Artworks by survivors of online child sex abuse on display at Consulate

 

The exhibit hopes to bring light to victims of child sex abuse

A special art exhibit dubbed “Gallery of Hope” is on at the Consulate’s public  area, to mark the Museums and Galleries Month this October.

The exhibit, dubbed “Gallery of Hope”, showcases art works by children who have survived online sexual abuse and exploitation in the Philippines.

Despite the nightmare that they were made to go through, the contributing artists still made bright and colourful drawings, a reminder to everyone that a grim past should not hinder a brighter future.

Some information about online sex exploitation is flashed on the screen in the public area

In a survey report published only  last October 9, the United Nations Children’s Educational Fund (Unicef) revealed that one girl in every eight worldwide experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18.

The situation is most dire in the Philippines, which is now said to be considered the center of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children worldwide.

An earlier Unicef survey found that 7 million children are reportedly sexually and physically abused in the country each year.

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The abuse is committed within families and the community, and many local governments are reportedly complicit as they give permits to operate to sex bars, clubs and hotels where trafficked minors are brought to and sold for sex to customers, many of whom are foreigners.

The problem is highlighted in a case reported Tuesday, where a Filipino mother and her live-in partner were arrested for allegedly selling sexually explicit photos and videos of the woman's six-year-old son to pedophiles abroad for between Php1,500 to Php5,000 per material.

The alleged offence was uncovered by police investigators who were tipped off by Australian authorities after one of the couple's clients was arrested. The boy’s mother reportedly met potential clients on online dating sites.

Both she and her partner were arrested and charged with online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, which is punishable under RA11930 with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and P2 million in fine.

Consul General Germinia Usudan poses with staff and guests at the exhibit launch on Oct 13

At the exhibit’s launch, the Consulate took the opportunity to distribute informational brochures from the government on the growing problem of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the country.

The exhibition is open to the public until the end of October at the “Sining Malaya Art Corner” located at the Philippine Consulate’s public area from Sunday to Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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PHLPost resumes issuance of postal ID

 

Specimen of a Philippine postal ID

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) announced yesterday, Tuesday, that it will  resume accepting applications for postal IDs.

PHLPost suspended the acceptance of rush and regular postal ID applications on March 10, 2023 due to technical issues.

The postal ID is popular with those seeking a nationally accepted identification document for transacting with government offices and private businesses as it does not require too many proofs of identification and is usually issued within 10 working days.

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But first, applicants must personally apply in several capturing post offices branches nationwide.

First-time applicants must also bring the original and a photocopy of the following documents:

-              -  A proof of identity, such as a birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority or local civil registry, GSIS, SSS UMID Card, driver’s license, or passport

-          -  A proof of address, such as a  barangay clearance, certified true copy of lease, certified true copy of titles, certified true copy of real estate tax receipt, bank statement, credit card statement, school billing statement, or utility bill

-         For renewal, applicants must also bring an original and photocopy of their expired postal ID, any proof of identity, and address. Married women who are renewing under their new surnames must bring their marriage certificates.

The application fee costs P550.

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HK, Chinese firms eye investment opportunities in PH

 

Trade USec Ceferino S. Rodolfo, (in blue barong) pose after the meeting with Polyard Petroleum International Group Limited along with (from left): Trade Attache to HK  Roberto B. Mabalot, Jr., BOI Director Ernesto C. Delos Reyes, Jr., Polyard representative Iya Chen

Hong Kong and Chinese companies have expressed interest in investing in the country’s logistics, renewable energy, electric vehicle, textile, telecommunication and financial sectors, according to the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Hong Kong (PTIC-HK), the country’s trade and investment promotion arm in Hong Kong and Macau.

The announcement came after a series of meetings conducted by a Philippine panel led by Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo, with Hong Kong firms, business organizations, as well as Hong Kong’s commerce and economic officials last Sept 12-13, as part of the (DTI) and Board of Investments (BOI) mission to China in 2024.

Dr. Rodolfo, who also sits as BOI vice chairman, was supported by Trade Attache Roberto B. Mabalot, Jr., trade assistant Wilson Wong, BOI director for investment assistance service Ernesto C. Delos Reyes, Jr..

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PTIC-HK said the panel met with executives of firms such as HGC Global Communications, Polyard Petroleum International Group Limited, SF Express, China Harmony Auto Holding Limited, Luen Thai Group, and the Bank of China.

One of these companies, HGC, has made significant inroads in the Philippines, partnering with major Philippine operators to install underground and overhead fiber optic networks across Luzon, using the advanced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology.

HGC is also involved in the deployment of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) solutions in Mindanao, further expanding its reach and enhancing the telecommunications infrastructure in the region.

Its accomplishments include:

    - Rollout of more than 1,500km fibre optic asset in 1H2024, and still expanding;

    - Installation of over 6,000 strategic access points (manholes), and still expanding;

    - Network covers key corporate and residential areas, as well as unserved and underserved locations.

PTIC-HK said Dr. Rodolfo also met with Algernon Yau, secretary of the HK Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the agency responsible for the territory’s external commercial relations, to discuss investment and trade between Hong Kong SAR and the Philippines.

They also explored the possibility of establishing a Joint Economic Committee which would help strengthen trade and investment relations between Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Dr. Rodolfo further engaged with representatives from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC), one of the oldest and largest business organizations in Hong Kong.

These meetings aimed to enhance and strengthen the economic ties between the Philippines and Hong Kong, PTIC-HK said.

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Overseas Filipino voters in HK to get digital ID soon

 

Prototype of the digital voter's ID which will be sent to overseas voters via email

At long last, all Filipinos who have registered to vote overseas will be getting their identification card, which will now be issued to them in digital form.

The Commission on Elections in the Philippines stopped issuing the overseas voter’s ID in 2018, after legislators approved a bill establishing a National Identification System, which proposes only one ID for all government transactions.

However, due to the slow implementation of the National ID system and the introduction of internet voting by most Filipinos abroad for next year’s mid-term election, Comelec decided to resume the issuance of voter’s IDs, but this time in digital form.

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Voters will be sent a copy of their digital ID through email, which they must download and print by themselves.

Comelec said overseas voters may use the modern ID as an alternative proof of identification when they enroll for internet voting, in case their Philippine passport of seafarer’s identification record book is not available.

While the digital ID has been made available to many Filipino voters abroad since the start of the year, those who are in Hong Kong will have to wait awhile.

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Vice Consul Angelo Manuel, who is tasked with overseas voting here for the 2025 senatorial elections in the Philippines, said they are still awaiting further guidance from Comelec on the distribution, but said they hope to be able to do this soon.

Manuel said the final batch of IDs has yet to be sent by Comelec, which could be due to the sheer number of registered voters here.

After the two-year overseas voting registration ended on Monday, Manuel said they expect the final tally of registered voters to be between 90,000 to 95,000 - still the biggest for any single post abroad.

He said the Consulate will need help, even with just sending out the digital IDs to registered voters.

Manuel admits knowing about the great interest attached by Filipino voters to the ID since it is one of the perennial questions being asked of Consulate officers whenever they attend community events.

He advised voters to make sure they have easy access to the email address they will furnish Comelec as that is where their digital IDs will be sent.

The digital ID will come in handy when overseas voters are asked to take part in a pre-enrolment for internet voting. This would require the submission of personal identification and government-issued identification documents.

Comelec will use the Online Voting and Counting System for the first time in overseas voting, which will run from April 13 to May 12, 2025. Filipinos abroad will be able to vote for up to 12 senators and one party-list, whose representatives will sit at the House of Representatives if they get enough vote.

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Overseas voting registration for Filipinos ends Monday

Last-minute registrants in the 2021 OVR waited for hours to get up to the Consulate 

Filipinos in Hong Kong who have not yet registered for the landmark internet voting for next year’s mid-term elections in the Philippines have only two more days to so.

The registration ends in all overseas posts on Sept. 30, Monday, which means that those who are in Hong Kong have only Sunday and Monday to get their names registered at the Consulate offices on the 14^th and 29^th floor of United Centre building in Admiralty, as they will be closed on Friday and Saturday.

Registered voters will get the chance to vote for 12 senators and one party-list in next year’s overseas election, which will last from April 13 to May 12, 2025.

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Those who need to register include first-time overseas voters and those who were de-registered for failing to vote in the previous two elections.

They must be Filipino citizens, are at least 18 years of age on or before the election on May 12, 2025 and are not registered to vote in any other places overseas.

To register, they need to accomplish the Overseas Voter Registration Form (which can be downloaded online) and personally submit the form to the Consulate for the taking of their biometrics, including their photo and thumb prints.

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They should bring with them a valid Philippine passport (and photocopy) and HKID. In the absence of a valid Philippine passport, the registrant should obtain a certification issued by the Consulate that it has received and reviewed the appropriate documents submitted by the applicant and found them sufficient to warrant the issuance of a passport, or that the applicant is a holder of a valid passport but is unable to produce the same for a valid reason;

The registration period for overseas voters started on Dec 9, 2022, or six months after the last general election.

Overseas voting for Filipinos this year will be done exclusively online, except in places where the internet connection is deemed unstable, like in China.

Internet voting is seen to boost the number of overseas voters

The Commission on Elections said during a briefing held in Hong Kong earlier this year that there will be a pre-enrolment period 60 days before the start of voting period on Apr 13 next year.

This is to ensure that the one who will cast the actual vote is the registered voter.

The voter will have to upload his/her document, then wait for verification from the Philippine Consulate, before being given access to the ballot online.

Philippine officials tasked with administering the overseas vote are encouraging Filipinos abroad to grab the chance of making a difference in the task of charting the country’s future.

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With an estimated 11 million potential voters overseas, internet voting could allow them to have a big  impact on the outcome of the election.

Over the years, overseas voting has lost its shine for most lawmakers because of the low registration numbers and even lower turnout.

Out of an estimated 11 million Filipinos overseas, only 1,693,813 registered to vote in the 2022 elections. And out of these registered voters, only 663,188 actually voted - or a turnout of 39.15 percent.

With internet voting, it is expected that the turnout would be much higher – but only if more people registered on or before the Monday deadline  

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Filipino residents fall victims to in-flight heist

 

The PAL flight was almost empty when the couple flew into Manila on Sept 6 (PAL website)

A Filipino couple based in Hong Kong had their recent vacation in Palawan ruined, as they became the latest to fall victims to in-flight theft, which appeared to have occurred aboard a Philippine Airlines flight that flew them to Manila early on September 6.

Stolen during the flight were three credit cards belonging to Mark (not his real name), which were used by the culprits to buy a number of items in Malaysia which altogether cost 70,800 RM (Malaysian Ringgit) (HK$ 127,500 or Php 913,000).

His wife, Anne (not her real name) recalls a sense of foreboding when their original flight from Hong Kong on September 5 was delayed due to the T8 being raised with the approach of Super Typhoon Yagi. They were cleared for departure early the next day, at 12:30am.

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Anne and Mark, who were then headed to Puerto Princesa,  took some selfies before take-off to assure their children that they could finally leave. From the pictures she shared, it could be seen that the PAL flight was wide open, with rows of empty seats around them.

Despite this, they noticed that two Chinese girls seated elsewhere took the seats in front and behind them, both by the window. Around them, the seats were occupied by what Anne described as Chinese-looking passengers who on hindsight, looked like lookouts to her.

Mark, whose work required him to travel frequently, put their two carry-on bags and his personal bag on the overhead bin, while Anne put hers under the seat in front of her. The flight was smooth but sometime during the ride, both fell asleep.

Anne says, “They probably took his entire bag at the back when we took a nap. They took the cards in a wallet hidden at the bottom of the bag. No way they can just get it  (wallet).”

The couple arrived in Palawan early on Sept. 6 and it was not until around midnight of Sept 8 that they realized that Mark’s HSBC Visa card and American Express credit card had been stolen. They spent the entire night and early the next morning calling up the banks to dispute the charges. They also filed a police report and executed an affidavit of loss on the same day.

The two stolen HSBC Visa cards were used to buy gadgets and pay for food

Yesterday, Sept. 10, they headed back to Manila, and along the way Mark realized his HSBC Philippine credit card was also stolen, so they filed another report with the police at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Anne said that because Mark was using his Philippine phone he did not immediately see the bank notifications about the charges made to his credit cards, which he could only access on his Hong Kong phone.

Typically, the thieves wasted no time using the stolen cards to go on a shopping spree in Kuala Lumpur. On Mark’s Amex cards, the thieves spent RM18,700 on Lamer cosmetics; and at a Prada shop, they used the card twice for purchases that came up to RM12,500 and RM10,000.

His HSBC cards were used separately to pay a bill at Ching Mong Tang for RM19,800, and Tech Heaven for RM9,800.

The police report on the complaint they filed in Puerto Princesa

Anne says that while she and Mark are anxious to get the unauthorized purchases reversed, they also want to send out a warning to others, especially their fellow Filipino travelers, to make sure they don’t go through the same traumatic experience.

They are also looking at PAL to help identify the Chinese-looking passengers who sat near them, in hopes that the culprits who caused them so much trauma would be caught and brought to justice.

The couple’s nightmare comes close on the heels of two recent inflight thefts reported by Hong Kong media, and warnings from the police in late 2023 about a rise in the number of such cases.

The two aircraft thefts both happened on Aug 26, with one being widely reported as it resulted to the arrest of a Mainland Chinese man who allegedly stole a $330,000 Rolex watch, thousands of dollars in cash and credit cards belonging to a fellow passenger. The victim discovered the theft just before deplaning from the Hong Kong Express flight from Danang, Vietnam, and immediately alerted the crew.

The other incident involved a Mainland traveler whose credit card was reportedly stolen as he slept on a VietAir flight from Danang to Hong Kong. Although he managed to report the card lost as soon as he saw notifications on his phone about transactions totaling $36,000 being made on it, no arrests had been made.

Such cases are not rare. As early as October 2023, the police had sounded the alarm about a surge in in-flight thefts, as it announced a series of arrests related to a syndicate that were targeting passengers’ credit cards on airliners bound for the city.

The police said it recorded 13 such cases in the first nine months of the year, after just two incidents in 2022, one in 2021 and five in 2020.

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Quiboloy detained at Camp Crame after forced surrender

 

Quiboloy's photo is from Children's Joy Foundation, Inc., which he founded

Controversial Filipino preacher Apollo Quiboloy has been taken into custody after yielding to authorities’ demand for him to surrender within 24 hours, according to the Philippine National Police.

Quiboloy, who face charges of sexual abuse and human trafficking, reportedly surrendered in his sprawling complex in Davao city on Sunday along with four followers.

They were immediately flown  to Manila where they are now locked up in a heavily guarded facility at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, according to a police spokesperson.

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Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos earlier announced on Facebook that Quiboloy had been  caught but did not give details.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said at a news briefing that the five accused had their mug shots and fingerprints taken before they were detained.

“The Philippine National Police gave an ultimatum for them to surrender, otherwise, we would raid a particular building, where we’ve been barred from entering,” Fajardo said.

Quiboloy, who proclaimed himself as “owner of the universe” and “appointed son of god”, was forced to surrender after 2,000 police officers armed with an arrest warrant against him, laid siege on his sprawling lair two weeks ago.

The 74-year-old religious leader who is also on the FBI’s “most wanted” list in the United States on separate charges of sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

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He was charged by the US Justice Department in 2021 with sex trafficking of girls and women between the ages of 12 and 25 to work as personal assistants, or “pastorals”, who were allegedly required to have sex with him.

Quiboloy, a long-time friend and supporter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, also backed the candidacy of the incumbent, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

He went into hiding earlier this year after a Philippine court ordered his arrest and several others on charges of child and sexual abuse and human trafficking.

The Philippine Senate issued a separate arrest order against Quiboloy for refusing to appear in committee hearings that were looking into the criminal allegations against him.

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Young Pinoy designers join HK’s Centrestage

 

The Philippine booth is right beside the entrance to Centrestage

Fifteen young Filipino designers are on the spotlight in Centrestage, the premier annual fashion and creative event in Hong Kong, currently ongoing at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wanchai.

An eyecatching booth right by the entrance to the trade fair houses all of the outstanding creations by the 15 Filipino artists, from apparel, footwear, bags, jewelry and other accessories.

Weather permitting, they will be able to show more of their talent and artistry at 3pm tomorrow, when they take the center stage for a fashion show featuring their own creations.

Noelle with her O'El bags

Among those who flew into stormy Hong Kong to take part in the exhibit is  Noelle Llave of O’El Designs, whose quirky bags are mostly made of the softest leather trimmed with native materials like capiz  and abaca hemp, and handles made of ethically sourced plastic.

Unusually designed and beautifully made bags are also on offer from Cali Bags, owned by  Tessa Nepomuceno; Vesti, owned by Martha Rodriguez; and Virtucio, owned by Christine Virtucio.  All four women also act as creative directors of their respective companies.

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Also proudly showcasing her own creations is Davao native Nurainie Ampatuan, who uses indigenous Mindanao fabrics like inaul from Maguindanao and landap from Maranao in her eye-catching and well-stitched modern outfits that carry the brand name Hilyah.

Nurainie uses only fabrics woven and sourced in Mindanao

Bright, soft and and colourful, with one-of-a-kind prints, are what make Basil Malicsi’s shirts and lounge wear, stand out. A graduate of California State University and the University of the Philippines, Malicsi brings to his creations bearing his namesake brand, years of experience working in ateliers in Los Angeles, Bangkok and Dubai.

Basil is proudly Pinoy

The other brands featured in the Fashion Philippines team are Toping Zamora, owned and fashioned by Christopher Zamora, StrongVillage by Russell Tero Villafuerte, Thian Rodriguez Manila by Christian Rodriguez, Erich Minoza by Richard Minoza, Zapateria, with managing director Glice Batulan, Roweliza by Roweliza Landicho, Beatriz by Carissa Evangelista and Charlene Nocom, Majorian by Marigrace Reano, and Agsam Fashion Fern by Gina Nebrida-Ty.

Centrestage opened yesterday, Sept. 4, and will run until Saturday, Sept. 7.

The Philippine participation in the fashion fair is made possible by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, through its attaché in Hong Kong, Vice Consul Roberto Mabalot, Jr.

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OFWs in war-town Lebanon start going home

 

The evacuees from Lebanon are welcomed at Manila airport by DMW staff

The first overseas Filipino workers and their families to leave Lebanon arrived in Manila Saturday night.

The evacuees comprised 15 OFWs and children, who decided to flee Lebanon amid intensified fighting between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militia.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported that the OFWs were immediately given assistance, including funds for reintegration, after they requested for repatriation.

Their return was coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or OWWA.

A day earlier, the DMW appealed to all Filipinos in Lebanon to leave immediately to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

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“The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon strongly urges all Filipino citizens to leave Lebanon immediately while the airport remains operational. We advise all Filipino nationals to prioritize their safety and depart the country as soon as possible,” said a statement posted by the DMW on its Facebook page on Friday.

“If you are unable to leave Lebanon, we strongly recommend that you evacuate to safer areas outside of Beirut, South Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley.”

OWWA in turn appealed to Filipinos to convince OFWs in Lebanon to return home, stressing that the safety of the Filipino workers is the utmost priority.

However, migration experts say it might be difficult for some Filipinos to leave Lebanon as they are undocumented. Those who have proper documents, on the other hand, hesitate about going home for fear of losing their jobs.

Those who need help with repatriation are encouraged to fill out a form through the link below:

https://tinyurl.com/2024Repatriation

They may also contact the following numbers:

For all OFWs (documented or undocumented): +961 79110729

For OFs (dependents with Permanent Resident status, i.e., wife iqama): +961 70858086

The safety and security of every Filipino citizen is our top priority. We urge you to act swiftly and follow the above instructions to ensure your safety.

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DMW increases cash aid to distressed OFWs

 

The Department Order mandating the increased benefits

The Department of Migrant Workers has increased the amount of its financial assistance to overseas Filipino workers in distress, or under certain circumstances, to their next-of-kin, to between P50,000 and P100,000.

Previously, the one-off cash grant was limited to Php30,000 per OFW, except those who returned from war-torn countries, who received Php50,000 each.

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The increased aid was provided under Under Department Order No. 05, series of 2024 which was published last Wednesday, Aug. 14.

Under the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund which was set up last year, the intended beneficiaries include those who are experiencing financial hardships due to human-induced emergencies such as human trafficking and illegal recruitment. OFWs in such situations will receive Php50,000.

DMW lists down distressed OFWs qualified to receive Php50k

Also entitled to the same amount are OFWs who are severely affected and/or displaced due to economic downturn or recession in the host country, bankruptcy or downsizing of the company or the employer, and those who are victim of abuse, exploitation, maltreatment, or contract violations; and the immediate family members of jailed OFWs.

The amount is raised to Php75,000  if the OFW has a severe illness, injury or mental health condition; has experienced abuse and exploitation resulting in physical or mental disability, injuries, or mental health condition; or is displaced due to war, political unrest, and/or other extraordinary circumstances. The same amount will be granted to the next of kin of OFWs on death row.

OFWs with serious illnesses are among those qualified to get Php75k

Those entitled to receive the biggest cash assistance of Php100,000 are the immediate relatives of OFWs who passed away in the host country due to natural or accidental causes, or those who died within one year from arrival in the Philippines.

The money grant is separate from OWWA benefits, which include the Php100,000 or P200,000 given to the family of members who die onsite, depending on whether the death was due to natural causes or accident; and the Php20,000 in burial assistance.

Relatives of OFWs who die at work or shortly after returning home, could claim Php100k

The DMW Aksyon Fund which was set up last year, has a Php2.8 billion budget allocation for 2023.

Those who request for financial assistance and meet the criteria set under the DMW circular shall submit their application along with the required documents onsite, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), or to DMW offices if the worker is already in the Philippines, within one year after arriving in the country. The cash aid will be paid through bank transfer, cash, money remittance, or any other cost-effective mode that can be utilized.

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(Read the full Department Order here: https://dmw.gov.ph/.../DMW/ISN-EXT/2024/DMW-DO-05-2024.pdf)

Earlier this month, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac  said that nearly Php1billion from the Aksyon Fund had been disbursed to extend legal and labor assistance to at least 52,000 workers, and financial assistance to 10,000 others.

Cacdac said the DMW and its attached agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), have responded to appeals for help by  OFWs, especially those affected by the Sudan humanitarian crisis that erupted in April 2023, and the conflict between Israel and militant group Hamas that started in October last year. 

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