Pinay pleads guilty to conspiracy to defraud Immigration

 

Visa application interview (Immigration Department file photo)

A Filipina was convicted of two counts of conspiring with others to lie to the Immigration Department to be able to arrange for a fellow Filipina to get an employment visa as a domestic helper, after she pleaded guilty at Shatin Court on Monday.

However, Magistrate Pang Leung-ting put off the sentencing of Jackielou Pasaporte, aged 45, to September 24.

In the meantime, he ordered her returned to jail.

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In the first conspiracy to defraud charge, contrary to Common Law and sections 2(3) and 4(2) of the Criminal Jurisdiction Ordinance and punishable under section 159C(6) of the Crimes Ordinance, Pasaporte admitted conspiring with Desiree Bernabe  and So Kam Lo to make it appear that Bernabe  would work for So as a domestic helper.

Her dishonesty and false representation to the Immigration director and his officers on or about May 13, 2025, induced them “to act contrary to their public duty, namely to grant Bernabe, Desiree Romero permission to enter and remain in Hong Kong in circumstances which they would not otherwise have granted,” the Immigration Department complaint said.

The second conspiracy to defraud that she admitted referred to her role in Bernabe’s visa application on June 26, 2025 purportedly showing that she entered into a domestic helper contract with Kwan Yun Pak.

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Pasaporte dishonestly and falsely represent(ed) to the (Immigration) director and his officers that Bernabe's entries to and remaining in Hong Kong were for the purpose of working as a domestic helper of Kwan, Yun Pak, the charge added.

As a result of the fraud, the Immigration officials were induced to grant Bernabe permission to enter and remain in Hong Kong in circumstances which they would not otherwise have granted, the Immgration said.

Check sanitary pads label, says Consumer Council

 

Products by LADIM took 73 seconds to absorb blood flow, says council

The Consumer Council has urged manufacturers of sanitary napkins to step up quality control and clearly label their products with key information such as expiry dates and materials used.

This followed after checks conducted by the Council on 36 disposable sanitary napkin models revealed significant differences in absorption speed, with one failing the mainland standard; and more than half omitting key label information.

Tests revealed that while 16 samples absorbed simulated menstrual blood within 10 seconds, one (LADIM) took 73 seconds, exceeding the mainland threshold of no more than 60 seconds. The council said longer absorption can cause discomfort and increased the risk of leakage.

DETAILS HERE

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Of the tested models, 19 or more than half of the samples, did not indicate the materials used, either in English or Chinese.

Seven samples only showed production dates and did not include expiry information, while one sample had no information on its expiration date at all.

According to the council’s chief executive Alaina Shum, pads can only be stored for a maximum of three years, otherwise, their absorption performance could be reduced, leading to possible growth of bacteria.

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However, despite the flaws found in some samples, all 36 labels passed safety and hygiene tests.

While Hong Kong currently has no legislation or standards for sanitary napkins, manufacturers are urged to strengthen quality control and clearly label their products.

Consumers, on the other hand, are advised to choose sanitary pads that are clearly labeled, keeping in mind the recommended period for storage, and to check for any damage in the packaging before buying. They should store them in well-ventilated places to prevent moisture absorption.

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.

 

Cebu Pac increases hand-carry bag allowance to 10kg

 

The new allowance applies to 5J flights only

Cebu Pacific will increase its hand-carry baggage allowance starting September 15, from seven kilos to 10 kilos for main airline (5J) flights, including those serving Hong Kong, the airline has announced.

In a customer advisory issued Friday (September 11), Cebu Pacific said the weight limit will apply to the combined weight of the overhead luggage measuring up to 56 by 36 by 23 centimeters, and one handbag or computer bag that can fit  under the seat.

DETAILS HERE

Any hand carry items exceeding the specified weight or size restrictions will be checked into the hold and subjected to applicable baggage fees, it said

Travelers must be able to comfortably lift and stow their carry-on luggage unassisted, the airline said.

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The updated policy applies to main-line Cebu Pacific flights, while subsidiary Cebgo will maintain its existing seven-kilogram cabin limit, the airline said.

To minimize delays at boarding gates, the airline encouraged passengers to pre-purchase baggage allowances available up to 2 hours before departure via the Cebu Pacific App or Manage Booking portal.

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Passengers are allowed up to 3 checked bags, whose base allowance starts at 20 kilos per piece, with upgrade increments of 4 kilos (available in 20 kilos, 24 kilos, 28 kilos, or up to 32 kilos per bag).

If a luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed, the passenger must report it immediately to any Cebu Pacific ground staff, or via our the Cebu Pacific app or website, so that proper action or compensation can be made..

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Compensation for delayed luggage, for example, is Php2,000 for every 24 hours of delay. If checked baggage is not delivered within 24 hours, the applicable baggage fees will be refunded.

Filipinos overseas urged to register for 2028 presidential election

 

There is just over a year before the registration to vote for the 2028 presidential election in the Philippines ends.

This was the reminder posted by the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong yesterday, to remind all Filipinos living abroad, no matter their visa status, that the registration for what could be a watershed election in the country will end on Sept 30, 2027.

DETAILS HERE

Registered overseas voters will be able to cast their ballot for President, Vice President, Senators and a Party-List in the month-long exercise until May 8, 2028.

Those qualified to register are Filipinos who are at least 18 years old on or before the date of the election, and are not otherwise disqualified by law.

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Newly arrived Filipinos, those who have never registered to vote before in Philippine national elections, or failed to vote in two consecutive elections, must register to vote in the 2028 election.

Those who wish to register should bring along their valid Philippine passports and visit the Overseas Voter Registration counters located on the 18^th floor and 29^th floor of United Centre building in Admiralty.

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Right now, newly arrived Filipino migrant workers are urged to register as voters when they attend the mandatory post-arrival orientation seminar at the OFW Global Centre in United Centre.

CFO, Customs link up to ease concerns over balikbayan boxes

 

Ang and Nepomuceno shake hands over the deal

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have signed an agreement to help provide Filipinos abroad with information and assistance on problems relating to balikbayan boxes, humanitarian donations and other shipment concerns.

CFO chairperson Dante Ang II and BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno signed the document formalizing the agreement yesterday.

Secretary Ang said the partnership will assure Filipinos overseas of an avenue to obtain accurate information about their shipments and which government offices to approach for assistance.

DETAILS HERE

“The problem is the lack of information. Through our existing networks and continuing dialogue with them, we can make sure they know who they can trust, what procedures to follow, and which BOC offices they can approach when they need assistance,” Ang said.

Before the agreement, Ang said the CFO had used regular press releases, posts on social media platforms, community engagements and overseas networks to inform Filipinos abroad about customs procedures, legitimate service providers, and the appropriate BOC offices to contact.

All these efforts are expected to be strengthened with the BOC’s active involvement.

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Customs Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of the new alliance, saying many OFs send balikbayan boxes on a regular basis to family members back in the Philippines.

“Through this partnership, we want to ensure that they have access to reliable information on customs requirements, proper shipping practices, and available government assistance whenever concerns arise,” Nepomuceno said.

Their agreement comes amid mounting problems about boxes being abandoned in container vans at various ports, including Manila, Cebu and Davao, mainly because freight forwarders failed to pay for port storage, handling and shipping fees.

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Other problems include pilferage and damage to boxes, with forwarding companies refusing to cover losses. Another common problem is the inordinate delay in the delivery of the boxes, made more serious by the lack of local tracking, tampering and damage.

To alleviate customers’ concerns, the government has at times intervened to get abandoned boxes sent to recipients at no extra cost, or if they remain stuck in overseas warehouses, find another company that would take over the shipment and delivery in the Philippines.

A Citi Express customer posted these photos of the boxes which she said were being delayed 

But the problems remain. Most recently in Hong Kong, a number of overseas Filipino workers sought help from various government agencies to track and recover boxes they sent through a company called Citi Express Cargo Services as early as November last year.

The complainants said on the company’s Facebook page that the company staff have been promising them for months that their boxes would arrive soon, but they never did.

Others said, however, that their boxes did arrive, but only after months of delay.

Under their agreement with CFO, the BOC will provide updated guidance on customs laws and procedures, regulated goods, documentation, duties and taxes, exemptions, permits, clearances, and other requirements.

In turn, the CFO will disseminate the information through its various platforms which they use to engage Filipinos who are abroad.The CFO chief added that the agreement should also prove useful to overseas Filipinos extending humanitarian assistance and donations to communities and institutions in the Philippines through programs such as LINKAPIL.

Free flu vaccine for 50 years old up back at MWO

The free vaccine for seasonal influenza or flu for those aged 50 years old and above will resume at the Migrant Workers Office’s conference room  on the 29^th floor of United Centre Building in Admiralty starting on Tuesday, Sept 22, until Sunday, Nov. 29. 

In between those dates, the vaccination will be given every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am t0 12:30pm, and on Sundays from 9am to 12:30pm. The full schedule is in the attached poster.

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To qualify for the free flu vaccine, one must turn 50 within this year, or older. Please bring your HKID card and vaccine record if available.

No prior registration is necessary, but shots will be given on a first come, first served basis.

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Applicants are advised to consult the MWO Facebook page for any updates.

The seasonal flu vaccination program started on September 17 across Hong Kong, with both public and subsidized private clinics administering the shots.

Everyone is urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as Hong Kong has officially commenced its active influenza season, with overall activity at a high level.

Pinay jailed 10 months for $1.8 money laundering

 Kwun Tong Court

Another Filipina has been jailed for 10 months after pleading guilty at Kwun Tong Court to allowing $1.8 million of proceeds from crime to pass though her bank account, and then withdrawn by unknown persons.

Rowena Costinar, 44 years old, had been charged with dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offense, contrary to sections 25 (1) and 25 (3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

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Acting Principal Magistrate Li Chi-ho handed the sentence to Costinar after deducting the usual one-third as credit for her guilty plea.

Costinar, a domestic helper, admitted to having dealt with $1,770,298.13 in her account with the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, during the 12 days between April 9 and 20, 2023.

She did the offense, together with another unknown person, “knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that property, … represented any person's proceeds of an indictable offence,” the police complaint said.

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Meanwhile, in the same court, Roel Capuli, 54 years old. pleaded not guilty to the charge of cruelty to animals, contrary to section 3(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance.

Magistrate Li scheduled his trial for December 2. He is out on bail of $500.

Capuli is charged with cruelly ill-treating two dogs and causing unnecessary suffering to the said dogs on  September 26, 2025 on Ho Chung Road, Sai Kung Division, Ho Chung, Sai Kung, New Territories.

Pinay acquitted of 3 counts of money laundering

 

Eva Rose Tacda right poses with friend Lea dela Cruz after trial at Kwun Tong Court

Kwun Tong Court today acquitted after trial a Filipina domestic helper of three counts of money laundering, on the day she celebrated her 50^th birthday, ending three years of anxiety that began when police knocked on her employer’s door.

Eva Rose Tacda muttered thanks as she tearfully hugged the court interpreter, the duty lawyer’s interpreter, a friend who sheltered her since June, and the lawyer who defended her in the trial.  

She was charged with three counts 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.

DETAILS HERE

Deputy Magistrate Breanne Kwok said prosecution failed to present reliable evidence that Tacda opened the three bank accounts used by unknown persons to receive deposits from victims of scams, and from which withdrawals of a total of $2.18 million were made.

Magistrate Kwok said she believed her narrative that her Facebook acocunt was hacked and in her effort to recover it, she followed instructions to send images of her Hong Kong ID card, and pose for various angles of her face.

She said these same images ended up being used to open the three bank accounts used in money laundering. There was “no sufficient evidence she was the one who uploaded the photos,” the magistrate added.

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She also noted that the banks’ application forms were in Chinese, her listed addresses differed from her real address, her mobile phone had no traces of having been used in opening the accounts and she did not know the existence of these accounts.

The first charge arose from deposits and withdrawals totaling $256,510.1 in her MOX Bank Ltd. account within two days, on Feb. 22-23, 2023.

In an interview, Tacda said police filed a money laundering charge against her in September 2023 and confiscated her mobile phone. 

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However, two more charges were filed against her a year later, this time for her alleged handling of $940,356 though deposits and withdrawals in her Standard Chartered Bank account on February 22-27, 2023, and the inflow and outflow of $983,839 in her HSBC account also on February 22-27, 2023.

She said her priority now is processing her new visa as she has found a new employer.

She has been jobless since her employer left Hong Kong for good last June, and has been staying with a friend, Lea dela Cruz, a fellow member of the Mormon church.

Police say money problems drove Filipina to hang self

 

The death happened in this luxurious residential estate

A 36-year-old Filipina domestic helper was found hanging by a rope inside the bathroom of her employer’s flat in the luxury residential estate, Victoria Coast in Pokfulam, early today, Wednesday.

DETAILS HERE

Police who were called to the scene at 7:17am by the helper’s employer said the victim left a suicide note indicating financial problems as the cause.

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The victim with initials M.D.C.  was declared dead at the scene.

Police have classified the death as suicide but an autopsy will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.

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The Migrant Workers Office has confirmed receiving a report on the death.

We will update the story when we get more information.

If you are feeling depressed or are having suicidal thoughts, please call The Samaritans' 24-hour hotline, 2896 0000 for free counseling. Filipinos, especially domestic workers, may also call the hotline of the Migrant Workers Office, 6345 9324, or the Mission for Migrant Workers, 9529 2326.