32 people arrested in illegal work raids

 

Suspected illegal workers are arrested and herded to an Immigration van

Three joint operations led by Immigration Department officers to flush out illegal workers have led to the arrest of 32 people across Hong Kong from April 10 to 16.

Of those arrested, 21 were suspected to be working illegally while the 11 others stood as their employers.

The suspected illegal workers comprised nine men and 12 women, aged 32 to 63. Two of the women possessed apparently forged Hong Kong identity cards.

Basahin ang detalye!

Those arrested for employing them were seven men and four women aged 30 to 58. Immigration said an investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and further arrests could not be ruled out.

Targeted in the latest raids were multiple premises including warehouses, retail stores and commercial buildings.

Immigration reiterated that illegal work is a serious crime in Hong Kong, which carries the maximum penalty of two years in jail and $50,000 in fine. If the arrested worker is an overstayer or is on recognizance or intends to seek asylum the jail term is up to three years.

Those who use forged identity documents can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined a maximum of $100,000.

Employers are advised to ensure the people they are hiring are legally employable. Those found to have failed to exercise due diligence in ensuring the employability of their workers or have deliberately hired illegal workers can be fined up to $500,000 and jailed for up to 10 years.

Mere failure to properly inspect the jobseeker’s travel document in the absence of a Hong Kong identity card could lead to prosecution and on conviction, to a fine up to $150,000 and imprisonment for up to a year.

To report suspected illegal work activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.

 

 

Filipina loses DC appeal to avoid paying loan; bill balloons

The District Court is housed in this building in Wan Chai

A Filipina who appealed a District Court ruling that granted a money lender’s right to collect overdue repayments to two loans plus interest, found herself facing a much bigger bill after the court today rejected her two appeals.

Deputy District Judge Louise Chan said Gilda H. Delay’s grounds of appeal were mostly a replay of her case and evidence in the two cases that were heard together, “and one must remember Delay did not give evidence in the trial but attempted to introduce all evidence from a hearsay perspective from one TamAng.”

She added: “Since most of the points raised by Delay in her Grounds of Appeal, written submissions and oral submissions were simply regurgitation of her earlier submissions for the Trial, I do not consider that Delay has any reasonable chance of success in appealing against any of my primary findings of facts as the Judgment has already provided all the weighing exercise and considerations I made before coming to my decision.”

With the ruling, not only is Delay liable to pay Pacific Ace Finance Limited $1,442 and $8,250 as the unpaid principal for the two loans she took out with co-borrowers Andrenee Villasfer and Rosalina Villasfer, who have since both left Hong Kong, she must also pay default interest amounting to $3,117.56 and $25,007.67, plus the interest on both loans from the date of judgment until payment.

Basahin ang detalye!

And since she lost in court, Delay is also liable to pay the legal costs of Pacific Ace: $530,000 for its solicitors plus an order nisi of $47,523 for the appeal, which will become final unless amended within 14 days.

The two cases were money lenders’ actions, in which Pacific Ace tried to recover the principal sum with interest of two loans.

“In my Judgment (handed down on July 10, 2025), I found in favor of P (Pacific Ace),” Judge Chan said.

Delay took out two summonses for these cases on Aug. 6, 2025 for leave to appeal.

See previous news story here: https://www.sunwebhk.com/2025/07/money-lender-wins-collection-suit-vs-3.html

JIL warns of people using its name for illegal recruitment to New Zealand

 

Screenshot of the FB account used to trick the 3 OFWs

The Jesus is Lord Church in Hong Kong says it is not in any way linked to a man who had claimed to be a member of its branch in New Zealand so he could trick at least three Filipina domestic workers in the city into applying for non-existent jobs abroad.

The man who used the name Jhon Marquez on Facebook had managed to convince the Filipinas to part with thousands of dollars so they could take up his offer of working in New Zealand as “tomato picker” for which they would reportedly be paid the equivalent of Php35,000 a week.

To sweeten the deal, “Jhon” who reportedly also said he was working with the Philippine embassy in New Zealand, promised the women that they could leave Hong Kong in just five months as long as they paid the processing fee.

Basahin ang detalye!

But after the victims sent money to e-wallets in the Philippines in the names of "John Michael Sana" and "Sarah Jane Sales" according to his instructions, Jhon blocked them all on Facebook.

On being told about the apparent scam, JIL HK Pastor Bart Itong contacted his colleagues in New Zealand and they told him they did not know any Jhon Marquez, but will investigate further.

JIL HK has also forwarded the records of the case to Senator Joel Villanueva, son of the church founder and spiritual director Eddie Villanueva, so Philippine authorities could also take action, noting that those who received the victims’ money are based there.

Of the three victims, 43-year-old Donna lost the biggest amount. She got so excited about the job prospect that she realized only later that she had sent more than the original amount of Php62,000 that Jhon had asked for.

Donna said she first learned about the New Zealand job last March 29 from her longtime neighbour, Marla, who is a devout JIL member. Marla reportedly told her that Jhon was sending workers to New Zealand and that there was a last remaining slot in the batch that would be deployed next. Donna was persuaded to grab the opportunity.

Marla reportedly told Donna that all she had to pay was Php24,000 for the “red ribbon” (verification) of her work contract to start the ball rolling. Marla then introduced Jhon to Donna, saying he was with the Philippine embassy and could help obtain the verified contract.

Donna was then asked to send a copy of her passport, birth certificate and diploma online, and told that the additional fee of Php38,000 was being waived as a concession.

She said she initially sent Php8,000 through Alipay to the GCash account of Sales, number 09302216198, on March 29.

But the next day, Marla reportedly told Donna that she must still pay the Php38,000 that was supposedly waived, per Sana’s instruction.

The biggest remittance made by Donna to Sana

After she received her salary on March 31 Donna sent money thrice to the Maya wallet of Sana, number 09101660256. The first amounted to Php4,515; the second, Php11,500;  and the third was for P12,515.

Sana then told Donna she must send more money for enrolment as that was due that same day. Donna did as she was told, and remitted a further Php30,015 to Sana. However, he said no money got into his account and told her to send an additional Php13,275.

By this time, Donna had sent a total of Php79,820 (HK$10,400.00) to Sales and Sana, through their personal details provided by Jhon.

That same afternoon, Sana reportedly reached out to her and the two other victims, Marla and Trina, via a video call. Donna said she was out of the house and could barely understand what was going on because of the bad connection.

Later, she was shocked to discover that she could no longer see Sana’s account, making her realize that she had been scammed.

Donna said Marla and Trina had also sent money to Sana, but in smaller amounts. However, they learned through a chat group formed by other victims, that many other OFWs, including those working in Singapore, had fallen into the same trap.

One is said to have lost a total of Php190,000, all because of the mistaken trust she had placed on the man they thought would do no wrong as he had professed to be a man of faith.

 

 

Credit card spending spree sends Pinoy to District Court

 

Tuen Mun Court

A Filipino who found an American Express credit card may have thought little of it initially, but when he used the card to make purchases totaling $7,974 the next day, he fell into serious trouble with the law.

Serious enough for the Tuen Mun Magistrates Court to elevate his case of two counts of theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance, to the District Court.

Acting Principal Magistrate Daniel Tang remanded repairman Mark Dave Ballesteros, 34 years old, to jail after adjourning the case to May 7 at District Court.

Basahin ang detalye!

A police complaint accused Ballesteros of stealing the credit card belonging to Tsui Wing-sze on Oct. 3 last year.

The next day, he allegedly went on a shopping spree, spending $7,974 using the credit card, incurring debt for Tsui to American Express International, Inc.

HK finance officials to brief Filipinos on new money lending laws

 

The Filipino community in Hong Kong is invited to attend a briefing tomorrow, April 16, 2pm to 5pm, on the new regulations on money lending that are due to take effect on Aug 1 this year.

The orientation to be conducted by the Hong Kong Financial Services and Treasury Bureau (FSTB) will be held at the Narra Hall of the OFW Global Center on the 18^th floor of United Centre Building in Admiralty.

The Philippine Consulate General which is hosting the briefing, said the FSTB speakers will discuss specifics of the new measures meant to enhance regulation of money lenders.

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“Said information is intended to help safeguard vulnerable borrowers, including members of the Filipino community, from excessive borrowing and its attendant risks,” said the PCG.

A key amendment to the Money Lenders Ordinance restricts the monthly loan repayment of low-income earners, particularly foreign domestic workers, to between 35% and 40% of their monthly salary.

In addition, there will be a complete ban on using loan referees, which lawmakers say should reduce harassment by debt collectors, particularly of employers of absconding FDHs.

The amendments were passed following public consultations held from June to August last year.

To register participation in the briefing, please click on this link:  https://forms.gle/5apYVLBgnzcC1LKh8.

For inquiries or further assistance, you may email the Consulate’s Economic Diplomacy Section at this address:  hongkongpcg.economic@dfa.gov.ph.

 

Communication key to dealing with job agencies

Improved communication prevents problems with employment agencies

If domestic helpers have much to complain about their employment agencies that placed them in jobs, employers have as much to complain about. In fact, over 100 complaints are filed by employers against them each year, according to the Consumer Council.

The primary responsibility of employment agencies is to handle procedures for bringing domestic helpers to Hong Kong. Problems that arise from this can be avoided by strengthened communication with both employers and helpers, it said.

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“This includes gaining a comprehensive understanding of prospective employers’ needs and domestic helpers’ experience and capabilities in order to make appropriate matching, as well as verifying domestic helpers’ information as far as practicable to fulfil their gatekeeping role,” the Council said.

In cases such as domestic helpers backing out, agencies should notify the employers as soon as possible and provide appropriate assistance, such as arranging substitute domestic helpers or refunds, to enhance consumer confidence, it added.

However, as some agencies require payment of sums ranging from $14,000 to $16,000, which constitutes acceptance of the terms and arrangements, employers should not rush into paying.

“They should carefully read the service agreement or contract before the transaction to understand the refund policy and the terms and conditions for replacing domestic helpers, so as to safeguard their rights,” it added

The Council will continue to closely monitor industry developments and reflect consumers’ concerns to traders in a timely manner, with a view to encouraging service quality enhancement.