Labor leader urges Unifil-Migrante to strengthen ranks

 

Jerome Adonis addresses the crowd

A visiting labor leader from the Philippines has called on United Filipinos in Hong Kong (Unifil Migrante-HK) to continue expanding so it can further strengthen its advocacy of advancing the interests of Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong.

Jerome Adonis, chairperson of Kilusang May Uno, the largest trade union in the Philippines and a National Council member of the Makabayan Coalition, made his remarks at the 41^st anniversary celebration of Unifil-Migrante held at Chater Road on Sunday.

While hailing Unifil’s long legacy of promoting the interests and welfare of Filipino migrants in Hong Kong, Adonis said much still needs to be done, considering the continuing exodus of Filipinos looking for work abroad.

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He said there are not enough industries in the Philippines so millions of Filipinos have to work outside the country to sustain their families’ needs. If there are jobs at all in the country, the salary is well below what they need to be able to live decently.

“Sigurado kung may nakakabuhay na kita ang mga Pilipino hindi na sila mag o OFW (I am sure if Filipinos are paid a living wage they would not want to work abroad anymore), said Adonis.

Adonis and Unifil chair Dolores Balladares (behind him) join a Cordillera dance

“Kaya ito ang hamon ko sa Unifil. Palakasin pa ninyo ang hanay ninyo.” (This is my challenge to you. Continue to strengthen your ranks).

As it is, the already dire situation in the Philippines has gotten worse because of the fuel crisis sparked by the Middle East conflict, he said.

He cited latest statistics showing three million Filipinos are now unemployed, with the inflation rate hitting a three-year high of 7.2%.

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The peso has also sunk to its lowest level in history, which though it may sound favourable to dollar-earning Filipinos, is actually harmful to the country’s economy as it raises the costs of imports, and as a consequence leads to higher food prices.

Low-income earners suffer the most, he said, considering that the daily pay of Php411 (HK$53) that farmers make will never allow them to make ends meet.

“Sadsad sa hirap at sadsad sa gutom ang mga Pilipino,” (Filipinos have hit rock-bottom, overworked and hungry).

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Despite these problems, the Philippine government is just doing patch-up (patse-patse) work instead of coming up with concrete solutions to the problem.

Since oil is the main driver for the economy now, what the government should do is to suspend oil deregulation and resume control over pump prices, said Adonis. It should also do away with the value added tax and the excise tax on fuel so the benefits from this would cascade down to lower prices of basic commodities.

Over and above all these, he said the government should stop corruption and ensure the economy is not left at the mercy of big businesses.

Cultural group 'Likha' takes a bow after a play on OFWs' travails

The day-long event on Chater Road featured dances, songs, and a play that dealt with the challenges faced by OFWs before leaving the country, and once they start working in Hong Kong.

Various leaders of Filipino community groups and migrant support organizations also praised Unifil-Migrante’s four decades of active engagement in pursuit of better work conditions for migrants, and expressed continued support.

MFMW general manager Cynthia Tellez holds a poster in support of migrant mothers

As the day fell on Mother's Day, there was also extensive reference to the sacrifices made by migrant mothers who are forced to leave the country so they could provide for a better life for their family, especially their children, back home.

Also held on the same day was Care to Caregivers, a regular program organized by the Mission for Migrant Workers, to provide various services for free to MDWs, including massage therapy, blood pressure and glucose tests, acupuncture, consultations for legal and work-related concerns, and many others.

Pinay alleged to have stolen more than 5 watches

 

The theft allegedly took place in one of the units at Deerhill Bay (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina remanded in jail for two counts of theft of five watches worth more than $1 million, had one of the charges against her withdrawn to consolidate the watches under one charge, plus new items added to the list of items allegedly stolen from her employers.

Jeanny Llarenas, 50 years old, is now charged with theft for allegedly stealing five watches, two gold pendants, three necklaces, one pair of earrings and two bracelets between of March 26, 2025 and Oct. 15, 2025 at their house n Deerhill Bay on Tai Po Road - Tai Po Kau, Tai Po.

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With the new charge, Fanling Court Magistrate Acting Principal Magistrate Jason Wan elevated the case to the District Court, which will start hearing the case on on May 28.

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Originally, when the case was taken up by Fanling Court on Dec. 12, 2025, she was accused in the first charge filed by police, of stealing two Rolex watches with a total value of $500,000 on an unknown date between June 1 and Oct 15 this year.

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The second charge involves the theft of two Rolex watches and a Citizen watch worth a total  of $510,000 during the same period.

Llarenas will remain in jail until the case of violation of section 9 of the Theft Ordinance resumes at the District Court.

PCG to hold raffle as part of Philippine Independence Day celebration

 

Join the raffle draw now for a chance to win one of the minor prizes

To celebrate the 128^th anniversary of Philippine Independence in Hong Kong, the Philippine Consulate will be holding a raffle where “exciting prizes” will be given away to lucky participants.

Participants must be Filipinos working, studying or residing in Hong Kong and are at least 18 years old.

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There will be two categories of prizes to be drawn. Minor prizes will be drawn on June 7, and participants need to register and complete the mapping survey conducted by the Consulate for overseas Filipinos.  To join, just scan the QR code in the attached poster or click on this link: https://tinyurl.com/HKPCG-Mapping.

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For the major and grand prizes, a draw will be held at Chater Road on June 14 during the Filipino community celebration of Independence Day. Participants must be physically present at the venue to register and get a chance to win in the raffle.

Contest rules

Raffle winners will be asked to present their original Hong Kong ID card when claiming their prizes. Minor prizes may be claimed at the Consulate while major and grand prizes will be awarded during the program on Chater Road.

The day-long program will kick off with an interfaith prayer, followed by a Catholic mass. The traditional Kapangyawan Parade will then be held, with led by Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. and other Consulate officials.

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Cultural performances will then follow, with the three main islands in the Philippines being represented by dancers from various groups pre-selected by the Consulate.

The second part of the program will be a celebration of Migrant Workers Day to be led by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administraiton. There will be a Serbisyo Caravan, a Philippine Festivals competition and a dance contest called OWWAW Sayaw, where prizes ranging from HK$5,000 to HK$10,000 will be awarded to winners.

 

2 Pinoys granted bail for assault cases

 

Place where the alleged assault is said to have taken place (Google Maps photo)

Two Filipinos facing assault charges walked out of jail Friday after the Eastern Court allowed them to post cash bail with conditions before adjourning their cases.

Principal Magistrate David Cheung set a $2,000 cash bail for Jayson Padilla, 50 years old, and – in a separate case – a $500 cash bail for Raynard Manaol. 20 years old. In addition, they were ordered not to leave Hong Kong, reside at their registered address, report to police three times a week, not contact the alleged victims and not go back to the place where the offense was allegedly committed.

Noting that Padilla was unrepresented by a lawyer, Magistrate Cheung told him: “You need to go to the Duty Lawyer Service on the 7th floor. Please file your application today.”

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Padilla was charged with common assault contrary to Common Law and punishable under section 40 of the Offences against the Person Ordinance, and criminal intimidation contrary to section 24(a)(i) of the Crimes Ordinance.

A police complaint accused him of assaulting a certain Daisy Matuba last April 16, 2026 inside the kitchen on the ground floor of 21 Horizon Drive, Chung Hom Kok, Hong Kong.

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In addition, he allegedly threatened Matuba with injury to her person, with intent to alarm her, on the same date and place.

The case resumes on May 29.

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Manaol faces a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm ontrary to section 19 of the Offenses Against the Person Ordinance, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to Common Law and punishable under section 39 of the Offences against the Person Ordinance.

The police complaint charged Manaol with “unlawfully and maliciously” inflicting grievous bodily harm to a certain Tiu Kai Yau on Dec. 26, 2025 outside Causeway Bay Plaza 2, 463-483 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai.

He was also accused of assaulting a certain Lam Siu Ming Simon, thereby occasioning actual bodily harm, on the same date and place.

Manaol returns to court on June 22.

2 overstayers among 23 persons arrested in anti-illegal work raids

 

One of the women arrested for suspected illegal work is led away for questioning

The latest week-long operations conducted by the Immigration Department and other government enforcers to flush out illegal workers has resulted in 23 people being arrested, including two who have overstayed their visas.

Those arrested in the territory-wide operations conducted from April 30 to May 7 also included 16 suspected illegal workers and five employers.

The suspected illegal workers comprised seven men and nine women, aged 21 to 63. They included a man holding a recognizance form meant to prevent him being deported, but does not allow him to take any employment; and a woman in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card.

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Three men and two women, aged 37 to 66, were held on suspicion of employing the illegal workers. An investigation into the operation is continuing and further arrests are not being ruled out.

Those targeted in the raids were warehouses, massage parlors and premises under renovation.

7 men are among 16 suspected illegal workers arrested during the raids

Illegal work is a serious offence in Hong Kong, for which a custodial sentence is usually prescribed. The maximum penalty is up to two years in prison and fine of up to HK$50,000.

Overstaying or working while under recognizance are aggravating factors which raise the maximum jail term to three years.

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Holding a forged identity card is even more serious, as the prescribed penalty is imprisonment for up to 10 years and a maximum fine of HK$100,000.

Employers face the most severe penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$500,000.

The other government agencies that took part in the raids were the Customs and Excise Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Police Force.

Pinoy charged over marijuana in luggage remanded

 

Photo of marijuana buds seized at airport (Customs file photo) 

A Filipino visitor was returned to jail Thursday (May 7), where he has been detained for nine months, after appearing before West Kowloon Court, charged with drug trafficking and importing an alternative smoking product.

Clay John Nieto, 29 years old and a photographer, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand on July 25, 2025, according to the Customs and Excise Department.

He was arrested at the Baggage Examination Counter S5, Customs Arrival Hall B., Passenger Terminal Building 1, Hong Kong International Airport shortly after officers found in his luggage a still-undetermined quantity of cannabis (marijuana) buds.

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He was charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 4 (1) (a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, after the marijuana was allegedly found in his check-in luggage.

He was also charged with importing an alternative smoking product, contrary to Section 13B of the Import and Export Ordinance after they allegedly found a vape in his possession.

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Principal Magistrate Don So remanded him in jail, partly because he had no permanent address in Hong Kong, after the prosecution asked for an adjournment for further legal advice.

He scheduled the resumption of the case for July 2.

          

NGO says migrants rest in tents because they have nowhere to go

 

Migrants' tents are sprouting all over HK (SCMP photo)

The longest-serving support organization for migrant workers in Hong Kong has reiterated its long-standing call for better accommodation and concern for the welfare of all foreign domestic helpers in the city.

The call by the Mission for Migrant Workers was made after an article published in the English daily, South China Morning Post, reported on many migrant workers seeking shelter inside tents set up at bus terminals on their holiday.

When interviewed the migrants said they have nowhere else to go to rest as they are often driven away from parks and other public areas where they used to hang out.

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The Mission said this phenomenon is “definitely disappointing” but not surprising, given that 2 out of 5 migrant workers it surveyed last year do not have their own room in employer’s house.

This can also be explained by the survey results showing that 1 in 20 suffer abuse and 1 in 25 suffer from stress-related illnesses.

Given these, many workers are forced to stay outdoors to sleep, rest and de-stress whenever they’re off work, said the group.

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The MFMW attributes the disturbing results to the government’s ban on live-out arrangements for migrant workers which it has long tried to repeal.

“We believe that having private accommodation is the right of all humans, including workers and migrant domestic workers. However, it is unfortunate that this right is not recognised and is being criminalised in Hong Kong,” said the MFMW.

It is particularly disappointing in the wake of the deadly Tai Po fire, when migrant workers were hailed for bravely standing by their wards in the face of tremendous risks to their own lives.

“We can sustain the appreciation we showed for migrant workers in the aftermath of the fire by addressing their needs and promoting their rights,” said the Mission.

This means, translating that concern and empathy shown by the community into concrete improvements in the working condition of all migrant domestic workers, said the MFMW.

“We call for concrete changes that respect migrant workers’ dignity, safety, and freedom to live with privacy and autonomy. Hong Kong can only be truly inclusive when every worker is valued and supported,” it added.

Tulfo told DFA overseas posts must open on OFWs’ days off

 

Senator Tulfo during a visit to the Migrant Workers Office in HK last year

Senator Raffy Tulfo who heads the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers has called on the Department of Foreign Affairs not to close its embassies and consulates abroad on days when overseas Filipino workers are off work.

He reiterated this call on his official Facebook page yesterday, when he reposted photos from is meeting with DFA officials during a joint hearing on Apr 30 with the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development.

Senator Tulfo mentioned in particular complaints from OFWs in the Middle East whose days off fall on a Friday, when most of the foreign posts are closed. Said OFWs are said to have complained about the difficulty of accessing government services such as document processing on this day.

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Tulfo also mentioned recurring complaints about Philippine embassies and consulates being closed during holidays in both the Philippines and their host countries.

Senator Tulfo said it is not right for officers and staff of government posts abroad to enjoy “double holidays” as they must prioritize the needs of OFWs.

He told DFA Assistant Secretary for the Office of Migration Affairs Angelica Escalona to open all foreign posts more often, or to at least have a skeletal force, particularly on days when most OFWs are off work so their concerns and complaints are addressed on time.

Escalona immediately acknowledged the senator’s concern, and promised a review of the DFA’s relevant policy.

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She also said overseas posts are allowed to choose a number of days when they could close their offices, which do not necessarily include all the holidays at the host country and the Philippines.

Unifil-Migrante spearheaded call for the PCG to open on Saturday

The same grievance is often expressed by OFWs in Hong Kong, where the consulate is closed every Friday and Saturday, and during most holidays in the Philippines and here, including the recent long holiday over Holy Week.

In response to the clamor, Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. has directed that the consulate be opened at least one Saturday per month to provide service to a big number of OFWs whose day off falls on this day.

However, militant groups under the Unifil-Migrante banner are urging a regular Saturday service for the Consulate.

 

 

 

DH shuts down illegal sale of obesity, heart medicines

The Department of Health (DH) has shut down the operations of a woman suspected of selling anti-obesity and heart medicines illegally, and warned residents not to buy drugs unregistered in Hong Kong and which are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.

The DH carried out a raid with the Police today in Tin Shui Wai district, arresting a 43-year-old woman after purchasing, via an instant messaging application, controlled medicines which included a box of  injections labelled as containing tirzepatide, and 10 tablets labelled as containing frusemide.

Tirzepatide is used for the treatment of obesity, and its side effects include hair loss, nausea and diarrhea. Frusemide is used for the treatment of heart diseases, and its side effects include low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance.

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Medicines containing tirzepatide and frusemide should be used under a doctor's direction and must be supplied on the premises of a licensed pharmacy.

“Purchasing controlled medicines (including slimming drugs) online poses health risks,” the DH said. “Besides the lack of a doctor's assessment of an individual's health condition, it is difficult to ascertain the legitimate source of the drugs. It is also impossible to know whether the drugs were properly stored during transportation (especially for drugs requiring cold-chain storage). This leaves their safety, quality and efficacy unguaranteed.”

The DH also reminds the public that selling medicines controlled under the PPO illegally, regardless of the sales channel (including online sales platforms, instant messaging applications or social media), carries criminal liability. The maximum penalty for each offense is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

According to the PPO, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Additionally, pharmaceutical products containing Part 1 poisons can only be sold at the registered premises of a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.

The DH reminds the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". 

We rest in tents because we have nowhere to go, say migrants

 

Camping tents on Chater Road were banned in 2017

Migrant workers’ coalition Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, has lashed back at complaints published in social media and mainstream media about migrant domestic workers camping out in tents at bus terminals, parks and other public areas during the holidays.

The reports came out after pictures of tents lined up at public places across the city were posted online, prompting suggestions they were used by mainland tourists who came in droves during the “golden week” holidays.

It turned out, migrant workers were the ones using the tents as their resting spaces, with many saying they had been driven out of parks where they used to spend their days off.

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In a statement, AMCB spokesperson Sheila Tebia- Bonifacio said migrant workers are forced to hang out in tents or on cardboard boxes on their days off because they have nowhere to go to rest their tired body and mind after six days of long and backbreaking work.

“Instead of viewing MDWs hanging out in public areas as a ‘public problem,’ shouldn’t the sending sending and host governments be asked what kind of services they are providing to the more than 340,000 MDWs who play such a vital role in taking care of the majority of Hong Kong families?”, said Bonifacio.

She cited a recent AMCB study that showed 70% of migrant workers (35 out of 50 respondents) are not provided their own room in their employers’ houses.

“So, it is not surprising that, despite the hot weather and uncomfortable resting places, MDWs stay in these areas because most of them do not have proper accommodation at their employers' houses,” Bonifacio added.

She called on the Hong Kong government to address the lack of proper accommodation for MDWs and provide them with dedicated resting places during Sundays and public holidays.

Bonifacio also claimed that discrimination has replaced the previously tolerant attitude of the Hong Kong government towards MDWs who use open public spaces to gather on their days off.

“While parks used to be open for domestic workers to hang out, now even sitting is gradually being banned, displacing MDWs from Chater Garden, the footbridges in Central, and other areas. MDWs have nowhere to go during the rest of the day, because we have no home in HK and are trapped in a mandatory live-in policy,” said Bonifacio.

Police dismantling cardboard 'rooms' off Chater Road during the pandemic

Because many migrant workers are forced to live with their employers in tiny flats where they are not given their own rooms, they are left with no choice but to stay outdoors, where a tent of a makeshift cardboard shelter is all they could use to give them privacy and protection from the weather, said Bonifacio.

A Filipino educator who recently came to Hong Kong to conduct a research on long-distance parenting by migrant women, supported AMCB’s call for a rethink of how Hong Kong could provide suitable rest spaces for migrant workers, especially during Sundays and public holidays.

In a Facebook post, Wilbert Wanas suggested that the Hong Kong government, in consultation with community and migrant organizations, identify more suitable resting areas for migrant workers during these days.

“These may be shaded, accessible areas with seating, toilets, drinking water, and proper waste facilities. Such spaces need not be extravagant. They only need to recognize that rest requires more than permission. It requires place,”said Wanas.

On top of these, she suggested the government revisit how the living conditions inside employers’ homes are monitored in terms of privacy, suitable accommodation and humane working conditions.

She also advocated for strengthening support for shelter and migrant help centers, saying their experiences could help policymakers better understand the kind of assistance needed by migrant workers before something untoward happens.

 

 

 

 

Campaign focuses on promoting handwashing

 

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) launched today a year-long campaign to promote handwashing to safeguard community health.

“International studies show that keeping hands clean can not only prevent the transmission of up to 80 per cent of drug-resistant bacteria (pathogenic bacteria) in hospitals, but also prevent approximately 30 per cent of diarrhea-related illnesses and about 20 per cent of respiratory infections,” according to CHP Controller Dr Edwin Tsui.

The launch was in support of World Hand Hygiene Day, promulgated by the World Health Organization (WHO).

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The campaign promotes the seven steps of hand hygiene: thoroughly rubbing the palms, backs of hands, finger webs, backs of fingers, thumbs, fingertips, and wrists for at least 20 seconds to ensure thorough cleaning.

“Under the slogan 'Clean Hands Bring Health', the CHP's campaign this year will feature a step-by-step flowchart and reminder stickers on hand hygiene, or promotional videos at over 2 200 locations throughout Hong Kong, including public and private hospitals, government clinics, District Health Centres, residential care homes for the elderly, elderly service units under the Social Welfare Department (SWD), public markets, and cooked food markets.

The CHP also collaborated with various stakeholders, including the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the SWD, to build a hand hygiene-friendly environment and disseminate health messages about hand hygiene to the community, building upon the provision of hand hygiene facilities by these institutions.

CHP said people should clean their hands promptly at the following moments to prevent the spread of diseases:

• Before and after touching one's eyes, nose, or mouth;
• Before eating or preparing food;
• After using the toilet;
• After hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions (such as after coughing or sneezing);
• After changing diapers for children or the sick, or handling soiled items;
• After touching animals, poultry, or their droppings;
• After handling garbage;
• After touching public installations or equipment (such as escalator handrails, elevator buttons, or door handles);
• Before and after visiting hospitals, residential care homes, or caring for the sick; and
• Whenever hands are visibly dirty.

Unlicensed tour guide arrested for illegal work

 

The arrested tour guide advertised his services on social media

Operatives from the Immigration Department (ID) and the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) have been conducting covert operations as part of their crackdown on illegal workers providing tour escort services around Hong Kong.

In one such operation, a 27-year-old male from the Mainland was arrested on suspicion of acting as an illegal tour guide.

Immigration said the suspect was arrested after he advertised his tour guide and escort services on social media. Officers disguised as customers enquired about, and booked services from the suspect.

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Following his arrest, Immigration said it would consider prosecuting him for breach of condition of stay.

Immigration has widened its anti illegal work operations lately by cracking down on tourists who offer services, from photography and makeup, usually through social media.

It reiterates that tourists who engage in any work in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, violate their condition of stay and could be liable to prosecution. If convicted, they face a maximum jail term or three years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$50,000.

Recently, the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong aired the same warning, reminding Filipinos who come in as tourist that they are violating immigration laws by engaging in commercial activities, like selling condominium units, insurance cover or investment products, even if these are located in the Philippines.

Those who offer professional services like lawyers and doctors not licensed in Hong Kong violate the same law.

Those who wish to report any illegal employment activities may 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.