Labatt Chavez reminds recruiters to help protect OFWs

 

Labatt Chavez reminds agencies they are MWO's partner in looking after OFWs

Philippine Labor Attache to Hong Kong Cesar L. Chavez has reminded Hong Kong employment agencies accredited with the Department of Migrant Workers that it is their job to look after the welfare of overseas Filipino workers.

He made his statement when he met with representatives of 333 accredited agencies during two separate sessions on Feb. 12, his first since assuming his post last December. A brief write-up on the day-long meetings was posted on the Facebook page of the Migrant Workers Office.

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“I remind you of your contractual and moral obligations. You are in the business of human resources. Look after these workers and protect the welfare of our OFWs,” said Labatt Chavez.

He reminded the agencies that they are partners of the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong in protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of OFWs. 

Their responsibilities include the immediate reporting of significant incidents involving OFWs.

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In a separate meeting with Filipino media groups in Hong Kong earlier, the labor chief said he had suspended the employment agency of an OFW who was repeatedly assaulted in public by her employer, as shown in videos that quickly went viral.

In the last assault that reportedly happened near the Olympic MTR station, police were called by concerned passersby. Police said they arrested the employer but allowed her to post bail until the next hearing of the assault charge.

Labatt Chavez said the agency that placed the Filipina should have notified the authorities about the assault immediately so the Filipina would have been rescued earlier. 

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“I don’t need partners that are non-compliant, hindi pwede yung pera-pera lang,” (not those who are only after the money) he said. 

Labatt Chavez was joined in the meeting by top officialso of the MWO and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Hong Kong.

The forum also gave recruiters the opportunity to raise their concerns directly with the Philippines’ top labor envoy in Hong Kong.

Pinay gets 'enhanced' sentence of 15 months in jail for money laundering

 

The stiffer sentence was handed down at Fanling Magistrates' Court

A Filipina former domestic helper who denied complicity in the transfer of more than $300,000 in tainted money in her bank account was convicted of money laundering and sentenced to 15 months in prison at Fan Ling Magistracy yesterday, Feb. 12.

Emilyn B. Olarte, 40 years old, was found to have dealt with a total of HK$321,352.22 in criminal proceeds, in an account in her name with ZA Bank Limited, between Oct 12, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024.

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She pleaded not guilty to one count of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence, contrary to sections 25 (1) and (3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

But after trial, Magistrate Kenneth Chan found her guilty of the offence, and imposed the standard 15 months’ jail term for money laundering in which the amount involved was around $300,000.

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No discount was given as she chose to dispute the charge.

Sentences for money laundering have been increased or "enhanced" at the behest of police and the Department of Justice because of the increasing number of cases of this nature.

However, just yesterday, HK Police Commissioner Joe Chow told the Legislative Council that fraud cases fell 2.9 percent overall last year, the first time a decline was recorded since 2019.

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Olarte was assisted in her case by the assistance to nationals team of the Philippine Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong.

 

Bethune House flooded with requests for Disneyland treat

 

Apart from the free park tickets, lucky FDWs will get 2 meal vouchers and $50 in Octopus credit

The Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge (Bethune House) has issued an advisory saying it will not entertain any calls on its hotline regarding the free Disneyland package from Li Ka Shing Foundation and HK Disnelyand that it is helping to distribute.

Bethune House said it was delighted that it was chosen as one of three charity groups that will serve as the donors’ partners in distributing the free Disneyland packages to 5,000 migrant workers.

But it said it would set up an online registration for the Disney treats at a later date, through its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/share/16p6W1YkX2/ and website: bethunehouse.org

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Meantime, it said it wanted “to inform the migrant domestic workers community and their employers that as at the moment, we shall not entertain calls  (93380035) that pertains to the free Disneyland package until further notice.”

The two other non-governmental organizations chosen to help distribute the Disneyland packaged treats were Christian Action and Indonesian Migrant Workers Union.

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Aside from complimentary entrance tickets to HK Disneyland, each free packages includes vouchers for two full meals and snacks at the park, as well as an Octopus card with $50 load.

This is third consecutive year that Li Ka Shing Foundation and HK Disneyland have treated FDWs at the park, in recognition of their valuable contribution to Hong Kong society.

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Last January HK Disneyland also issued free entrance tickets to FDWs in distress as well as health care providers. Among the beneficiaries were the victims of the massive fire in Tai Po last year that killed 116 people.

 

CNY fireworks display to be held at 8pm on February 18

 

Photo shows scene eight: "Triumphant Achievement".

The 2026 Chinese New Yearf fireworks display on Victoria Harbor at 8pm on Feb. 18 will be the center of events being lined up through the Lantern Festival on March 3 to welcome the Year of the Horse.

The display can be seen from vantage points on both sides of the harbour, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Mid-Levels, Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Hung Hom.  It will have 31,888 firing shells to be discharged in a 23-minute extravaganza synchronized with the music broadcast by Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 4 (FM 97.6 to 98.9).

In addition to the fireworks, a number of festivals are being laid out to transform Hong Kong with large-scale decorations and traditional performances, such as:

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International Night Parade: Held on Feb. 17 in Tsim Sha Tsui, featuring world-class floats and performances.

Lantern Displays: A major lantern display is held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza (Feb 12 – Mar 15), featuring traditional craftsmanship and themes like horses and lions. Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai is also famous for its dense "sea" of red lanterns.

Flower Markets: Operating the week leading up to CNY, the largest is in Victoria Park (Causeway Bay). Locals visit to buy "lucky" plants like peach blossoms (romance), kumquat trees (wealth), and orchids (abundance).

DETAILS HERE

Mall Decorations: Major malls like Harbour City, Pacific Place, and Festival Walk install elaborate thematic displays, often collaborating with brands or artists for unique photo spots.

The CNY fireworks display is co-ordinated by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and is sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

This year's theme, "Prosperity Gallops Across Hong Kong", will be presented in eight distinctive scenes.

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The opening scene, "Galloping into the New Year", features a high-density burst of fireworks resembling galloping horses charging forward, setting an energetic tone for the show.

Following that, layers of shells build up to evoke the grandeur of thousands of horses in motion, symbolising a promising start to the Year of the Horse.

In the third  scene, "Celebrating the New Spring Together", the sky above Victoria Harbour will bloom with the number "8" fireworks and golden ingot patterns, conveying wishes for wealth, prosperity, and abundance in the new year.

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The fourth scene, "Vision of Harmony", features star-like fireworks drifting across the sky like peaceful horses galloping toward the horizon, symbolizing love and hope for the world. This scene concludes with the Chinese character "吉" (meaning "good fortune"), sending blessings to Hong Kong.

 The grand finale, "Triumphant Achievement", will feature majestic crown-shaped fireworks followed by a rapid-fire sequence of high-density bursts, delivering best wishes for the prosperity of the nation and good fortune for all.

HK Police reports drop in scam cases

 

Police Commissioner Joe Chow reports on crime situation at LegCo

Hong Kong’s Commissioner of Police Joe Chow has told the Legislative Council’s security panel that fraud cases fell by 2.9 percent overall last year, marking its first drop since 2019.

However, they still made up nearly half of all crimes recorded in 2025 and the total losses amounted to a still hefty amount of HK$8.1 billion.

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Online shopping scams which accounted for nearly 30 percent of all scam cases, bucked the declining trend, rising 8.2 percent year-on-year, partly due to a surge in concert ticket scams.

But the heaviest losses amounting to more than HK$3.5 billion resulted from investment scams, with mainland students as the main targets. Chow said cases involving the students rose by 3.6 times.

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"It's not just mainland students [falling victim to scams]. For the general public, the total amount of money lost due to online investment scams was the most among all kinds of deception cases," Chow said.

Because of this, police are now giving more attention to online investment scams, he added.

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The police commissioner also said there were more than 8,800 cases of violent crime last year, which reflected a drop of nearly 16 percent from 2024.

As regards national security cases, Wong said since the National Security Law was passed in 2020, a total of 385 people have been arrested, with more than half of them prosecuted.

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He said the police will continue to resolutely take action against those who attempt to endanger national security.

Li Ka Shing Foundation to treat 5k FDWs to Disneyland

 

FDW victims of the Tai Po fire were among those invited to HK Disneyland on Jan 4 this year

For the third year in a row, the Li Ka Shing Foundation, in cooperation with Hong Kong Disneyland, will treat 5,000 foreign domestic workers to an all-expenses paid visit to Disneyland.

But this time around, FDWs from various nationalities will get the chance to experience the thrill of exploring the “happiest place on earth”, with their transportation fare and meals all paid for.

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For the two visit dates set for March 29 and April 12, each participant will receive a one-day admission ticket to Hong Kong Disneyland, meal vouchers covering two full meals and one special snack, and an Octopus card for transportation to and from the resort.

Three non-governmental organizations have been tapped to choose and invite the lucky FDWs who will get to join the visit: Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, Indonesian Migrant Workers Union, Bethune House, and Christian Action.

DETAILS HERE

Previously, the treat was enjoyed mostly by Filipino migrant workers, along with some Indonesians.

This time, the invitation will be extended to a wider range of nationalities, including Indians, Sri Lankans, Nepalis and Thais, so the number of tickets has also been increased by 1,000 from the previous 4,000.

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Since 2024 the Li Ka Shing Foundation and HK Disneyland have been teaming up annually to entertain and pay tribute to 4,000 of the city’s hardworking FDW population. With the expanded invitation, the number of participants was increased to 5,000 this year.

Separately, on Jan 4 and 25 this year, Hong Kong Disneyland invited thousands of FDWs as part of the celebrations for its 20^th founding anniversary.

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Among those who were invited through the Mission for Migrant Workers and Bethune Hous were FDW survivors of the deadly fire in Tai Po last year.

DH pleads not guilty to laundering $1.1M

 

A Filipino domestic helper has posted bail of $30,000 when she appeared at Eastern Court on Feb 10 and pleaded not guilty to one count of money laundering.

Daisy Eugenio, 53 years old,  was told to appear in court again on April for her trial. 

She is accused 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.

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DETAILS HERE

Eugenio is accused of dealing with $1,125,995.38 in her account with Mox Bank Limited between the 7th and the 17th day of January 2024.

In a hearing on Tuesday (Feb 10), Principal Magistrate David Cheung set conditions for her release, such as surrender of her passport, not leaving Hong Kong while the case is pending, report regularly to a police station, and informing the police if she is movng to another address.

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He added that interpreters and video equipment will be arranged for her trial.

Magistrate Cheung inquired into the preparations of both prosecution and defense and set a one-day trial.

Child scalded by hot rice causes Filipina DH to be charged with neglect

The case is being heard at Eastern Law Courts

A Filipina domestic helper charged with willful neglect in looking after a one-year-old child was allowed to post $100 bail when she appeared before Eastern Principal Magistrate David Cheung earlier today, Feb. 10.

The 44-year-old Filipina identified only by her initials P.S.T., was told to surrender her passport and report to the Yau Ma Tei Police station while on bail, until her next court appearance on Mar 24, when she is due to enter her plea.

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DETAILS HERE

But her temporary discharge was held up for a while when she told the court that she had lost her passport. She was instructed to make a declaration to this effect first before posting her bail.

The Filipina was accused of willful neglect when the young girl in her care was allegedly scalded by steaming rice that the helper was scooping from a rice cooker. The alleged incident happened on Sept. 3 last year at a flat in North Point.

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The formal charge said that P.S.T., “being a person over the age of 16 years who had the charge or care of X, aged 1, did willfully neglect the said X in a manner likely to cause the said X unnecessary suffering.”

The offence is said to be contrary to Sec 27(1) of the Offences Against Persons Ordinance.

DH jailed 12 months for laundering $300K

 

File photo

A domestic helper was jailed today by Eastern Court for 12 months for letting $300,000 of money derived from crime enter her bank account, indicating the courts’ increasingly strict stance on money laundering.

The sentence, handed down on Jevie C. Senal, 32 years old, by Principal Magistrate David Cheung, is one of the stiffest for the sum involved.

Senal was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport as she was about to board a flight to the Philippines. 

She admitted accepting a reward of $1,000 for letting a friend take control of her bank account.

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In sentencing, Magistrate Cheung said he consulted recent cases to come up with a starting point of 18 months, and gave Senal a one-third discount for her guilty plea, resulting in a sentence of 12 months' imprisonment.

Senal was charged by police with 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.

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Police said Senal, together with other persons unknown, handled $300,000 in her account with Hang Seng Bank Limited between July 11, 2023 and Aug. 10, 2023.

She did this “knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that property … in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, represented any person's proceeds of an indictable offence.”

DETAILS HERE

Magistrate Cheung noted that of the $300,000 handled in her bank account, $200,000 came from PW1 (prosecution witness 1) who described her loss in a statement.

In her mitigation, Senal’s defense lawyer said she was remorseful and underestimated the seriousness of her offense.

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A single mom of two kids being taken care of by her sister, she was the family’s breadwinner. She also had breast tumor, the lawyer said, and wanted to go home soon.

14 persons arrested in crackdown on FDHs doing illegal work

 

Five current FDHs were among those arrested

A five-day operation targeting foreign domestic helpers who breached their condition of stay by working illegally has resulted in the arrest of 14 persons, according to a statement issued by the Immigration Department today, Monday.

Those arrested comprised seven suspected illegal workers, all of them women and aged 22 to 55, and seven employers.

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Of the seven workers, five had existing FDH contracts, one was an overstaying former helper and one held a recognizance document, which allowed her to remain in Hong Kong but not work.

They were arrested while allegedly working as salon assistants or sales agents or taking up cleaning duties and household work at places other than what is stated in their employment contracts.

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The seven suspected employers comprising two men and five women aged 39 to 69, were owners or managers of the companies or restaurants involved.

A copy of a forged HK identity card was also found during the operation.

DETAILS HERE

Also targeted during the raids carried out from Feb. 5 to 9 were retail shops, beauty centers, hair salons, fitness centers, guesthouses, commercial buildings and residential units.

An overstayer and an asylum seeker were also among those arrested

Immigration again warned that FDHs are not allowed to work outside of their employer’s residences. Those found violating this prohibition could be jailed for up to two years and fined a maximum of $50,000.

Overstayers, those facing removal or deportation order such as recognizance paper holders who fail in their court bid to challenge Immigration’s order denying their application to remain in Hong Kong, face a higher sentence of up to three years in prison, plus a $50,000 fine.

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Employers of illegal workers could be fined as much as $500,000 and jailed for up to 10 years.