Duterte appears at ICC hearing

 

Duterte appeared in a dark suit and sported dark hair (pool photo)

Jailed former Philippine president Rodrigo D. Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague Wednesday for the first time since his initial appearance in March 2025.

Duterte, 81, wore a dark suit and sported a full head of dark hair as he listened intently during the third status conference before his trial, which is due to begin in November. He did not speak, but waved to supporters seated at the public gallery.

But before that, the court will have to decide on whether the former leader is fit to stand trial. His lawyers argue that he suffers from significant memory loss and cognitive decline, making him unable to assist his legal team.

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However, ICC prosecutors and a court-appointed medical panel maintain that he has the mental capacity to understand the charges and follow the proceedings.

The former strongman who ruled the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 is being held at the ICC on three counts of crimes against humanity for murder and attempted murder, covering 49 incidents and at least 76 victims during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president.

At Wednesday’s conference ICC presiding judge Joanna Korner stressed the need to proceed with the trial as quickly as possible, and said the court is not inclined to adopt the usual practice of holding blocks of hearings with breaks and sitting hours.

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Instead, Judge Korner said the court intends to sit through the hearing from November 30 until the middle of December, just before the Christmas break.

Duterte’s counsel, Peter Haynes, slammed the prosecution for disclosing a mountain of evidence which he described as being in ä terrible “mess.”

Haynes said the prosecution has now listed nearly 20,000 items as evidence, compared to about 5,000 at the confirmation stage.

“And what has been dumped in the Registry is 62,500 exhibits. That 324,000 pages of evidence and over 1,000 video and audio files which run to many thousands of hours. And they’re in a terrible mess,” he added.

Meanwhile, protest actions were held by various groups near the ICC as the hearing of Duterte’s case went underway. Several groups of Filipino workers and residents in the Netherlands held protests either in support, or to condemn Duterte.

Filipino rights groups like Migrante and Bayan Europe called for Duterte to be held accountable for the thousands of people killed under his “Oplan Tokhang” operations.

Conversely, about Duterte loyalists gathered outside the ICC and in cities across Mindanao to protest his detention and demand his release, calling the proceedings biased.

Pinoy asks for jail term, gets drug rehab

 

Eastern Magistrate's Court 

C. De Vera’s lawyer asked for up to one month’s jail term when he appeared for sentencing today at Eastern Court for drug possession and failure to produce a Hong Kong ID.

But Magistrate Edward Wong sentenced De Vera, 42-years old, to an indefinite stay at a Drug Addiction Treatment Center until he kicks the drug habit, and $500 fine for falure to produce an ID.

“You wish to be sentenced to jail. But you have a heavy problem with drugtaking since 2007,” Magistrate Wong told him. “Prison is mainly for retribution for crime. DATC is for rehabilitation.”

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He added: “We don’t know if it will work for you but it is worth a try.”

De Vera had been tried for possession of a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 8(4)(a) and (2) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, and failure to comply with requirement to produce proof of identity for inspection, contrary to section 49 of the Public Order Ordinance.

He was charged with possession of a dangerous drug after police investigators found his pocket a plastic bag containing 0.14 gram of a crystalline solid containing methamphetamine hydrochloride. (a salt of methamphetamine).

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This happened while he was inside the Breath Test Room, Report Room, North Point Police Station on Java Road last  June 11.

He was arrested by police on Kam Ping Street, North Point, earlier that day after he failed to show his HKID when police officer Huang Junhua demanded to see it.

Under the law, police can require people to produce their HKID if they reasonably believe that it is necessary for the purpose of preventing, detecting, or investigating of an offense for which the sentence is fixed by law or for which a person may (on a first conviction for that offence) be sentenced to imprisonment.”

Public urged to take flu jabs soon amid surge in cases

 

HA doctors hold press conference to urge public to take flu jabs early

The Hospital Authority urged people in Hong Kong to get vaccinated against seasonal flu as soon as possible, amid a surge in infections and serious cases.

An HA consultant said Tuesday the number of cases could go even higher in the winter, so now is the time to get the jab, as it takes two weeks for antibodies to form following vaccination. This protection could last for at least six months.

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“If people receive vaccination in September and October, there will be enough time for their bodies to develop antibodies, so that they will have sufficient immunity during Christmas and New Year – a peak time for travel and gatherings,” said Chan Ting Bong of the New Territories East Cluster’s department of family medicine.

Chan said that pregnant women in particular should get the vaccine as soon as possible, because this will not only protect their own health but also that of the babies they’re carrying.

HK Medical Association doctors echo the call for early vaccination

Earlier, the Hong Kong Medical Association issued the same call, and warned of possible flu outbreaks at schools at the start of classes, increasing the risk of community transmission.

Raymond Tso, council member of the association said that an increasing number of cases were recorded from late August to early September, as students began returning to schools.

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“That’s why we advise people to get their vaccination sooner to prevent any serious consequences of flu infections,” Tso added.

One flu outbreak that has caused concern happened at the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital, where 13 more patients and one staff member were recently reported to have been infected. Three infected patients aged 81 to 95 have died, all of whom had underlying illnesses.

The sick patients who were in the tuberculosis and infirmary wards have been put in isolation, while the staff member is on leave.

The hospital had previously announced that since September 7, eight patients and two staff members had tested positive for influenza A. The hospital has stepped up infection control measures to prevent a further spread of the virus.

The Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme by the government is set to begin on Thursday, with eligible patients who regularly visit public hospitals and outpatient clinics being first in line.

The flu jab is given free to those aged 50 and above, children from six months to 18 years old, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases and disabilities. Designated private clinics also administer them free or at subsidized cost to eligible patients.

One such clinic will resume providing free flu shots to Filipinos who turn 50 this year, or older, on September 22, Tuesday, at the Migrant Workers Office on the 29th floor of United Centre in Admiralty.

After this, the free jabs will be given half-a-day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and whole day on Sundays. Those eligible may walk in during designated days and time as listed by the MWO.

Pinay pleads guilty to conspiracy to defraud Immigration

 

Visa application interview (Immigration Department file photo)

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

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

In the meantime, he ordered her returned to jail.

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

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

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

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

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

Check sanitary pads label, says Consumer Council

 

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

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

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

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

DETAILS HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Invaders is champion of first Alselympics volleyball tourney

 

Participants and organizers of the Alselympics 2026 pose for photo

The Invaders emerged as champion of the Alselympics 2026, a volleyball tournament held last Sunday at Bayanihan Center among graduates of the Ateneo Leadership And Social Entrepreneurship (Alse) seminars, for the benefit of a cancer-stricken member.

The tournament, sponsored by the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrprene3urship Overseas Filipinos’ Leadership, Innovation, Financial Literacy And Social Entrepreneurship Program (ALSE OF-LIFE) Hong Kong Alumni Association, raised funds for co-alumnus Louie Cuenca Licop (Batch 53) who is battling Stage 4 breast cancer.

DETAILS HERE

In the tournament, Invaders took home the league's first Championship trophy by beating the 127 Team Diggers, which took the first runner-up trophy In the overall team standings. The 142 Ball Busters came in second, by beatiing the Bidamax which took third.

Another highlight of the program was the selection of the Muse of Alselympics 2026, which was won by Deanna Jean Notor of Batch 117, who represented the Bidamax Team. Other winners were: Mary Anne Ranchez (142 Ball Busters), 1st runner up Theresa Aranda (127 Team Diggers), 2nd runner-up and Jhanette Gamboa (The Invaders Team), 3rd runner-up.

The champions: Invaders

Alselympics 2026 is the first-ever sports event of the association. “It brought together alumni from different batches for a day of unity, friendship, sportsmanship, and giving,” the group said.

“Through the collective efforts of alumni, friends, and supporters, the event became a meaningful expression of solidarity, compassion, and hope for a fellow member of the Alse family,” it added.

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The opening ceremonies had as guest speaker Vice Consul Allan Revote, who highlighted the importance of community involvement, volunteerism, unity, and the power of sports in bringing people together for a worthy cause.

As a result of the tournament, the alumni selected the Best of the Best volleyball players who will be the official representatives of the ALSEOF-LIFE Hong Kong Alumni Association in future volleyball tournaments and inter-organizational competitions.

The team is preparing for bigger matches in the future, including participation in the OWWA Cup.

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“Through the training, unity, and dedication of the elite players, the organization hopes to showcase the skill, sportsmanship, and spirit of ALSE alumni at a higher level of competition,’” the group added.

Due to the tournament’s success, officials of the ALSEOF-LIFE Hong Kong Alumni Association have pledged to make Alselympics a yearly event to continue to strengthen alumni networks, promote sportsmanship, and serve as a platform for charitable initiatives.

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Its next major activity is the Annual Alumni Gathering to be held this December 2026, which will also serve as a special welcome for the upcoming graduates of the ALSEOF-LIFE Batch 2026.

The group acknowledged the support of various organizations and volunteers, among them the Filipino Nurses Association in Hong Kong, which provided first-aid and medical assistance; the Philippine Alliance of HK, which is run by ALSEOF-LIFE graduates led by Leilani Campos, its current president; the Kobi Volunteers led by Faye Guevarra; the Pangasinan Society; the Solid Group; and the Hunters Group’s Jen Belda and Cris Quezada for officiating the games to ensure a smooth and fair competition.

Asylum seeker jailed10 weeks for drug possession

 

Eastern Magistrates' Court 

A Filipino asylum who pleaded guilty to drug possession at Eastern Court and made wait a week in for a report from Drug Abuse Treatment Center to determine whether he should go to jail or a rehab facility, has finally been imprisoned for 10 weeks.

C.J. Arzaga, 41 years old, faced the charge of possession of a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 8 (1) (a) and (2) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 134 for having in his possession a dangerous drug, namely one cartridge containing 0.79 gram of a liquid containing etomidate:

DETAILS HERE

Magistrate Edward Wong sentenced the unemployed Arzaga last Thursday as a result of police officers finding the drug in his possession, after he was stopped and searched last July 15 at the junction of Eastern Street and Ham Yu Street on Hong Kong Island.

Etomidate has become the most common type of drug abused among reported young drug abusers since 2025, followed by cannabis and cocaine, according to a report from the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau.

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Meanwhile, John Andrew Balabbo, 21 years old and a Hong Kong resident, was was kept  in jail after he appeared at West Kowloon Court, charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 4(1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

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Principal Magistrate Don So adjourned the case to November 6.

Balabbo, who  is unemployed, was arrested last June 16, 2026 at the Baggage Examination Counter N6, Customs Arrival Hall A, Passenger Terminal Building 1, Hong Kong International Airport, after Customs officers found 7.7 kilos of cannabis buds n his checked in luggage.

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He had just arrived from Bangkok.

Latest anti-illegal work operation nets 20 people

 

Immigration officers display the items they seized from suspected illegal workers

A week-long operation across Hong Kong to flush out illegal workers resulted in the arrest of 20 people.

The raids that involved operatives from the Immigration Department, the HK Police, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department targeted multiple locations like restaurants, hair salons and retail stores and lasted from September 4 1to 10.

DETAILS HERE

Seventeen suspected illegal workers, one suspected employer and two overstayers were arrested.

The suspected illegal workers comprised 10 men and seven women, aged 24 to 50.

Four of the men held recognizance forms that allowed them to remain in Hong Kong to challenge deportation, but not work.

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Two of women were found in possession of forged Hong Kong identity cards, which they are suspected to have used to get jobs.

The two overstayers were both women aged 38 and 50.

A man, aged 51, was suspected of employing the illegal workers and was also arrested. Immigration said an investigation into his operation is ongoing, and further arrests are possible.

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Visitors, contract workers and foreign domestic helpers who are caught engaged in illegal work face up to two years in jail and a maximum fine of HK$50,000.

The jail term goes up to three years if the illegal worker is an overstayer, asylum seeker or illegal immigrant.

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Anyone found in possession of fake HK identity cards could be imprisoned for up to 10 years and fined a maximum amount of HK$100,000.penalty of up to HK$500,000 in fines and imprisonment for 10 years.

 

Cebu Pac increases hand-carry bag allowance to 10kg

 

The new allowance applies to 5J flights only

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

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

DETAILS HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filipinos overseas urged to register for 2028 presidential election

 

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

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

DETAILS HERE

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

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

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

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

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

CFO, Customs link up to ease concerns over balikbayan boxes

 

Ang and Nepomuceno shake hands over the deal

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

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

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

DETAILS HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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