Loan cap for low-income earners set from Aug 1

 

Studies show low repayment rate by FDHs who take out loans

Low-income earners, particularly foreign domestic workers, will only be able to take out loans set at a maximum amount of between 35% and 40% of their monthly salary from August 1.

In addition, there will be a complete ban on using loan referees, which lawmakers say should reduce harassment by debt collectors, particularly the employers of absconding FDHs.

There are among strict new regulations released on Friday by the Financial Services and Treasury Bureau, following public consultations from June to August last year.

The government said that the regulatory measures will be rolled out in two phases to protect public interest.

In the first phase, which takes effect on Aug 1, monthly repayments for borrowers earning HK$6,000 or less (including most foreign domestic workers whose minimum monthly salary is set at HK$4990) will be capped at 35% of their income. The maximum limit goes up to 40% of the monthly salary for those earning between HK$6,001 and HK$12,000.

To ensure that the caps are followed, all licensed money lenders are required to share information for every individual that obtains a loan from them.

In the second phase that begins on Jun 1, 2027, all moneylenders who extend unsecured personal loans would have to submit their borrowers’ personal information to the Credit Data Smart platform once every 30 days. This would allow the sharing of information between moneylenders and consumer credit reference agencies.

The Bureau will brief the Legislative Council’s Financial Affairs panel next month on the consultation outcome and the details of the various measures.

At a media conference on Sunday, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui said the new rules would prevent debt collectors from chasing referees, particularly employers, for loans taken out by their helpers.

“I think one of the issues that we come across very often is that many households are being used as referees in some of these lending activities of their domestic helpers. So that's why from August 1 this year, we require that no more such requirement can be imposed on in the lending activities, in a sense that no referee will be required in such lending activities with a view to protecting our citizens,” he said.

But he added the repayment cap applies to everyone earning HK$12,000 or less, and not just to FDHs.

The report contained data that showed that excessive borrowing was particularly prevalent among low income earners particularly FDHs, some of whom take out massive loans just before their contract is due to end, then disappearing.

The said practice is said to have resulted in the employers being harassed by debt collectors out to recover the helpers’ unpaid loans.

 

Pinay’s given time for plea on theft, fraud charges

 

District Court

A Filipina waitress who was listed as ready to plea to charges of theft and two counts of fraud at District Court, has been given more time to consider whether or not to admit stealing a card holder containing a credit card that she allegedly used twice to shop.

Chief District Judge Judge Justin Ko King-sau adjourned the case to June 11 and freed R. Sunga. 40 years old, on bail of $500 -- the same amount set last Feb. 24 at Eastern Court where the case originated.

Sunga appeared in person (without legal representation) in a hearing on Thursday (March 12). Judge Ko said she should get a lawyer, from the Legal Aid service if possible, to advise her properly.

PINDUTIN DITO

The first charge -- theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance -- arose after Sunga allegedly stole a card holder containing an American Express credit card, an Octopus card, a Hong Kong Identity Card, a student card, a driving license, a Home Visit Permit and a debit card, all belonging to Poon Wai-hon, Nathan.

The alleged theft took place on Sept, 13, 2025, in Hong Kong, according to a complaint by the Wanchai Police.

The second charge of fraud, contrary to section 16A of the Theft Ordinance, says that Sunga went shopping on the same day, using Poon’s American Express credit card at Wan Kee Sports Company Limited shop on the Ground Floor and 1st Floor of Shiu Fung Commercial Building, Nos. 51-53 Johnston Road, in Wan Chai.

Basahin ang detalye!

 “… with intent to defraud, (she) induced the salesperson of the Shop to part with one bag and one pair of shoes,” the complaint added.

The third charge of fraud arose after Sunga allegedly bought another pair of shoes at the shop on the same day, using the same credit card.

DH jailed 9 months for money laundering

 

A domestic helper was sentenced to nine-months’ imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to money laundering just as her one-day trial was to about to start at Shatin Court.

Bridgitte Feria, 44 years, pleaded guilty Wednesday (March 11) to letting her Bank of China account be used for handling $455,585,41 on crime money between Dec. 9, 2021 and Jan. 7, 2922.

PINDUTIN DITO

Basahin ang detalye!

Magistrate Sze convicted her for 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.

A police complaint said said she dealt with property which “in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, represented any person' s proceeds of an indictable offence.”

HK airlines raise fuel tax amid surge in global oil prices

 

The fuel surcharge will more than double for some flights out of HK

Hong Kong airlines have announced increases in fuel surcharges of up to 100% amid soaring oil prices due to the continuing conflict in the Middle East.

The first to make the move was Hong Kong Airlines, which raised the surcharge by up to 35.2% for tickets issued from March 12, Thursday.

The highest increase was for flights between Hong Kong and the Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal, for which passengers will have to pay HK$384 instead of HK$284.

PINDUTIN DITO

Flag carrier Cathay Pacific, along with HK Express also announced higher fuel surcharges for all tickets issued from next Wednesday, Mar. 18.

Both airlines will be raising the charge by as much as 100%, or double the current rate.

Cathay will raise the surcharge for short-haul flights from HK$142 to HK$290; medium-haul flights from HK$264 to HK$541 and long-haul flights from HK$569 to HK$1,164.

Basahin ang detalye!

The airline said the adjustment is in line with standard mechanism, adding that it will continue to closely monitor trends in jet fuel prices.

HK Express, meanwhile, will raise the fuel surcharge for all flights from Hong Kong to all countries except China, from HK$140 to HK$290.

For flights to the China-Taiwan region, the surcharge will go up from between HK$140 and HK$159 to HK$288 and HK$298.

However, the surcharges for return flights to Hong Kong from the Philippines,J apan and Korea will remain unchanged- for now.

There has been no corresponding announcement from Philippines-based airlines, although the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) announced increases in the fuel surcharge for this month for both domestic and international flights.

For domestic flights, the surcharge will more than double- from Php201 to Php690; while for all international flights originating from the Philippines, the surcharge will go up to Php1,827 from HK$1,053.

 

Stolen jewelry worth $118,777 lands ex-DH in jail

Royal Ascot, where the theft took place (Google Maps photo)

A former domestic helper who claimed to have been plunged in debt by a friend who borrowed money in her name and then disappeared, has been jailed for eight months for stealing $118,777 from her employer.

Elena Balinas, 56 years old, had pleaded guilty to theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance, at Shatin Court on Thursday (Mar. 12). Magistrate Kestrel Lam handed her the sentence after deducting one third from the starting point of 12 months, as prescribed by sentencing guidelines.

Balinas was charged with stealing seven gold bracelets, valued at $77,240; two gold rings, valued at $11,537, one pair of gold earrings, valued at $10,000; and one gold necklace, valued at $20,000, the property of female Lau Kam Ha,

Basahin ang detalye!

The theft took place between March 14, 2025 and March 2, 2026 at the family flat in Royal Ascot, on Tsun King Road, Shatin.

Balinas’ lawyer said Lau discovered that her jewelry in the bedroom had gone missing and when confronted, Balinas admitted taking the valuables and pawning them.

The employer recovered the jewelry by paying for them.

 “Your employer lost a substantial amount,” Magistrate Lam said.

Balinas told police in a video interview that she stole because she was deep in debt to a financing company after a friend whom she helped take out a loan vanished, leaving her unable to pay despite her salary of $5,500 per month.

Filipina DH set to plead not guilty to laundering more than HK$1m

 

The case is set to go to trial at Eastern Magistrates' Court 

A Filipina domestic helper is set to stand trial in May after denying a charge of laundering HK$1.08 million in her bank account.

But a formal plea by Ronnalyn B. Manalo, 33 years old, to one count of money laundering is due to take place on April 29 at Eastern Magistrates court.

Principal Magistrate David Cheung also reserved May 27 for the expected day-long trial after the plea-taking.

Manalo is charged that between April 10 and 22, 2024 she knowingly, or “had reason to believe” that the total sum of $1,086,434 in her Hang Seng bank account “in whole or in part directly or indirectly represented any person’s proceeds of an indictable offence, dealt with the said property.”

Basahin ang detalye!

Put simply, it means that she is accused of having dealt with the money found in her account despite knowing it came from a criminal offence.

Manalo told the court through her lawyer that while she did open the account herself, she was unaware that it was used to launder tainted money as all the correspondence from the bank was sent to an address belonging to someone she didn’t know.

The prosecutor asked for the plea-taking to be adjourned as the transcript of the video-recorded interview by the police with Manalo was yet to be transcribed.

Magistrate Cheung agreed, and extended Manalo’s $5,000 bail until the next hearing.

 

Filipina jailed 20 months for stealing elderly employer's jewels worth $350k

 

Sentence was imposed at the District Court in Wan Chai

A Filipina who admitted stealing 42 pieces of gold jewelry worth more than $350,000 belonging to an elderly woman she was working for, was jailed for 20 months at the District Court yesterday, Mar 11.

Metchie Pinated Matute, 40 years old, had claimed she stole the valuables so she could help her family relocate to a safe place due to supposed “tribal wars” in her hometown in Kalinga province.

But according to District Judge Adriana Tse, financial hardship, no matter how serious, could not be accepted as a mitigation factor in thefts, unless in exceptional circumstances.

Basahin ang detalye!

Judge Tse said financial pressures, no matter how desperate or tragic the situation of the accused is, could not be used to mitigate an offence.

Besides, she said she doubted if Matute committed the thefts to help her family as she had claimed, noting that the accused also admitted being heavily indebted to loan sharks.

Matute was charged with stealing 7 bangles, one gold ornament, 4 gold necklaces with pendant, 14 rings, 3 gold ornament fragments, one watch and 13 gold wrist chains belonging to her elderly employer.

The thefts occurred between an unknown day in June 2024 and March 7, 2024 in a flat in Hong Kong House, Heng On Estate in Ma On Shan, New Territories.

The thefts were evidenced by pawnshop receipts found in the Filipina’s possession.

The judge used 30 months as starting point in sentencing, and after giving the mandatory discount of 1/3 for the guilty plea, came up with a final sentence of 20 months.

She refused to give any more discount for Matute’s clean record and supposed remorse as shown by her having admitted the offences at the earliest opportunity, saying the defendant was “guilty of dishonesty of a recurrent nature.”

Where criminal actions are repeatedly committed it is not right to describe the offender as having a clear record or remorseful, said the judge.

Neither does partial recovery of the stolen items serve to mitigate the offences because that only happened after the victim paid the pawnshop, she added.

The judge instead emphasized that the thefts were a serious breach of the employer’s trust as they were committed by someone who shared not only her house, but also her bedroom.

Police searching for FDH linked to HK$110k theft

 

The valuables were found missing from a flat in this estate (FB photo)

Hong Kong Police have confirmed that they are still looking for a foreign domestic worker, reported to be an Indonesian, in connection with the alleged disappearance of cash and jewelry worth more than HK$110,000 from the flat of a 74-year-old local woman.

Officers were called to a flat in Hong Ching House, Kai Ching estate in Kai Tak at 10:49pm on March 7 after the elderly woman discovered the items missing.

The woman surnamed Lam said she was missing gold jewelry worth about HK$59,000 and HK$57,000 in cash, and suspected they were stolen.

Basahin ang detalye!

The 39-year-old Indonesian domestic worker who shared the flat with her was also reported missing.

Police have classified the case as theft, and said they are still looking for the helper in connection with the case.

Pinay jailed 11 months for lying to Immigration officer

 

Visa application interview (Immigration Department file photo)

A Filipina was jailed for 11 months today after she pleaded guilty at Shatin Court to lying three times to an Immigration officer that she would be working as a domestic helper for a local employer.

Jane Recones, 38 years, was sentenced to seven months for the three counts of making a false representation to an Immigration officer lawfully acting under or in the execution of Part III of the Immigration Ordinance.

This was in violation of section 42(1) (a) of the Immigration Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

However, Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong ordered that only two months of the second and third sentences run consecutively to the first sentence, for a total of 11 months.

Recones was convicted after admitting that she lied when she told an Immigration officer, while applying for an extension of stay on Aug. 11, 2021, Aug. 11, 2022, and Aug. 7, 2025, that she would work for Lam Hang Kwong as a domestic helper.

Filipina DHs giving mani-pedi in Central arrested for illegal work

The arrested manicurists are taken to a waiting van on Edinburgh Place

Three Filipina domestic helpers and one tourist were rounded up last Sunday while allegedly providing manicure and pedicure services as well as massage, on the stairs leading to a footbridge that links Worldwide House and Exchange Square in Central.

According to police officers who spoke at a press conference, the four were among 20 persons arrested during a three-day crackdown on illegal work which targeted foreign domestic helpers.

Basahin ang detalye!

Seized from those arrested in Central were massage guns and lotions, nail polish and other manicure paraphernalia, and folding chairs.

The four were allegedly charging $50 for each service carried out inside tents or cardboard covers in what the police described as “very poor hygiene conditions.”

Seized from the FDHs in Central were massage guns, oil and manicure kits

The four were among 14 suspected illegal workers arrested during the operations carried out from March 8 to 10. Six other people who allegedly hired some of the workers were also arrested.

Also targeted during the crackdown were restaurants, retail shops, residential care homes for the elderly, guesthouses, industrial and commercial building units and public areas.

The suspected illegal workers comprised one man and 13 women, aged 28 to 50 years old.

Among them, 11 hold current FDH visas, one was a former FDH who had overstayed her visa, one was a visitor, and one was a holder of a recognizance form, which signifies an application for asylum.

A statement from the Immigration Department said the arrested workers were found performing massage, pedicure and dishwashing duties, or acting as kitchen assistants.

The six employers comprised one man and five women aged 30 to 60 years old. They were described as owners of persons-in-charge of the companies and restaurants involved.

Immigration said in a statement that an investigation is ongoing, and that the possibility of further arrests cannot be ruled out.

Anyone convicted of doing illegal work while on an FDH or tourist visa could be jailed for up to two years and fined a maximum of $50,000. If the offender is an overstayer or is on recognizance, the maximum jail term goes up to three years.

Employers of illegal workers face up to 10 years in prison and a fine not exceeding $500,000.

 

Pinay who overstayed 11 years jailed 8 months

 

Shatin Court

A Filipina who overstayed twice for a total of 11 years, was jailed for eight eight months today after she pleaded guilty at Shatin Court.

Αnabeth Mata, 42, was charged with two counts of breach of condition of stay, contrary to section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance.

Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong sentenced her 12 days’ imprisonment for the first charge and eight months for the second on a complaint filed by the Immigration Department.

Basahin ang detalye!

He ordered that the two sentences run at the same time.

The first charge arose after she was arrested on Sept. 23, 2015 for remaining in Hong Kong despite being required to leave on March 23, 2015 or two weeks after her employment contract as a domestic helper was terminated on March 9, 2015, the complaint said.

The second charge, a case added on March 10, 2026, arose after she remained in Hong Kong between Dec. 5, 2017 and March 6, 2026.

Cacdac recalls ‘disrespectful’ MWO staff in Bahrain

 

The Bahrain MWO staff (in purple) tells OFWs there was no more cash aid for them

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac ordered the recall Monday of a staff member at the Migrant Workers Office in Bahrain who was filmed telling overseas Filipino workers who had lined up to ask for financial aid that there were no more funds.

“I have issued the order recalling that MWO Bahrain employee being highly disrespectful to OFWs in a viral video,” Cacdac said in a social media post.

He assured OFWs of his office’s continuing commitment to serve “with humility, respect and hard work.”

Basahin ang detalye!

Cacdac made the move after being informed of the Sunday incident by Senator Raffy Tulfo, chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Migrant Workers, who was given a copy of the video by some OFWs.

In the video, the unnamed staff could be heard telling OFWs who were lingering outside the MWO office:  “Magsumbong na kayo sa mga gusto ninyong pagsumbungan, wala ng pondo. Ang Manila ho ang nagsasabing wala ng pondo.”

(You could seek help from anyone you want, there are no more funds. Our Manila office is the one that says the fund has all been used up).

The OFWs in the video could be heard asking for “ayuda” or financial help, saying they were also affected by the worsening tension in the Middle East.

The Philippine Embassy in Bahrain had earlier posted an advisory saying the distribution of financial assistance to OFWs was being temporarily suspended.

The Embassy also said that they would no longer entertain those who do not secure prior appointment, in line with the host country’s security guidelines.

Cacdac meanwhile clarified that the financial help given to OFWs who have lost their jobs in Bahrain amounts to Php3,000 but said this is likely to be raised.

He added recipients will no longer have to line up at the Embassy to apply for the cash aid as this will be deposited directly to their E-wallets.

His statement came amid calls for a clarification from some OFWs who said they were promised USD200 for the cash assistance, but were given only USD50 each.

Peso falls to new record low vs US$ amid Mideast crisis

 

(Inquirer graphic)

The Philippine peso dropped to a new historic low against the US dollar on Monday amid the continuing crisis in the Middle East, which caused crude prices to surge past US$100 a barrel.

The local currency closed at 59.50 per dollar at the end of trading, weakening by 50 centavos from the previous close and surpassing the earlier record low of 59.46 set on Jan. 15.

The peso also posted a new intraday low of 59.71 amid heavy trading.

Basahin ang detalye!

The currency’s decline comes a day before oil prices in the Philippines are set to rise, with diesel, the one used mostly in public transportation, expected to hit a high of Php90 per liter.

With no end in sight to the Middle East conflict, traders warn the currency could dip further as fuel prices continue to rise.

In a bid to beat the last day of filling-up at current prices, many vehicles lined up at gas stations across the country, while police officers were deployed to ensure motorists were not hoarding fuel or were not asked to pay more for

As part of cost-saving measures, all government offices started a four-day workweek starting today, and were told to use a uniform setting of 24 degrees for all air-conditioners.

The public has also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to save up on fuel.

Pinay hunted after failing to show up at hearing

 

Eastern Court 

A Filipina former domestic helper is being hunted by police after she failed to show up for the hearing of her case at Eastern Court for overstaying.

Magistrate Ko Wai-hung ordered the arrest of Teodora Quijano, reserved the forfeiture of her bail and ordered police not to grant her bail once she is arrested.

Quijano, 36 years old, is charged with breach of condition of stay, contrary to section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

She was alleged to have overstayed in Hong Kong on May 29, 2022 or 14 days after the premature termination of her domestic helper contract on May 15,  2022.

She was arrested on Sept. 3, 2022 at Ming Court Guest House, 2/F, Hong Kong Building, 137-147 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai.

4-day workweek ordered for Phl govt offices ahead of surge in fuel prices

 

Long lines are seen at gas stations ahead of the expected surge in fuel prices (GMA photo)

Fuel prices in the Philippines are expected to surge to unprecedented levels starting next week, as global oil prices react to continued tensions in the Middle East.

This has prompted President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to order all government offices, except those providing emergency services, to start a four-day workweek starting Monday, March 9.

The Department of Energy (DoE) said it expects a minimum increase of Php19 per liter for diesel, which fuels most public transportation vehicles in the country, including jeepneys and buses.

The resulting price of at least Php90 per liter for diesel has prompted some jeepney drivers to say they might stay off the streets as they will lose money without a corresponding fare increase, despite the fuel subsidy they are getting from the government. 

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Gasoline pump prices are also expected to rise by at least Php9 a liter, while kerosene prices will surge by a minimum of Php31 a liter.

The DoE said the country has enough supply to last from 50 to 60 days but if the conflict holds, shortages could occur. 

But it warned that any price hike should take effect only from Tuesday, March 10, or one week since the last increase. The government agency has asked help from the police in monitoring any unauthorized increase at gas pumps across the country until then.

Police help ensure gas stations do not increase fuel prices until Tuesday

In response to the looming crisis, the government has started looking for other oil suppliers, including Canada, the United States, South America and Africa, as most of the country’s supply now comes from the Middle East.

President Marcos has also ordered government offices to implement energy-saving measures, such as setting air conditioners to 24°C, while appealing to the public to reduce non-essential travel.

Basahin ang detalye!

Ahead of the feared fuel price increase, Philippine stock prices fell while the peso weakened to the 59 to US$1 level. However, this is still stronger than the peso’s record low of 59.46 to the greenback posted on Jan. 15.

With no relief in sight, Filipinos are bracing for other adverse knock-on effects like a significant rise in inflation, along with transport costs and prices of basic commodities.

Warning issued against mercury-laden products

 

These products have high mercury content

The government has again warned against the use of three Goree whitening cream products, saying they contain excessive mercury that can cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys.

Symptoms may include tremors, irritability, insomnia, memory deterioration, concentration difficulty, impaired hearing and vision, and changes in taste function. In severe cases, renal failure may occur.

Hong Kong Customs inspected a consignment declared as face cream arriving at Hong Kong International Airport from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, via Singapore to Hong Kong on August 27, 2025.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Upon inspection, a total of 2,880 boxes of the three types of regulated mercury-added whitening creams with an estimated market value of about $63,000 were detected and detained.

The case was handed over to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) for follow-up action.

The EPD sent the samples of the creams to the Government Laboratory for testing, and it was revealed that the mercury content in the three whitening cream products reached 24 000 parts per million, 25 000 ppm and 28 000 ppm respectively.

Basahin ang detalye!

According to the Mercury Control Ordinance (MCO) (Cap. 640), cosmetics with mercury content exceeding 1 ppm is regulated mercury-added products. The three types of whitening creams contravened the MCO. As a result, the EPD initiated prosecution against the related offenders.

In the past, the authorities have repeatedly warned against the use of the same brand of whitening cream, after a number of Filipina domestic helpers had to be taken to hospital in 2022 after showing signs of mercury poisoning.

Customs and the EPD remind members of the public that under the MCO, any person importing, exporting, manufacturing or supplying regulated mercury-added products commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year upon conviction.

The proprietor of the company that imported the batch of whitening creams was charged with importing regulated mercury-added products and was fined $10,000 at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts on March 2.

Customs and the EPD remind members of the public to observe the following tips when purchasing and using cosmetic products:

     • Do not buy or use cosmetic products of unknown composition or from doubtful sources;

     • Stop using the cosmetic products and seek medical attention immediately if feeling unwell after use; and

     • Purchase cosmetic products at reputable retail shops.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account: (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002). Members of the public may report any suspected regulated mercury-added products to the EPD hotline (2838 3111).

2 Filipinas, Indonesian face conspiracy to launder $1.47 5M

 

File photo

Two Filipina housewives and an Indonesian domestic helper appeared at Eastern Court on Friday (Mar. 6) on charges of conspiracy to launder a total of $1.475 million in money raised from crimes.

Jojie Carpiz, aged 49; Marly Carpiz, 51; and Purwati, 34, are named in a single case of money laundering, although they were found with different amounts of cash in their bank accounts.

Principal Magistrate David Cheung adjourned the case to April 24 and set a bail of $10,000 for each of them.

PINDUTIN DITO

All three face a charge each of  "conspiracy to deal with property, knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that the property represented the proceeds of an indictable offense, contrary to sections 25(1) and (3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance, and section 159A and 1590 of the Crimes Ordinance."

Jojie Carpiz is alleged to have dealt with $600,750 in her account with The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited between Dec. 24 and 27 in 2019.

Basahin ang detalye!

Marly was charged with dealing with $600,000  that allegedly represented crime proceeds, in her HSBC account on Dec. 27, 2019, contrary to sections 25(1) and 25(3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

Also charged with conspiracy was Purwati, who is accused of dealing with tainted money amouting to $200,000 in her HSBC account together with a person known as "Ratna".