Nearly all HK agencies ignore Code of Practice

By Vir B. Lumicao

More than a year since the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies was introduced by the Hong Kong government, nearly all industry players continue to violate it, a new research reveals.

According to a report published on Jun 17 by the HK Federation of Asian Domestic Workers (FADWU), the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions and Rights Exposure,  96% of all agencies did not comply with key provisions in the CoP.

The findings of the study titled “Agents of Change: Assessing Agency Compliance with the Code of Practice,” were based on a survey of 453 foreign domestic workers between July last year and March this year.

The findings were reportedly backed up by undercover video recordings in 18 agencies surveyed.

The report highlights that the vast majority of the 1,436 licensed agencies in Hong Kong violate the Code with impunity.

Foremost of these breaches was the charging of illegal fees, with 57% of the agencies allegedly asking the workers to pay agency fees averaging $9,013, the report said. That is more than 20 times the 10% of a worker’s first monthly salary as prescribed by law.

The research cited that 222 or 57% of the 389 newly arrived workers interviewed said they had been charged illegal fees. Of this group, 132 paid through salary deduction. 

Some 30% or 136 out of 449 interviewees claimed they were made to pay by the agencies even before they received their first monthly salary, the report said.

The Code specifies that the workers should pay the legal fee only after receiving their first monthly salary. Agencies that violate the law are liable to a fine of $350,000 and imprisonment of three years.

Different numbers of interviewees have been cited in the report as responding to particular questions, as not all them answered all the questions either because they could not recall or the questions were not relevant to their situation, according to the research.

The interviews were conducted by FADWU in collaboration with the Indonesian group Komunitas Buruh Migran-HK to check on agency compliance with the CoP, which was introduced in January 2017.

The research was presented at the launch by Ruth Arceta of FADWU, Iis of KOBUMI, Ann Olsen, gender and migration specialist of the International Labor Organization, and Labour Party legislator Fernando Cheung.

The research, which was supported by ILO, also examined the Code’s impact on the human and labor rights of domestic workers in Hong Kong.

“Non-compliance with the Code of Practice is not confined to a few rogue agencies, but is rather a widespread problem throughout Hong Kong,” Phobusk Gasing, chairperson of KOBUMI, said at the launch.

“Our research documents that 148 agencies – 10% of the total number –violated one or more aspects of the Code,” she said.

A video presentation of the report said 74% of Hong Kong agencies used by the interviewees did not fully comply with four or more key standards.

The report said that 31% of those interviewed claimed the agencies did not tell them accurately the nature of their jobs in Hong Kong, including the terms and conditions of their employment and the high cost of securing it.

A video of the report said of the 18 agencies that charged placement fees, seven charged jobseekers $3,500 to $10,000, or 8 to 24 times the legal limit. Six agencies said they would charge applicants a deposit.

“I’m happy to find you a new employer, but you need to go to Macau. Wait for the visa. You need to pay $6,500,” a woman with a blurred face told a volunteer who posed as a job seeker.

Last year, the Labour Department successfully prosecuted 11 agencies for breaking the law and issued stern warnings to 19 others for non-compliance with the Code.

Gasing said many agencies know they can largely ignore the Code and continue to follow illegal business practices because they do not fear reprisals. The domestic workers, in turn, have no choice but to go along with the agencies.

The report also revealed that agencies continue to hold the passports of migrant workers. in violation of the law.

“Unless the Labour Department strengthens its monitoring and inspection systems, and effectively investigates and punishes non-compliant employment agencies, the Code of Practice will remain toothless and ineffectual in protecting the rights of migrant domestic workers,” Gasing said. 

Mga petsang dapat tandaan

PUBLIC HOLIDAY ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Philippine Consulate General and all its attached agencies including POLO will be closed on the following date:

July 2 (Monday) – Hong Kong holiday

There will be no official transactions on these dates.

In case of emergency, call:

9155 4023 (Consular assistance)

5529 1880 (POLO)

6345 9324 (OWWA)

OTHER EVENTS:

Silid Sining Pinay: Unlocking Pinay Creativity

Painting Workshop Sessions for OFWs in HK with Filipino artist Grace P. Camacho

July 1, 9am-12nn

Aug 5, 9am-12nn

Sept 2, 9am-12nn

Oct 7, 9am – 12nn

PCG Gallery

Organized by: PCG with Pitter Painter

Requirements: HKID copy and one 2x2” photo

To register, visit the PCG Cultural Section or email cultural.pcg@gmail.com with subject: “SilidSining”

Yoga for All

Jun 30 (Sat), 6:15-7:30pm

Vitality Sessions @AIA Vitality Park
Hong Kong Observation Wheel
In celebration of International Day of Yoga
To celebrate International Day of Yoga, we will have community events across all Pure Yoga locations in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Shanghai and Singapore.
Join us in a sunset Yoga Flow and Meditation class that allows physical release through yoga flow practice and mental de-stress through meditation movement.
Everyone welcome!
Bring your own mats, towels and water. No registration needed.
Please click 'Going' in the events invite of YogaForAll - International Day of Yoga Celebration

Charity Yoga

Jul 1 (Sunday), 4pm-5pm

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, Western District

Hosted by Loretta Teo of Meow Yoga & Wellness and ImpactHK

Free, open to the public

Unifil-Migrante HK 33^rd Anniversary Celebration

Makiisa, Makisaya at Makibaka!

Jul 8, 10am – 6pm

Chater Road, Central

There will be a parade, mass, photo exhibit, variety show, games, trivia

Open to all

Sagip-Kapwa (Press to Shock, Save a Life)

Free cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillation (AED) and Fire Safety lessons

First session: July 15 (Sunday), 1-5pm

PCG Conference Room

Note: All seats taken. Limited slots.

Certificates will be issued to those who complete the CPR and AED training

Organized by: PCG’s Gender and Development Program

Nueva Vizcaya Day 2018

Oct 21 (Sunday), from 10 am

Chater Road, Central

Highlights: Search for Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya 2018 and Sassy Look International 2018

Organizer: United Nueva Vizcayanos - HK

Licensure Examination for Teachers

Application for those who wish to take the Special Examination for Professional Teachers to be held in Hong Kong on Sept 30, 2018
Deadline for Online Application: June 20
Submission of Documents: Aug 5
To register, click: https://online.prc.gov.ph/
For instructions on how to register: http://www.prc.gov.ph/uploaded/documents/StepbyStep_SPLE_2018.pdf
Check the Philippine Overseas Labor Office Facebook page for updates


CARITAS PROGRAMS

Saturday Basic Chinese Writing
Jun 9 – Sept 22, 2018 (16 lessons in total)
Time   : 10:00 - 13:00 (Total 50 hours)
Target : Ethnic minorities in HK with HKID
Fee     : $100 / head including materials (CSSA recipient : HK$50)
Venue : Caritas Shek Kip Mei Centre. Rm. 107, 1/F, Tai Hang Tung Community Centre, 17 Tong Yam Street, Shek Kip Mei, KLN
For queries, call 2147-5988.

Filcom group announcements:

Free Zumba Class
Sundays, 10am-11am (or stay longer if you want)
Pier 10, Central
Open to everyone
Offered by: Kayumanggi Zumba Fitness Group HK

Free Yoga Class
Sundays, 8:30am-9:30am
Pier 10, Central
Open to everyone
Organized by: Andappan Yoga Community

For Tinikling Lovers: The Tinikling Group of Migrants is in need of
male/female performers with or without experience, no age limit. TGM
performs mostly for LCSD events. Interested person may contact Marie
Velarde @ 67175379, Emz Bautista @ 98512804and Rowena Solir @97331049.

Attention: Rugby enthusiasts:The Exiles Touch Rugby group is inviting
rugby enthusiasts to join the team. We practice every Sunday at the
Happy Valley Pitch 8 from 5pm to 8pmat the Happy Valley Pitch 8.  For
those interested please contact: Ghelai 65414432whatsapp/sms or click
“like” on Exiles HK facebook page

Wanted: softball players: The all-Filipina softball team is now open for
tryouts. Those who are interested, especially those with prior
experience in the game may contact Team Captain Don Gaborno 5318-5113

An invitation to play volleyball:Calling sport-minded Filipinas who want
to play volleyball. A team is being organized by a group led by Shane
Key Gonzales to compete in upcoming volleyball leagues in Hong Kong.
Interested parties may contact Shane at 54498080.

Sharon, may concert sa kanyang 40th anniversary

Sa pagdiriwang ng kanyang ika-40th anniversary sa showbiz, magkakaroon ng concert si Sharon  Cuneta sa Araneta Coliseum sa September 28. Ito raw ay para makaganti sa kabutihan at paghanga ng kanyang mga followers na walang sawang sumusuporta sa kanya. Bukod dito, may inihahanda na rin siyang bagong pelikula na idi-direk ni Cathy Garcia Molina, na siya ring director niya sa Unexpectedly Yours, na pinagtambalan nila ni Robin Padilla.

Noong June 22, pinasaya ni Sharon ang mga manonood at producer ng concert ni Joey Generoso na dating miyembro ng bandang Side A at kaibigan niya nang paunlakan niya ang imbitasyon nila na maging special guest sa “Joey G Beyond” na ginanap sa The Theater at Solaire. Hindi rin tumanggap ng talent fee si Sharon at nag-request lang daw ito ng mansanas at ubas sa kanyang dressing room.

Ang hiling ni Joey na maka-duet siya sa awiting “Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko” ay sinundan ni Sharon ng ilan pang awitin dahil sayang naman daw ang damit niya, kung sandali lang siyang makikita. Nagkuwento pa siya sa audience na noong kumakanta pa ang Side A sa Calesa Bar noong 1989, at si Richard Gomez pa ang kanyang boyfriend noon, ay pinapanood na niya ang banda.

Maliban sa duets at spot numbers, ginanahan si Sharon na kumanta pa at sumali bilang isa sa mga back up singer ni Joey.

REGINE, BALIK-TV SA THE CLASH 
Malapit nang mapanood ang pinakabagong singing contest ng GMA 7, ang “The Clash” na ang magiging host ay si Regine Velasquez.

Napili na ang 62 Clashers na maglalaban-laban mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng Pilipinas at ilang contestants na mula sa ibang bansa: Metro Manila (14), Northern Luzon (6), Central Luzon (12), Southern Luzon (7), Visayas (9), Mindanao (10) at international challengers (4).

Ang screening panel na pumili sa mga clashers kasama ni Regine ay binubuo nina OPM songwriter Vehnee Saturno, singer composer Jay Durias at TV director Bert de Leon. Ang mga magiging hurado ay sina AiAi delas Alas, Christian Bautista at Lani Misalucha.
Si Louie Ignacio ang director ng The Clash na mapapanood tuwing Sabado at Linggo.

PIA, PABOR NA SA IBANG BANSA ANG MISS U 
Kamakailan ay ipinahayag ng bagong Department of Tourism (DOT) Sec. Berna Romulo-Puyat na hindi na matutuloy ang plano na muling i-host ng Pilipinas ang Miss Universe sa taong ito dahil sa laki ng budget. Naging kontrobersyal ang mga pinasukang proyekto ng DOT sa mga nakalipas na buwan sa pamumuno ng dating kalihim ng ahensya na si Wanda Tulfo-Teo kaya pinag-resign ito sa kanyang puwesto.

Pabor ang dating Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, na kasalukuyan pa ring ambassador para sa Miss Universe Organization, na sa ibang bansa naman ganapin ang pinaka-popular na beauty pageant dahil tatlong beses na rin naman itong ginanap sa Pilipinas, - noong 1974, 1994 at 2017. May balita na pinagpipilian kung sa Macau o South Korea ito gaganapin sa taong ito. Ayon kay Pia, tiyak na magugustuhan ito ng mga Pinoy na kilalang masugid na tagasubaybay ng Miss U kung nagkataon, dahil parehong mas malapit ang dalawang lugar at madaling puntahan. Mas makakabuti rin daw para sa pambato ng Pilipinas na si Catriona Gray kung maraming Pinoy na manonood at susuporta sa kanya. Ayon pa kay Pia, malaki ang tsansa ni Catriona na manalo dahil “total package” daw ito, at walang anumang masasabing negatibong bagay sa kanya.

Ang plano ni Pia na magtrabaho sa Amerika ay hindi pa niya pwedeng gawin ngayon dahil marami pa raw siyang tinatapos na commitments at projects bilang Kapamilya. Pagkatapos ipalabas ang pelikulang “My Perfect You” na pinagtambalan nila ni Gerald Anderson, ay may gagawin pa uli siyang pelikula at TV show, bukod pa sa mga product endorsements niya. Masaya pa rin ang pagsasama nila ng kanyang Swiss-Filipino boyfriend na si Marlon Stockinger, na dalawang taon na niyang karelasyon.

JENNICA, NAGSILANG NG PANGALAWANG ANAK
Isinilang ni Jennica Garcia ang pangalawang anak nila ni Alwyn Uytingco, na isa ring baby girl, noong June 25 ng gabi. Ang panganay nilang si Mori ay magta-tatlong taong gulang na. 

Ikinasal sina Jennica at Alwyn noong February 2012, pagkatapos ng apat na taong relasyon.

Samantala, may ilan pang celebrites na nakatakdang magsilang sa kanilang pangalawang anak , kabilang sina Iya Villania (asawa ni Drew Arellano); Bianca Gonzalez (JC Intal); dating beauty queen Shamcey Supsup ( Lloyd Lee); Michela Cazzola (James Yap); Lara Precious Quigaman (Marco Alcaraz); Isabel Oli (John Prats); at singer Princess Velasco ( Dr. Bistek Rosario).

Nanganak din sa mga nakalipas na buwan sina Jolina Magdangal (baby girl Vika,  May 28), Cristalle Belo (baby boy Hunter James, May 28), Sarah Lahbati (baby boy, Kai, March 21), Clarisse Ong, asawa ni Chris Tiu (baby girl Mari Diana, February 25), Saab Magalona (baby boy Pancho, February 6), Pokwang (baby girl, Malia, January 18), Kaye Abad ( baby boy Pio Joaquin, December 22), Niki Gil (baby boy Finn, Nov 20, 2017) at Kylie Padilla ( baby boy Alas, August 2017). 

Hindi pinalad na mabuo ang kambal na ipinagbuntis ni Heart Evangelista ng tatlong buwan. Malungkot niyang ibinalita noong June 6 na hindi rin nabuhay ang pangalawa sa kambal, ilang linggo matapos na mawala ang una. Nakatakda siyang magbakasyon sa ibang bansa upang magpahinga at maka-recover, sa payo na rin ng kanyang asawang si Sen. Chiz Escudero.

NONOY AT WILLIE NEP, MAY CONCERT 
Matapos maratay ng mahigit isang taon dahil sa stroke, muling magbabalik sa entablado ang master impersonator na si Willie Nepomuceno para sa “Music and Laughter” concert niya, kasama ang beteranong mang-aawit na si Nonoy Zuniga, sa The Theatre in Solaire sa July 27.

Nagpapasalamat daw si Willie sa pagkakaroon niya ng panibagong buhay, pagkatapos niyang na-stroke. “Life must go on ...the show must go on. Magre-retire na rin sana ako, dahil for so many years para akong talent na ... waiting for the chance to be discovered, eh ang tagal, tagal ko na sa showbiz, so parang ayaw ko na. But ‘yung call ng audience na mayroon pa rin palang naniniwala, eh ‘di ituloy natin.”

Lumabo raw ang paningin niya, pero wala naman daw tumabingi sa kanya, gaya nangyayari sa iba.  “I was in bed for about one-and-a-half to two years. ... Tawag nila mild stroke but if that’s mild I don’t know what is more than that. Grabe, kulang na lang talaga sumigaw ako and say goodbye. Kaya lang ‘yung mga lyrics ng kanta nito (ni Nonoy Zuniga), how can I ever say goodbye.’ Natapos naman through constant therapy, pinagtiyagaan ko.”

Nakilala si Willie dahil sa panggagaya niya sa dating presidenteng sina Ferdinand Marcos, Fidel Ramos at Joseph Estrada, pero nagdesisyon daw siyang huwag gayahin si Pres. Duterte. “‘Yung traditional na nakikita niyo sa akin na political impression or satire, maybe hihiwalay muna ako doon from the meantime. I will try to reinvent myself. Kasi baka ano ang masabi ko. Mukhang ‘yung ginagawa ko noon hindi na as effective as before,” ang sabi pa ni Willie.

AIZA, MAGPAPA-OPERA 
Ipinahayag ni Aiza Seguerra, na kilala na ngayon bilang Ice Seguerra, na kasalukuyan siyang nasa transition period bilang paghahanda sa kanyang sexual reassignment surgery. Ito ay kanyang ibinunyag sa panayam sa kanya ni Boy Abunda sa “Tonight with Boy Abunda” show noong June 21. 

“Nung una nandun din ako sa parang why? bakit kailangan? pero alam mo Tito Boy, sometimes, especially nung nag come out na ako as trans, it’s so hard to wake up every day seeing that you’re in this body. Then alam mo yung pakiramdam na di naman eto dapat yun. Sinabi ko yun sa wife ko before. Kasi nung una parang di nya rin magets eh parang for her, ‘Tinatanggap naman kita eh, for me you’re a man.’ But it’s not about that. I mean I thank you for accepting me. but the problem is me accepting me,” ang sabi ni Ice.

Ipinaliwanag pa niya na sa transition period ay sumasailalim siya sa hormone replacement, kaya nag-aalala rin siya na baka mabago ang kanyang boses, lalo na at ang pag-awit ang kanyang trabaho upang matustusan ang pangangailangan ng kanyang pamilya. Masaya daw siya sa pagbubukas ng unang gender diversity center dahil may mga doktor siyang nakakausap tungkol dito.

Si Ice, na dating si Aiza Seguerra, ay unang umamin bilang isang transgender man noong August 2014.

Isa pang sikat na mang-aawit, si Charice Pempengco, na kilala na ngayon bilang si Jake Xyrus, ang suma-ilalim din sa hormone replacement. Bumaba na ang boses nito na parang nagbibinata, kaya malayung malayo na sa boses niyang hinangaan sa buong mundo noong siya pa si Charice. Pero patuloy pa rin siyang umaawit, at kamakailan ay nag-concert pa at may bagong album, dahil ang pag-awit lang din ang pwede niyang gawin upang matulungan ang pamilya. 

PAOLO, NAKIPAG-BREAK SA TEXT?
Usap-usapan ang pakikipag-break daw sa pamamagitan ng text message ni Paolo Ballesteros sa kanya umanong boyfriend na si Sebastian Castro na isang commercial model at indie actor. Ipinost ni Sebastian ang mensaheng natanggap niya mula sa pinangalanan niyang “Root Word”: “Hey good morning. Ive been thinking for the past few days about us.  Im sorry i have to break your heart again. im really sorry.  I dont want you to finish ur song for me and i cant be that person. Its too much for me i guess. i dont know what else to say, but im really sorry.”

Kinumpirma rin niya na nagkaroon siya ng three- month relationship sa taong hindi niya sinabi ang pangalan. “I have no intention of confirming or denying rumors about who I was dating. For my own peace of mind, I’ll just acknowledge it’s over. Call it practicality, but it’s simply easier to say so once publicly than over and over again when asked. I had a brief 3-month relationship. It didn’t work out.
Thanks for the memories all the same.”
Napag-usapan ang relasyon na namagitan kina Paolo at Sebastian dahil ilang beses silang nakitang magkasamang nagdi-dinner sa beach sa La Union. Noong nakaraang buwan lang ay nag-post pa si Sebastian ng litrato ng bulaklak na may card kung saan nakasulat ang “Happy 2nd, my rootword. I love you”.


Samantala, nanatiling tikom ang bibig ni Paolo tungkol sa kanyang love life.

Ang kapalaran mo sa Hulyo

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94/06
Masaya ang pagsasama at bubuo kayo ng proyekto para sa inyong kinabukasan; muling babalik ang init ng pagmamahal sa mga matagal nang magkarelasyon. Maging makatwiran sa pagtrato sa mga tao, pero magmatigas sa mga taong labis na agresibo. Kumain ng isdang malangis gaya ng salmon, mackerel at sardines at dagdagan din ang kain ng bawang at sibuyas na mainam laban sa sakit sa puso. Lucky numbers: 13, 24, 32 at 40.

BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95/07
Marami kang magagandang bagay na mapagtatagumpayan, pero mag-ingat din sa biglaang palit ng sitwasyon. Mag-ingat sa sobrang kompiyansa sa sarili at pagiging mapagmatigas. Ang gulong nalikha sa tahanan ay madali ring malilimutan at muling mananaig ang saya at kapayapaan. Sa pag-ibig, mag-ingat sa labis na selos na maaring sumira sa lahat ng bagay. Ugaliing kumain ng tama, at sa tamang oras upang makabawi sa nararamdamang pagod at kawalan ng enerhiya. Lucky numbers: 17, 22, 31 at 45.

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96/08
Ngayon ay tatanggap ka ng promosyon o parangal at may mga bagong alok ding papasok. Kailangan mo nang alisin sa isip ang pag-aaalinlangan na nagpapabagal sa iyong pag-asenso. Agapan ang problema sa ngipin. Kontrolin din ang paggastos. Iwasan ang panandaliang romansa! Kung magse-seryoso ka lang, mahahanap mo ang tunay na pag-ibig, at magugulat ka dahil nandyan lang ito sa paligid mo. Lucky numbers: 12, 18, 29 at 31.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97/09
Mahirap kang pakisamahan dahil masyado kang sensitibo. Mag-ingat sa mikrobyo dahil mahina ang resistensya mo ngayon. Posibleng malugi ka ngayon, kaya hinay-hinay sa paggastos. Hindi maiiwasan ang hidwaan sa magulang at anak. Kung single, at tila walang katapusan ang kalungkutang nararanasan, huwag mawalan ng pag-asa, malaki ang tsansa na may magpapasaya na sa iyo ngayon. Lucky numbers: 20, 27, 32 at 37.

TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98/10
May oras ka ngayon para bumuo ng mabusising proyekto na kailangan din ng mahabang pasensya. Wala kang itatago sa mga kasamahan, at marami kang makikilalang iba’t ibang klaseng tao. Mahalagang pagbabago ang magaganap sa trabaho, humingi ng payo. Kung nakakaramdam ng pagod at pamimigat ng katawan, kumunsulta sa doktor. Maaaring sanhi ito ng dating pagpapabaya sa katawan, pero walang dapat ipag-alala kung malulunasan ito agad. Lucky numbers: 11, 16, 28 at 40.

KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87/99
Gumawa ng hakbang upang mas maging kanais-nais sa mga tao dahil sa ganitong paraan ka mananalo. Mas gaganda ang kalusugan kung babawasan o titigilan ang paninigarilyo, at pag-inom ng alak at kape. Magiging inspirado ka pang magsipag at maging masigasig sa trabaho ngayon. Hayaan ang mga malalapit sa iyo na kumilos sa paraang gusto nila, at huwag silang pakialaman. Sa pagsama sa mga kaibigan ay may bago kang makikilala, pero hindi mo mapigilan ang makipagtalo dito. Lucky numbers: 7, 15, 21 at 36.

 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88/00
Sa trabaho, maging handa sa magandang pagkakataong darating. Makikilala mo rin ang taong matagal mo nang gustong makausap. Kwentahin ang gastusin na katumbas lang ng perang pumapasok. Ang love life ay mas lalong magiging kasiya-siya. Huwag gaanong umasa sa mga kaibigan. Mag-ingat sa pananakit ng likod at tuhod, iwasan ang pagbubuhat ng masyadong mabibigat na bagay. Lucky numbers: 5, 19, 34 at 45.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89/01
Magkakaroon ka ng hindi magandang relasyon sa matatanda o mababagabag ka sa kundisyon ng kalusugan nila. Ang pagkakaibigan sa bagong kakilala ay lalong lalalim at magpapasaya sa iyo. Sa trabaho, mag-ingat upang makaiwas sa panganib at patibong. Bigyan ng atensyon ang pananalapi. Kung may mahalagang problema sa pamilya, agad itong harapin at huwag patagalin, habang malinaw pa sa isip mo ang lahat. Lucky numbers: 14, 23, 37 at 42.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90/02
Ang lagi mong pagkontra sa maraming bagay ay nakakaapekto sa relasyon mo sa lahat. Sa trabaho, hindi inaasahang bagay ang magpapahina ng husto sa iyo. Dagdagan ang pag-inom ng tubig. Magandang balita tungkol sa mga anak. Masyado kang nag-aalalang masolusyunan ang problema sa pera, ang dapat gawin ay bawasan ang gastusin at subukang dagdagan ang kita sa ibang paraan; gamitin ang ibang talento. Lucky numbers: 12, 16, 25 at 39.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79/91/03
May kakayahan kang pag-aralan at ayusin ang sitwasyong pinansyal. Iwasang pangarapin ang marangyang buhay lalo na kung hindi ito pinaghihirapang abutin. Mag-ingat sa mga nanghihingi ng donasyon. Mataas ang motibasyon, bibigyan mo ng prayoridad ang trabaho at makakatulong ang pagiging ambisyosa at kasipagan upang bumilis ang pag-asenso, pero mag-ingat na ipagkamali ang inaasam mo sa katotohanan. Lucky numbers: 11, 26, 36 at 41.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92/04
Makakaranas ng nerbiyos na maaring may koneksyon sa problema sa panunaw. Sikaping mapalakas ang sense of humor. Mag-ingat sa pakikipag-usap tungkol sa buwis. Ang problema sa pamilya ang ipag-aalala mo ng husto. Sa pagtanggap ng pagbabago, mas lalaki ang tsansa mong magtagumpay. Bibigyan ng prayoridad ang iyong trabaho, dahil dito mo maipapakita ng husto ang iyong husay, pero masasaid ang enerhiya mo dito. Lucky numbers: 13, 24, 36 at 40.

TANDANG. Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93/05
Makakaranas ng kaunting depresyon; bigyan ng kasiyahan ang sarili, subukang ibahin ang mga ideya. Kung madaling mapagod at walang gana, makakatulong ang pag-inom ng magnesium supplement. Sa trabaho, kulang ka sa tapang at responsibilidad. Isang kaibigan ang bibigo sa iyo, daanin ito sa pilosopya. Kahit gaano ka-abala, bigyan ng sapat na oras ang mga anak upang gumanda ang relasyon. Mahalagang nakakausap sila at nasusundan ang mga interes nila at pag-aaral. Lucky numbers: 5, 18, 22 at 39.

Madramang pagpapaalam sa alaga

Muntik ding maiyak ng dalawang kaibigan ni Olive kamakailan nang masaksihan nila ang ginawang pamamaalam dito ng kanyang 22 taong alaga. Ilang dipa pa ang layo ng dalagang alaga ay umiiyak na ito, at paglapit kay Olive ay yumakap ng mahigpit, sabay hagulhol.

Nagkaroon ng malubhang sakit si Olive, 64, at nagpasyang sa Pilipinas na magpagamot. Tutal, maayos na ang buhay ng kanyang mga anak, at tanging ang mga amo na lang niya ang nagpipigil sa kanyang pag-uwi.

Dati siyang nanilbihan sa mga ito ng 18 taon, at siya na ang nagpalaki sa alagang dalaga,  hanggang pumasok ito sa kolehiyo, at naisip ng mga magulang na hindi na nila kailangan ang kasambahay. Pero isang taon pa lang si Olive sa bagong amo ay pinabalik na siya ng mga dating amo sa kanilang bahay sa Fortress Hill.

Katatapos pa lang niya ng panibagong kontrata sa kanila nang mahulog siya mula sa isang tuntungan at matumba, at kinailangang dalhin siya sa ospital. Doon ay nakita na may malubha siyang sakit sa matris, at kinailangang operahan agad.

Pagtapos ng operasyon ay may nakita namang bukol sa kanyang sikmura, at sinabihan siyang magpatingin muli para masigurong hindi malubha ang kanyang kundisyon. Minabuti ni Olive na umuwi na lang dahil hindi na siya nakapagtrabaho muli mula nang lumabas sa ospital pagkatapos ng isang buwang pagpapagamot.

Nahihiya na din daw siya sa mga amo dahil ang pakiramdam niya ay nagiging pabigat na siya. Sa kabila nito ay mabigat din ang kanyang loob na umalis dahil sa alaga na napalapit na ng husto sa kanya. Inalo na lang niya ang dalaga sa pagsasabing mag-chat na lang sila lagi sa Facebook, at kung gusto nito ay maaari din siyang dalawin sa Pilipinas dahil hindi naman ito kalayuan sa Hong Kong.

Napawi naman ang lahat ng kanyang lungkot at agam-agam nang sa pagdating niya sa kanilang bayan sa Bicol ay salubungin siya ng isang salo-salo ng kanyang asawa at mga anak, at pati ng ilang mga kaanak at kaibigan. - DCLM

Na-homesick bigla

Malungkot ang malayo sa sariling anak. Ito ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit marami sa mga nanay na nasa ibang bansa ang na ho-homesick. Kabilang sa kanila si Rose, na kadarating lamang sa Hong Kong, at mabigat sa loob ang pag-iwan sa dalawang anak na apat at anim na taong gulang sa pangangalaga ng asawa. Naisipan niyang magtrabaho sa ibang bansa dahil hindi sapat ang kinikita ng asawa mula sa pinagtatrabahuang pabrika. 

Mabait naman ang kanyang mga amo at pati na ang apat na taon na bata na kanyang inaalagaan. Dahil sa bibo at magiliw ang bata ay nababawasan ang kanyang lungkot. Sinisikap niyang ituon ang isip sa trabaho at pinagbubuti niya ang kanyang pagsisilbi sa amo upang maiwasan ang ma homesick. Iniisip na lang din niya na anak niya ang batang inaalagaan upang maiwasan ang pag iisip ng husto sa mga anak.

Kamakailan, araw ng Linggo, paglabas ni Rose sa sala upang mag day off ay nadaanan niya na gising na ang kanyang alaga at naglalaro kasama ang nanay nito. Agad na lumapit ang bata sa kanya at yumakap, sabay sabi ng, “Happy Mother’s Day, auntie. I love you.” 

Napaiyak si Rose at niyakap rin ang alaga ng mahigpit. Nakiyakap na rin ang kanyang among babae dahil sa awa kay Rose na alam nitong lungkot na lungkot sa mga sandaling iyon dahil sa pangungulila sa mga anak. Sinabihan ng amo  ang anak nito na, “Tell auntie to stop crying.” Sinunod naman ito ng bata, at dinagdagan pa ng siya na lang daw muna ang anak ni Rose habang nagtratrabaho sa Hong Kong.

Kapag may pera na daw siya ay kukunin niya ang mga anak ni Rose para may kalaro siya. Natawa na lang si Rose at ang among babae sa sinabi ng alaga.

Si Rose ay tubong Laguna at anim na buwan pa lamang sa among Intsik na naninirahan sa Kowloon.

Kakaibang paraan ng kawanggawa

Mahilig sa negosyo at matulungin sa kapwa si Sheena. Ginagamit niya ang dalawang katangiang ito upang makatulong o makapag-ambag ng kahit na maliit na halaga sa mga grupo na may magandang layunin. Halimbawa, nagbebenta siya ng kahit anong pagkakitaan at sa bawat mabenta niya ay ibinibigay niya ang 5% ng kita sa mga kawanggawa.

Dahil sa kanyang kakaibang pamamaraan at mabuting layunin ay marami sa kanyang mga kaibigan ang bumibili ng kanyang paninda. Suki na niya ang mga kaibigan na gusto rin tumulong kahit na sa pamamagitan lamang ng pagtangkilik ng kanyang produkto. Mula sa kanyang mga naipon na pera ay nakapagbigay siya ng mga pagkain, gamot, alcohol, bulak at iba pang pangunahing pangangailangan ng Anawim, isang bahay-tuluyan ng mga matatanda.

Kasama ang kanyang dalawang anak na edad pito at lima ay dinalaw nila ang mga matatanda, at binigyan ng mga napamiling mga gamit. Tuwang-tuwa naman ang mga matatanda na nakipagsayaw pa sa kanyang mga anak, bilang bahagi ng isang maiksing programa na isinagawa ng mga namamahala sa Anawim upang higit na  maging makabuluhan ang kanilang pagdalaw.

Bukod sa Anawim, nakapagbigay na rin siya ng mga damit sa mga mahihirap sa Pilipinas, na galing sa mga kahon-kahong damit na naipon ng kanyang kaibigan mula sa bigay ng kani-kanilang mga amo. Sinagot ni Sheena ang bayad sa pagpapadala ng mga kahon sa Pilipinas at nakipagtulungan para maipamigay ang mga damit ng maayos. Ayon kay Sheena masarap sa pakiramdam ang tumulong. Hindi naman daw sagabal ang kawalan ng malaking kayamanan sa pagtulong dahil marami naman ibang paraan.

Si Sheena, 28 at tubong Maynila, at may asawa at dalawang anak. Nasa ikalawang kontrata na siya sa among Intsik na may isang anak at nakatira sa Kennedy Town.

Dating may online business sa Pilipinas si Sheena pero napilitang mag-abroad dahil hindi sapat ang kinikita nilang mag-asawa sa kanilang mga pangangailangan. – Ellen Asis

Duterte’s ‘stupid God’ remark draws ire of religious leaders

It took President Rodrigo Duterte to describe God as “stupid” for the country’s religious leaders to speak up in almost unison against what one of them considered not only as blasphemous in the highest order but also as a violation of the Constitution.

Duterte, in his usual rambling remarks delivered in mixed English and Filipino in an event in Davao, called God “stupid” and questioned the logic of the allegorical Bible story of the temptation of Adam and Eve.

“Who is this stupid God? The son of a bitch is really stupid,” Duterte said, eliciting angry retorts in social media. It also sparked outrage in the predominantly Christian nation. 

Eddie Villanueva, founder of the Christian group Jesus is Lord Movement, said Duterte’s remark calling God stupid was a violation of the 1987 Constitution because the document “believes in God.”

“It’s very clear for the sake of argument, that is already a violation of the constitution because the very constitution, the soul of the Filipino people, believes in God,” he said.

Villanueva, who has in the past been generally supportive of the president, said that Duterte was “wittingly or unwittingly” violating the soul of the nation by disparaging God. He also labeled Duterte’s comments as “a kind of blasphemy in the highest order.”

The JIL founder and leader, whose son, Sen. Joel Villanueva, is part of the Duterte-aligned majority bloc in the Senate, said that he felt “holy anger” upon hearing the president’s remarks.

Despite the denunciations, Duterte stuck to his remarks on Monday but clarified that he was criticizing the God of Catholics. His spokespersons have justified the comments as freedom of expression and as a critique of Catholic teachings.

Duterte, who has in the past cursed Pope Francis and former US leader Barack Obama, also claimed that his God has common sense while that of his critics is stupid. He did not say which god he meant, but mentioned a “universal mind”.

While clarifying his “stupid God” remarks, Duterte lobbed another attack at Catholics, this time questioning the Lord’s Supper and why those who were with him became saints.

In the same speech, Duterte, who has been slammed for his demeaning remarks on women, said that creating the first woman, Eve, and was God’s “greatest mistake.”

Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte, asked critics to ignore her father’s rants on the Bible, saying he is not a priest to be an expert on religion. She said people should judge Duterte based on his work as president and not on his “talkkalese.”

“Please do not listen to him interpret the Bible or Quran, he is not a priest, a pastor or an imam. He is the president, listen only when he speaks about his work,” she said in a statement on her social media account.

Carpio said that whatever the president said was his opinion and is protected by his constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression.

In an attempt to calm down angry criticisms, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque

Dismissed the religious leaders’ outrage over the remark a consequence of the “mutual dislike” between Duterte and the Catholic Church leaders who supposed a different candidate during the 2016 elections.

Roque also said the Catholic Church should be ready to receive criticisms since it had been slamming the president’s words and actions in the two years that he had been in office.

“What I said, let’s not be onion-skinned. It’s not possible for the Catholic Church to be the only one issuing criticisms and then when the president criticizes it seems they are unacceptable,” Roque said in Filipino, pointing to the pastoral letters and statements of bishops against the chief executive.

“Just like what I said, let’s be frank about this, both sides dislike each other. Let us just accept that the Catholic Church does not like President Duterte. Let’s not be coy about it,” Roque said.

Even then, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the archbishop of Manila, called for calm amid the religious outcry against Duterte’s remark, saying the faithful should not be distracted from other pressing issues confronting the country.

“[L]et us not be distracted from addressing other pressing concerns with fervor of faith and love, for example, the increasing prices of goods, job security, exploitation of women and children, violence in homes and neighborhoods, different types of addictions, crimes, vulnerabilities of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) the daily paralyzing traffic in big cities, flooding, reconstruction of destroyed cities, combating terrorism, corruption and others,” the soft-spoken cardinal said in a letter to priests on Wednesday.

“Be at peace. Be calm. Don’t let things disturb your inner peace. Let us read the situation with the eyes of faith,” said Tagle, who was in Geneva for a UN conference on migrants and refugees.

Filipina seeks High Court nod for tech court to hear Tribunal case

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina who has left an unfinished claim against her former employer in the Labour Tribunal, is appealing in the High Court the tribunal’s rejection of her application to use a “technology court” to pursue her case from the Philippines.

A favorable decision by the High Court could pave the way for other foreign domestic workers who have gone home  to pursue their cases against their empoyers in Hong Kong by “appearing in court” electronically via video-conferencing.

The landmark appeal was heard on Jun 22 with the Help for Domestic Workers appearing on behalf of former worker Joenalyn Mallorca, who had gone home after her initial victory in the tribunal against her employer Ng Me Shuen.

Justice Carlye Chu who presided over the hearing, told the applicant’s lawyer that she will release her judgment after studying the implications of holding of such a special hearing.

The judge said the applicant must satisfy the court about the inability of the worker to return to Hong Kong to pursue her case.

The lawyer said Mallorca had to go home because her mother, who was looking after her three children, was afflicted with blood cancer and was in hospital. Another reason was her lack of financial ability to return to Hong Kong because she had no income.

Judge Chu said the Tribunal is looking to the High Court for guidance on setting up a technology court for Mallorca’s case because of related issues, such as how to ensure no lawyers are advising or preparing documents for the litigant overseas, and where to set up a technology court.

But the Labour Tribunal, which is housed in an old building in Yau Ma Tei, has no such special court.

The lawyer told Judge Chu that setting up a technology court would be less expensive than bringing back a domestic worker to give evidence in Hong Kong.

Ng terminated Mallorca’s work contract on Sept 15, 2016, just three months after the Filipina started working for her. The worker took her case to the Labour Tribunal after a meeting with Ng at the Labor Department failed.

The lawyer said Mallorca went home in December 2016. That was shortly after Ng paid the worker arrears in wages totaling $1,824.37 and $1,300 for her one-way airline ticket in a settlement in the Tribunal.

But four unsettled items totaling $8,707.33 remain in Mallorca’s claim, including wages in lieu of notice. These would have been taken up in a second hearing scheduled for Feb 2, 2017, but she could not return and authorized Help to represent her.

Help case manager Raquel Amador told The SUN the appeal is very important because, if granted, many foreign domestic workers who have returned home can still pursue their cases against their employers.

The Judiciary set up in 2015 a technology court in the High Court in Admiralty. It is equipped with user-friendly features and facilities, including video conferencing, multimedia presentation of evidence, a documentation and exhibits handling system, and interpretation services all integrated into a centrally controlled network.