Expect rain on Independence Day parade, says Observatory

 

Those attending the Philippine Independence Day parade and show tomorrow (Sunday) on Chater road in Central will need to bring umbrellas as rains are expected to be brought by tropical cyclone Wutip as it nears west of Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Observatory expects to keep Signal No. 1 for most of Saturday as Wutip is not expected to go nearer than 500 kilometers and is weakening from friction with the mountains of southern Guangdong.

PINDUTIN DITO

But the Observatory said it may raise Signal No. 3 by Sunday, depending on Wutip’s movements.

What is more certain is that clouds that have been accumulated by the storm are expected to dump rains on most of southern Guangdong, with gusty rainshowers expected by Sunday over the Pearl River area, which includes Hong Kong. 

Basahin ang detalye!

"The weather will remain unsettled in the following couple of days," the Observatory added.

Deep ties with HK recalled at Philippine Independence Day celebration

 

Consul General Romulo Israel and HK Financial Secretary Paul Chan
toast to an even better ties between the Philippines and Hong Kong

Officials have hailed the deepening relations between the Philippines and Hong Kong at a reception held last night at Island Shangri-la to celebrate the 127^th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

Newly installed Philippine Consul General Romulo M. Israel led consulate officers and staff in welcoming about 200 guests from the Filipino community, the diplomatic corps, business associates and Hong Kong government officials headed by Financial Secretary Paul Chan.

Congen Israel, who assumed his post only last month, cited a number of historical events that tied the Philippines to Hong Kong, including how the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, used to live and hold clinic in Central and how the first Philippine flag was sewn in Wanchai.

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More recent events showed those ties have deepened, with the presence of more than 230,000 Filipino migrants in Hong Kong, and the record arrival in the city of nearly 1.2 million tourists from the Philippines, which according to Israel, broke pre-pandemic records.

On top of this, Hong Kong has remained as the Philippines’ largest trading partner, with the value of the goods that passed on between the two territories growing to $1.8 billion.

PH and HK officials pose for photos at the Philippine Independence Day Reception

Chan elaborated on the statistics provided by Chan, saying that tourist arrivals from the Philippines last year was 55% more than in 2023. In the first five months of the current year, over 550,000 Filipinos have visited Hong Kong, representing a 27 percent increase, year-on-year.

He said trade ties between the two administrations could grow even more, given the current uncertainties in policies by the governments in the United States and elsewhere.

“In an era marked by rising protectionism and increasing geopolitical uncertainty, globalisation is facing backlashes. Countries are seeking to diversify their export markets and development drivers. In this context, enhancing intra-regional trade and collaboration will be key to achieving sustainable growth,” he said.

He added that under the “one country, two systems” policy, Hong Kong is regarded as a “super connector and super value-adder” between mainland China and the rest of the world, and the Philippines as one of fastest growing economies in ASEAN could benefit from this.

Chan also said Hong Kong has emerged as a safe harbor for international capital, and offers an ideal platform for Philippine businesses to raise funds for further development through listing on the city’s stock exchange, connecting with angel investors, and collaborating with other enterprises

“In short, the potential for deeper co-operation between our two economies is vast and far-reaching,” said Chan.

The speeches were sealed with a toast by officials from both governments.

Also among the guests were Chinese Deputy Commissioner at the Ministry of Foreign Affairsj Pan Yundong and Hong Kong Secretary for Labour Chris Chan.

The SUN editor Daisy CL Mandap and publisher Leo A Deocadiz
receive the 'Made It In China" award from Congen Israel  

The second part of the program featured entertainment numbers from various Filipino artists and the awarding of plaques and certificates to Filipinos in Hong Kong who “Made it in China,” including The SUN editor, lawyer and migrants rights advocate Daisy CL Mandap.

Also receiving their awards from Congen Israel were TV news anchor Melissa Gecolea, lawyer Jaerey Velasco, radio host Michael Vincent Benares, and the Divas cricket team.

All of the awardees also received copies of a book detailing the achievements of the various honorees from across China, Hong Kong and Macau, and each with a personal dedication from Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime Florcruz.

 

 

Pinay DH jailed 14 months for theft

 

Dragon Court (Google Maps photo)

Another Filipina domestic helper has been jailed for theft, getting a 14-month sentence for stealing cash and 11 pieces of jewelry from her employer.

Mary Jane Batog, 48 years old, pleaded guilty at Eastern Court on Thursday (June 12) to committing the theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance, in her employer’s home in Dragon Court on Dragon Terrace St., North Point, between March 1 last year to May 12 this year.

Basahin ang detalye!

The stolen items were a pair of Dragon-Phoenix bracelet, three gold necklaces, four gold bracelets, two gold rings and cash of $5,000. The total value of the jewelry was not disclosed.

David Cheung Chi-wai, acting Principal Magistrate, cited Batog’s breach of her employer’s trust over 14 months that she was stealing from her, as basis for the sentence which he cut by a third because of her guilty plea.

Cyclone Wutip watched; Signal 1 remains

 

Path of Tropical Cyclone Wutip (HK Observatory photo)

Hong Kong is expected to have occasional winds and rain brought by Tropical Cyclone Wutip, but weather forecasters are holding off on upgrading the Standby Signal No. 1 they raised last night, until Saturday at the earliest.

Wutip has inched towards Hainan island, and is expected to cross over to the mainland, drawing an arc over the next two days that is expected to be nearest, at within 300 kilometers north of Hong Kong, by early Sunday.

“Squally showers associated with Wutip are affecting the coast of Guangdong. Under the combined effect of its broad circulation and the ridge of high pressure over southeastern China, local winds are occasionally strong offshore and on high ground,” the Hong Kong Observatory said.

Basahin ang detalye!

“Wutip will move across Hainan Island tomorrow…. With Wutip moving inland and under the influence of an active southerly airstream and upper-air disturbances over the coast of Guangdong, there will still be occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms early to midweek next week,” the Observatory added.

As this developed, the Observatory issued several precautions, among them:

1.       Drains should be cleared of obstructions, and windows and doors should be checked.

2.       People in areas of exposed to high winds or in low-lying areas should take precautions against strong winds and flooding.

3.       People planning to visit Guangdong, Macau, outlying islands or remote parts of Hong Kong should note that changes in weather may affect their trips.

4.       Listen to radio, watch TV or browse the Hong Kong Observatory's website and mobile app for the latest information on the tropical cyclone.

‘Bossing,’ ‘Idol,’ take part in PLDT’s HK Fest 2025

 

Free movies and a star-studded show on Chater Road are part of the 4-day festival

Popular noontime show host Vic Sotto, along with Senator Raffy “Idol” Tulfo will be among the special guests at Hong Kong Festival 2025, a four-day celebration of the 127^th Philippine Independence Day co-organized by the Philippine Consulate General, PLDT Global, MQuest Ventures and Philippine Airlines in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General.

The four-day lineup of cultural, cinematic and community activities kicked off this morning with the traditional “almusal” hosted by the Philippine Consulate, followed by a diplomatic reception at Island Shangri-la in the evening.

The events will culminate on Sunday, June 15, with a daylong show on Chater Road in Central where Sotto and his fellow “Eat Bulaga” hosts Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and Alan K are slated to perform.

Basahin ang detalye!

Also among the guest performers are actors Sid Lucero, Sue Ramirez, Enchong Dee, Richard Poon, Dylan Menor and Cedric Juan.

Senator Raffy “Idol” Tulfo, who is behind such popular public service programs “Raffy Tulfo I Action” and “Wanted sa Radyo,” will also make an appearance on Chater Road. His team is also available to entertain queries, complaints and/or tip-offs from those who have signed up beforehand through Tinbo.

Tomorrow, June 13, two of three outstanding movies will be shown at Emperor Cinemas, courtesy of PLDT Global.

The first is the yet-to-be released “Song of the Fireflies, while the highly acclaimed “Gomburza” will be shown in the afternoon. A meet-and-greet session with featured guests will follow the screenings.

The movie screenings will continue on Saturday with the movie, “The Kingdom” being featured in the cinematic offerings dubbed as Makabayan Film Fest.

Admission to the movie screenings are free, but attendees are encouraged to log in to the “Tindahan ni Bossing” or “tinbo” app and register to secure their tickets.

Gomburza stars Cedric Juan and Enchong Dee will be around to answer questions from public

On Saturday evening, the Philippine Association of Hong Kong will hold its annual Independence Day ball at Ritz Carlton Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui.

PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, a former PAHK chairman and longtime benefactor, will be handed an award in recognition of his bayanihan projects and his support for overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong.

PLDT Global president and CEO Albert Villa-Real said during the launch of the project in Manila on June 4 said that the four-day event was conceived by Pangilinan himself.

“This was an inception of our chairman who wanted to bring back the good times with the OFW,” Villa-Real said.

The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, will fly in all the guests from Manila. Its executive vice president and chief operating officer Carlos Luis Fernandez, said PAL’s team will also be present throughout the four-day event.

This is the first time that PAL is partnering with the MVP group in promoting an event for OFWs in Hong Kong, and Fernandez said they are “very proud” to be part of the project.

 

Pinay jailed 6 months for stealing $70K from employer

 

File photo from HK Monetary Authority

A Filipina was jailed for six months after she admitted in a hearing at West Kowloon court today that she stole $70,000 from her employer.

Acting Principal Magistrate Cheng Lim-chi handed the sentence down to Angie Mendoza, 36 years old, for theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

Acording to the information from Sham Shui Po Police, Mendoza stole the money on an unknown date in February 2024 at her empoyer’s house in Trinity Towers on Lai Chi Kok Road in Sham Shui Po.

Basahin ang detalye!

Meanwhile at Eastern Court, one of three Filipinos charged with burglary was returned to jail after Acting Principal Magistrate David Cheung rejected his latest bail offer of $2,000 and set another bail review on June 19.  

Magistrate Cheung told Roderick Prado, 49 years old, that the offense he was accused of is serious and the risk is high of him not returning for future hearings. But he advised Prado that he can appeal to the High Court.

His two co-accused, Ryan Malonzo, 38, and Allevan Arceo, 29, are both remanded in jail to await their next hearing on June 19.

The three are accused of entering the Green Kennedy Town Shop in the basement of Tung Lee Mansion on Water St. in Sai Ying Pun last March 20, and stealing an iPad worth $3,999.

Caunan says Ignacio will be charged

 

Administrator Caunan addresses the crowd on Chater Road

Gone but not forgotten.

This about sums up the fate of Arnell Ignacio, the former administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration who was sacked from his post last month by no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., over an allegedly anomalous Php1.4 billion land deal.

It was ironic that Ignacio was no longer around to see the top-level delegation from the Philippines fly to Hong Kong last weekend to formally inaugurate one of his major projects, the HK$8 million-a-year DMW-OWWA OFW Global Centre, for which he signed the lease last year.

The controversy surrounding his removal must have been uppermost in many people’s minds at the gathering, but it was not brought up as the officials, led by House Speaker Martin Romualdez and his wife, Rep. Yedda, as well as Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, did not take questions after their respective speeches.

Basahin ang detalye!

But on the sidelines, new OWWA administrator and lawyer PY Caunan did not shirk when asked for an update on the widely-talked about case.

“He will be charged,” Caunan said categorically, but did not give any time frame.

She also admitted knowing about the campaign to get Ignacio reinstated by Global Alliance, an OFW group tapped by OWWA Hong Kong to be its partner in events management, but said she understood how they felt, having developed a close bond with her predecessor.

“But it they were hurt, I was hurt even more,” said Caunan, who said Ignacio was her close friend, having worked closely with him in her former post as undersecretary at the Department of Migrant Workers.

Asked how Ignacio managed to get away with the irregular purchase of the land that was supposed to be the site of halfway-houses for OFWs without anyone catching up on it early enough, Caunan said, “He signed the cheque.”

As OWWA administrator, Ignacio was said to be the authorized signatory of cheques issued in the name of the agency. However, he should have done so only after obtaining permission from the OWWA Board of Trustees headed by Secretary Cacdac.

Ignacio signed the lease for the OFW Global Centre in HK, the first of its kind in the world

It is the government’s case that Ignacio not only bypassed the Board in buying the land, he also engaged in several questionable deals related to the purchase.

One was signing a side contract that allowed the seller to be refunded the Php36 million that he paid as tax for the transaction, another was allowing the seller to continue collecting rent from two commercial establishments on the site, months after the government had acquired ownership.

In several interviews, Cacdac also disclosed that a building housing 53 condominium units was razed at Ignacio’s bidding, again without notice to, or consent by, the Board.

In a meeting with the media after his sacking, Ignacio denied any wrongdoing, and insisted he had reported the purchase of the land to the Board. He also said he only had the OFWs’ best interest in mind when he decided to buy the land.

Ignacio was appointed OWWA administrator by President Marcos in September 2022. He previously served as deputy administrator during the term of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte but resigned after just over a year for reasons he did not disclose.

DH jailed 14 months for stealing 100 jewelry items

 

Defendant admitted stealing at least 100 pieces of jewelry (Photo for illustration only)

A Filipina domestic worker who admitted stealing around 100 pieces of jewelry valued at no less than $684,000 from her elderly employers’ daughter, was jailed for a total of 14 months on two charges of theft.

Magistrate Kestrel Lam told Sherelle Lyn V. Dajay, 40 years old, that her crimes and breach of her employers’ trust over seven months from March 17, 2024 to Oct. 12, 2024, are serious and must be weighed against the only mitigating factors -- that she pleaded guilty for which she was entitled to a one-third discount on her sentence, and her previous clear record.

Dajay pleaded guilty in a hearing last May 10 to two counts of theft: $684,000 worth of jewelry (made up of $480,700 for the first lot and $203,650 for the other) and a watch worth $4,300.

Magistrate Lam handed her a penalty of 15 months for the first charge, considering the value of the stolen properties, plus three months for breach of trust. With the one-third discount, the sentence was reduced to 12 months.

The penalty for the second charge was four months, two of which will run at the same time as the first, thus bringing the total sentence to 14 months.

Basahin ang detalye!

In all, the thefts had resulted in a loss of $148,150 in the form of items that could no longer be recovered by the victim, plus $55,000 lost by the two pawnshops to which Dajay brought the jewelry for cash, according to the prosecutor.

Her duty lawyer told the court she was unable to compensate for the losses.

In mitigation, the lawyer said she was tempted to steal the jewelry because she needed additional cash to pay for the college tuition of her son, 22 years old, and daughter, 23, as her husband was not earning enough.

Dajay was arrested on Oct 24 last year after the victim, Christine Sin, returned to the home of her parents on Black’s Link in Happy Valley for the first time after it had undergone renovation starting in February of the same year.

Dajay was said to have worked as caregiver for the couple for four years before this.

Sin realized then that a box of jewelry she had left inside an unlocked cabinet in her parents’ house had gone missing.

When she confronted Dajay, the latter admitted to the theft, and presented some pawnshop receipts for some of the missing items.

Sin called the police.

When police arrived at the house, a search was conducted, and a pink Link’s watch valued at $4,300 was found inside her bag, which Sin identified as her property. Dajay readily admitted guilt before the police, and said “sorry.”

Further investigation revealed a huge cache of jewelry that Dajay had stolen between March 17 and October 12 last year, based on receipts issued by two pawnshops.

The items which numbered around 100 pieces included a set of rings and earrings in platinum and diamonds, a platinum necklace, several number of jewelry pieces in gold and diamond, and at least five expensive watches.

The second theft charge pertained to the pink watch found inside her bag, which was said to have been stolen sometime in September last year.

Lying to get a visa gets Pinay 12 months in jail

 

Visa application interview (Immigration Department photo)

Lying to Immigration officers and misleading them into granting her a visa as domestic helper has resulted in a Filipina beng jailed for a combined 12 months after she pleaded guilty today at Shatin Court to three counts of conspiracy to defraud.

Mel Valerie Cabresante, 42 years old, was convicted of three counts of violating thre Common Law and was punished under section 159C of the Crimes Ordinance by Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong.

She got a seven-month jail sentence for the first case, in which she admitted to conspiring with agent Homer Herrera and “other persons unknown”, in “dishonestly and falsely representing” to Immigration officers that she would work for a certain Gurung Kumari Gayan as a domestic helper.

Basahin ang detalye!

The misrepresentation, which took place between October and Nov, 11, 2021, induced Immigration officers to grant her permission to remain in Hong Kong “under circumstances which they would not otherwise have granted,” according to the complaint filed by the Immigration Department.

Cabresante was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment for the second charge in which she again conspired with Herrrera to misrepresent that she would be working as a domestic helper for a certain Mohammad Butt when she applied for a visa between November 2021 and Jan. 13, 2022.

The misrepresentation again induced the immigrtion officers “to act  contrary to their public duty” in granting her a working visa.

In the third case for which she was jailed for nine months, which also involved Herrera and unknown persons, she reiterated to Immigration oficers the lie that she would be employed by Butt in the visa application which she pursued between November 2021 and April 20, 2022.

In his ruling, Magistrate Cheang ordered that the first six months of the first two sentences run at the same time, leaving one and two months, respectively, to be added to the nine-month penalty for the third case.

16 persons arrested in latest anti-illegal work raids

 

One of those arrested is led to a van by Immigration officers

 

Four consecutive days of anti-illegal work operations by Immigration Department officers have led to the arrest of 16 suspected illegal workers.

Targeted in the operations carried out from June 2 to yesterday, June 5 were 79 locations including a food court, a grocery store, a massage parlour, residential buildings, restaurants and a warehouse.

The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised four men and 12 women, aged 24 to 61.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Five were found to carry recognizance forms, which prohibit them from taking up any job. Two, both women, were in possession of forged Hong Kong identity cards.

Simple illegal work carries with it a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and a $50,000 fine. The prison term goes up to three years if the illegal worker is an overstayer or subject to a deportation order.

Basahin ang detalye!

Those found in possession of a forged HK ID card face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and $100,000 fine.

Anyone found to have hired illegal workers could be charged and sentenced to a maximum fine of $500,000 and ten years in prison. The director, manager, secretary or any officer of the company concerned may also face criminal charges. Immediate custodial sentence is prescribed.

 

Migrants’ groups call for Saturday opening of PCG-HK

 

Poster for the Saturday opening campaign

From a successful campaign to get the Philippine Consulate open on Sundays, a group led by United Filipinos (Migrante) Hong Kong is now calling for the opening of the consulate on Saturdays as well.

A statement released on Friday, June 6 by Unifil-Migrante together with the Filipino Migrant Workers Union,  Methodist International Church - Filipino Community and Iglesia Filipina Independiente, urged the PCG to provide consular services on Saturday, which they say ranks as the second most common day-off for Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong, after Sunday.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

This will ensure that the majority of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), “especially those in distress or facing critical issues, can access these essential services promptly,” said the statement.

The call came as senior officials from the Department of Migrant Workers led by Secretary Hans Cacdac were set to visit Hong Kong at the close of a week-long celebration of the 30^th Migrant Workers Day, and the 127^th year of Philippine Independence.

Basahin ang detalye!

The campaign group added that it is aware that most employers do not permit their domestic workers to get out of their houses unless it’s their day off, so those who can go out only on Saturdays are unable to get much-needed service from the PCG.

These services range from basic consular services such as legal advice to general enquiries and document processing such as contract verification.

The group, however, did not indicate how OFWs who are allowed to go out on Saturdays are still able to secure urgent consulate services, and who among them feel a Saturday opening would benefit a great number of Filipinos in Hong Kong.

There is also no indication on which days they prefer the PCG to close should their call for a Saturday opening is granted.

Currently, the PCG opens for service Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm, except during public holidays. They are closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Sunday opening of the PCG in Hong Kong was ordered by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in response to clamor from various migrant organizations including Unifil-Migrante.

Those who wish to join the campaign for the Saturday opening of the PCG may contact 54209033 or 98546167. 

 

 

 

 

OWWA brings ‘Serbisyo Caravan’ to HK

 

Poster for tomorrow's event on Chater Road

No celebrities and not much entertainment, just service.

This is what the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is promising with the “Serbisyo Caravan” which it is holding on Chater Road tomorrow, June 8, from 8am to 5pm, in celebration of the 127^th anniversary of Philippine Independence and 30^th Migrant Workers Day.

The Sunday events start with the formal opening of the OFW Global Centre on the 18^th floor of United Centre in Admiralty, which is expected to be graced by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac and OWWA administrator Patricia Yvonne "PY" Caunan.

Free legal consultation with PAO lawyers will be at the OFW Global Centre

Also in attendance will be lawyer Persida Acosta, chief of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), the Philippines’ public defender for the poor and the marginalized.

For the first time, PAO will  hold free legal consultation, counseling and assistance to OFWs at the OFW Global Centre from 11am to 4pm. OFWs who want to consult PAO lawyers are urged to be at the venue early as they will be served on a first-come, first served basis.

PINDUTIN DITO

Over at Chater Road, service booths from various government agencies such as PhilHealth, SSS, Pag-IBIG will be set up starting at 8am, and will be open until 5pm.

Basahin ang detalye!

OWWA will also be processing applications for the OWWA e-card right on Chater Road. To access the service, prior registration is required. To register, please click this link: https://hkecard.owwa.gov.ph/

E-card applications will be processed on Chater Road but pre-registration is required

The program will feature street dancing through a Zumba Dance Showdown, games and music from a live band.

The whole-day event is organized by the Migrant Workers Office, OWWA and the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, in cooperation with Global Alliance Hong Kong.