MWO AKSYON Fund releases in HK hit $4.3million

 by Leo A. Deocadiz 

Labatt Chavez delivering his accomplishment report at the forum

The Migrant Workers Office has released $4.3 million of AKSYON Fund to 661 beneficiaries in Hong Kong in the last nine months, most of them receiving money within an hour of applying, Labor Attache Cesar Chavez Jr. told a community leaders’ forum today.

 “When you ask for help and your supporting documents are complete, the money will be released immediately. You can wait for it. No need to return another day,” he said. “Processing will just take minutes; an hour will be too long,” he said.

MWO continues to process AKSYON Fund (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan), which is designed to provide immediate legal, medical, and emergency financial assistance to distressed or displaced OFWs.

DETAILS HERE

Standard payouts include:

• ₱50,000 for regular distressed employment situations.
• ₱75,000 for workers who become seriously ill or are in warlike zones.
• ₱100,000 in bereavement assistance for the next of kin of deceased workers.
• $200 USD (about ₱12,000) for immediate employment shocks, such as those affected by Middle East tensions.  

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Part of such assistance is MWO giving lawyers for OFWs facing court charges. At present, 17 cases are pending, one has been dismissed, and four are on trial.

“We are giving lawyers for cases that are in already in court. Those waiting for hearing, we give them retained lawyers or duty lawyers (who are funded by the Hong Kong government),” Chavez said.

This way, he said, they avoid giving lawyers to OFWs who would be pleading guilty anyway; they cost $100,000.

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“We are giving lawyers only to those who want to fight for their rights,” he added.

Chaves also said the MWO has verified 75,552 individual employment contracts during the first nine months of 2026.

A vast majority of these contracts -- 75, 214 -- were for domestic workers. Only 124 contracts were for professional and skilled workers and 214 were for semi-skilled workers.

The MWO is thus adjusting the requirements for employment agencies when it resumes accreditation on Oct. 23, four months after suspending it last June 22.

“We had 814 foreign recruitment agencies in Hong Kong when we issued the moratorium,” he said. “We are planning to resume this coming Oct. 23 but only for applicants who will be hiring skilled workers also. Hindi na pwedeng katulong lang (Hiring only domestic workers will no longer suffice). They should strive to recruit skilled workers.”

Among the accredited agencies, he said, seven have been suspended.

He pointed to one agency whose accreditation has been suspended for refusing to process the subsistence allowance sought by an OFW facing a case in court.

Under Philippine law, OFWs whose mandatory insurance is in force are entitled to US$100 per month for six months while they have a pending case.

Now, he said, the agency owner is trying to seek a meeting with him. “Why talk to me? They should first do their obligation and then we’ll talk,” he said.

Statistics provided by Chavez shows how the Aksyon Fund is disbursed

Chavez also listed other improvements at the MWO, among them:

• Special licensing examinations are being planned for more under-board graduates such as nurses, architects and engineers to enhance their status so they will have better jobs and bigger incomes. Almost 300 passed the last licensure exam for teachers. In the test held recently, “we had 314 who took the exam. We hope for a lot of passers,” he said.
• The online system for Balik Manggagawa makes it easier for OFWs to verify their contracts and avoid problems with Philippine Immigration, which has tightened the screening of people leaving the country because of increasing cases of surrogacy, illegal recruitment and trafficking.
• A new queueing system that will prevent OFWs having to fall in long lines. “Now you only need to get a number, and then you can do your other errands outside the office and return only when your number will soon be called,” he said.
• An investigation is ongoing on a report that several OFWs who entered Hong Kong as domestic workers have been seen working in Wanchai as waitresses. “Be assured that employment agencies that do not folow our regulations will be penalized,” he said.
• MWO renovation will begin shortly at no expense to the government as it will be paid for by  landlord.

New $5220 minimum wage for FDHs generally welcomed

 

Most FDWs are grateful enough that there's a salary increase

Foreign domestic helpers have largely welcomed the new minimum wage of HK$5220 mandated for them by the Hong Kong government with many saying it was “better than nothing.”

Others were thankful, to both the Hong Kong government for keeping up the practice of giving modest increase in their wages; and to fellow migrants who took to the streets to call for higher wages.

Migrants rights advocate Eman Villanueva of Bayan Muna Hong Kong and Macau claimed victory over the decision not to freeze wages, as was the call of a group of employers who warned that there would be “mass terminations” if an increase was ordered.

DETAILS HERE

“Salamat sa mga organisasyon at unyon na nakipaglaban para tumaas ang sahod at hindi matuloy ang wage freeze,” he said in a post.(Thank you to all organizations and unions that fought for a salary increase and against a wage freeze).

But in a press statement issued Saturday, the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body which fought for a “living wage” of HK$6,172, expressed dismay that the new minimum wage is just HK$120 more than last year’s.

AMCB says the fight for 'living wage' will continue

AMCB also decried that no increase in the food allowance -or what is given a migrant worker in lieu of free meals – was mandated.

“Clearly, the Hong Kong government has no intention of meeting our demand for a living wage. While the no increase in food allowance will mean more expenses and loss in the wage of FDWs who are not provided food at their employer’s house,” said AMCB.

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It called on fellow migrant workers to continue the fight for a living wage, and for the longstanding demands of regulation of work hours, suitable accommodation, unconditional long service benefit, and food allowance commensurate to the inflation rate.

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Chris Sun said in an interview that the 2.35 % increase in the minimum wage for FDHs was reasonable, and was based on a comprehensive review of annual economic performance, employers’ income and inflation.

He said that if the economy does well and the overall data are positive, the growth rate typically fluctuates within a range of 2 and 2.5%; thus a salary increase within this range is fair.

Longtime Bayanihan admin Tess Ubamos passes on at 66

 

Hong Kong Bayanihan Center’s longtime administrator, Teresita “Tess” Ibañez-Ubamos, passed on after a lingering illness on September 25. She would have turned 67 on October 3 this year.

She is survived by her husband Ed, children Odessa, Rocky and Michael, and granddaughters Kisha and Kaitlyn.

Tess, as she was known to many, had managed the day-to-day operations of the Bayanihan Center in Kennedy Town since 2004, when it became the site for the first overseas voting for Filipinos in Hong Kong.

DETAILS HERE

She continued overseeing the massive operations involved in administering the manual casting and counting of ballots for the overseas vote every three years, until the switch to automated voting in 2022.

In her role as administrator of the six-floor Bayanihan Center, Tess became fast friends with many Filipino community leaders, as well as the hundreds of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who have done volunteer work, or have taken part in various events at the activities and training hub over the years.

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Officers of the Philippine Consulate and its attached agencies have also heaped praises on her, for having ably managed the center through more than two decades and thousands of events and training activities, despite its tight budget.

The Ubamos family at Bayanihan Center

Among the first to extend their condolences was the Bootstrap Theatre Hong Kong, which paid tribute to Tess’ generosity in providing them a venue for their rehearsals for their debut play last year, and for an intensive acting workshop they provided to OFWs.

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association Hong Kong, which has held some of its activities at the center, including the grand oath taking of its officers in March last year, has also expressed regret.

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“Tess was a true pillar of our community, a dedicated leader, and a wonderful friend who touched so many of our lives with her kindness and warmth,” said UPAA-HK’s president, Catherine Marsden.

Longtime residents who, like Tess and her family, have played an active role in the various activities of the Filipino Catholic community in Hong Kong, have also expressed sadness at her passing.

In an emotional Facebook post addressed to the Ubamos family, tech executive Jun Sison said, “We would like to embrace and comfort you - all of you - at this very moment, but we do understand that, for now, we can only offer prayers, yes - tears of empathy, and words of consolation hoping our deep sentiments, thoughts and words may even ever so slightly ease the pain you now feel in your hearts.”

Details of the funeral service for Tess have yet to be announced.

HK cracks down on hawking at FDH haunts

 

Various clothing items seized during the FEHD-led operations

After a few weeks of information campaign and warnings, officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have stepped up enforcement actions against unlicensed hawking and illegal obstruction in places where foreign domestic workers gather on their days off.

A total of nine persons were arrested during two successive Sunday of operations, eight of them foreigners and one Chinese man, aged 30 to 55. Two of them held recognizance forms, indicating their status as asylum seekers, while one had a mainland travel permit.

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Seized during the operations, according to a government press release, were 1.5 tons of good, including cooked food in takeaway boxes, clothes, shoes, handbags and cosmetics.

Reports shared on Facebook showed that among the places targeted were the grounds surrounding the HSBC headquarters in Central, where various goods are routinely peddled, mostly by Filipinos as well as Indians.

Food and drinks seized from unlicensed hawkers

But photos of the food seized indicated they could have come most likely from Victoria Park, where Indonesians are known to freely sell or even cook their native dishes.

The government statement said relevant government departments have been notified about the arrest of persons suspected of breaching their conditions of stay, so follow-up actions may be taken as appropriate.

MWO staff Danny Baldon joins information campaign against illegal work, hawking

In the past two weekends, FEHD officers have teamed up with staff of relevant consulates-general in Hong Kong to distribute leaflets warning against illegal work, unlicensed hawking and obstruction of passageways, as well as environmental hygiene and food safety precautions.

The teams went to known FDW haunts and reminded migrant workers that unlicensed hawking is illegal, and to appeal to them not to patronize illegal hawkers.   

Under Hong Kong laws, unlicensed hawking is punishable with up to HK$10,000 in fines and six months’ imprisonment.   

If unlicensed hawking activities also cause obstruction of passageways, the maximum fine prescribed is HK$25,000 or imprisonment for three months.

In addition, anyone who is found selling restricted food (specifically frozen meat, sushi and sashimi) could be fined up to HK$50,000 and jailed for up to six months.

If the hawker is a foreign domestic worker, an additional charge of breaching the condition of stay could be levied. Employers are advised to remind their helpers to abide by the law, and not sell food items that may compromise environmental hygiene.

Anyone who knows of any unlicensed hawking activities may report the same to the FEHD.

 

 

Imported carers can earn 10-20% more than FDHs, says labor chief

 

FDHs who wish to become carers will have to go home first and get trained, says Sun

Foreign workers who will be allowed to enter Hong Kong from next year to look after elderly people staying at home can expect salaries that are 10 to 20 percent more than the current minimum allowable wage of $5,100 for foreign domestic helpers.

Secretary for Labor and Welfare Chris Sun said this in a press conference on Friday, but did not give an exact salary range for the foreign domestic carers.

But he said only those with advanced training and experience in elderly care will be hired under the pilot scheme, which will be modeled on the existing regime for admitting FDHs.

DETAILS HERE

This means, they will be live-in workers and cannot take on any other job, or engage in business. They will also be hired on two-year contracts, with a day off each week, apart from statutory holidays.

It is not clear, however, if they will be working exclusively as carers, and would not be required to do housework on top of their stipulated job.

Sun also allayed fears that the new scheme would disrupt the hiring of FDHs, emphasizing that applicants for the foreign carers posts would have to be certified as having at least three years of experience in elderly care.

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Moreover, those currently working as FDHs will need to first return to their home countries to complete the required training and meet the qualifications before being allowed to return as carers.

Asked if the Philippine government has started preparing for the new scheme that could open the doors to more highly skilled and better-paid workers, Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. said they have had talks with the Hong Kong Labour Department on this.

“We’re ready to take it to the next level,” Congen Israel said.

It's estimated that in 20 years, seniors will comprise about a third of all people in HK 

Sun said Hong Kong’s ageing population and the growing demand for more capable helpers to care for elderly relatives at home sparked the decision to open a new category of imported workers.

"It gives the public a choice. If you only need a foreign domestic helper, then you continue to hire in the foreign domestic helper market," he said.

"But if you need someone with high ability, who can be certified and can provide elderly care services, you can pay a bit more to hire a foreign domestic carer."

The pilot scheme was announced by Chief Executive John Lee in his Policy Address on Wednesday as part of the government’s response to Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population.

Government experts predict that in 2046, one in every three people in Hong Kong will be aged 60 and above.

Duterte appears at ICC hearing

 

Duterte appeared in a dark suit and sported dark hair (pool photo)

Jailed former Philippine president Rodrigo D. Duterte appeared in person Wednesday at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague. It was the first time he was seen in court since his initial appearance in March 2025.

Duterte, 81, wore a dark suit and sported a full head of dark hair as he listened intently during the third status conference before his trial, which is due to begin in November. He did not speak, but waved to supporters seated at the public gallery.

But before that, the court will have to decide on whether the former leader is fit to stand trial. His lawyers argue that he suffers from significant memory loss and cognitive decline, making him unable to assist his legal team.

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However, ICC prosecutors and a court-appointed medical panel maintain that he has the mental capacity to understand the charges and follow the proceedings.

The former strongman who ruled the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 is being held at the ICC on three counts of crimes against humanity for murder and attempted murder, covering 49 incidents and at least 76 victims during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president.

At Wednesday’s conference ICC presiding judge Joanna Korner stressed the need to proceed with the trial as quickly as possible, and said the court is not inclined to adopt the usual practice of holding blocks of hearings with breaks and sitting hours.

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Instead, Judge Korner said the court intends to sit through the hearing from November 30 until the middle of December, just before the Christmas break.

Duterte’s counsel, Peter Haynes, slammed the prosecution for disclosing a mountain of evidence which he described as being in ä terrible “mess.”

Haynes said the prosecution has now listed nearly 20,000 items as evidence, compared to about 5,000 at the confirmation stage.

“And what has been dumped in the Registry is 62,500 exhibits. That 324,000 pages of evidence and over 1,000 video and audio files which run to many thousands of hours. And they’re in a terrible mess,” he added.

Meanwhile, protest actions were held by various groups near the ICC as the hearing of Duterte’s case went underway. Several groups of Filipino workers and residents in the Netherlands held protests either in support, or to condemn Duterte.

Filipino rights groups like Migrante and Bayan Europe called for Duterte to be held accountable for the thousands of people killed under his “Oplan Tokhang” operations.

Conversely, about Duterte loyalists gathered outside the ICC and in cities across Mindanao to protest his detention and demand his release, calling the proceedings biased.

Public urged to take flu jabs soon amid surge in cases

 

HA doctors hold press conference to urge public to take flu jabs early

The Hospital Authority urged people in Hong Kong to get vaccinated against seasonal flu as soon as possible, amid a surge in infections and serious cases.

An HA consultant said Tuesday the number of cases could go even higher in the winter, so now is the time to get the jab, as it takes two weeks for antibodies to form following vaccination. This protection could last for at least six months.

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“If people receive vaccination in September and October, there will be enough time for their bodies to develop antibodies, so that they will have sufficient immunity during Christmas and New Year – a peak time for travel and gatherings,” said Chan Ting Bong of the New Territories East Cluster’s department of family medicine.

Chan said that pregnant women in particular should get the vaccine as soon as possible, because this will not only protect their own health but also that of the babies they’re carrying.

HK Medical Association doctors echo the call for early vaccination

Earlier, the Hong Kong Medical Association issued the same call, and warned of possible flu outbreaks at schools at the start of classes, increasing the risk of community transmission.

Raymond Tso, council member of the association said that an increasing number of cases were recorded from late August to early September, as students began returning to schools.

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“That’s why we advise people to get their vaccination sooner to prevent any serious consequences of flu infections,” Tso added.

One flu outbreak that has caused concern happened at the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital, where 13 more patients and one staff member were recently reported to have been infected. Three infected patients aged 81 to 95 have died, all of whom had underlying illnesses.

The sick patients who were in the tuberculosis and infirmary wards have been put in isolation, while the staff member is on leave.

The hospital had previously announced that since September 7, eight patients and two staff members had tested positive for influenza A. The hospital has stepped up infection control measures to prevent a further spread of the virus.

The Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme by the government is set to begin on Thursday, with eligible patients who regularly visit public hospitals and outpatient clinics being first in line.

The flu jab is given free to those aged 50 and above, children from six months to 18 years old, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases and disabilities. Designated private clinics also administer them free or at subsidized cost to eligible patients.

One such clinic will resume providing free flu shots to Filipinos who turn 50 this year, or older, on September 22, Tuesday, at the Migrant Workers Office on the 29th floor of United Centre in Admiralty.

After this, the free jabs will be given half-a-day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and whole day on Sundays. Those eligible may walk in during designated days and time as listed by the MWO.

Invaders is champion of first Alselympics volleyball tourney

 

Participants and organizers of the Alselympics 2026 pose for photo

The Invaders emerged as champion of the Alselympics 2026, a volleyball tournament held last Sunday at Bayanihan Center among graduates of the Ateneo Leadership And Social Entrepreneurship (Alse) seminars, for the benefit of a cancer-stricken member.

The tournament, sponsored by the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrprene3urship Overseas Filipinos’ Leadership, Innovation, Financial Literacy And Social Entrepreneurship Program (ALSE OF-LIFE) Hong Kong Alumni Association, raised funds for co-alumnus Louie Cuenca Licop (Batch 53) who is battling Stage 4 breast cancer.

DETAILS HERE

In the tournament, Invaders took home the league's first Championship trophy by beating the 127 Team Diggers, which took the first runner-up trophy In the overall team standings. The 142 Ball Busters came in second, by beatiing the Bidamax which took third.

Another highlight of the program was the selection of the Muse of Alselympics 2026, which was won by Deanna Jean Notor of Batch 117, who represented the Bidamax Team. Other winners were: Mary Anne Ranchez (142 Ball Busters), 1st runner up Theresa Aranda (127 Team Diggers), 2nd runner-up and Jhanette Gamboa (The Invaders Team), 3rd runner-up.

The champions: Invaders

Alselympics 2026 is the first-ever sports event of the association. “It brought together alumni from different batches for a day of unity, friendship, sportsmanship, and giving,” the group said.

“Through the collective efforts of alumni, friends, and supporters, the event became a meaningful expression of solidarity, compassion, and hope for a fellow member of the Alse family,” it added.

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The opening ceremonies had as guest speaker Vice Consul Allan Revote, who highlighted the importance of community involvement, volunteerism, unity, and the power of sports in bringing people together for a worthy cause.

As a result of the tournament, the alumni selected the Best of the Best volleyball players who will be the official representatives of the ALSEOF-LIFE Hong Kong Alumni Association in future volleyball tournaments and inter-organizational competitions.

The team is preparing for bigger matches in the future, including participation in the OWWA Cup.

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“Through the training, unity, and dedication of the elite players, the organization hopes to showcase the skill, sportsmanship, and spirit of ALSE alumni at a higher level of competition,’” the group added.

Due to the tournament’s success, officials of the ALSEOF-LIFE Hong Kong Alumni Association have pledged to make Alselympics a yearly event to continue to strengthen alumni networks, promote sportsmanship, and serve as a platform for charitable initiatives.

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Its next major activity is the Annual Alumni Gathering to be held this December 2026, which will also serve as a special welcome for the upcoming graduates of the ALSEOF-LIFE Batch 2026.

The group acknowledged the support of various organizations and volunteers, among them the Filipino Nurses Association in Hong Kong, which provided first-aid and medical assistance; the Philippine Alliance of HK, which is run by ALSEOF-LIFE graduates led by Leilani Campos, its current president; the Kobi Volunteers led by Faye Guevarra; the Pangasinan Society; the Solid Group; and the Hunters Group’s Jen Belda and Cris Quezada for officiating the games to ensure a smooth and fair competition.

Asylum seeker jailed10 weeks for drug possession

 

Eastern Magistrates' Court 

A Filipino asylum who pleaded guilty to drug possession at Eastern Court and made wait a week in for a report from Drug Abuse Treatment Center to determine whether he should go to jail or a rehab facility, has finally been imprisoned for 10 weeks.

C.J. Arzaga, 41 years old, faced the charge of possession of a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 8 (1) (a) and (2) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 134 for having in his possession a dangerous drug, namely one cartridge containing 0.79 gram of a liquid containing etomidate:

DETAILS HERE

Magistrate Edward Wong sentenced the unemployed Arzaga last Thursday as a result of police officers finding the drug in his possession, after he was stopped and searched last July 15 at the junction of Eastern Street and Ham Yu Street on Hong Kong Island.

Etomidate has become the most common type of drug abused among reported young drug abusers since 2025, followed by cannabis and cocaine, according to a report from the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau.

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Meanwhile, John Andrew Balabbo, 21 years old and a Hong Kong resident, was was kept  in jail after he appeared at West Kowloon Court, charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 4(1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

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Principal Magistrate Don So adjourned the case to November 6.

Balabbo, who  is unemployed, was arrested last June 16, 2026 at the Baggage Examination Counter N6, Customs Arrival Hall A, Passenger Terminal Building 1, Hong Kong International Airport, after Customs officers found 7.7 kilos of cannabis buds n his checked in luggage.

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He had just arrived from Bangkok.

Latest anti-illegal work operation nets 20 people

 

Immigration officers display the items they seized from suspected illegal workers

A week-long operation across Hong Kong to flush out illegal workers resulted in the arrest of 20 people.

The raids that involved operatives from the Immigration Department, the HK Police, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department targeted multiple locations like restaurants, hair salons and retail stores and lasted from September 4 1to 10.

DETAILS HERE

Seventeen suspected illegal workers, one suspected employer and two overstayers were arrested.

The suspected illegal workers comprised 10 men and seven women, aged 24 to 50.

Four of the men held recognizance forms that allowed them to remain in Hong Kong to challenge deportation, but not work.

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Two of women were found in possession of forged Hong Kong identity cards, which they are suspected to have used to get jobs.

The two overstayers were both women aged 38 and 50.

A man, aged 51, was suspected of employing the illegal workers and was also arrested. Immigration said an investigation into his operation is ongoing, and further arrests are possible.

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Visitors, contract workers and foreign domestic helpers who are caught engaged in illegal work face up to two years in jail and a maximum fine of HK$50,000.

The jail term goes up to three years if the illegal worker is an overstayer, asylum seeker or illegal immigrant.

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Anyone found in possession of fake HK identity cards could be imprisoned for up to 10 years and fined a maximum amount of HK$100,000.penalty of up to HK$500,000 in fines and imprisonment for 10 years.