Palace honors late DMW Secretary Toots Ople with ‘Lakandula’ award

President Marcos hands over the Lakandula medal to Ople's daughter Estelle

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has posthumously conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) on the late former Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople at Malacanang Palace on Dec. 30.

The conferment honors were held more than two years after Secretary Ople succumbed to cancer at age 61 while still serving as the DMW’s secretary.

Receiving the posthumous award were her family members led by her daughter, Estelle Ople Osorio.

DETAILS HERE

“In many ways it could be said that all of us who are doing any kind of work for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) around the world are only following the instructions she laid out,” President Marcos said in his speech.   

“She was the one who started it all. Everything that we are doing now, all of the successes that you see, she laid the groundwork for that.”

DETAILS HERE

Ople, daughter of the late senator and former Labor Secretary Blas Ople, served as undersecretary for labor from 2004 to 2009, during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

When she left public office, she founded the Blas Ople Foundation which focused on helping distressed OFWs all over the world.

Toots Ople died after serving as DMW Secretary for just over a year

She ran as senator in the same ticket as President Marcos in the general elections in 2010, but lost. Shortly after he took over as president in 2022, Mr. Marcos named Ople as secretary of the newly formed DMW.

Mr Marcos said that under Ople’s leadership, the Philippines entered into 42 bilateral agreements with 25 countries, all aimed at protecting OFWs.

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The agreements, he said, “were based on the firm belief that Filipino workers deserve protection, they deserve fairness, and they deserve respect, wherever they may be anywhere in the world.”

Ople is also credited with setting up the One Repatriation Command Center, the OFW Hospital, the DMW Mobile Application and OFW Pass. 

She was also known for her firm advocacy against illegal recruitment and the trafficking of Filipino workers abroad.

“More than two years since her passing, her work remains in the policies that she shaped and in the everyday systems that protect our overseas workers,” Mr Marcos said.

The Order of Lakandula, one of the nation’s three senior honors, is awarded for political and civic excellence in recognition of leadership, bravery and service to the country.

MWO HK has a new labor attaché – finally

 

Labatt Chavez and Congen Israel make the 'home' sign to signify MWO's role as OFWs' 'tahanan' abroad

After nearly a year of not having a labor attaché at the helm, the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong has finally acquired a new head of post.

According to MWO’s Facebook post on Sunday, Jan. 4, lawyer Cesar L. Chavez, Jr. has assumed the post of the Philippines’ labor attaché to Hong Kong since arriving in the city on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025. 

He was welcomed by Consulate officers and staff led by Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. who stands as the Philippines' top representative in Hong Kong.

DETAILS HERE

Chavez succeeded Atty Melchor Dizon who started serving as labor attaché in Hong Kong on Feb 23, 2020, and should have retired earlier, but was extended until January last year after his original intended successor was promoted to a higher position in the DMW. Assistant labor attaché Tony Villafuerte was appointed officer-in-charge in the interim.

Ex-Labatt Mel Dizon retired a year ago

According to the MWO post, Labor Attache Chavez has been in public service for 27 years, 13 years of which he served overseas, and 14 years with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Before moving to Hong Kong, he served as labor attaché in Taiwan for eight years (2017-2025) and before this, in Kuwait (2013-2016). He also served as welfare officer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 2009 to 2012.

DETAILS HERE

On his first day at work, Chavez assured OFWs in Hong Kong that during his watch, the MWO will further strengthen and improve its programs and services for them.

Basahin ang detalye!
    

No other background information on the new labatt was made in the post, but the statement said Chavez’ appointment at MWO Hong Kong reflected the Department of Migrant Workers’ commitment to protecting and promoting the welfare of OFWs.

 

Rizal expert's talk caps HK celebration of 50th year of PH-China ties

Be like Rizal, PCG tells all Filipinos

The Consulate General in Hong Kong has called on every Filipino to embody Dr. Jose Rizal’s peaceful advocacy for reform, education, reason and civic duty, as it commemorates the 129^th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Philippines’ national hero.

Dr. Rizal, a renowned ophthalmologist, had briefly set up practice in what is now known as D’Aguilar Street in Central, Hong Kong, and lived on Rednaxela Terrace in the Mid-Levels.

DETAILS HERE

It was thus fitting that the PCG had capped its year-long celebration of the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Hong Kong and China by co-sponsoring through its Sentro Rizal a talk by foremost Rizal historian, Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, at Dara Restaurant in Sai Ying Pun, last Nov. 26.

Dr Ocampo spoke on “Early Philippines-Hong Kong Historical Relations: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal” before an audience of Hong Kong residents, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the city’s academic, cultural, heritage, and commercial institutions.

During his engaging talk, Dr Ocampo also highlighted two more places linked to Rizal: a second residence on Arbuthnot Road and a second clinic on Duddell Street in Central, both of which have yet to get official recognition from Hong Kong’s Monuments and Antiquities Board. 

Dr Ambeth Ocampo (middle, right) sits beside Congen Jun Israel after the foremost
Rizal historian spoke to a select group of HK residents and diplomats 

A full write-up on his talk can be found here: bit.ly/458FJ2T

The article was only recently uploaded on the PCG’s website as the event unfortunately coincided with the tragic fire in Tai Po that killed 161 people, including a Filipino domestic worker.

Basahin ang detalye!

“The Consulate General respectfully acknowledges this context and conveys its deepest sympathies to the victims and their families, underscoring the importance of solidarity in moments of both cultural celebration and community grief. The event was co-presented by PHCham Hong Kong & Macau,” the article said in part.

Online applications for PSA documents, driver's licence renewal kick off

 

Filipinos living overseas will no longer have to go back home and queue up for important documents with new online services being offered by such government agencies such as the Land Transportation Office or the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The Philippine Consulate has announced that applications for a certified true copy of birth, marriage, death certificates of certificate of no marriage can already be done online through the PSAHelpline International Service (PSAHelpline.ph)

DETAILS HERE

Once the required information is provided in the online form, the PSA documents will be sent to applicants in whatever part of the world they are in

 For details, please read here: https://psa.gov.ph/content/public-advisory-94

Sample driver's licence

Separately, media organizations in the Philippines have announced that drivers’ license renewal can now be done fully online so there will no longer be a need to queue up for the service at LTO.

Applications will have to be made by going to the eGvoPH app, then navigate to the LTO section and select “Renew Your Driver's License".

DETAILS HERE

All of the required documents must be uploaded including a medical certificate for fitness from a licensed clinic, and the CDE or comprehensive driver’s education exam available via the LTMS Portal.

Then pay the fees and receive a digital licence. Currently the fee is P350 for license renewal.

For those who are abroad an authorized representative in the Philippines should be named. This representative will have to submit to the LTO the following: photocopies of the applicant’s passport to prove identity and absence from the country, letter of authority to make the renewal of application, plus a photocopy of the expiring driver’s license.

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The documents should be submitted directly to LTO, its license section at the Central Office (within the NCR) or to any LRO district offices outside Metro Manila.

Fees should then be made using digital wallets in the amount of Php350. A driver’s receipt will be sent electronically which will serve as a temporary driver’s license.

On the applicant’s return to the Philippines he or she will have 30 days to personally appear at the LTO office where the application was submitted to pick up the actual license. 

 

 

GCash limits Php1k Christmas bonanza after HK rush

 

A GCash account holder says she paid only about Php500 (HK$68) for this
basketful of goodies originally worth HK$201 (Facebook post)

One day, and it was gone. Well, almost.

Since Wednesday, Facebook has been abuzz with news that GCash, the Philippines-based mobile payment system, was giving away Php1,000 vouchers as a Christmas gift to their Filipino account holders who only needed to buy at least P1,001 worth of items from its partner shops in Hong Kong.

That meant that if they kept their spending to this minimum level, their shopping was virtually free. But it had to be done in Hong Kong, using the QR code for the coupon that popped after they went through the indicated process.

Basahin ang detalye!

The news immediately spread like wildfire, and a number of Filipinos rushed out to stock up on chocolates and other personal items mainly from Wellcome and ParkNShop, though some found out the promo also worked with Japan Homes or any other shops that accept GCash.

All they needed to do was spend a total of about $134 (Php1,001) on their shopping, and hardly anything was charged to their GCash account.

The mechanics were simple. All that the GCash user had to do was to click on the “Travel” icon in the “Explore the App” part of their GCash display page, then press “travel treat.”

On the next page, they had to look for Hong Kong’s Bauhinia logo under the “Hot Deals” section to get to the page that said they could “save Php 1,000 instantly.”

Below was a line that said they should have a “mini spend” of Php1,001 to avail of the Php1,000 voucher. Once they clicked on the "use it" button, they were directed to a landing page that provided the QR payment code that they should use in making their purchase.

Despite initial apprehensions, scam-wary migrant workers trooped to various shops to grab the windfall, and went home mostly happy.

But a number griped on Facebook that they had been “scammed” because their GCash accounts were still charged for their purchases.

It turned out they did not meet the minimum spending requirement, which was Php1,001. One told a Filipino community leader in a Facebook live chat that she was charged for her HK$114 purchase, or Php832, which did not meet the required spending. 

Blogger shows the initial offer of virtual free shopping for Php1k worth of goods

“Minimum spend 1001 pesos kaya pag less than 1K pesos ang groceries ninyo, matik ung laman ni GCash ang kainin niya,” said a vlogger who goes by the name “Carrot in Neverland”, and showed how she managed to use the voucher by buying groceries worth a total of $135.

Some of her followers were not as lucky, though, showing notices on their GCash app that said “due to overwhelming response all the coupons have been redeemed.”

But for others the deal was not totally cut off. GCash came up with yet another ploy to stimulate spending by their Filipinos users while benefiting their partner companies in Hong Kong.

Recent wannabe free shoppers found out that if they accessed their GCash accounts they could still get the Php1,000 voucher, but this time, their minimum spending must either be Php3,000, Php4,000 or Php5,000. (HK$400 to HK663).

Now GCash will only give the Php1k voucher for those who spend between P3k-P5k

The discounts of between 20 and 33% are not bad compared with other promotions of this nature, but compared with the initial shopping deal earlier, this was a big letdown for many, especially those who are not about to spend that much money just to redeem a Php1000 (HK$134) voucher.

Registration now on for overseas voting in 2028 Phl election

 

The OV registration process explained

Registration for overseas voting in what could be a watershed presidential election in the Philippines has officially started.

Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. who started serving in his Hong Kong post only last May, in time for the canvassing and counting of votes for the mid-term elections, was the first registrant from the Consulate.

The registration kicked off on Dec 1 at the temporary premises of the Consulate on the 26^th floor of United Centre in Admiralty, and will continue until Sept 30, 2027.

Overseas voter registration is open to all Filipino nationals who are at least 18 years old by May 8, 2028 residing or working abroad.

DETAILS HERE

This means that all newly arrived Filipino migrant workers or those who enter on employment, dependant or student visas and expect to be in Hong Kong during the month-long election period in April to May 2028, could register on or before the deadline.

Those who have been taken off the registered voters list for not voting in two consecutive elections should also register anew.

Last-minute registration results in long queues like this one

Registration can be done in person at the Consulate, located at 26/F (Sundays) and at the OFW Global Center on the 18/F (Mondays to Thursdays), by presenting a valid Philippine passport and a completed Overseas Voting Form (OVF-1).

All Filipino nationals registered as overseas voters will be able to cast their vote for President, Vice President, Senators, and Party-List Representative in the 2028 National Elections. 

Basahin ang detalye!

This early, speculations are rife on who would likely run for the top posts - and who should be voted - especially amid the continuing outrage over massive corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

In the overseas election earlier this year, Filipinos in Hong Kong voted straight "Duter10," or the entire senatorial slate of 10 senatorial candidates endorsed by jailed former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. 

With him locked up at The Hague on "crimes against humanity" charges and her embattled daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte facing possible impeachment for corruption, the next national election might yet turn the tide against them.

The Consulate General urges all Filipino nationals in Hong Kong to register early during the 22-month registration period and not wait until the last day of registration to avoid long queues.

Peso drops to record low of 59.22 vs US$1

 

The USD has emerged stronger than most regional currencies, including the peso

The Philippine peso sank to a new record low Tuesday, closing at 59.22 against the US dollar, amid expectations of a further rate cut by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Because of the HKD peg to the USD, the corresponding exchange rate with the HKD is now Php7.61 to HK$1.

This beat the previous record for the drop of Php59.17, posted on Nov. 12.

DETAILS HERE

The local currency dipped by 28.5 centavos from the Friday finish of 58.935, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines show.

The peso opened weaker on Tuesday at 59.08, and posted an intraday best at 59.07, before closing at the record low of 59.22.

For the past year, the local currency has depreciated by 2.32% from its Php57.845 finish on Dec. 27, 2024.

Basahin ang detalye!

The Philippine peso dropped along with most regional currencies ahead of the US Federal Reserves’ policy meeting, and the possible consequence of a rate cut by the BSP.

Reports from the Philippines indicate the BSP would likely announce a fifth straight drop tomorrow, to bring the policy rate to at least 4.5%, the lowest since September 2022.

Last week BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. hinted at a further cut, citing weakening growth prospects for the economy.

Analysts say that while remittances are expected to soar over the holiday season, this will be tempered by a strong US dollar and a weak local confidence, resulting in higher costs of imports and debt repayments.

Forecasts are mixed, with analysts predicting either a slight rise for the peso at 59.05 and 59.10, or a further dip to between 59.30 and 59.35 within the week.

 

Pair of scissors lands Pinoy in mental hospital

 

Siu Lam Hospital (Google Maps photo)

A 19-year-old Filipino arrested at Kornhill Plaza in Quarry Bay holding a pair of scissors, has ended up confined at the Siu Lam psychiatric hospital after he pleaded guilty at the Eastern Court.

Principal Magistrate David Cheung ordered that J.A.B. be confined at Siu Lam, known as Hong Kong’s top hospital for mental ailments, until Dec. 9 when he will be sentenced for possession of offensive weapon in a public place, contrary to section 33(1) and (2) of the Public Order Ordinance.

DETAILS HERE

In a hearing last Tuesday (Nov 25), Magistrate Cheung called for Detention Centre, Rehabilitation Centre and Psychiatric reports be done to guide his decision.

In an amended charge, Police accused J.A.B. of having an offensive weapon, a pair of scissors, “without lawful authority or reasonable excuse” last Aug. 15 “in a public place near bus stop, outside Kornhill Plaza (South), No. 2 Komhill Road, Quarry Bay.”

Basahin ang detalye!

Under the ordinance, people of his age may be sentenced to stays in jail of up to three years or confinement in a Detention Centre or Rehabilitation Centre.

Ex-HK OFW is mom to a ‘Bagong Bayani’

 

Nanay Evangeline is congratulated by President Bongbong Marcos after being introduced
by DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac at the Bagong Bayani awards

Former Hong Kong domestic worker Evangeline Isla was given special mention by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac in a Facebook post on Saturday, Nov. 22, after she represented her engineer-daughter at the Bagong Bayani awards in Malacanang two days earlier.

Nanay Evangeline proudly stood on the podium at Malacanang's ceremonial hall in place of her daughter, Qatar-based engineer Romaline Isla, who was named “outstanding employee.”

DETAILS HERE

Secretary Cacdac said in his post, “Maari pong sabihin na dalawang OFWs po ang pinarangalan natin sa isang tropeo at medalya.” (It could be said that we honored two OFWs with a trophy and a medal).

“Malugod po silang kinilala ng ating mahal na Pangulo sa “Palace of the People”. (Both were warmly received by our beloved President in the ‘Palace of the People.’)

Roma's poster shot during the awards rites

Nanay Evangeline told The SUN that she began her OFW journey in Saudi Arabia together with her husband Rolando where they both worked for five years, before she moved on, alone, to Hong Kong, where she continued working as a domestic helper for another 15 years.

In Hong Kong, Nanay Evangeline had some of his worst experiences as an OFW, including being shouted at and poked in the face by her female employer from the mainland.

“Mabuti na lang at mabait ang asawa niya na Australyano kaya ako nakatagal,” she told The SUN. (Luckily, her husband who is Australian, was nice, so I managed to hold on).

PINDUTIN DITO

She was also lucky in that her husband agreed to settle down in their Pangasinan hometown so he could do odd carpentry jobs while looking after their four children.

It was her children, the eldest of whom was Romaline or Roma, who kept her going, said Nanay Evangeline.

“Gusto ko silang makatapos lahat. Ayaw ko silang matulad sa akin na domestic helper,” she said, the memory still fresh in her mind. (I wanted all of them to complete their studies. I did not want any of them to become a domestic helper like me).

Basahin ang detalye!

Her effort paid off when Roma went abroad, not as a domestic helper, but as an accomplished engineer, and quickly rose through the ranks.

Recently, Roma moved on to a renowned construction firm in Doha where she was made an environmental manager, and because she could not yet go on vacation leave, asked the person who played a key part in her success - her mother - to represent her at the awards rites.

Seeing Roma so honored made Nanay Evangeline doubly proud and happy, for she not only fulfilled her wishes for her children, her daughter also showed how an OFW could shine and help uplift the country abroad.

 

Unaccompanied minors can only travel abroad with ma’s personal consent

 

Mothers must appear in person to give consent before their minor child can travel abroad

A mother must personally give her consent before her minor child can travel abroad unaccompanied by either parent, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

To make the consent valid, the mother must be physically present at an interview before the Travel Clearance Certificate (TCC) can be issued for the child.

The reminder was issued Saturday through the Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) online system.

DETAILS HERE

MTA welfare officer Katherine dela Cruz explained, “We require the presence of the mother, even if she has consented and signed. We need them to attend the interview for confirmation.”

Dela Cruz noted that in the past, mothers had signed the consent papers but were absent during interviews.

The requirement for the mother’s explicit and personal consent is in line with the DSWD’s strict process in issuing TCCs to protect Filipino children from trafficking and exploitation.

PINDUTIN DITO

The rule applies to all kinds of travel by minors, whether alone or with people other than their parents, including for competitions abroad, taking up study grants or attending out-of-country training.

The TCC requires the written consent of both parents or the solo parent or legal guardian, notarized and with details of the travel companion, destination, purpose and duration. If the parent/s is abroad, the Affidavit of Consent and Support must be obtained from the nearest embassy or consulate.

Dela Cruz said the MTA follows provisions of the Family Code, which designates the mother as having sole parental authority over a child.

Basahin ang detalye!

In line with the law, if the mother is missing, the father or guardian must obtain a social case study report from the local social welfare and development office of the local government unit, as well as a police blotter report.

The DSWD said its regional field offices will assist people who cannot access the MTA online system or have no internet connection.

For more information, please check the MTA webpage: https://car.dswd.gov.ph/programs-services/protective-services-program/minors-travelling-abroad/