HK OFWs warned against illegal recruitment, human trafficking

 

Contracts must be verified to prevent illegal recruitment & human trafficking, says Labatt Chavez

Philippine government officials have often told Filipinos that working or moving to another country without going through required documentation is not only illegal, but makes the worker susceptible to abuse and all sorts of exploitation.

Just how dangerous this could be?

Labor Attache Cesar Chavez, Jr. told some 200 Filipino migrant workers who gathered at the OFW Global Center on Sunday about real-life horror stories encountered by those who bypassed established government procedures, lured by promises of a cushy life abroad.

Press for details

Labatt Chavez stood in for Migrant Workers Undersecretary Bernardo Olalia, who was reportedly stopped from flying to Hong Kong by his doctors because of a medical emergency.

As an example, Chavez said Filipinos enticed to move to Cambodia supposedly as highly-paid call center agents often found themselves being forced to work in scam hubs. If they did not do as told, or failed to reach quotas set for them, they were beaten up severely.

To drive home the point, he showed several photos of Filipinos rescued from the scam hubs who were found with horrific injuries inflicted by their captors. 

Photos of horrific abuse inflicted on Filipinos forced to work in scam hubs

“Bakit naman kasi tayo papayag na magtrabaho doon e mas mahirap pa sila sa atin?” (Why would we even want to go there when people there are poorer than us?) said Chavez.

“Trafficking is an organized crime,” he added. “Victims cannot seek police help because they know that what they are doing is illegal.”

The same goes for those who were already working in Hong Kong but were lured to another country with promises of higher pay and easier jobs, but were often misled.

Basahin ang detalye!

Chavez said illegal recruitment or human trafficking (or the recruitment, transporation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people through force or fraud so as to exploit them for profit) of Filipinos is now widespread in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

“Diyan po ang napakaraming illegal recruitment activities ngayon…” (A lot of illegal recruitment activities are happening in these places), he said. “Our OFWs are being brought to Europe, especially the eastern part, or the Baltic region, in Australia and North America.”

Administrator Caunan talks about dire situation of some OFWs in Poland

Administrator PY Caunan of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) who also attended the “kamustahan” with members of the Filipino community, cited her own real-life experiences with about 500 Filipinos she met recently in Poland.

Many of them, according to her, were undocumented so they were hesitant to seek help from OWWA. “Tinutulungan pa rin namin sila” (We still help them, anyway)

Many are poorly paid, earning less than 1,000 euros (about HK$9,000) a month, much of which goes to paying for their upkeep.

And yet, to get there, they admitted paying between Php300,000 to Php400,000 to their recruiters who by skipping the prescribed processes, ultimately put the workers at risk.

“Fifty years na nating ginagawa ang pagpapadala ng mga Pilipino sa ibang bansa, alam na dapat ninyo ang mga patakaran,” Caunan said. (We have been sending Filipinos to other countries for the past 50 years, so you should all know the rules).

Even granting that salaries in the Philippines often cannot match those offered in overseas destinations, she said Filipinos who want to go abroad for work should always make sure they go through the process.

“Kung ang kontrata mo verified, alam namin kung sino ang amo ninyo, alam namin kung nasaan kayo, alam namin kung sino ang papanagutin pag may nangyari sa inyo.” (If your contracts are verified, we know who your employer is, we know where you are, we know who should be held responsible if something happens to you).

Caunan said this is the reason why the Department of Migrant Workers has been brokering deals with various overseas destination so all Filipinos who get to work there would fly out from the Philippines and pass through the rigorous system set up for departing OFWs.

This is also the reason why the DMW and OWWA have been focusing on retooling and upskilling OFWs so they will have better job alternatives or prospects, either overseas or at home, and will not be tempted to become undocumented workers.

To guard against illegal recruitment or human trafficking at overseas posts, Chavez  the processing of documents should only be done in the Philippines.

“Pag third country, dapat walang short-cut kasi bawal yun.” (There should be no short-cuts for third-country recruitments because that’s not allowed).

HK is one of 3 main transit points for trafficked Filipinos 

The other guidelines include transacting only with licensed recruitment agencies, which must have an approved job order (JO) for them; ensuring that all transactions are made in the agency’s office; and that all payments are receipted.

But he warned that even licensed recruiters have been found to commit recruitment violations, like applying for only 50 JOs then recruiting 5,000 people. After word spreads that they are legitimate recruiters they start collecting and amassing money from subsequent applicants, even while knowing that the quotas given them had already been all filled.

(To report suspected cases of human trafficking call the action line, 1343 if in the Philippines and +632 1343 if outside the country)

 

CG calls on HK Filcom to project positive image

Congen Israel (with glasses) and Social Justice officers award plaque of 
appreciation to Traditional Chinese Medicine lead Zoe Cheng

Consul General Romulo M. Israel, Jr. has called on Filipinos in Hong Kong to try to project a positive image for the community, in the wake of a series of social media posts involving Filipino migrant workers brawling in public places.

Speaking at the 7^th anniversary celebration of Social Justice for Migrant Workers held in Jordan on Sunday, June 28, Congen Israel said Filipinos should look out for each other instead of fighting one another to earn the respect of other people in their host city.

Still shot from a viral video shows a Filipina being dragged down the stairs of the GPO 

At least two controversial videos had been posted online earlier: one of a Filipina migrant worker being dragged down the stairs of the General Post Office building in Central during a dispute over the right to hang out in the area; and another of two Filipinas throwing kicks and punches at each other on Chater Road, also in Central, reportedly due to an overdue loan.

Another viral video shows a Filipina being kicked before onloookers on Chater Road

Congen Israel said that Filipinos who are in trouble should go the Consulate for help: “Be our guest,” he said.

Another basic guideline is for Filipinos in Hong Kong to “invest in their future” as many are here only for work, and will eventually return to the Philippines to resume their lives.

Basahin ang detalye!

Lastly, he said Filipinos are “keepers” of each other, so they must learn to live harmoniously, if not happily, together.

Congen also used the occasion to thank Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners who also celebrated their fourth year of involvement in the Filipino community through the SJMW at the same event.

“This is a huge milestone because it speaks of the dedication and commitment of Social Justice for Migrant Workers to promote one of the effective methods of healing our physical bodies,” he said.

He added that even in the Philippines, the Health Department is promoting the use of TCM because the country also has a huge Chinese community.

TCM lead doctor, Zoe Cheng, announced that with a recent increase in the number of licensed practitioners in her team, they are now able to treat migrant workers three times a month, instead of the previous two.

Cheng also said they recently broke new ground when they were asked by the Migrant Workers Office at the Consulate to conduct a TCM workshop.

Social Justice officers led by Marites Palma (leftmost) with their 3 NGO partners

Representatives of various NGO partners of SJMW also spoke at the event, including Serene Clark who heads the volunteer team for cervical screening booking; Ariel Lee of Kriya Lightning Foundation, Rachel Ng of Be Priceless, and Joy Tadios-Arenas of Good Financial Ltd.

The other invited guests were Daisy CL Mandap and Leo A. Deocadiz of The SUN Hong Kong and Aileen Alonzo-Hayward of Pagyao HK Migrants Community.

SJMW was founded by Marites Palma in 2019, primarily as an online support group for Filipino migrant workers who are terminated, abused, sexually harassed or suffering from gender-based violence.

Palma, along with a group of dedicated fellow volunteers who have been designated as administrators of their social media page, help the disadvantaged migrant workers to speak up and be heard by the community and the authorities.

 

 

Murder complaints filed against 15-year-old suspect in Leyte school shootings

 

3 students died and 20 others injured in the shooting at this high school in Tacloban

Philippine Police have formally filed murder, frustrated murder and physical injuries complaints against a 15-year-old male suspect who allegedly conspired with a 14-year-old fellow student to randomly shoot people at San Jose National High School in Tacloban, Leyte at about 9:30am on Monday, June 22.

The shootings left three students dead and injured 20 others, with three in serious condition. Police are still trying to determine what prompted the two to open fire, about an hour after the school had its flag ceremony.

The filing of complaints was made after social workers determined that the 15-year-old suspect acted with discernment.

Basahin ang detalye!

Under the Philippines’ RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, it is mandatory for the Social Welfare and Development Office to first determine if a minor suspect aged between 15 and 18 years old had acted with discernment before any criminal complaint could be filed.

The same law provides that the younger suspect who reportedly fired more shots, could not be held criminally liable.

A police spokesman said that the 15-year-old suspect was charged with three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder and multiple counts of serious physical injuries as a result of the mass shooting.

But he clarified that even if the young suspect technically called “child in conflict with the law” is eventually convicted, a suspended sentence will be imposed. During this period, the child will be committed to a rehabilitation facility where he will undergo intervention and diversion programs under the supervision of social workers.

This rehabilitation will continue until he reaches the age of 21, when social workers will assess whether the intervention has been successful. If he is deemed fully reformed and rehabilitated he will be freed; if not he will be ordered to serve the remaining period of his sentence.

The police said that the 14-year-old on the other hand, will be referred to social workers for intervention and rehabilitation but could not be held criminally liable for what he did as lack of discernment is automatically presumed. This intervention will continue only for as long as the child is deemed to need it.

The possibility of filing criminal complaints against the parents of the two minors is also being considered on the ground that they neglected to provide proper guidance to their children. Civil liability is however, almost certain to be filed against them by the families of the victims.

The tragedy has renewed debates on whether the age threshold for exempting minors should be lowered especially when heinous crimes are committed. Senator Robin Padilla urged that it be lowered to 10 years old, which is way below the age most countries provide exemption for.

Earlier reports said one of guns used in the shooting belonged to a police officer who is an aunt of one of the minors, while the other was licensed to a security agency where the grandfather of the other minor worked.

Relatives of the victims are calling for the owners of the firearms to be also held accountable for alleged negligence which resulted in the two boys gaining access to them.

Authorities, meanwhile, have issued a temporary ban on the sandbox video game GoreBox, which the 14-year-old suspect had regularly played.

The app which was launched in 2023 and can be downloaded on PCs and Android devices, markets itself as “a physics-driven sandbox game where creativity meets unrestrained destruction.”

However, unlike other shooting games that uses very realistic graphics, Gorebox uses blocky animation, similar to Roblox and Minecraft.

Do not resign over unverified job offers, says MWO

 

OFWs lined up at the MWO counters (File photo)

The Philippine Migrant Workers Office has warned Filipino domestic workers not to resign when offered jobs in a third country that they cannot verify through official channels as this could lead to serious problems like loss of job, abuse, exploitation and trafficking.

The advisory issued Monday said third-country recruitment or the offer to move to another country for work is not only prohibited by the Philippine government, but is also dangerous.

“Unauthorized individuals, often posing as visa consultants, agents or coordinators, have been persuading workers to resign, break their contracts, and pay large sums for supposed processing or travel arrangements that do not lead to employment,” said the advisory.

Basahin ang detalye!

“Engaging in these schemes may result in:

·       Loss of current employment and breach of contract

·       Severe financial loss from fraudulent fees

·       Immigration violations including offloading, detention or deportation

·       Exposure to abuse, exploitation or trafficking

·       No legal protection, since the job did not pass through Department of Migrant Workers’ verification

·       Dealings with illegal recruiters are prohibited under Republic Act No 8042 and the 2023 DMW Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Landbased Overseas Filipino Workers”

If offered a job in another overseas destination, the worker must not readily give up their current jobs without first verifying whether the recruiter is licensed with the Phiippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (www.dmw.gov.ph), said the MWO.

Given Hong Kong’s two-week rule which restricts a worker’s stay in the city to only two weeks in case of termination, there would only be little chance for the worker to complete the documentation process even if the job offer was legitimate.

To avoid falling for illegal recruitment traps, workers are advised against transacting with unlicensed recruiters, visa agents or consultants and ensure that the job offer goes through proper documentation and verification by the DMW.

When offered with a suspicious job offer, the worker is advised to report immediately the MWO on the 29^th floor of United Centre Building in Admiralty, or call their hotline, 6345 9324.

“Maging matalino, huwag magpaloko” (Be wise and avoid scams), advised the MWO.

 

 

 

 

 

DMW warns of serious penalty for anyone linked to scam hubs

 

DMW's latest advisory on scam hubs in Cambodia

The Department of Migrant Workers has warned that severe penalty awaits anyone who gets involved in online scams in Cambodia.

This may apply not just to the person who did the recruiting for workers in the scam hubs, but to the workers themselves.

The DMW said it has received reports from concerned agencies that the intensified crackdown on online scam syndicates operating in the country continues, and has resulted in the arrest and prosecution of many foreigners, including Filipinos.

PINDUTIN DITO

The Department warned that working in these scam hubs may lead to arrest and imprisonment in the foreign country, and subsequent deportation. The charges that may be laid against them include human trafficking, labor exploitation, forced criminality and other serious criminal offences.

All Filipinos are warned to steer clear of any job offers that (1)  promise a high salary but no clear job description; 2) include free air fare and hasty departure even without proper documentation; 3)  do not pass through licensed recruitment agencies and the DMW; or 4) requires one to allow use of his or her bank account or social media account, in convincing other people to provide their personal details or invest in a product.

The public is advised to follow all regulations imposed by the DMW and ensure that they comply with all legal and documented processing of their overseas employment.

Basahin ang detalye!

Those who leave the country without following the prescribed process or proper document or go through unlicensed recruiters face the prospect of being illegally recruited, trafficked, or other forms of abuse, said the DMW.

Anyone who gets involved in an online scam operation abroad is advised to seek help, by themselves or through relatives, from the nearest embassy or consulate of the Philippines, or the relevant authorities in their host country.

 

 

 

La Union Fed tops OWWA's Festival Dance contest

'Danggayan' was presented with lots of fun, color and innovative props

A vibrant and colorful staging of Danggayan Festival by the La Union Federation of Hong Kong (LUFOH) won the grand prize of HK$10,000 in the Philippine Festival Dance Competition held Sunday on Chater Road, to mark the 128^th Philippine Independence Day and the Filipino Migrant Workers Day.

Danggayan is an annual celebration held in the month of May in San Juan, La Union, to honor the town’s cultural heritage and its reputation as the surfing capital of the northern Philippines. The festival showcases traditional Ilocano practices, crafts and delicacies.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

LUFOH’s depiction had many entertaining props, like fish in nets and umbrellas swaying like the waves by the province’s famous seashore. The presentation also included dancers from DOMO HK and UMELA (United Migrants Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Association).

A video of their presentation by Ve ron is here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14f1CERe8Kf/

Áni' dancers 'had the best costumes'and told the best story

In second place was the Federation of Luzon Active Groups (FLAG) with its lively and colorful depiction of the “Ani” Festival, a yearly celebration in the Ilocos Region, particularly in the town of Dingras.

Choreographed by longtime Filipino community leader, dancer and show producer Lee Ahn Mas, the tableau-like production had all the components and symbols of celebrating a bountiful “ani”or harvest, from farmers jumping for joy to women dancing to their patron saint in thanksgiving.

Basahin ang detalye!

FLAG won a cash prize of $7,000 for its performance that drew audible gasps of pleasure and surprise from the audience. 

Link to a video of their presentation is here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CisDtJPHJ/ 

Devastation from a recent quake was an added twist to the 'Sinulog' presentation 

Taking the third slot was One Visayas for its favorite Sinulog Festival, known as the country’s grandest and most vibrant cultural and religious celebration. The Sinulog is held annually on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, with tens of thousands of people from various ages taking part.

Dancers honor the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) with solemn processions, street parties, and a rhythmic dance that follows a distinct beat from the drums. But for the HK version, a notable twist was added, that of the devastating effects of the recent earthquake that rocked Cebu.

Seven other groups that depicted festivals like Masskara (or masks) in  Bacolod to the Panagbenga (season of blooming) in Baguio City, each won the consolation prize of HK$1,000 each.

Unique and well-crafted masks were used in the 'Masskara' presentation

Administrator PY Caunan of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) which sponsored the contest, awarded the prizes to the winners.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac who flew in from the Middle East for the occasion and headed back to Manila a few hours later, managed to get on stage for a few minutes to greet the mostly migrant worker-audience. 

He also announced that a new shelter for distressed Filipino migrant workers has already been set up, and is just awaiting approval from the HK government.

Phl, HK affirm close ties at Phl Independence Day reception

The ceremonial toast marking more than five decades of friendship

The Philippines and Hong Kong last night reiterated their commitment to maintaining their close diplomatic, economic and cultural ties, at ceremonies marking the 128^th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence, held at Island Shangri-la Hotel in Admiralty.

Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor Israel said: “On this occasion, we reaffirm the unbreakable bond between the Philippines and Hong Kong which is rooted in history, driven by commerce and sustained by the bond of mutual respect.”

He announced various Philippine cultural events slated to be held in Hong Kong, including the staging in December of a musical show depicting the life of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who once practised as an ophthalmologist in the city. The play will mark the 130^th anniversary of Dr. Rizal’s martyrdom.

The world-famous Philippine Madrigal Singers will also hold a musical concert in Hong Kong in August, with the support of the HK Tourism Board and HK Chamber of Commerce.

Retired Ambassador and former Congen Vicky Bataclan was welcomed to the reception 
by Congen Romulo Israel, his deputy Von Ryan Ferrera and Filcom leaders

In his reply, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan noted that the day also marked the 51^st anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between the two governments. He also pointed out that the Philippines is this year’s host of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit, which goes by the theme “navigating our future together.”

Chan said that working together for peace and security is vital to ensuring the ties between the two governments remain strong.

“In a world of political uncertainties, we must all work together, we must advance peace and security in our region. That is how we create the conditions for shared economic prosperity and people-centered progress.”

His comments were made a day after Beijing imposed sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and his immediate family, barring them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, and prohibiting Chinese businesses from dealing with them.

China’s Foreign Ministry said the sanctions were due to Teodoro making “irresponsible remarks (that) undermines China’s legitimate interests and sabotages China-Philippines relations.”

No specific remarks of Teodoro were mentioned, but the Philippine defense chief is known to be an outspoken critic of Beijing’s actions in the West Philippine Sea. 

He has previously said he had no assets in China and no plans to visit the country.

Asean consuls general link arms with HK government officials in show of solidarity

The formal program at the diplomatic reception ended with Asean consuls general present going up the stage and doing their signature handshake by linking crossed arms.

Around 200 Filipino community leaders joined guests from the Hong Kong government, diplomatic corps, as well as civil society, business and professional groups at the event hosted by the Philippine Consulate.

 

TESDA, OWWA to sign deal expanding skills development for OFWs

 

TESDA trainor conducts skills assessment of OFW in Malaysia (TESDA FB page)

Top officials of the TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) are set to sign a memorandum of understanding tomorrow in Hong Kong to expand access to skills development for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families worldwide.

The MOA signing between TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez and OWWA Administrator PY Caunan will take place at the OFW Global Centre at United Centre in Admiralty. It will be witnessed by Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. and Labor Attache Cesar Chavez, Jr.

The partnership between the two government agencies marks an important milestone in institutionalizing coordinated government services for Filipino migrant workers in terms of skills training, referrals, scholarships and other benefits.

Details here

“Ang gusto natin, ibuhos palagi ang lahat ng makakaya natin para sa ating OFWs. Sa tulong ng MOA na ito, sa wakas, magiging institutionalized na ang ating coordination para sa profiling, referral, skills training, assessment and certification, scholarship support, pati na rin sa employment facilitation,” said Secretary Benitez in a statement.

(We would like to give us much as we can for our OFWs. With the help of this MOA, finally, there will be institutionalized coordination for the profiling, referral, skills training, assessment and certification, scholarship support, and even employment facilitation (for them).

Basahin ang detalye!

“Ang layunin natin sa TESDA, kasama ang OWWA, ay dapat siguraduhin na bawat patak ng pawis at bawat sakripisyo ng OFW ay magbubunga ng mas magandang oportunidad,” he added.

(TESDA, along with OWWA, aim to ensure that every drop of sweat and every sacrifice of OFWs will result in better opportunities for them).

Coinciding with the MOA signing is a competency assessment by TESDA of 63 OFWs trained in massage therapy NC II by in-house trainors of OWWA Hong Kong today and tomorrow (June 6 and 7).

Those who pass the competency test will be awarded their TESDA certificates at the end of the signing ceremony tomorrow afternoon.

OFW in Saudi Arabia undergoes skills assessment in child care with TESDA

The assessments, which were last conducted in Hong Kong by TESDA before the pandemic, are conducted free of charge under TESDA’s overseas assessment program (OAP).

The OAP which was launched in 2014 and further institutionalized through a Joint Circular in Implementing Guidelines in 2016 and amended in 2019, provides free competency assessment and certification services to OFWs on site.

The program was implemented in partnership with OWWA and the Department of Labor and Employment through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (precursor of the Migrant Workers Office of the Department of Migrant Workers).

Since its launch until end of May this year, a total of 10,468 OFWs have been assessed through the OAP, of whom 9,054 were certified for an 86.49 percent certification rate.

Through the MOA, there will also be data sharing, systems integration and joint program implementation at regional offices, migrant centers and overseas facilities, not only for OFWs but also their families.

The partnership builds on existing government efforts to expand services to OFWs, including a 2024 agreement between TESDA and DMW to facilitate the delivery of skills and livelihood training programs for OFWs and their families overseas, supporting the registration of eligible overseas training centers and access to TESDA scholarship grants.

 

Showdown looms at Senate

 

New majority of 12 senators elect Sherwyn Gatchalian as acting Senate President

Another standoff is looming at the Philippine Senate on Thursday,  June 4, after the previous minority bloc convened the 20^th session by gathering what it claimed was a majority of 12 senators, and agreed to declare all positions vacant and proceeded to vote in new leaders.

Elected as Acting Senate President and Speaker Pro Tempore was Sherwyn Gatchalian, who presided over the session in the absence of 11 other senators who had boycotted two earlier sessions in protest at the arrest for plunder and subsequent detention of their ally, Senator Jinggoy Estrada.

After the heads of the various Senate committees were elected, along with a new secretary and sergeant-at-arms, the senators adjourned the session sine die, or at a future date to be determined.

Basahin ang detalye!

The crucial 12^th vote came from Senator Chiz Escudero, who moved over from the other side, but denied it was not a political move, but an attempt to restore credibility to the Senate.

The new majority maintained that while the Constitution requires 13 votes for the election of a new Senate President, only a simple majority of the senators capable of casting their votes is needed to convene a session to kick out the Senate President.

As of now, only 22 of the 24 elected senators are able to physically attend sessions. One of the 24, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, is on the run after being issued with an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court, while Senator Estrada was slapped with a non-bailable charge of plunder on June 1.

Cayetano says on Facebook that he is still the 'legal, legitimate and moral' Senate president

The change in leadership was immediately condemned as illegal and unconstitutional by ousted Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who announced via Facebook live that the investigation by the Blue Ribbon Committee into the graft-riddled flood control projects will start Thursday.

In line with this, his sister and committee chair Pia Cayetano issued a public notice to a number of resource persons to attend the scheduled hearing.

But Alan Peter himself said his group may be barred from entering the Senate to start the inquiry, and thus called on the public to come out in force to support them.

Senator Erwin Tulfo who acts as the Senate spokesperson, said the new leadership has already rescinded Alan Peter’s order for the Blue Ribbon Committee meeting tomorrow. Instead, the committee hearing will start on Monday.

To ensure no Senate employee is caught in the crossfire between the two opposing factions, Acting Senate President Gatchalian issued an order making Thursday a work-from-home day.

The move, along with the replacement of the Senate secretary and sergeant-at-arms, effectively deprives Cayetano and sub-committee chairman Rodante Marcoleta of the chance to use Senate facilities and resources to conduct their own public hearing on the flood control mess.

Earlier, the new Senate majority called for the upper chamber to “get back to work” after the opposing bloc boycotted the two constitutionally-mandated sessions on June 1 and 2.

The new ruling group stressed that the Senate must continue fulfilling its constitutional duties despite the ongoing political turmoil.

The bloc cited legal and historical precedents in declaring that the presence of 12 members constituted a quorum, and praised Senator Escudero for filling the remaining slot that was needed for the Senate to proceed with the session.