Qualifying exam in 13 Phl professions to be held in HK

 

Schedule of the evaluation of applicants' documents

Filipinos who wish to get qualified in 13 different professions in the Philippines will have the chance to do this in the first-ever simultaneous Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE) to be held later this month in Hong Kong.

The SPLE will be administered by the Professional Regulation Commission and will cover graduates of aeronautical engineering, agriculture, architecture, civil engineering, customs brokerage, midwifery, nursing, education, psychometrics, respiratory therapy, social work, veterinary medicine and X-ray technology.

The examinations will be given on varying days for each profession, from May 26 to May 31.\

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Those taking the aero engineering, agriculture, social work and vet-med exams will have to do this over three days while it will be two days for the architecture, civil engineering, customs brokerage, midwifery, nursing, psychometrics, respiratory therapists and X-ray technology qualifiers.

For those aspiring to be licensed teachers, the examination will only be held on Day One.

Before they can get approval to take the examination in their respective fields, applicants should get their documents checked and validated from May 25-27.

All would-be examinees are required to personally appear at the OFW Global Center on the 18^th floor of United Centre in Admiralty and bring the following: original copy of the application form, all documentary requirements, valid Philippine passport, and four pieces of passport-size photos with name tags.

For a hassle-free approval, examinees are encouraged to check the additional requirements for their Board exam through the PRC official website: ℎ𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑠://𝑝𝑟𝑐.𝑔𝑜𝑣.𝑝ℎ/𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥.𝑝ℎ𝑝/𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡-𝑜𝑓-𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡.

Basahin ang detalye!

Failure to fully comply with the application rules could result in the rejection of the application.

All the examinations and the pre-approval process will take place at the OFW Global Center on the designated dates.

For more information, check out the Facebook page of the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong: https://www.facebook.com/MWOHONGKONG

World Hypertension Day marked

 

Adults who are overweight are more likely to suffer from hypertension

Nearly 30% of people aged 15 to 84 in Hong Kong has been found to have hypertension, according to a Population Health Survey conducted by the Department of Health between 2020 to 2022.

Worse, more than 40% of those with hypertension were unaware of their condition until they underwent the PHS health examination arranged by the DH.

Given these, the DH through the Centre for Health Protection again urged the public to pay closer to their blood pressure levels and adopt a healthy lifestyle, as World Hypertension Day was celebrated on Sunday, May 17.

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The CDC also called on everyone to take part in the Chronic Disease Co-Care Scheme mplemented by the Primary Health Care Commission “to achieve early prevention, early identification early treatment” of hypertension through screening and personalised management.

World Hypertension Day is marked to increase worldwide awareness of high blood pressure known as the “silent killer” because many patients do not show or experience any symptoms or severe discomfort.

The occasion is also meant to promote more accurate blood pressure measurements.

If left unchecked, uncontrolled or not properly treated, hypertension can lead to serious health problems such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure or even death.

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In 2024 a total of 1,217 recorded deaths in Hong Kong were attributed to hypertensive heart disease, 45 to hypertensive renal disease and 28 to hypertensive heart and renal disease.

Adults are considered to be hypertensive if their systolic blood pressure is persistently higher than or equal to 140 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and/or their diastolic blood pressure is persistently higher than or equal to 90 mmHg.

Everyone aged 18 and above is urged to measure their blood pressure at least once every two years. But some may require more frequent blood pressure testing depending on their blood pressure levels, age, overall cardiovascular risk profile and doctor's recommendation.

To prevent and control hypertension adults should reduce their salt intake (no more than 5 grams per day according to World Health recommendations), avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, and stay away from secondhand smoke as far as possible.

They should also engage in physical activities of moderate intensity for at least 150 to 300 minutes per week.

 

PCG warns against Cora Wealths investment scheme

 

Cora Wealth investments are in USD (Facebook photo)

Filipinos in Hong Kong are being warned against putting money in an apparent pyramid-type investment scam called “Cora Wealths” which is purportedly based in the United States and promises a return of 10% per month on investments of at least US$1000.

According to a Facebook post by the Philippine Consulate General, people behind the “potentially fraudulent investment platform are targeting overseas Filipino workers and investors based in the Philippines.

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“To lure investors, Cora Wealths has engaged several OFWs as recruiting agents and team leaders who are promising commissions based on the number of people enticed to join the investment,” said the PCG.

Documents shown to the PCG by complainants indicated that Cora Wealths appears to operate as a pyramiding scheme where the payouts to earlier investors is derived from the money put in by succeeding investors or victims.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

Cora Wealths reportedly claims to engage in real estate investment but has no valid registration to sell securities in the Philippines or in Hong Kong, said the PCG.

Filipinos are reminded that the sale and trading of securities in Hong Kong require a license from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong.

Basahin ang detalye!

To check the list of corporations and individuals licensed to trade in securities, please click on this link: https://www.sfc.hk/en/Regulatory-functions/Intermediaries/Licensing/Register-of-licensed-persons-and-registered-institutions

In the Philippines the sale and trade of securities is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and would need either a secondary licence for corporations or registration as individual broker or dealer. To check if a broker is licensed, click here: https://checkwithsec.sec.gov.ph/check-with-sec/index

The PCG reiterated the warning that investments that promise a very high yield of return in just a short time is highly likely to be fraudulent.

To view the PCG’s Facebook post with this warning, please go to: https://web.facebook.com/share/p/18wayUAmHW/ 

Bato flees Senate amid ICC arrest warrant

Senator dela Rosa left the Senate without anyone trying to stop him  

Senator Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa left the Senate building early on Thursday following a mysterious commotion that involved the firing of guns. His departure was confirmed by both Malacanang and Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.

Senator dela Rosa’s abrupt departure came hours after the International Criminal Court confirmed it had issued a warrant for his arrest as early as November last year on charges of carrying out a bloody war on drugs along with former President Rodrigo Duterte who has been detained at The Hague for more than a year. 

According to Cayetano, dela Rosa left at about 2:30am along with  Sen. Robinhood Padilla “for everyone’s safety.”

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 “Long story short, the sergeant-at-arms confirmed that he’s no longer in the building. I’m waiting for the complete incident report, on what time he left,” Cayetano told reporters in a briefing.

He insisted dela Rosa was within his rights to leave although by doing so he gave up the “protective custody” of the Senate.

Earlier, Palace Press Secretary Claire Castro said dela Rosa had left the Senate premises before dawn Thursday.

She also said that Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca was the first to fire a warning shot at a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent, who was in the adjacent premises of the Government Service System. The NBI agent fired back in retaliation.

Basahin ang detalye!

The exchange of gunfire sent reporters and other people inside the Senate premises at the time, scurrying for cover.

The senator who had gone into hiding for six months after reports of the ICC warrant had come out, reappeared at the Senate on Monday, to cast a crucial vote that resulted in former Senate President Tito Sotto being cast out, and Cayetano taking over.

On his way in, he claimed he had wrestled with NBI agents who tried to arrest him on the strength of the ICC warrant.

The NBI denied the claim, saying they were not in the Senate premises at that time, but were in the adjacent GSIS building they were asked to protect.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said they were told to “stand down” after the Supreme Court ordered the government to respond to dela Rosa’s urgent application to stop the enforcement of the ICC warrant without a corresponding order from a local court.

“When the Senate declared that Senator Bato was under their protective custody, we chose to respect that decision because we respect the authority of the Senate as a co-equal branch of government,” Matibag said.

The NBI is requesting the Senate for a copy of the video showing how dela Rosa managed to leave their premises without anyone stopping him.

 

Marcos says government not behind shooting incident at Senate

 

Marcos says on video that the government was not involved in the melee at the Senate

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has issued a video statement saying the government was not behind the gunshots fired inside the Senate building Wednesday afternoon that prompted people inside to run for cover.

The chaos ensued after armed men reportedly tried to attempt to enter the Senate premises where Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has been holed up since Monday after the International Criminal Court confirmed an arrest warrant against him.

(A video footage taken by the Associated Press of the melee inside the Senate is posted here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGHgxh5bRwo).

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Marcos said there was no instruction for anyone to arrest Senator dela Rosa. After the Supreme Court deferred Dela Rosa’s urgent motion to stop his arrest, the president said he ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to leave the Senate building, where the senator is under “protective custody.”

“Ang NBI ay sinabihan ko nung lumabas yung resolution nu’ng Supreme Court mga 4 yun kaninang hapon; sinabi ko ‘umalis na kayo diyan’ at nag-comply naman sila. Kaya nung kausap ko si Director [Melvin] Matibag sabi niya walang NBI dito [Senate]. Nandito lahat kami sa opisina,” said the President.

(I told the NBI when the Supreme Court resolution came out, around 4 this afternoon; I told them to leave that area, and they complied. So when I spoke with Director Matibag, he said there was no NBI here [at the Senate]. We are all here in the office.)

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“Walang pumasok na tigalabas na sundalo, na militar, na NBI sa Senado. Hindi po natin alam kung sino yung sumubok na pumasok at saka dahil doon ay nagkaputukan,” he said.

(No soldiers, military personnel or NBI entered the Senate from the outside. We do not know the identity of those who tried to enter and as a result gunshots were fired).

He assured the public that the Senate and the Philippine National Police (PNP) would conduct a thorough investigation.

He explained that only two types of uniformed personnel are stationed inside the Senate: officers of the PNP and members of the Marines.

Both PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and NBI director Melvin Matibag have denied that their personnel were behind the gunshots.

Senator dela Rosa has been holed up at the Senate since Monday to evade arrest by the ICC

Following the incident, the PNP went on full alert status starting at 8:30pm on Wednesday. In a statement it said it has intensified security monitoring and police presence in the vicinity of the Senate.

The national police force said it had deployed about 1,500 personnel at the Senate and its vicinity as part of security measures.

Journalists who were at the scene said the gunshots were fired after men with rifles and protective gear went up the legislative building. They were spotted talking with Senate security staff earlier.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla later told the media that the first shots came from personnel of the Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA).

He said that at about 7:46 p.m., Senate security staff fired guns to stop the armed men from going up to the second floor of the building.

As the investigation into the incident got underway, rumors started to swirl about it being a set-up to try to get Senator dela Rosa out of the building.

The senator went into hiding six months ago after reports indicated the ICC had issued a warrant of arrest against him, and only resurfaced Monday to stage a coup with allied senators that resulted in Senate President Tito Sotto being replaced by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

Pinay asylum-seeker awaits sentence for drug tafficking

 

Pinay caught in upstairs apartment here (Google Maps photo)

An unemployed asylum seeker is now in jail awaiting her sentence after she pleaded guilty to two counts of drug trafficking at Eastern Court on Tuesday.

Magistrate Kestrel Lam adjourned the case of Filipina Joanne Miniano. 43 years old, to July 21 for sentencing for violating sections 4(1) (a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance in both cases.

In the first case, Miniano was accused in a police complaint of trafficking, together with a person known as "Alex", in one cartridge containing 0.48 grams of a liquid containing. 0.42 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol (a tetrahydro derivative of cannabinol) on Aug. 9 last year at the staircase of 8/F, Phoenix Apartments, 54-70. Lee Garden Road, Causeway Bay.

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In the second charge a few hours later, Miniano and Alex were caught at Room E, Flat J, 8/F of Phoenix Apartments, trafficking in the following dangerous drugs:

• 59 cartridges containing a total of 83.0 grams of a liquid containing 1.17 grams of butomidate (a compound structurally, derived from etomidate by replacement of the ethoxycarbonyl by other alkoxycarbonyl group);
• 1 cartridge containing 1.43 grams of a liquid containing 0.01 grams of butomidate (a compound structurally derived from etomidate by replacement of the ethoxycarbonyl by other alkoxycarbonyl group);

Basahin ang detalye!

• 61 cartridges containing a total of 81.8 grams of a liquid containing 1.76 grams of butomidate (a compound structurally derived from etomidate by replacement of the ethoxycarbonyl by other alkoxycarbonyl group),
• 8 cartridges containing a total of 11.2 grams of a liquid containing 0.29 grams of butomidate (being a compound structurally derived from etomidate by replacement of the ethoxycarbonyl by other alkoxycarbonyl group),
• 3 cartridges containing a total of 3.92 grams of a liquid containing 0.09. grams of butomidate (being a compound structurally derived from étomidate by replacement of the ethoxycarbonyl by other alkoxycarbonyl group)/6 cartridges containing a total of 8.78 grams of a liquid containing 0.11 grams of butomidate (being a compound structurally derived from etomidate by replacement of the ethoxycarbonyl by other alkoxycarbonyl group)
• and 0.01 grams of deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine (being a compound structurally derived from 2-amino-2-phenylcyclohexanone by substitution at the nitrogen atom with an alkyl group) 14 plastic bags -containing a total of 487 grams of a solid containing 1.49 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol (being a tetrahydro. derivative of cannabinol); and 1 cartridge containing 0.41 grams of a liquid containing 0.37 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol (being a tetrahydro derivative of cannabinol).

VP Sara impeached for second time

 

VP Sara declared in February her plan to run as president in 2028

Vice President Sara Duterte has become the first Philippine official to be impeached twice.

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved Monday, May 11, the justice committee report that found probable cause in three complaints filed against the Vice President.

Of the 316 House members, 257 signed the impeachment complaints on the grounds of alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and an assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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This was more than the one-third, or 106 House members, that the Constitution requires for the articles of impeachment to be transmitted to the Senate for trial.

Twenty-five opposed the impeachment, including three members of her family who are incumbent House members. Nine abstained.

The “yes” votes exceeded the 215 cast by House members who approved the impeachment complaint against her last year. However, the Senate under the leadership of Senator Chiz Escudero did not immediately convene to try that indictment and the Supreme Court eventually ruled the impeachment complaint unconstitutional for violating the “one-year bar" rule.

House members vote overwhelmingly to impeach VP Sara (File)

Before the vote, ML Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima  who endorsed the impeachment complaint said, “These are patterns of bad behavior. These are habits of abuse of power… Impeachment is not political persecution. It is not a partisan activity. It is a constitutional accountability mechanism.”

But Cavite Rep.Kiko Barzaga who voted no to impeachment, described VP Sara as the nation’s “hope” for ostensibly fighting corruption, including the massive irregularities in flood control projects.

Basahin ang detalye!

Apart from Barzaga those who voted no were Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, SAGIP Party List Representative Paolo Marcoleta and VP Sara’s kin in Congress, brother Paolo Duterte, nephew Omar Vincent Duterte and cousin Harold James Duterte.

The three Dutertes walked out of the plenary hall before the casting of votes, but later indicated to the House Secretary that they were voting no to the indictment.

Pinay fined $3k after cutting board falls from 8/F window

 

The Austin, where the cutting board fell

A Filipina found out today how strict the Hong Kong government is about things that fall from a height  when she was slapped a fine of $3,000 after she pleaded guilty at the Kwun Tong Court to the offense of allowing an object to fall.

Luckily for R. Guzman, 44 years old, no one was injured when a cutting board fell at 10:50 am on Oct 27 last year from her window in the eighth floor of The Austin on 8 Wui Cheung Road, Yau Ma Tei.

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The cutting board subsequently hit the ground at the tunnel entrance near the temporary bus stop at Austin MTR Station on Jordan Road, when people in the area were fewer.

Otherwise, Deputy Magistrate Hung Yuk-kwan would have imposed a stiffer penalty.

Basahin ang detalye!

Section 4B(1) of the Summary Offences Ordinance provides that:

“If anything is dropped or allowed to fall from any building to the danger or injury of any person in or near a public place, the person who drops that thing or allows it to fall commits an offence and is liable to a fine at level 3 ($10,000) and imprisonment for 6 months.”

Labor leader urges Unifil-Migrante to strengthen ranks

 

Jerome Adonis addresses the crowd

A visiting labor leader from the Philippines has called on United Filipinos in Hong Kong (Unifil Migrante-HK) to continue expanding so it can further strengthen its advocacy of advancing the interests of Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong.

Jerome Adonis, chairperson of Kilusang May Uno, the largest trade union in the Philippines and a National Council member of the Makabayan Coalition, made his remarks at the 41^st anniversary celebration of Unifil-Migrante held at Chater Road on Sunday.

While hailing Unifil’s long legacy of promoting the interests and welfare of Filipino migrants in Hong Kong, Adonis said much still needs to be done, considering the continuing exodus of Filipinos looking for work abroad.

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He said there are not enough industries in the Philippines so millions of Filipinos have to work outside the country to sustain their families’ needs. If there are jobs at all in the country, the salary is well below what they need to be able to live decently.

“Sigurado kung may nakakabuhay na kita ang mga Pilipino hindi na sila mag o OFW (I am sure if Filipinos are paid a living wage they would not want to work abroad anymore), said Adonis.

Adonis and Unifil chair Dolores Balladares (behind him) join a Cordillera dance

“Kaya ito ang hamon ko sa Unifil. Palakasin pa ninyo ang hanay ninyo.” (This is my challenge to you. Continue to strengthen your ranks).

As it is, the already dire situation in the Philippines has gotten worse because of the fuel crisis sparked by the Middle East conflict, he said.

He cited latest statistics showing three million Filipinos are now unemployed, with the inflation rate hitting a three-year high of 7.2%.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

The peso has also sunk to its lowest level in history, which though it may sound favourable to dollar-earning Filipinos, is actually harmful to the country’s economy as it raises the costs of imports, and as a consequence leads to higher food prices.

Low-income earners suffer the most, he said, considering that the daily pay of Php411 (HK$53) that farmers make will never allow them to make ends meet.

“Sadsad sa hirap at sadsad sa gutom ang mga Pilipino,” (Filipinos have hit rock-bottom, overworked and hungry).

Basahin ang detalye!

Despite these problems, the Philippine government is just doing patch-up (patse-patse) work instead of coming up with concrete solutions to the problem.

Since oil is the main driver for the economy now, what the government should do is to suspend oil deregulation and resume control over pump prices, said Adonis. It should also do away with the value added tax and the excise tax on fuel so the benefits from this would cascade down to lower prices of basic commodities.

Over and above all these, he said the government should stop corruption and ensure the economy is not left at the mercy of big businesses.

Cultural group 'Likha' takes a bow after a play on OFWs' travails

The day-long event on Chater Road featured dances, songs, and a play that dealt with the challenges faced by OFWs before leaving the country, and once they start working in Hong Kong.

Various leaders of Filipino community groups and migrant support organizations also praised Unifil-Migrante’s four decades of active engagement in pursuit of better work conditions for migrants, and expressed continued support.

MFMW general manager Cynthia Tellez holds a poster in support of migrant mothers

As the day fell on Mother's Day, there was also extensive reference to the sacrifices made by migrant mothers who are forced to leave the country so they could provide for a better life for their family, especially their children, back home.

Also held on the same day was Care to Caregivers, a regular program organized by the Mission for Migrant Workers, to provide various services for free to MDWs, including massage therapy, blood pressure and glucose tests, acupuncture, consultations for legal and work-related concerns, and many others.

Pinay alleged to have stolen more than 5 watches

 

The theft allegedly took place in one of the units at Deerhill Bay (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina remanded in jail for two counts of theft of five watches worth more than $1 million, had one of the charges against her withdrawn to consolidate the watches under one charge, plus new items added to the list of items allegedly stolen from her employers.

Jeanny Llarenas, 50 years old, is now charged with theft for allegedly stealing five watches, two gold pendants, three necklaces, one pair of earrings and two bracelets between of March 26, 2025 and Oct. 15, 2025 at their house n Deerhill Bay on Tai Po Road - Tai Po Kau, Tai Po.

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With the new charge, Fanling Court Magistrate Acting Principal Magistrate Jason Wan elevated the case to the District Court, which will start hearing the case on on May 28.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

Originally, when the case was taken up by Fanling Court on Dec. 12, 2025, she was accused in the first charge filed by police, of stealing two Rolex watches with a total value of $500,000 on an unknown date between June 1 and Oct 15 this year.

Basahin ang detalye!

The second charge involves the theft of two Rolex watches and a Citizen watch worth a total  of $510,000 during the same period.

Llarenas will remain in jail until the case of violation of section 9 of the Theft Ordinance resumes at the District Court.

PCG to hold raffle as part of Philippine Independence Day celebration

 

Join the raffle draw now for a chance to win one of the minor prizes

To celebrate the 128^th anniversary of Philippine Independence in Hong Kong, the Philippine Consulate will be holding a raffle where “exciting prizes” will be given away to lucky participants.

Participants must be Filipinos working, studying or residing in Hong Kong and are at least 18 years old.

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There will be two categories of prizes to be drawn. Minor prizes will be drawn on June 7, and participants need to register and complete the mapping survey conducted by the Consulate for overseas Filipinos.  To join, just scan the QR code in the attached poster or click on this link: https://tinyurl.com/HKPCG-Mapping.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

For the major and grand prizes, a draw will be held at Chater Road on June 14 during the Filipino community celebration of Independence Day. Participants must be physically present at the venue to register and get a chance to win in the raffle.

Contest rules

Raffle winners will be asked to present their original Hong Kong ID card when claiming their prizes. Minor prizes may be claimed at the Consulate while major and grand prizes will be awarded during the program on Chater Road.

The day-long program will kick off with an interfaith prayer, followed by a Catholic mass. The traditional Kapangyawan Parade will then be held, with led by Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. and other Consulate officials.

Basahin ang detalye!

Cultural performances will then follow, with the three main islands in the Philippines being represented by dancers from various groups pre-selected by the Consulate.

The second part of the program will be a celebration of Migrant Workers Day to be led by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administraiton. There will be a Serbisyo Caravan, a Philippine Festivals competition and a dance contest called OWWAW Sayaw, where prizes ranging from HK$5,000 to HK$10,000 will be awarded to winners.