Lying lands DH in jail for 4 months

 

Visa application interview (Immigration Department file photo)

Lying to an Immigration officer three times to extend her employment visa as domestic helper, has landed a Filipina in jail after she was sentenced at Shatin Court to four months’ imprisonment for each offense.

However, Magistrate Raymond Wong ordered that the three sentences he imposed on Josephine Away, 47 years old, run at the same time.

Away was charged with three counts of making a false representation to an Immigration Officer lawfully acting under or in the execution of the Immigration Ordinance, contrary to section 42(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

She pleaded guilty in a hearing today.

In the first offense, Away was accused of telling an Immigration officer interviewing her on Feb. 2, 2018 that she would work for Leung Chui Pik as a domestic helper, so she needed only an extension to an expiring visa.

She repeated the lie on Jan. 28, 2023 when she renewed her visa, to an Immigration Officer lawfully acting under or in the execution of Part III (Extension of stay) of the Immigration Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

The third lie was made on July 2, 2024, when she made the same claim during Immigration arrival examination at the airport.

Her claims were lies because she actually worked for Leung’s sister.

Her lawyer, in mitigation, said she thought she did not need to make a change in her Immigration record since her new employer was from the same family.

Magistrate Wong gave her the usual one-third discount from the intial sentence of six months, which she would serve concurrently.

Concern raised about FDHs’ ‘abuse’ of non-refoulement scheme

 

All those repatriated were former DHs who overstayed, with some committing crimes

Hong Kong Immigration has expressed concern about what it called as the “abuse” of the non-refoulement claim mechanism by foreign domestic helpers as it announced Friday the repatriation of 18 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants.

Immigration said in the statement that all those repatriated between March 18 to 20 were former FDHs who had overstayed their visas. Among them were former prisoners who had served their sentences after committing criminal offences.

“The ImmD is very concerned about the abuse of the non-refoulement claim mechanism and is aware that a number of claimants were former foreign domestic helpers before,” said the statement.

“The ImmD has been co-operating with the relevant consulates-general in Hong Kong and will continue such co-operation to step up publicity and education for newly arriving foreign domestic helpers to help them understand that they should not abuse the non-refoulement claim mechanism.”

To forestall their return to their home countries after overstaying, the FDHs filed claims for non-refoulement or against being sent back home, saying they faced torture or persecution if they returned.

Once non-refoulement applications are lodged with the Immigration Director, repatriation cannot be carried out until a final decision is reached. If denied, the applicant could appeal, first with the Torture Claims Adjudication Board, then to the courts, a process that could take years.

In the meantime, applicants are provided by the government with food and accommodation subsidies but are not allowed to take up work. A big number end up working illegally or resorting to crime during this period.

To prevent an abuse of the process, Immigration updated its removal policy starting from Dec 7, 2022 which allowed it to generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance, despite the availability of appeal.

In its statement, Immigratio said it will continue to explore solutions to speed up the repatriation of unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants and coordinate with relevant authorities to “optimise repatriation routes and the operation process.”

Those being consulted on further speeding up repatriation are the major source countries of non-refoulement claimants, airline companies and other government departments.

 

Peso drops to historic low of 60.1 to USD

 

It was the first time that the peso fell to below 60- to-USD level

The Philippine peso slumped to a record low on Thursday, breaching the 60-to-the-dollar level for the first time in history.

The peso opened at Php59.9 and dropped to an intraday low of Php60.4, its lowest level on record, before closing the day at Php60.10, 58 centavos weaker than its previous finish of Php59.52 on Wednesday.

The plunge came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, which caused investors to buy into the US dollar, generally regarded as “safe haven” currency.

Basahin ang detalye!

Analysts said the weakening of the peso was directly tied to the rise in crude oil prices after Iran launched retaliatory attacks on some energy facilities across the Middle East, including Qatar.

The shift of investments to the greenback gained further support after the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday held interest rates steady and warned of an “uncertain” outlook because of the intensified war in Iran.

The weakening of the peso dealt a blow to President Ferdinand Marcos’ declared intention early this year to keep the peso above the 60 to the USD level.

As the Middle East remains in turmoil, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday that it was closely monitoring the impact of the conflict on the Philippine economy.

“Price stability is the BSP’s main mandate. As such, the BSP is assessing the potential impact of higher oil price on the price of fertilizer, transport fares, and inflation in general,” it said.  

Meantime, overseas Filipino workers are once again seen as buoying up the moribund economy with their remittances which grew 3.5% to US$3.02 billion in January 2026 alone.

8 weeks’ jail for 2-year overstay

Shatin court

A Filipina who overstayed in Hong Kong for more than two years, was sentenced to eight weeks’ imprisonment after she pleaded guilty today at Shatin Court to breach of condition of stay.

Magistrate Raymond Wong initially set the penalty at 12 weeks, but gave Genniegen Pines, 38 years old, a one-third discount for her guilty plea.

Basahin ang detalye!

Pines was on a domestic helper‘s employment contract which entitled her to remain in Hong Kong until May 11, 2024 or two weeks after termination.

However, she was terminated on March 4, 2024 and remained in Hong Kong until she was arrested on March 17 this year, according to the complaint filed by the Immigration Department..

Always get affidavit of support when sponsoring trips

 

A notarized affidavit of support can help prevent offloading at Philippine airports

If you have family members whom you wish to sponsor for their travel to Hong Kong (or elsewhere abroad), make sure you secure an affidavit of support and guarantee from the Philippine Consulate General (PCG).

This was the advice given recently by Vice Consul Angelo Manuel when he spoke about the services provided by the notarial section of the Consulate which he heads.

Manuel said that in about 90% of the cases of offloading of sponsored travelers at Philippine airports, what was lacking was an affidavit of support from the person sponsoring the trip.

Basahin ang detalye!

Conversely, he said there has not been a single incident of offloading that occurred when a sponsorship letter notarized at the Consulate had been obtained for the traveler.

Offloading of passengers is a device used by Philippine immigration authorities to stop or minimize the problem of human trafficking. Often, it is caused by insufficient or missing documentation, or by the failure by the traveler to satisfactorily explain why they are flying out of the country.

Offloading of passengers at Philippine airports has become so prevalent that it has raised concerns among the public and lawmakers, especially as only a small percentage of those who were stopped from boarding their flights were linked to trafficking.

In the latest full statistics provided by Immigration in 2023, more than 36,000 Filipinos were denied boarding at international airports. In the first half of 2024, there were 16,217 cases recorded. In 2022, it was found out that only about 1.5% of the 32,404 offloaded passengers were tied to trafficking.

To obtain an affidavit of support, the applicant must either appear personally at the Consulate or apply for the document online. The applicant must produce the originally signed affidavit and one photocopy; original and two photocopies of passport and HK ID.

The notarial fee is HK$200 for regular mailing and HK$280 for express mailing.

For full details, consult the PCG website: https://hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph/

Philippine Immigration has recently issued an advisory to outbound passengers to avoid offloading. For those on sponsored trips, they must have an affidavit of support and guarantee from the sponsor at the country of destination, duly authenticated at the Philippine Consulate in the country of destination.

The traveler must know the contents of the affidavit, including the name and contact details of the person, organization or company that issued the invitation or is sponsoring the trip, as he or she will be interviewed by immigration officers on the details of the document presented.

Immigration says the affidavit of support does not fully guarantee a hassle-free exit from the Philippines, but it strengthens the traveler’s claim to legitimate travel.

For those travelling as tourists, they must show proof that they are financially capable of completing their travel, including cash on hand, credit card, etc. In addition, they must have a return ticket and a valid passport with at least six months’ validity.

 

 

 

3 Pinays charged with illegal work bound over

 

Entrance to Mirador Mansion (Google Maps photo)

Three Filipina domestic helpers who were arrested during the Immigration Department’s anti-illegal worker operations, got off lightly at Shatin Court today when they agreed to a bind-over in return for prosecution withdrawing the charges.

J. Luya, 33 years old, N. Celades, 34, and S. Mercurio, 39, were each charged with breach of condition of stay, contrary to section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance and by virtue of Regulation 2 of the Immigration Regulations.

Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong cautioned them that they have to avoid committing a new offense for 18 months, or they will be fined $2,000 in addition to being given the penalty for the new offense.

He also charged them $500 each as court costs, to be taken from their bail money.

Basahin ang detalye!

The three were arrested last Feb. 3 for allegedy doing odd jobs at the 5^th floor of Mirador Mansion in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Under the Immigration Ordinance , domestic helpers doing work not in their employers’ homes are committing an offense punishable with a fine of $50,000 and imprsonment for two years.

The three were arrested in the joint operation between Immigration and Home Affairs and Labour Departments in multiple locations, including targeted guesthouses in Yau Tsim Mong District.

Seven persons were arrested including six suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer.

The three domestic helpers were allegedly found performing room cleaning duties in the guesthouses.

The remaining three illegal workers were illegal odd job workers including two men holding recognisance forms which prohibit them from taking any employment in Hong Kong and an overstayed former foreign domestic helper.

A woman aged 75 was suspected of employing illegal workers and was the person-in-charge of the guesthouses.

HK Flower Show opens Friday, Mar 20

 

Stock is the featured flower this year 

The annual Hong Kong Flower Show is set to open on Friday, March 20 at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay with Stock, a flower known for its delicate scent and rich hues, as its theme flower. The show will until March 29.

As in previous years, the Philippine Consulate is among those taking part. Vice Consul Allan Revote who heads the Consulate’s cultural section, said the display this year will have a photo booth, a nod to Filipinos’ penchant for taking “selfies.”

The Flower Show organized by the Leisure and Cutlural Services Department (LCSD) is an annual display that brings together more than 200 organizations from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas.

Basahin ang detalye!

Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Show each year to view the dazzling array of blossoms, artistic floral displays and landscaped gardens painstakingly put together by dozens of exhibitors.

The colorful and lavish display of flowers from all over the world transforms the park into an enchanting floral garden for 10 days, making it a must-see for everyone.

Stock comes in various forms and colors

There will also be a range of activities during the show, including cultural performances, floral art demonstrations, workshops on greening activities, guided visits, as well as fun games.

The Flower Show themed “A Fragrant Journey through Hong Kong” opens daily from 9am to 9pm, from March 29.

Tickets are priced at $14 each, with a concessionary rate at half-price for children aged 4-14 and fulltime students, senior citizens aged 60 and above, persons with disabilities (and a companion each), and those in groups of at least 30.

Children, elderly and disabled guests get to enter free on weekdays, or Monday to Friday.

 

 

Pinay caught with someone else’s HKID jailed 12 months

 

Filipina was arrested on this intersection (Google Maps photo) 

A Filipina asylum seeker was jailed today for 12 months after she pleaded guilty at Kowloon City Court to possession of an identity card that belongs to someone else.

Irealle Gay Salazar, 38 years old, was arrested on July 28 last year on Woosung Street in Yau Ma Tei after two police officers noted that she was acting suspiciously.

They found someone else’s Hong Kong ID card in her possession, which is in violation of the Registration of Persons Ordinance, the police complaint said.

Basahin ang detalye!

When they checked with the Immigration Department, the police officers found out that the HKID card had already been reported as lost. 

In mitigation, her lawyer said she did not use the HKID, and had no intention to do so.

Besides, he added, the owner was a male.

Magistrate Andrew Mok noted that she initially pleaded not guilty to the charge.

As a result, he did not give her the one-third discount on the sentence normally given to those who plead guilty early.

Digital apostille for Philippine civil registry and academic documents launched

 

Screen grab from the eApostille launch at DFA

Filipino citizens will no longer have to queue up for hours for documents issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), then get them authenticated, under a new electronic system launched Monday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs led by Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro launched the fully digital apostille platform which reduces authentication time for PSA and CHED eCertificates and eliminates the need for physical submission of documents.

Through this system, anyone who needs to obtain eCertificates of birth, marriage, death or of no marriage from PSA or education records from CHED may do so online, then get the digital certificate apostilled through the DFA e-Apostille portal at apostille.gov.ph.

Basahin ang detalye!

As the Philippines is a signatory of the Apostille Convention, Filipinos who need to submit Philippine documents abroad only need to apply for an Apostille certificate instead of having the documents authenticated in the nearest embassy or consulate.

With the launch of the e-Apostille system, the process has been made easier, with applicants being able to secure the certified official document online, anywhere. This simplified process is also expected to substantially diminish the workload of Philippine posts abroad.

Once the document is issued an Apostille, the applicant may submit the document directly to the concerned party, bypassing the old system of getting the “red ribbon” certificate on them.

Secretary Lazaro says Filipinos may now easily access secure document authentication

“The launch of the Fully Digital Apostille for PSA eCertificates and CHED eCAVs demonstrates our commitment to modernizing public services while strengthening the Philippines’ international engagement,” Secretary Lazaro said during the launch.

“This system enables our citizens to access fast, reliable, and secure document authentication anywhere in the world."

She noted that the Philippines was the first ASEAN country to accede to the Apostille Convention and the third to launch a digital Apostille system.

The DFA said the e-Apostille system is part of the Marcos administration’s move toward digitalization and ensures the seamless integration of digital document issuance and authentication processes.

It also said the DFA is coordinating with other document-issuing government agencies to further expand the eApostille system.

Further information on the application process for the digital eApostille may be obtained from the PSAHelpline.ph for civil registry documents or at CHED One Touch Portal at ecav.ched.gov.ph for academic records. 

 

Ex-DH gets 8 weeks for overstaying

 

Immigration Department

A Filipina who remained in Hong Kong for two years after her domestic helper employment contract expired, has been sentenced to eight weeks’ imprisonment Monday after she pleaded guilty at Shatin Court.

Ma. Jessielou Arillano, 42 years, had been charged with breach of condition of stay, contrary to section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance, on complaint of the Immigration Department.

Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong handed her the sentence after giving her a one-third discount equivalent to four months for her guilty plea.

Basahin ang detalye!

Arillano was arrested on Sept. 16, 2025, two years after her contract expired on Oct. 22, 2023.

Under section 11 of the Immigration Ordinance, an Immigration officer set a condition of stay on her, limiting her stay in Hong Kong until 22 October 2023 or two weeks after termination of contract, whichever is earlier.

Section 40 states: “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine at level 5 ($50,000) and to imprisonment for 2 years.”

Consulate takes over Phl Independence Day celebration in HK

 

Congen Israel presents the Independence Day program highlights

The Philippine Consulate will take full control of this year’s Philippine Independence Day celebration in Hong Kong to be held on June 14 (Sunday) on Chater Road in Central.

This was announced by Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. during a meeting with Filipino community leaders on Sunday, during which Consulate officers also explained at length the various servicesthey provide to the public.

In the past several years, the Consulate had worked with only one organization, namely the Global Alliance Hong Kong, in drawing up the program for the annual celebration, which was often also spread out over three Sundays of June.

Basahin ang detalye!

This year, only one Chater event is planned with the Consulate, along with the Migrant Workers Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, taking charge of the entire program.

The day-long program will kick off with an interfaith prayer, followed by a Catholic mass. The traditional Kapangyawan Parade will then be held, which will be open to participation by any group with at least 10 members each.

Those who wish to participate will have to register with the Consulate’s cultural and community affairs section and carry a uniform banner with their group’s name, and wear Filipiniana or Filipino-inspired attire.

The cultural performances will also be opened to everyone, with the Consulate choosing from among volunteers the choreographers who will plan the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao dances.

“Once choreographers are confirmed, registration will open for volunteer dancers,” said Congen Israel during a slide presentation of the program for the event.

The official call for participation will also issued by the cultural section.

Participation in the parade will be opened to all groups with at least 10 members each

The second part of the program will be devoted to celebrating Migrant Workers Day, which will feature a Serbisyo Caravan, a Philippine Festivals Competition and a dance contest called OWWAW Sayaw, for which cash prizes ranging from HK$5,000 to HK$10,000 will be awarded to the top three winners.

Several migrant workers groups who had long protested Global Alliance’s dominance of the annual celebrations told The SUN that this second part which will be held during what is generally known as the prime time for the event, could be controlled by GA again through its close alliance with OWWA.

A Filcom leader claimed that even before an official announcement is made regarding the mechanics for participation in the Philippine Festivals competition, GA has already decided that participation will be opened to 10 groups made up of 50 dancers who will perform for 10 minutes each.

Cash prizes will be given to winners in the MWO-OWWA segment during prime time

The leaders also fear that there would be selective participation in the two dance contests, especially as they come with generous cash prizes for the winners.

As in the Consulate part of the event, the leaders are calling for open participation and transparency in the MWO-OWWA segment to end what has long been decried as favoritism in the celebration of the community’s biggest event of the year.

 

 

 

 

Pinay to be sentenced at High Court for drug trafficking

 

Building where Filipina was arrested (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina was committed today to the Court of First Instance at the High Court for sentencing after pleading guilty at Eastern Magistracy on Monday to two counts of drug trafficking.

Magistrate Ko Wai-hung at Eastern Court handed his decision to Alisa Tandual, 29 years old and a former domestic helper, who had been charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to section 4(1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

The first charge arose after Tandual was tagged on Jan. 22 last year in Room 1, 1/F, No. 542 Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, for trafficking in a dangerous drug, namely, 1.51 grammes of a solid containing 1.30 grammes of cocaine.

The second charge was filed after she was arrested moments later in Room 3 of the same building.

Found in this room was 1,857.1 grammes of a solid containing 1,806.9 grammes of methamphetamine hydrochloride or more commonly known as "ice", 160 grammes of a solid containing 108 grammes of cocaine, and 42.9 grammes of a mixture containing 35.8 grammes of heroin hydrochloride.

Tandual was also charged with drug trafficking for this haul. 

Drug trafficking is a serious offence under Hong Kong law, for which the maximum sentence is life imprisonment and fine of HK$5 million.

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.

PINDUTIN DITO

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.

Basahin ang detalye!

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, Japan 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 Php1,053.