Duterte asks ICC to allow him to skip pre-trial hearing

 

Duterte appeared at the ICC in March last year to confirm his identity

Jailed former President Rodrigo Duterte has waived his right to attend the hearing for the confirmation of charges against him at the International Criminal Court, citing his refusal to recognize the chamber’s jurisdiction over him.

He made his position known through a letter he sent to the ICC dated Feb. 17.

“I do not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over my person,” his letter read.

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“I am a Filipino citizen forcibly pushed into a jet and renditioned to the Hague in the Netherlands in flagrant contravention of my country’s Constitution and of national sovereignty,” he continued.

He called his detention the result of a “kidnapping” facilitated by the Office of the incumbent President of the Philippines.”

Duterte was arrested by the International Police (Interpol) at the airport in Manila on March 11, 2025 on the basis of a warrant issued by the ICC.

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ICC Prosecutors alleged Duterte had committed three counts of crimes against humanity for murders during his war on drugs campaign from Nov 2, 2011 to Mar 16, 2019.

Four days after his arrest Duterte appeared before ICC judges to confirm his identity, and the court subsequently set down the next confirmation hearing for September last year. However, this was delayed for five months due to relentless efforts by Duterte’s lawyers to stop him appearing in court again.

A recent document released by ICC prosecutors named incumbent Senators Ronald “Bato” De La Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, as well as former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II among Duterte’s alleged co-perpetrators in the mass killings.

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The court document dated Feb 13 said Duterte and his alleged co-perpetrators “shared a common plan or agreement to neutralize alleged criminals in the Philippines,” as well as those perceived or alleged to be linked with drug use, sale or production through violent crimes, including murder.

Duterte has denied any wrongdoing, and for months, his lawyers had tried to ask for his temporary liberty or get him declared unfit for trial due to old age, to no avail.

The pre-trial hearings have been set for Feb. 23 and 24, and Feb 26 and 27.

In his application to waive his right to appear, in person or online, during the trial, 80-year-old Duterte cited age-old infirmities, and a plea for the court to respect (his) peace.

“I do not wish to follow these proceedings from outside the courtroom through the use of communication technology,” he also said in his letter.

“I do not wish to attend legal proceedings that I will forget within minutes.”

“I am old, tired and frail. I wish for this Court to respect my peace inside the cell it has placed me.”

Duterte said he realized he could die in prison, but his detractors should know that “ my heart and soul will always remain with the Philippines.”

Night parade kicks off Lunar New Year festivities in HK

 

CE Lee (center) and other govt officials open the 2026 Chinese New Year parade

The streets of Tsim Sha Tsui were again lit up and packed with revelers on Chinese New Year’s eve for the annual Cathay Pacific Lunar New Year Parade themed “Best Fortune- World Party.”

Officiating at the opening ceremony at the Cultural Centre Piazza was Chief Executive John Lee, who told the crowd that the parade was just the beginning of local celebrations for the Lunar  New Year.

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On Wednesday, the traditional fireworks display will again light up the sky over Victoria Harbour. On Thursday, the “Year of the Horse Raceday” will be held at the Shatin race tracks and on Saturday, the Chinese New Year Football Cup, another yearly tradition, will take place.

Jockey Club float features a golden horse

The Chief Executive said the nearly 60 floats and performing groups taking part in the parade were there to party – “to sing, dance and revel in the festive joy.”

After today’s parade, the floats will be put on display at the Kai Tak Sports Park and other landmarks.

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“In Chinese culture, horses symbolise vitality, courage and progress,” said Lee. “In this Year of the Horse, I wish you and your families health, happiness and prosperity.”

Masskara dancers from Bacolod are regulars at the CNY Parade

Organized by the HK Tourism Board, the night parade opened a series of festivities that center on the theme “Everywhere a Wish”

From the Cultural Centre the procession moved on to Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road, before ending at the Sheraton Hotel.

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Among the 12 floats that took part, one depicted a Cathay Pacific aircraft, another a McDonald’s classic train, a Disneyland stage, as well as popular plush toys Labubu and Molly..

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The street performers included a group from the Philippines that depicted the Masskara Festival in Bacolod City, local artists and some from the Mainland.

 

 

’26 Filipinnovaton Awards invites entries

 

Last year's awardees and finalists

The 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards has launched, to recognize Filipino innovations at early stage of commercialization and connect them to partners who can help them scale.

This will be the second year of the awards, an initiative of the National Innovation Council and organized by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.

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Last year’s awardees were: Bambujett, from Hamilton Agri Supply, an innovative bamboo treatment system using a one-size-fits-all fitting that makes bamboo poles termite-resistant, durable, and eco-friendly, turning ordinary bamboo into “Evergreen Kawayan.”

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Ediphi: AI & VR Immersive Workforce Training Platform, from Ediphi Training Programs, Inc., an immersive VR (virtual reality) training platform that transforms conventional learning into hands-on, real world simulations for education and workforce development.

Palatak Palay Seeder, from Farmwell Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing, a rice planting device that combines direct seeding and manual transplanting, featuring a lightweight stainless steel and 3D-printed design with wind deflector and soil openers for precise, efficient, and sustainable rice farming.

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The competition is open to Filipino individuals or enterprises that are at least 60% Filipino-owned and duly registered.

Applicants must have an innovation at early-stage commercialization, with a functional prototype or operational model, and proof of IP registration or an ongoing application.

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Five innovators will receive the Presidential Filipinnovation Award.

Awardees receive medallion, plaque, grant, mentorship and exposure while finalists receive grant support for commercialization.

Deadline for submission of entries is March 15. Entries can be sent through  https://filipinnovation.depdev.gov.ph/

37 professional licensure examinations offered to HK OFWs this May

 

A total of 37 Professional Licensure Examinations (SPLE) for overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong will be held – on demand - over three days in May this year.

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These include the long-requested ones for professional nurses and midwives, as well as for architects and engineers who make up a sizeable chunk of the OFW community in Hong Kong.

According to a notice posted on the Philippine Consulate General’s Facebook page, the 2026 SPLEs will be held on May 29, 30 and 31 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) and will be administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in the Philippines.

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The 37 professions for which the SPLE can be applied for are the following:

1)Aeronautical Engineerss 2) Agriculturists, 3) Architects, 4) Certified Plant Mechanics,5) Certified Public Accountants, 6) Chemical Engineers, 7) Chemical Technicians, 8) Civil Engineers, 9) Criminologists, 10) Customs Brokers, 11) Electronics Engineers, Electronics 12) Technicians, 13) Environmental Planners, 14) Geodetic Engineers, 15) Interior Designers, 16) Master Plumbers, 17) Mechanical Engineers, 18) Medical Technologists, 19) Midwives, 20) Nurses, 21) Nutritionists-Dieticians, 22) Pharmacists, 23) Physical Therapists, 24) Professional Food Technologists, 25) Professional Teachers, 26) Psychologists, 27) Psychometricians, 28) Radiologic Technologists, 29)
Real Estate Appraisers, 30) Real Estate Brokers, 31) Registered Electrical Engineers,
32) Registered Master Electricians, 33) Respiratory Therapists, 34) Sanitary Engineers,
35) Social Workers, 36) Veterinarians, and 37) X-Ray Technologists.

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Not included was the civil service examination which has long been requested by OFWs in Hong Kong, as it opens the gates to securing good-paying jobs in the government. This qualifying examination, however, is administered directly by the Civil Service Commission unlike the other SPLEs which are all run by the PRC.

In addition to the May SPLEs, the Consulate said there will be another licensure examination for teachers in September and another for nurses in November. Details will be announced later.

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Applications for the May SPLEs must be submitted from Feb 16 to Mar 16, 2026 via
𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦: https://forms.gle/KQobcbG8XK7L7i5h8.

All inquiries and concerns may be sent by email to PRC’s Licensure Office at
licensure.office1@prc.gov.ph and licensure.division@prc.gov.ph.

For updates on 2026 SPLE, please visit PRC’s official website at www.prc.gov.ph and
follow their official Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/professionalregulationcommission.

Pinay jailed 10 months for making child pornography

 

Tuen Mun Court

A Filipina domestic helper was jailed for 10 months by the Tuen Mun Court today after she confessed to five counts of making child pornography, contrary to section 3(1) if the Prevention of Child Pornography Ordinance.

Emily Chua, 44 years old, was sentenced to 10 months in jail for each of the offenses, to be served concurrently or at the same time,  by Acting Principal Magistrate Daniel Tang.

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The total sentence was net of the one-third discount that those who plead guilty are entitled to.

Chua had earlier admitted the charges, but Magistrate Tang put off the sentencing to today so he could review the background report to determine how long she should say in prison.

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In its complaint, the Tuen Mun Police said the first offense took place on Nov. 19, 2022, when Chua used a mobile phone to take a pornographic video of a child.

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The second and third offenses took place on the 10^th and 11^th of February 2025 when on both days, she took a pornographic photo of the child with a mobile phone. 

No mention was made about the place where the offences happened, and if there was a relationship between the defendant and the victim.

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The fourth and fifth offenses took place on the 9^th and 25^th of April, 2025, when Chua “made child pornography, namely 1 video containing child pornography by a mobile phone,” the police complaint said.

Travel tax on Filipinos on way out

 

Overseas travel may soon become more affordable to most Filipinos with the tax scrapping

The travel tax long imposed on Filipinos traveling abroad appears to be on its way out, after both houses of Congress, as well as President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., have indicated a willingness to approve a bill proposing its abolition.

The full travel tax amounts to Php1,620 for those traveling economy and Php2,700 for those on business class. It is reduced by half for children aged 2-12; and fixed at between Php300 and Php400 for dependents of overseas Filipino worker.

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The OFWs themselves, Filipino permanent residents of another country, and certain categories of travelers, are exempted from paying the tax.

In the latest indication that the travel tax may soon be a thing of the past, Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo said the House of Rerpresentatives is aiming to get it passed before the June break in its sessions.

Quimbo called the abolition a “no-brainer”, saying the government will earn far more from a potential boost in tourism and travel among Filipinos, than what it stands to lose in unrealized  income from the tax.

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In his estimates, the government could generate as much as Php22 billion from additional tax collections from travel agents and companies, which is a lot more than the projected loss of Php7.5 billion.

Just five days earlier, President Marcos included the bill among 21 priority measures of the government.

Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro said the President supported the bill as he wanted to ease the financial burden on Filipino travelers and boost tourism earnings

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She also assured the public that the various sectors funded from the travel tax will get their allocation directly from the national budget.

According to law, 50% of the earnings from the travel levy goes to tourism infrastructure projects, 40 percent to higher education and 10 percent to promoting culture and heritage.

House Bill No 7443 titled “Travel Tax Abolition Act of 2026” was filed by Ilocos Representative and presidential son Sandro Marcos, and seeks to repeal Presidential Decree No 1183 (issued by his grandfather, the late Philippine President and dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos) and Sec 73 of Republic Act No 9593, also known as “Tourism Act of 2009.”

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If passed, the law shall prohibit any government agency or private entity from collecting travel tax upon its effectivity, as well as a refund for travelers whose travel date is scheduled on or after such date.

A counterpart measure was filed at the Senate by Senator Erwin Tulfo, who cited as reason the Philippines’ failure to abide by its commitment to the ASEAN Tourism Agreement, which mandates the removal of travel levies and taxes on nationals of ASEAN member states.

The Philippines was one of the signatories of the agreement which was forged in 2009.

A separate bill was filed earlier by Senator Raffy Tulfo, which called for the scrapping of travel tax for economy class passengers, but not for those traveling on business or first class, saying this makes the law equitable.

Senator Joel Villanueva also expressed public support for the move, saying the tax was imposed at a time when travel was a luxury that only a few Filipinos could afford.

Now that overseas travel has become popular and affordable to many, the tax only serves to impose an undue burden on them, he said.

Pinoy fails to convince High Court he’s being hunted by Duterte’s men

 

The High Court 

A Filipino who claimed he was being hunted by personnel of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has failed to convince the High Court to review the dismissal of his non-refoulement case by the Torture Claims Appeal Board.

C.J. Arzaga, who has been treated for depression and HIV infection while in jail, does not meet the criteria for preventing Hong Kong from sending him back to the Philippines, the court said in a decision signed by Alfred Chan on order from Deputy High Court Judge Katina Levy.

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The Board found no evidence of a genuine risk of torture, persecution, or violation of the right to life if returned to the Philippines, the court said in a decision released on Friday (Feb. 13).

Arzaga had claimed he feared for his life because a friend, Jerry, was killed by police and another friend, Glay, was arrested for drug-related offenses. He said he was warned by family members that Philippine police were inquiring about his whereabouts, leading him to believe he was at risk.

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The Board concluded that the Philippine government could provide protection if he sought assistance.

Moving to another place was also a viable option to mitigate any perceived risks, it added.

When asked during a hearing last Jan. 26 if he had anything to add to support his leave application, Arzaga said his life was still in danger. This, the court said, flies in the face of the Board’s finding that he had never encountered these people, let alone having been mistreated by them.

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“As the Courts have repeatedly stated, a finding of fact is exclusively within the realm of the Board, which a court in a judicial review will not interfere with unless such finding involved an error of law, procedural unfairness or irrationality,” it added.

Arzaga was arrested in January 2020 and convicted of possession of forged identity card, possession of Part I poison, and breach of condition of stay.

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When he was serving his sentence in Tong Fuk Prison he was diagnosed with depression, HIV and tuberculosis.  

He was released from jail on Sept. 5, 2020, has since been cleared of depression and is being treated for HIV and tuberculosis. 

Filipina gets suspended sentence for securing loan by fraud

 

West Kowloon Court

A Filipina domestic helper who applied for a loan based on an employment contract that had been terminated, has been meted a suspended sentence of four months imprisonment for fraud.

Isabilita Arellano, 33 years old, received a sentence suspended for three years, since she had paid the loan in full.

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This means she wil be free unless she commits another offense within the three years.

She may have avoided getting jailed, but the record of her conviction will be a permanents stain on her stay in Hong Kong.

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The sentence was handed down by Principal Magistrate Don So  Man-lung at West kowloon Court Friday (Feb. 13) on Arellano’s violation of Section 16A of the Theft Ordinance.

The provision prescribes a jail sentence of up to 14 years.

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Arellano was charged with applying for a loan of $28,000 from PrimeCredut Limited on Nov. 17, 2024 “by falsely representing to the staff of ‘Prime Credit Limited’, that at the time of (her) application for a loan of HK$28,000-HKD, (she) had been employed as a domestic helper with validity period from 2024-05-09 to 2026-05-09.and your employment contract was still valid.”

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The claim induced the staff of PrimeCredit Limited “to commit an act or make an omission, namely, to approve the aforesaid loan application, resulting in benefit to you, or a prejudice or a substantial risk of prejudice to the said PrimeCredit Limited,” the charge sheet said.

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.