Cancer-stricken OFW dies 9 months after being fired

By Vir B. Lumicao and Marites Palma


Former Hong Kong-based domestic worker Lorenza A. Tabucol was laid to rest on May 13 after succumbing to breast cancer, barely nine months after returning home for good, then being fired by her employer.

The late Lorenza Tabucol (right)
at the graduation of her daughter Fritzie.

Tabucol, a 47-year-old mother of two, died without filing any claims against her employer for her termination and a snake bite she reportedly suffered a year before she was sent home by her employer.

Tabucol’s daughter Fritzie T. Fonbuena, told friends in Hong Kong her mother died  penniless because her savings of just under Php100,000  all went to her medication and day-to-day expenses.

Fonbuena, 25, and her younger brother, were helped by an uncle who paid for their mother’s funeral. The children still have to file a claim for death and burial benefits from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Fonbuena said her mother told their family in March 2016 that she had Stage 4 breast cancer. Nine months before that – or about June 28, 2015 — the helper reported being bitten by a snake while walking her employer’s dog in Quarry Bay. She did not file a complaint over this incident.

Her relatives and friends are now wondering whether the snake bite had anything to do with Tabucol contracting cancer, saying no one in their family had the disease.

Tabucol, a widow, reportedly went to a hospital where she was treated for the snake bite. Three months later, Fonbuena said her mother started feeling unwell every so often until a blood test showed she had cancer. Then she became too ill to work.

Tabucol returned home to Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, on Aug 5 last year. Her daughter said Tabucol’s employer, Agnes Ip, had told her mother to go home for medical treatment. “Biglaan po na pinauwi siya…agad-agad po na binilhan siya ng tiket pauwi,” Fonbuena said.

But when the helper got home, Ip allegedly terminated their contract, and did not pay for long service for the 13 years that the Filipina had worked for her.

Had a claim been filed, Tabucol could have claimed roughly $36,000 based on last year’s minimum salary for foreign domestic workers.

Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre said Tabucol’s next of kin could no longer claim for long service pay as the helper was dismissed nine months ago. “Long service pay claim lapses three months after termination of employment,” the labor official said in reply to a query from The SUN.  As for the 2015 snake attack, work-related compensation lapses after one year, he said.

In addition to such payouts, Tabucol could have applied for a maximum of Php50,000 financial aid from OWWA under the Supplemental Medical Assistance Program for OFWs under treatment for cancer, kidney ailments, emerging infections like Zika, Ebola and other illnesses requiring longtime care.

Tabucol arrived in Hong Kong in 1997 to work for her first employer, then moved to Ip around 2004.
Her daughter was 5 years old and her son, 3, when she left them. The daughter managed to finish university, but the son was not able to complete his studies since Tabucol got ill.

NGOs bat for decent accommodations for FDHs

By Daisy CL Mandap

Air-conditioned dog house
on the balcony was upheld as “suitable”
by a magistrate’s court

Foreign domestic workers who are not given suitable living quarters by their employers should at least be allowed to remain in Hong Kong while they process new work contracts.

This was what Eni Lestari, chair of Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, told the group that gathered for the launch on May 10 of an in-depth study conducted by the Mission for Migrant Workers on living accommodation of women migrant workers (MDW).

“We should be able to change jobs if we are not given suitable accommodation,” said Lestari. “This is basic respect that must be given to a worker”.

At the launch of the study titled “Pictures from the Inside”, program coordinator Norman Carnay said there was a need to define what constitutes “suitable accommodation” which under the standard employment contract, is supposed to be given a MDW.

But what is considered unsuitable? As it is, Carnay said only two examples are listed in the standard contract: makeshift beds in corridors, and a room shared by the worker with an adult or teenager of the opposite sex.

Given this, almost everything else appears fair play, especially since the policy is premised on what Carnay said was “an excuse” about the small sizes of flats in Hong Kong.

Thus, in the study, a number of the 3,075 MDWs who took part provided extreme examples that could put the “suitable” requirement to the test.

Pictures provided in the study showed the workers sleeping in coffin-like spaces inside kitchen cabinets, in storage rooms, living room sofas with the wet laundry hanging overhead, and in an airconditioned “dog house” in a balcony.

Initially, more than half (57%) of those surveyed said they had their own room, while a smaller number, at 42%, declared outright to not having this privilege.

But on further inquiries, a third of those who said they had their own room admitted that their room was being used for other purposes, mainly for storage.

Thus, it appeared that 61%, or 3 out of 5 of the more than 340,000 FDWs in Hong Kong either do not have a room to sleep in, or are put in a room that is used for purposes.

He cited one case where the worker was made to sleep in the living room which doubled as travel agency, where male workers would work up to late at night sometimes.

More troubling was the finding that 5 of the respondents were made to sleep in toilets. Extrapolating, Carnay said that “around 500 MDWs currently declare they sleep in toilets”.

Lestari also cited cases handled by AMCB where the worker had to sleep on the bare floor for seven months, or one who contracted cancer after sleeping for five years on the living room sofa for only four to five hours each night.

“Maybe if you’re a house guest, sleeping on the sofa for one week is okay, but beyond that, it makes you crazy,” she said.

Asked to provide definite examples of what the Mission would consider “unsuitable accommodation”, Carnay said sleeping in the toilet, kitchen or cupboard or a space where wet laundry is hanging overhead, are definitely no-no. Living room spaces, especially if the flat is small, could be acceptable unless there are male adults who could intrude into the worker’s private space while she is resting.

“But of course, we can discuss this further,” he said.

What is important, Carnay said, is that there are definite figures to back up any petition to press on the government to provide better accommodation for MDWs.

To do this, the Mission hopes the authorities would (1) define categorically what “suitable accommodation” mean; (2) institutionalize effective regulatory and monitoring mechanisms on accommodation provided to MDWs; (3) develop a complaint system for migrant workers that will address accommodation issues; (4) raise awareness among employers about unsuitable accommodation and the rights of helpers regarding living standards; (5) align Hong Kong’s policy with international standards; and (6) make live-out arrangement for helpers optional.

Referring to the proposal to restore live-out arrangement, Carnay said the idea is to make this an optional arrangement.

“We are not advocating for everyone, or a majority of domestic workers, to live out. What we want is to take out the criminalization aspect (of the live-out ban), said Carnay.
He also dismissed what he called as “malicious allegation” that workers will abuse the live-out option by moonlighting.

“These are fulltime workers who work 10-12 hours, they will be too tired to moonlight,” said Carnay.

Duterte treats HK Pinoys to trademark speech

By Vir B. Lumicao

President Rodrigo Duterte, regaling Hong Kong-based Filipinos on May 13 to his brand of public speaking, announced a series of measures meant to provide relief to overseas Filipino workers.
Foremost among these  is the creation of a Department of OFWs and an OFW Bank to serve the needs of the country’s estimated 10 million overseas workers.

Duterte’s announcement confirmed plans disclosed in February by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, and reportedly affirmed earlier in the day to militant OFW leaders. However, the president held back information on new directions for the overseas employment certificates (OEC) which Bello whispered to him in the middle of his speech.

Duterte addressed a select group of about 400 Filipino religious leaders, businessmen, professionals and household workers in Hong Kong in his first meeting with them since he became president in June last year. He stopped over on his way to the two-day “One Belt, One Road” forum in Beijing starting May 14.

Spicing up his lengthy impromptu speech with his trademark humor, expletives, jokes about women and tirades at Catholic bishops and media-owning “oligarchs”, the President reaffirmed his resolve to rid the government of corruption and continue his campaign against drugs.

The former Davao mayor used his usual cusswords to cheers from his supporters as he blasted the bishops for hitting his bloody campaign against drugs and his fondness for women, and those who were giving OFWs a hard time. “Kung sila ang sinasabi na mga bagong bayani natin, bakit pinahihirapan nyo ang mga bagong bayani? Bakit binubuksan mo ang bagahe? ‘Stop it! I don’t like it,’ sabi ko. Kasi kung may magbubukas ng bagahe niyo,  there has to be a compelling reason,” he said. Customs officers at NAIA open baggage only on the back of outside information.

He advised OFWs not to bring home “shabu” when they go on vacation. “Baka mamaya, instead of your relatives going to you para sa pasalubong, pupunta sila may dalang abuloy,” he  added.
Warning those in the drugs trade, he said: “Do not destroy the country, do not destroy the Philippines.”

On his trip to Beijing, Duterte said China would build two bridges across the Pasig River for free to help boost economic activity such as trade and tourism. “At this moment I can only thank China profusely for helping us without conditions,” he said.

Duterte said joining the “One Belt, One Road” economic initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping would allow his government to promote trade in agricultural products with other countries.

Duterte said that as the country’s economy is agriculture-based, it needs to find markets for its farm products. He said China is willing to help the Philippines revive its economy without any conditions because that country is awash with money.

“Mine is really to provide employment, so I invite people to invest in the Philippines,” he added.
“Today, walang akong masabi except my profuse thanks to China for helping us out. Remember that there was a time when lahat ng export natin ay hindi tinatanggap dito,” Duterte said.

About 100 people who wanted to see their president were refused entry to Regal Airport Hotel by the strict security, made up of  Hong Kong Police’s Special Branch and personnel of the Malacanang Presidential Security Group.

Representatives of militant groups who
had invitations were held off two and a half hours
before being allowed in and asked to sit in the last rows.
(Photo by Bing Yungco)

Among those refused entry were Bayan Hong Kong & Macau, and Unifil Hong Kong officers led by Eman Villanueva, who said they had invitations and were invited by Bello to the meeting after a dialogue at the Consulate. “Ayaw silang papasukin ng PSG,” said Labor Attache Jalilo de la Torre.
Consul General Bernardita Catalla, in her welcome speech,  apologized to those who were not allowed in.  “Humihingi ako ng paumanhin sa napakaraming gustong makita si Presidente ngunit di namin napagbigyan dahil sa kakulangan ng lugar at oras...”

But she was interrupted noisily by a group of Duterte supporters who shouted, “Dito, maraming bakante!”

Catalla replied, “Nais nating ipaalala na mayroon tayong security arrangements na sinusunod.”
But in a lengthy Facebook post afterwards, Villanueva challenged the decision to ban them from the venue initially, and made to wait for more than two hours being finally allowed in.

“Maraming dapat ipaliwanag mga kinauukulan sa Konsulado.Hindi dapat palampasin  ang nangyaring  pambabastos sa mga progresibo at lehitimong OFW,” said Villanueva .

If the Consulate’s purpose was as they said, they did  not want to embarrass the President, then Villanueva said they did exactly that when they banned the militants  as it led to commotion and undue publicity from the international media.

D30 on ‘Vanessa’, OFW concerns

President Rodrigo Duterte meets with the Filipino community before flying out to China.  (Photo by William Elvin)

By William Elvin

A mysterious woman called "Vanessa" dominated a press-conference President Rodrigo Duterte had shortly after speaking before members of the Filipino community in Hong Kong on May 13.

President Duterte said Vanessa was a "rich" woman who had been giving him money so his net worth jumped by Php3 million since he took power in June last year.

But he was coy about giving more information about the woman with whom he said he has been having an affair since becoming president.

He said the only time he would give specifics about the relationship and its financial implication is if the Bureau of Internal Revenue asks him about it.

The president is accompanied on his trip by his common-law wife, Veronica "Honeylet" Avancena and their daughter, Kitty.

Duterte also spent a substantial amount of time answering questions about OFW issues.

He reiterated his desire to have a one-stop shop where workers can process all their documents to save them time, effort and money.

But he was quick to say that the plan is still under study.

He also promised to crack down on abusive recruitment agencies preying on OFWs.
"We need an agency dedicated just to regulate recruitment,” he saiid.

He did not elaborate on whether this would mean dismantling the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, which currently regulates agency activities.

As for the controversial overseas employment certificate (OEC) which many OFWs want scrapped, Duterte admitted not being familiar with the issue.

He said that the Department of Labor and Employment, led by Secretary Silvestre Bello III, will conduct a study regarding the matter.

The impeachment case filed against him, which is due to be heard starting Monday, May 15, was also raised during the media conference.

But Duterte brushed it aside with a flippant comment: "Kung ano ang totoo, e di yun na ‘yun,” he said.

When asked about his trip to Beijing, he refused to give specific details, only saying that it had to do with the economy.

No Chater walkabout for PRRD during lightning visit to HK

By The SUN Team

President Duterte will visit HK for the first time
since taking office in June last year

Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte is set to meet with a select group of Filipino community leaders in Hong Kong this Saturday, May 13, on his way to China after attending the World Economic Forum in Cambodia.

But while the meeting has been confirmed by both Malacanang and the Consulate, reports that the President will spend the next day, Sunday, doing a walkabout in Central to meet overseas Filipino workers, appear to be false.

Vice Consul Bob Quintin, who is coordinating the preparations for the presidential visit, said President Duterte is only scheduled to address Filcom leaders at the Regal Airport Hotel starting at 5pm on Saturday.

“No other event, just the Filcom event,” Quintin said in response to an online query from The SUN on whether other activities had been lined up for his visit.

However, over at Worldwide House in Central, people remain abuzz with speculation about the supposed walkabout by the president at OFW hangouts in the area.

“Haven’t you heard? President Duterte will be at Chater Road on Sunday?” one shopkeeper said confidently on Wednesday when asked what the OFWs nearby were all so excited about.

Another OFW who was told that the meeting with the President would take place a day earlier at the airport hotel, excitedly said, “Can I go? I want to see him!”

Unfortunately for many, only those given an invitation by the Consulate – and cleared by both the Philippine and Hong Kong governments - could gain entry into the meeting venue. All invitees were asked for their full name, HKID and passport numbers, and mobile telephone numbers.

The vetting is apparently so strict that about a week after the invitations had been sent out, the names of guests who had been cleared were still not known.

“(The) list is still being vetted, so no figures yet,” Quintin said, when asked how many people were expected to attend the meeting.

He also said they had yet to be informed on who would be accompanying the president to the meeting.

Among those hoping to take part in what could be their first dialogue with a sitting president are members of militant Filipino community organization, United Filipinos-Migrante Hong Kong.

Unifil Secretary-General Eman Villanueva told The SUN that the Consulate had asked them to submit the names of officers they wanted invited to the meeting, but they have yet to receive word on whether they would actually be allowed to take part.

Just the same, they had prepared a “migrants’ agenda” in hopes of having even just a brief meeting with him. In the agenda are long-standing concerns such as the high government fees and illegal exactions made by recruiters on OFWs, the extension of the passport validity from five to 10 years, and the continuation of peace talks between the government and the leftist National Democratic Front.

But while many are excited to come face to face with the President, who overwhelmingly won the OFWs’ vote in last year’s national elections, some of those invited, OFWs and residents alike, have turned down the invitation.

“I cannot bear to see and hear him speak,” said one OFW, who said she was offended by the President’s anti-women remarks and repeated cussing.

Another invitee, a resident, said she “happily declined” the invitation “at baka ikahiya ko pang Pilipino ako”.

President Duterte will be in China for the two-day “Belt and Road Summit” which will be attended by more than 1,000 delegates and government leaders from 28 countries.

For good na nga ba?

Ni Liezl Mercado

Hanggang kailan nga ba talaga ang dapat na pangingibang bansa? Ilang taon nga ba ang dapat na bunuin para matupad lahat ng gustong makamit sa buhay? Ikaw, naalala mo pa ba kung ilang taon lang ang binalak mo na mangibang-bayan bago ka umalis ng Pilipinas? Dalawang taon? Apat o hanggang anim na taon? Kumusta na? Asan ka na ngayon kababayan?

Hindi ako naiiba sa karamihan.

Bago ako umalis sa Pilipinas ay sinabi ko sa sarili ko na hanggang dalawang taon lang ako; mag-iipon lang para may pampuhunan. Pero nang matapos ko ang unang kontrata, naisip kong isa pa! Sayang naman at mabait ang amo, at madami ang nagpapakahirap sa Pilipinas para makaalis lang ng bansa. Mga ganyang bagay ang pumasok sa isip ko noon. Natapos ang pangalawang kontrata, at nagpasya akong pumirma ulit ng pangatlo dahil hindi pa tapos ang bahay, at may iba pa akong obligasyon. Dumami nang dumami ang mga gusto kong makamit, at dumami din ang mga responsibilidad na hindi naman kasama sa unang plano ko. Madami pang ibang plano ang nabago na bunga na rin ng desisyon na mangibang bansa.

Nakalipas ang 17 taon nang hindi ko namamalayan. Pero dumating sa punto na tinatanong ko ang sarili ko na hanggang kailan nga ba talaga ang pagho-Hong Kong? Magkano ba talaga ang dapat kong maipon para masabi kong sasapat na sa pagpo for good?

Sa kabila ng 17 taong pangingibang bansa, hindi ko masabi kung nagtagumpay na ako. Madami ang pagkakataon para mapaunlad ko pa lalo ang sarili ko, pero paano ang pangarap ko kung di ako maglalakas loob na umuwi na at sundin ang plano kong magtayo ng sariling negosyo?

Noong nalaman ng iba na magpo for good na ako, iba-ibang reaksyon ang narinig ko.

Merong nagsabi na ano ba daw ang nakain ko at naisipan ko umuwi? Babalik din daw ako after one year dahil ganun daw talaga ang madalas na nangyayari. Meron din namang nagsabi ng, “buti ka pa pauwi na”. Sila yung sumasaludo dahil sa lakas ng loob ko at hangad ang tagumpay ko sa pagbabalik-bansa.

Bilang isang domestic helper/driver, hindi biro ang ginawa kong desisyon dahil bukod sa mataas ang palit ng dolyar sa piso ngayon, nandoon din iyong tumalon ka ng trabaho mula sa malaking sahod kapalit ng kita na halos kalahati lang ng dati. Gayunpaman, masasabi kong maswerte pa din ako dahil hindi lahat ng mga bumabalik na OFW ay may nadadatnang trabaho. Maraming pagba-bago sa buhay ang nararanasan ko sa ngayon, pero pilit kong nilalabanan ang panghihinayang para lagi akong maging matatag. Nasanay na din kasi ako sa sa sistema ng buhay sa Hong Kong kung saan ay walang trapik, at mabilis kang nakakarating sa paroroonan. Sa Pilipinas madaming oras ang nasasayang sa biyahe pa lamang. Higit sa lahat, sa Hong Kong ay ligtas kang naglalakad at hindi mo iniisip na baka madukutan ka o maagawan ng cellphone. Nasanay din akong sumasahod ng neto na, o walang kaltas, dahil hindi ako kailangang magbayad ng upa ng bahay, kuryente, at tubig.

Nandito pa din ang takot at pangamba, at naiisip ko din kung maiiba ang kapalaran ko sa mga nauna ng nagbalak na nag for good pero hindi rin nagtagal sa Pilipinas. Ang tanging nagbibigay ng lakas sa akin ay ang katotohanang di permanente ang buhay sa Hong Kong. Uuwi at uuwi din tayong mga migranteng manggagawa. Ayokong umuwi na huli na ang lahat dahil hindi ako naglakas-loob na sumubok na ipaglaban ang aking mga pangarap. Ayokong umuwi na sakitin na ako o kapag mas minalas, ay naka-kahon na. Ano pa ang halaga ng lahat ng iyong pinagpaguran kung hindi mo din mae-enjoy, at makasamang muli ang iyong pamilya?

Mas pinili kong maging matapang na lumaban sa buhay at sundin ang mga pangarap ko habang bata pa ako at may pagkakataon pang bumangon. Sakali mang hindi ako maging matagumpay sa itatayo kong negosyo, naniniwala pa rin ako na kahit saan ako mapunta, basta may sipag at tiyaga, ay mabubuhay ako. Taglay ko ang maraming karanasan na dulot ng pagtatrabaho sa Hong Kong sa loob ng 17 taon.

“For Good” na ba talaga ako? Nasa diskarte na lang yan! Mahirap man sa umpisa, pero mas masarap pa din ang manirahan sa sariling bayan, mainit at ma-traffic man, nag-uumapaw man ang mga masamang balita, kabilang na ang patuloy na pagtaas ng mga bilihin at pagtaas ng palitan sa dolyar. Totoo nga, “it’s more fun in the Philippines”.

Lahat naman tayong mga OFW ay sa Pilipinas din ang bagsak balang araw, kaya kailangan lang na paghandaan ang araw ng pag uwi. Paunlarin ang sarili, magtipid at mag-impok, at huwag maging kampante dahil walang forever sa Hong Kong. Huwag nating hayaan na tumanda tayo sa paninilbihan at umuwing bigo.

---

Nagbabalik sa pagsusulat para sa The SUN si Liezl Mercado, isang dating helper/driver at opisyal ng ROAD-HK, isang grupo ng mga kababaihang drayber sa Hong Kong. Noong isang buwan ay nagdesisyon siyang bumalik na sa Pilipinas para maging trainer ng Fair Training and Assessment Center para sa mga manggawang paalis ng bansa. Nagbalik-Pinas siya matapos ang 17 taong pagtatrabaho sa Hong Kong. Sa kanyang artikulo, sinagot ni Liezl ang tanong kung tama ba ang naging desisyon niyang mag “for good” na. Si Liezl ay dalaga at tubong Davao City.—Ed

Huwag magpaapi

Ni Ate Kulit

Isang amo ang naparusahan dahil sa pagpakita ng ari sa kanyang Pilipinang DH, na natakot na baka siya’y magahasa. Sa simula ng kaso ay hindi pinaniwalaan ng prosecutor ang Pinay pero nagpursigi ito, hanggang umabot sa korte, at napatunayang may sala ang amo. Sa katapusan, inutusan ng District Court na magbayad ang amo ng danyos na $210,000 sa DH sa pambabastos niya. Isa sa mga ebidensiya ay ang video na kuha ng DH gamit ang kanyang telepono, na nagpapakitang inilalabas ng amo ang kanyang ari.

May isa pang Pinay, si  Mildred N. Ladia, na pinagbintangan ng amo na nagnakaw ng meatball, dahil ito ay kinain niya at ng kanyang alaga, na sariling ina ng amo. Kinaltas na ang $100 mula sa suweldo ng Pinay para sa nakaing meatball, pero idinemanda pa rin siya. Sa korte, walang nagawa ang hukom kundi pagmultahin siya ng $800, dahil ito ay kaso ng pagnanakaw at umamin si Ladia.

Ang masakit, umuwi na si Mildred at itinigil ang pag-apela sa kaso para linisin ang kanyang pangalan, na kailangan para makabalik siya sa Hong Kong, at ang paghabol ng iba pa niyang benepisyo. “Gusto ko nga po sana, pero maghintay na naman ako ng matagal kasi po wala nga akong work,” ika niya. Isang taon na nga naman siyang walang kita dahil sa kaso.

Nai-ban na ng mga konsulado ng Pilipinas, Indonesia at Thailand ang amo niyang si Gekko Lan Suet-ying, na isang barrister, upang hindi na makakuha ng DH mula sa mga bansang ito. Pero ang tunay na isyu — ang maling pagtrato sa mga DH sa Hong Kong — ay hindi na resolba.

Hindi natin maikakaila na may mga DH na minamaltrato at kalimitan ay isinisikreto nila ito mula sa puwedeng makatulong sa kanila. May hindi pinapakain ng tama, may sinasaktan, may inaalipusta. Masama man ang loob ay tinatanggap nila ang lahat ng ito dahil sa takot mawalan ng trabaho.

Dapat mamulat na ang mata nating lahat sa katotohanang hindi tayo maapi kung hindi tayo magpapaapi. Mahirap bang kumatok sa kapitbahay na Pinay, o tumawag sa Konsulado, sa pulis at mga NGO para magsumbong? Kailangan pa ba na may buhay na nakataya?

Mean balls

By Daisy Catherine L. Mandap

It’s the season to be mean, as can be gleaned from a rash of cases brought to our attention recently.

First, there’s the case of Mildred Ladia who was hauled to court for admitting that she ate some of the 10 pieces of meatballs she took from her employer’s freezer in May last year. But it was not only she who ate the meatballs, said Mildred, but also the employer’s mother.

Nevertheless, Mildred was arrested (and not the mother, who strictly speaking, could have been held as an accessory to the supposed crime), and allowed temporary liberty after posting a $1,000 bail.

After nearly a year of uncertainty during which she subsisted on the generosity of people at Bahay Natin in Yuen Long where she took refuge, Mildred was prosecuted for theft.

The magistrate, even after noting that the employer had already deducted $100 from Mildred’s salary for the rather pricey meatballs, convicted her of the offence, then imposed a fine of $800.

Terrible as that may sound, it barely compares with the more pernicious consequence of Mildred having to live with a criminal record, and being barred from taking up employment in Hong Kong again.

Little wonder that when the case hit the headlines, the overriding reaction among netizens was one of disgust, even outrage.

Outspoken activist Eman Villanueva was so enraged that he fired off a letter to Consul General Bernie Catalla and Labour Attache Jalilo de la Torre, asking for the blacklisting of Mildred’s barrister employer.

Eman summed up the case best when he used the words “mean balls” to show how one’s lack of compassion could have such dire effects on another person.

More chilling, said Eman, was the implication that a domestic worker could be charged with theft if she ate food taken from inside the house of her employer, who is supposed to feed her in the first place.

Where does the obligation to feed a domestic helper start and where does it end? If the yardstick is taking and eating food without prior permission, then most of our workers are in danger of suffering the same fate.

But what could have been another test case for the rights of migrant domestic workers was not to be. Mildred, who spoke of still being traumatized by her ordeal and listless because she had been jobless for months, decided not to pursue an appeal against her conviction, or a claim for $16,000 in unpaid wages that an NGO supporting her said she was entitled to.

It had been a bruising year for the mother of three, and one would be hard put blaming her for this decision.

While still chewing on this sorry development, another case of unimaginable meanness, even neglect, was brought to our attention.

Leonita Quinto, 46 years old, single and of no known medical condition, died suddenly at her employer’s house on Apr 4. From police records, it would seem that Leonita had lain in bed complaining of severe headache for 15 hours, but the employer did not give her medicine, or seek medical help.

Leonita’s younger sister Imelda, who had flown in to claim the remains, told us that her "ate" had looked forward to returning home by Apr 19, when the one-month notice she had served her employer would have expired.

The cause of Leonita’s sudden demise won’t be known until the post-mortem results are released in about three months, but for now, Imelda will have to grapple with the thought that her sister could still be alive had she received immediate medical attention.

A third case of meanness came our way as we were about to go to press. Ruth Daria, whom we met when she won a case for overcharging against her former employment agency, told us of how she had to file a case of assault against her employer and his new wife.

Ruth said the assault happened when she returned home from her day-off, and was confronted with complaints about how she had caused a hairline crack on a plastic laundry hanger.

The confrontation escalated into a shouting match, until Ruth was allegedly shoved by the couple out of the house. Ruth said she was harmed as she tried to get back inside to get her bag and her cell phone so she could call the police.

From Ruth’s account, it would seem that the assault was just the latest in a string of abuse she was made to endure while at her employer’s house. She showed photos of a wardrobe with a barely noticeable chip which she said she was accused of causing, and for which $200 was deducted from her salary. There was also a bag of rice she was made to pay because it was no longer vacuum-sealed and according to the employer, was already bad. Yet, it was not thrown away.

All the while, Ruth said she was subjected to repeated verbal abuse by the couple.

These three recent examples of how mean-spirited people could wreak havoc on our worker’s lives show that Hong Kong is a long way away from providing adequate protection to one of its most vulnerable sectors.

Thus, we should remain vigilant and ever conscious of the need to keep our workers informed, and to fight for their rights. There simply is no excuse for tolerating discrimination, abuse, or even plain meanness from anyone.

The Spiritual Aspects of Financial Planning – Part 2

Separation from Money

When we do financial planning, we are actually separating ourselves from money. Most people will find this absurd. “I want to have more money. Are you telling me that I shouldn’t want it?” To separate yourself from money simply means not desiring money for its own sake!

Some of you may recall the quote “the love of money is the root of all evils…” (1 Tim 6:10, New American Bible).Money itself is not evil if you read the verse carefully: “For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.” The real evil is to desiremoney for itself that one forgets the most essential things in life. One writer cleverly summarizes it this way: “What is essential is invisible to the eye.”

When you do financial planning, you are telling yourself not to seek money for itself. Seeking money for its sake can corrupt the human soul. How many important relationships have ended because of the distorted desire for money? How many people are miserable despite having lots of money? Self-mastery is an important trait to have when dealing with money. Money is a powerful ally to wealth but it can distort you when not properly handled.

Purpose-Driven Money

The second spiritual aspect of financial planning is to make your money purpose-driven. Once you have self-mastery over your need of money, it should be clear why you need it. You may need it to buy a house for your family. You may need it to finance your children’s education. Or you may need it to give more to the less fortunate. Any attempt to a financial endeavor without a clear purpose for your money can be likened to blind spending!

Money with a clear and noble purpose can help achieve the ultimate end of human life. Humanity only has one particular calling: to live an authentic life in accordance with the divine will. You can find this at the beginning pages of the Bible:

“God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them, saying: “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth.” (Gen. 1:27-28)

To “be fertile and multiply” not only implies an increase in physical number. Being created in the image and likeness of God, you are expected to live up to it. You must continuously develop yourself to live up to your first true calling. This is what it means to “be fertile and multiply!” When you do financial planning, you make your money help you become a well-rounded person in many aspects: financially, emotionally, spiritually, and others. The same expectation applies when you use your money to help the people around you, particularly your loved ones and your community.

---

Francisco J. Colayco is an entrepreneur, a venture developer and financial advisor.  He is the Author of Seven Bestsellers in the Pera Palaguin Series, the latest of which is now available in bookstores:  “Wealth Reached. Money Worked. Pera Mo, Pinalago Mo!” Find his works and catch him on TV and radio.  Check out: www.colaycofinancialeducation.com, www.franciscocolayco.com, www.kskcoop.com, FaceBook and Instagram.

Pinay in shop theft escapes jail under bind-over deal

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina domestic worker charged with stealing three pieces of chicken from a shop was bound over for $1,000 for 24 months by a Kwun Tong court on May 4.

The order allowed Helen Macaranas to escape criminal conviction although she had pleaded guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Ernest Lin also told her to pay the court cost of $1,000.

The bind-over deal was worked out by the prosecution and defense lawyers before hearing started. It means that the Filipina could still work in Hong Kong as she will have no criminal record on file.
Macaranas had been in jail for three weeks before she was set free as she did not have the money needed for her temporary liberty, and provide the court with an address in Hong Kong.

Lin allowed her bail only after the Consulate agreed to provide her shelter, and the Mission for Migrant Workers put up the bail money.

Under the bind-over deal, Macaranas must not commit any offense in Hong Kong within the next two years; otherwise she would be required to pay the $1,000 guarantee in addition to the penalty for the new offense.

Macaranas was arrested on Apr 3 after she failed to pay for three pieces of whole dressed chicken she had put in her recyclable bag while shopping at Aeon supermarket in Tseung Kwan O.

She told The SUN she forgot to pay for the chickens along with the other items that she had bought. As soon as she stepped away from the counter, supermarket staff stopped her, checked her bag then called the police.

Fate loses in bid for FOS title

Fate members cheer each other up before the final match.

By Emz Frial

The all-Filipina softball team, Fate, has lost its battle for the championship of the Festival of Sports when it suffered defeat at the hands of local rival, Joker, in the final match of the competition held at the Tin Kwong Road playground on Apr 19.

After winning three consecutive games in the knock-out series, Fate lost to Joker on a score of 4-9.
The tight defense of the local team left the Filipinas scoreless in the first three innings. But even Joker failed to score in the first innings, and only managed to hit the mark in the third with 4 points, courtesy of Lai Sze Nga, Lee Hoi Yue, Ng Yan Wa and Sin Chui Ling.

Fate found its mark in the fourth inning with a point each from Ma. Eva Mendez and Don Gaborno, who managed a homerun. They added 2 more points in the fifth inning through Ynez Badajos and Emily Mabaquiao.

But Joker did not let go of its upperhand, scoring 5 more points in the final inning. Those who helped seal its victory were Lee Hoi Yue, Tai Yak Lam, Chau Wing Yan, KamYue Sze and Ng Yan Wa, who blasted a long ball to the outfield that allowed her to do a homerun.

Several catching errors of Fate’s outfielder Editha Hidalgo allowed the locals to pile up scores.
Team captain Gaborno said, “The pressure and lack of defense made us lose the game”.

Also contributing to the loss was the absence of several key players, including prized catcher Leizeal Algonez who was in the Philippines for a vacation, and Katherine Gerpacio and Eunice Locop.
Joker’s victory led to it being ranked 1st in the FOS, followed by Fate.

Meanwhile, back in the regular league, Fate again showed domination when it dumped rival Wei Lun, 20-1, during a game at Shek Kip Mei field on Apr. 23.

The game lasted through five innings despite the heavy rain that soaked the players and left the field muddy.

Fate started the game as an away team, and immediately chalked up 6 homes, courtesy of Ynez Badajos, Romela Osabel, Ma. Eva Mendez, Don Gaborno, Leizeal Algonez and Maribel Sitchon.

When it was Wei Lun’s turn to bat, Fate took no chances and put up a tight defense, coupled with the expert pitching of Gaborno. The inning ended with the locals unable to score.

In the second inning, Fate added 6 more points to its score, with help from Badajos, Osabel, Gaborno, Algonez, Sitchon and Percy Jayme.

The locals made its sole point in the game in the second inning, courtesy of Tam Yu Ham. That ended the inning on a score of 12-1 for Fate.

Coach Mendez called for substitution in the third inning to allow other Fate players the chance to take part in the action. This seemed to energize the team even more, as it added 7 more points to its score, through Osabel, Mendez, Gaborno, Algonez, Octaviano, Sitchon and Katherine Gerpacio.

The inning again ended with Fate taking the upperhand, 19-1. Sealing Fate’s victory was Mendez, who scored another point in the fourth inning.

The win brought a smile to Fate’s manager, Law,  who congratulated the team with his usual remark, “Nice game everyone!”

Cheering from the sidelines were Fate’s loyal band of supporters, who did not let the foul weather stop them from taking their usual place in the stands.

Fate is scheduled for another game at Shek Kip Mei at 4:30 pm on Apr 30.

Nag-for good na pagkatapos ng 18 taon bilang OFW

Ni Marites Palma

Rizalina Balaque

Isang madamdamin ngunit masayang pagtitipon ang isinagawa sa Admiralty rooftop noong Abr 16 bilang pamamaalam para sa isa sa mga kilalang lider ng komunidad na si Rizalina Balaque.

Si Balaque na presidente ng Regional Overseas Workers Filipino Society (RowFils) ay nakatakdang umuwi sa Hunyo nitong taon,  pagkatapos ng 18 taong paninilbihan bilang kasambahay dito sa Hong Kong.

Dinaluhan ang pasinaya ng ilang lider ng komunidad, kasama ang kanilang mga “nanay” na sina Rosabelle Woolf ng AFreight, Merlinda Mercado ng Metrobank, at Katherine de Guzman ng PNB, na nagbigay aliw sa mga manonood sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakitang  gilas sa pagsasayaw.

Nakisaya din sina Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre at ang kanyang deputy na si Henry P. Tianero.

Maraming inihandang pagkain ng mga nagtatag ng pagdiriwang, na nataon sa Araw ng Pagkabuhay, kaya lalong naging makabuluhan ang selebrasyon.

Namigay ng easter eggs si Balaque bilang pasasalamat sa lahat ng nagpakita ng pagmamahal at pagkilala sa mga nagawa niya bilang lider.

Sa 18 taong pananatili niya sa Hong Kong ay naitaguyod niya at napagtapos ng pag-aaral ang kanyang tatlong anak sa kabila ng pagiging solong magulang. Bilang ganti sa ginawa niyang sakripisyo ay pinapauwi na siya ng mga anak upang ipalasap sa kanya ang bunga ng kanyang pagtitiis para sa ikakaganda ng buhay ng kanilang pamilya.

Ayon kay Balaque excited na siyang magbalik-bansa dahil uuwi din ang mga anak na nasa ibang bansa bilang mga skilled worker upang ipagdiwang ang kanyang ika-50 taong kaarawan.

Higit sa lahat, nagpapasalamat daw siya na malakas pa siya at malusog sa kanyang pag-uwi. Matatamasa pa raw niya ang sarap ng pagiging ina niya sa mga anak, at lola sa kanyang mga apo.
Nakaipon na din daw siya ng pera na maari niyang gamitin para sa negosyo, at may insurance na makakatulong sa kanyang pagtanda.

Ang mga lider na nanguna sa selebrasyon ay sina Leo Selomenio ng Global Alliance,  Marites Nuval at Liza Mantilla ng Bangar Association HK, Mercy Moncayo ng DomoHK, Raquel dela Cruz ng Mola HK, Audrey Regonil ng Kapuso, TJ Asers ng Feelers, at Marie Carnate ng Rowfils.

Iloilo eyes small businesses for its OFWs

Velma Lao, head of the Iloilo provincial government's local economic development and investment promotion office, fields a question during the forum at the Consulate.

By Vir B. Lumicao

Government and city officials of Iloilo are looking to train Ilonggo overseas workers and their families on how to become small entrepreneurs even as they invite foreign investors to harness the economic potential of the province.

The officials, who were in Hong Kong on an investment promotion mission, said the provincial and city governments have programs to teach Ilonggo OFWs entrepreneurship and help them put up businesses so they won’t have to go abroad again.

“We are here to sell Iloilo to Hong Kong investors, but we realize most of our workers take their day off on Sunday, so we decided to meet you today,” provincial board member Renee Valencia (1st District) said at the community meeting of Ilonggos at the Consulate on Apr 23.

The four-women delegation from the Iloilo provincial and city governments came to Hong Kong at the invitation of the Philippine Association of Hong Kong headed by Rex Aguado, an Ilonggo journalist.

The delegation was led originally by Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog, but he reportedly flew back home urgently on Apr 22 because President Rodrigo Duterte was visiting the region and might stop over in the city.

The group met with potential investors from Hong Kong the day before, during which The group led by Mayor Mabilog earlier met with potential investors from Hong Kong,  during which they discussed the potentials and products of Iloilo.

Valencia said the provincial government was looking at how to educate OFWs’ families so that they could appreciate the sacrifices that the workers were making for their sake.

“We have to let them know kung ano ang hirap na pinagdadaanan natin dito, and then, hindi mahirap ang mag-say no kung ang anak ninyo tatawag at magpapabili ng bagong cellphone, o kung anu-ano. Huwag agad magbigay, you have to think twice,” she said.

It is easy to say no for as long as an OFW can explain to the children why she cannot give what they ask for, the official said, adding that the worker should not feel guilty.

Ritchel Gavan, local economic and investment promotion officer who said her father was also an OFW, said Iloilo City would soon start an investment program for OFWs and their families “kasi batid naming kahit may financial literacy program kayo kung ang pamilya ninyo ay hindi alam ang gagawin sa inyong negosyo, it will not succeed.”

 “That’s why the city government will do everything we can do to provide not just employment but entrepreneurial programs para sa inyo where we can help you and your family make it grow so that you don’t have to work abroad again. You spend your time with your family, you grow with your children,” Gavan said.

She added that the city government’s aim is to turn the OFWs and their families into small entrepreneurs who would create jobs for other people while generating their own income.

She said Iloilo City had undergone a big change over the past five years with both new and improved infrastructure in a bid to make the provincial capital more attractive to foreign investors.

“We welcome big investors but we will not abandon small and medium enterprises,” Gavan said.

Velma Lao, the province’s local economic development and investment promotion officer, said the provincial government has entrepreneurship programs where OFWs learn how to run their businesses successfully, which industries they should target, and how to find markets locally and overseas for their products.

“As long as their product is good, we help them connect to the market,” Lao said.

Her advice is for OFWs to tap into the province’s agricultural resources, as agriculture has a big prospect and there is great demand even for such agricultural products as vegetables like kangkong, or water spinach.

“The provincial government is promoting small and medium enterprises because they are the backbone of our economy” and the province is ready to assist micro entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, Aguado urged the Ilongga workers to invite their employers to join an investment mission to Iloilo from Hong Kong, Hainan, Guangdong, Shenzhen, Fujian, and Chengdu from May 18 to 21.

 He said amid the negative publicity about the country, “you spread the good word about your province. Tell them it is the most peaceful province where drugs are gone. Be the messengers of the word.”

Other members of the delegation were Lea Lara, executive director of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation/Iloilo Business Club, and Joan Montano, assistant city treasurer of Iloilo City.

Buhay Pinay: Pautang na walang tubo?

Si Elda ay isang Ilonggang sosyalera na mahilig uminom ng kape kaya lagi siyang nakatambay sa Starbucks sa Central. Minsan, habang nakaupo at naghihintay ng kanyang order ay may lumapit sa kanya na kapwa Pilipina at nakipagkaibigan. Nagpakilala ang bagong dating bilang si Ma. Cerila Atienza Robles na nag-alok sa kanya na pauutangin siya ng walang tubo.

Ibalik na lang daw niya ang utang kapag nakaluwag na siya. Agad-agad ay pinahiram siya ni Cerila ng $3,000 at sinabing kung kailangan pa niya ay pahihiramin pa siya dahil may maghuhulog ng pera sa kanyang account noong araw ding iyon.

Ayon kay Cerila ay may kapatid siya sa Korea, at seaman naman ang kanyang asawa.

Ilang araw matapos iyon ay ginulat si Elda sa balitang nabasa niya sa The SUN tungkol sa ginawang panloloko ni Cerila sa maraming mga Ilonggo. Agad niyang tinawagan si Cerila para tanungin tungkol sa balita.

Matapang ang boses ng sumagot, at galit na sinabing hindi totoo ang balita. Pagkatapos nito ay lagi na siyang tinatawagan ni Cerila para singilin ang utang niya. Ang ginawa ni Elda ay nagpadala ng message sa sumulat ng balita para tanungin kung totoong nasa kulungan si Cerila.

Sinabi naman sa kanya na mismong mga pulis ang nagpaabot ng balitang ito sa mga taong nabiktima ni Cerila na nag-alok ng mga pekeng trabaho kapalit ng malaking halaga bilang placement fee.

Biglang natakot si Elda dahil kung totoong nasa kulungan si Cerila ay sino iyong tawag nang tawag sa kanya na naniningil? Ang ginawa ni Elda ay kinontak ang sinabi sa balita na pinakamalaki ang nawalang pera na si Alemar at sa kanya ibinalik ang $2,600 na natira sa utang matapos niyang ihulog ang $400 sa bank account ni Cerila. Ayaw na niyang madamay pa sa gulo. – Merly Bunda

HK maid shrugs off injury to finish London Marathon

By Vir B. Lumicao

Calo raises Philippine flag at the finish line

Despite running with an injured ankle, Filipina domestic worker Theresa Calo managed to finish the grueling 26.2-mile (42-kilometer) London Marathon on Apr 23, and fulfill a dream.

Calo joined a record crowd of more than 40,000 runners from all over the world who took part in the 37^th edition of the race to raise funds for charity group Oxfam. The run started at Blackheath, a district of southeast London, and ended at Westminster.

The 37-year-old Calo who has been working as a domestic helper in Hong Kong for the past 15 years, was full of excitement after finishing her first marathon event.

“I enjoyed my first 26.2-mile run! I managed to finish it and, yeah, 1 down, 5 stars to go!” Calo said in a message to The SUN two days after the event.

Calo clocked 4 hours, 48 minutes and 40 seconds to finish on 7,877^th place among women runners and 25,269^th overall in the biggest edition of the event where 39,400 runners crossed the finish line from a record field of 40,048.
Her record run was sponsored by local gym, Pheform, while she helped raise nearly 1,500 pounds for Oxfam's poverty alleviation program through the online fundraising platform, JustGiving, by taking part in the marathon.
Although it was just her first time to join a marathon and had been running seriously for less than two years, Calo has taken part in several running events in Hong Kong, including the Vibram HK100 in January, where she managed to land in third place.
Calo said there were only five Filipinas who ran in the marathon. Three of them are based in London and one in Italy. Of the five, Calo was the second to finish the race.

“I came in No. 2. My time was just 5 minutes slower than the first one, who has run 52 marathons already. So I think I did OK for a first timer despite running half-injured,” Calo told The SUN.

The runners were sent on by Prince Harry and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for the marathon that ended at The Mall, the road leading to Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II’s official residence, from Trafalgar Square. 

Calo looking in top form despite the
swollen ankle

In the 18-39 age category, the Baguio native and veteran Hong Kong runner was 4,379 ^th to cross the finish line, holding up the Philippine flag with both hands.

“I would say the race was tough, especially running half-injured. I was a bit worried about my ankle going into the race, but I didn't want to let it ruin the experience,”said Calo. 

She added that the swelling began two days before the race so she rested it and applied cold compress using lots of ice.

“Overall, I was aware of my ankle during the run, but it didn't affect me too badly.  It hurt, but it didn’t stop me running or enjoying the day.”

She said the first and last miles were the hardest parts of the race – the first being the long wait to get moving as the starting point at Blackheath was packed with runners, and the last mile where the exhausted runner pushed towards the finish line.

She said she compensated for the delay in starting off by chatting with many runners. 

“The crowd was huge that even though the race was meant to start at 10am, I didn’t go through the starting line until 10:37. It took so long for the tens of thousands of people to get through the start.  But it’s OK because your time starts only when you go through the start,” Calo said.

Calo said the crowd of runners was so huge in the first mile “and you can't really run at more than a slow jog… through some relatively narrow London streets”.

“The last mile was hard for obvious reasons.  I wasn't particularly worn out, my quads were burning and cramping, I had to stop to shake (the cramp) off, but after 25 miles you just want to finish and you feel so close but so far still,” recounted Calo.

“However, the last mile of the route was spectacular so it made up for (the pain) – past Buckingham Palace and up the world-famous The Mall to cheers at the finish line.

“The atmosphere was truly amazing.  It was a wonderful experience, and one of the best of my life.  There were crowds the entire length of the course and it felt like London really loves the marathon.  People of all ages were cheering the runners on, and they really helped push people forward. 

“Even the runners themselves helped each other with encouragement. I’ve seen all sorts of runners – old to young, serious ones, grumpy ones, funny ones and even runners with crazy costumes.   The crowd added something special to it – the enthusiasm was infectious.  It was like nothing I've experienced before. I feel road marathon is much tougher than my 100km,” Calo concluded.

She was referring to the Vikram100 Hong Kong Ultra Trail Race where she won a bronze trophy on Jan 14.

Calo said she would be staying in Britain until Apr 30 “to do a little bit of exploring” before returning to Hong Kong.

Cause of Filipina helper’s sudden death still a mystery

Quinto during happier times

By Daisy CL Mandap and Merly T. Bunda

The body of a Filipina domestic helper who died unexpectedly on Apr 4 was flown home to Manila late yesterday, Apr. 27, then brought to her hometown of Sagay, Negros Occidental, as doubts lingered over the cause of her death.

Leonita A. Quinto, 46 years old and single, was found lifeless in bed by her employer in her Mei Foo home, 15 hours after the maid had complained of severe headache.

Quinto was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital in Kowloon where she was declared dead.

The cause of her death has yet to be established, as the autopsy report on the remains won’t be available for some time.

At the time, Quinto had already served a notice of termination to her employer, and was due to end her employment on Apr 19.

Her younger sister, Imelda Q. Abong, who rushed to Hong Kong on hearing of Quinto’s death, was upset that no one could immediately tell her what could have caused her sibling’s death.

Abong also told The SUN that she wanted to know why her sister’s employer did not seek medical help during the 15-hour period that Quinto was apparently so sick she could not even get out of bed.

She said that in a statement the employer gave to police, it was clear that her sister was not even given medicine the whole time she was apparently in pain.

The employer reportedly checked on Quinto three times, from about 9pm on Apr 3, until early the next day when she asked the maid to prepare breakfast. Despite being told that the helper was too ill to get up, the employer did nothing until she found the maid dead at about noon of Apr 4.

Abong (middle) with fellow Ilongga
Merly Bunda (front) and a townmate

In her own statement to the police, Abong said Quinto did not suffer from any serious illness, and only complained of headache before or after her monthly menstruation.

Abong also said Quinto had worked previously in Bahrain for four years, and in Singapore for two years.

After this, she stayed in the Philippines for about two years, before deciding to work abroad again.

“Sabi niya sa akin noon, parang tinatawag siya ng Hong Kong. Alam niyang makakarating siya dito,” said Abong.

Her family reportedly tried to stop Quinto from leaving again, arguing that she did not have to work hard anymore as she had already bought her own home, but she was insistent.

“Lagi niya kasing iniisip kung paano niyang matutulungan kaming mga kapatid niya, at pati mga pamangkin niya,” Abong said, adding that they are 11 siblings, and many of them had benefited from Quinto’s generosity.

Abong, who is a teacher, was among those sent to school by Quinto, who only finished high school herself.

According to Abong, Quinto did not get along well with her employer, and complained of being made to work until 1:30am, then waking up at 5:30am the next day.

She also resented being spied on all the time because of the CCTV cameras reportedly installed all over her employer’s house.

But what prompted her to end her contract after only four months of working in Hong Kong were the constant arguments she reportedly had with her employer.

In the first week of April, Quinto’s spirits reportedly lifted after finally deciding to give up her job and just go home.

“Tuwang tuwa siya na uuwi na siya,” said Abong.

Quinto’s wish of being back with her family this month did come true. But instead of smiles, there were only tears in the eyes of her loved ones who welcomed her home.

Claims resulting from an OFW’s death abroad

Many benefits due the next-of-kin of OFWs who die abroad are not claimed due to lack of information, or lack of time, especially if a relative is just in Hong Kong to claim the remains of the deceased.

In the case of Leonita Quinto who arrived from the Philippines only in December last year, the biggest claim could be against the mandatory insurance all OFWs departing for work abroad for the first time – or after a long stay at home as in this case – are made to pay for.

For those who die due to accidents, the payout to the beneficiary/ies is US$15,000 (about Php750,000) while it is slightly less, at USD10,000 (Php550,000) for deaths due to natural causes.

There are many other benefits that can be claimed, including the cost of repatriation and air fare of relatives who need to claim the OFW’s remains.

In addition, family members can also claim for death and burial benefits from the the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. For accidental deaths, the payout if Php220,000 and for death due to natural causes, Php120,000.

Since waiting for the payout from these two sources could take time, relatives could also claim a refund of the placement fee the worker would have likely paid, given that such charges are deemed illegal under the POEA guidelines.

In Quinto’s case, her payment of Php45,000 to her Philippine agency, Golden Full Limited was backed up by bank deposit slips.

Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre assured Quinto’s sister, Imelda Abong, that the agency would be asked to refund the payment.

In Hong Kong, there are several funds that could be tapped by OFW relatives, foremost of which is employees’ compensation. This payout from a fund set up by the government from the pooled insurance of employers, would often amount to around $300,000 for a migrant worker who dies or is incapacitated by an accident or work-related injury.

The first step is to go the HK Labour Department for help in claiming against this fund. Should the employer contest the claim, the relatives could ask help from the Legal Aid Department in pursuing the case.

Accident victims, or those who die from acts of violence, could also claim compensation, whatever their status of stay. Those who die or are incapacitated by an accident can file a claim under the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme (or TAVAS)  administered by the Social Welfare Department while victims of violent acts are entitled to claim compensation from the police.

Labatt dela Torre is now mulling the possibility of designating staff at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office to help relatives of dead or incapacitated OFWs identify what possible claims or actions they could take to get relief.  - DCLM 

Masuwerte ka ba sa Mayo?

TANDANG. Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93
Titibay ang pananalapi at maganda ang kita ngayon. Huwag maging pabaya o sumubok sa bagay na wala kang alam, dahil baka mawala ang pinaghirapan mo. Sa mga matagal nang nagsasama, mas matatag pa ang pagsasama. Kung single, ang love affair ay gaganda pa. Huwag damdamin ang mga problema mo ngayon dahil lalo kang magiging matatag sa pagharap sa mga pagsubok. Lucky numbers: 9, 15, 21 at 40.

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94
Magiging masigla, masipag at puno ka ng tiwala ngayon sa iyong kakayahan, at lalabas din ang iyong kakayahan sa ibang bagay. Ayusin ang pananalapi upang maiwasang maging biktima ng parating na tag-salat. Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa na mabigyan ng atensyon ng taong matagal mo nang gusto dahil darating na ang tsansa mong mapalapit sa kanya. Lucky numbers: 10, 19, 22 at 44.

BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95
Maiiba ang araw mo dahil sa mga bagong kakilala, pero magkakaroon ng malilit na problema sa kalusugan gaya ng sipon, ubo, allergy o hirap sa pagdumi. Magiging aligaga ka na matapos maayos ang matagal mo nang pinagkakaabalahan, o matupad na ang matagal mo nang ambisyon. Hindi kayo pareho ng istilo ng iyong amo, huwag nang magpilit at sumunod ka lang muna upang maiwasan ang pagtatalo. Lucky numbers: 15, 18, 27 at 41.

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96 
Mas gugustuhin mong mapag-isa dahil iniisip mo na hindi tama ng iyong mga kasamahan. Tigilan na ito dahil marami na ang naiirita sa katigasan ng iyong ulo. Hindi ito makakabuti sa iyo kaya matutong makisama. Kapag inatake ng nerbiyos, kumalma at huwag gaanong mag-alala dahil lilipas din agad ito. Kumain ng tsokolate at piliting aliwin ang sarili- ang pagtawa ang pinakamabisang paraan. Lucky numbers: 5,9,16 at 28.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97 
Malaki ang tsansa na makikilala mo na ang taong agad kang mai-in love; hindi man magtagal ang relasyon ay magbibigay ito labis na kaligayahan sa iyo at may matututuhan ka rin. Masakit man, piliting makabangon agad. Subukan mong sumugal sa stock market dahil may angkin kang husay. May haharapin kang problema sa tahanan dahil sa pagiging pabaya mo. Lucky numbers:11, 15, 29 at 33.

TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98 
Kung may asawa, mahihirapan kang labanan ang tukso, pero hindi ka rin lubos na masisiyahan dahil mako-konsensya ka. Dahil sa labis na pag-alala sa kalusugan ay hindi ka makatulog ng maayos na maaaring pagsimulan din ng depresyon. Abalahin ang sarili upang maiwasan ang negatibong pag-iisip. Magaling kang dumepensa, pero hindi kailangang lagi kang kontra sa maraming bagay. Lucky numbers: 17, 26, 38 at 42.

 KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87 
Mas masigla ka kaysa dati. Kahit may pag-aalala ka ay positibo ka pa rin, at pipiliin mong manahimik na lang. Sa trabaho, malaki ang tsansa na mabigyan ng umento at gantimpala kaya dagdagan ang sipag. Ito ang tamang oras na magdesisyon at ipakita ang iyong awtoridad at kakayahan. Maganda ang lagay ng kalusugan, pero mas mainam kung may sports kang sasalihan upang mapanatili ang sigla ng katawan. Lucky numbers: 15, 16, 29 at 35.
.
 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88 
Piliting ayusin ang mga bagay na nakakaapekto sa relasyon mo sa taong malapit sa iyo. Subukang sumama sa mga taong kapareho mo ng interes at mga gusto. Malaking tulong sa trabaho mo ang angkin mong sigla at sipag kaya malalampasan mo ang anumang pagsubok at problema. Nerbiyos, kawalan ng atensyon at away ang mararanasan sa iyong tahanan sa linggong ito. Lucky numbers: 7, 12, 37 at 44.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89 
Pagseselos, alitan at maliliit na away ang magaganap ngayon. May malakas na pisikal na atraksyon ka sa isang taong hindi nababagay sa iyo, lalo na sa usaping pangkultura. Maganda ang takbo ng trabaho at ang mga ideya at pamamaraan ay magbubunga na, huwag sayangin ang oras sa walang katuturang tsismis. Upang gumanda ang pakiramdam, subukang manood ng nakakatawang palabas o magbasa ng magagandang kuwento. Lucky numbers: 18, 20, 21 at 44.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90
Ang sapat na tulog at pahinga ay kailangan mo upang mapanatili ang sigla at maalis ang labis na pagod na nararamdaman. Iwasang lumaki ang ulo sa mga natatamong tagumpay, huwag maliitin ang ibang tao o mga bagay, na maaring pagsisihan mo. Marami kang malalaking pagsubok na pagdaraanan sa trabaho, huwag mawalan ng pag-asa. Humingi ng tulong sa mga tunay na kaibigan. Lucky numbers: 5, 23, 28 at 31.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79 at 91 
Kung hindi naman napakatayog o imposible ang ambisyon, magtatagumpay ka, at magkakaroon ng maayos na kinabukasan. May bagong sigla ang relasyon, subukang magbakasyon upang balikan ang matatamis na alaala ng inyong pag-iibigan. Mahihirapan ka nang hanapin ang ilan sa mga paboritong produkto na matagal mo nang nakasanayang bilhin. Lucky numbers: 12, 16, 28 at 32.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92
Mag-ingat sa biglaang desisyon at mga bagay na hindi napaghandaan. Pag-isipang mabuti bago makipagkasundo o maglabas ng malaking pera. Gagawin mo ang lahat upang mapagbigyan ang mga taong nagmamahal sa iyo, pero darating ang puntong kailangan mong mamili: ang responsibilidad sa trabaho o ang obligasyon mo sa pamilya. Lucky numbers: 22, 29, 37 at 46.

Housing loan collections down after Kadamay takeover

Payments for housing loan amortizations had dropped by roughly 50 percent following the takeover of idle housing units by members of the urban poor group Kadamay in Pandi, Bulacan.

Many legitimate recipients of the housing project have refused to pay their P200 monthly amortization, noting that the informal settlers belonging to Kadamay were allowed to occupy the vacant housing units without paying for those.

Engineer Romuel Alimboyao of the National Housing Authority (NHA) Central Luzon said the collection had been affected as legitimate recipients questioned how Kadamay members got their houses for free.

Kadamay took over 5,278 housing units in Pandi on March 8.

“Halos malaking porsyento (ang ibinagsak ng collection). May 50 percent ho (The collection went down by a huge margin. Around 50 percent),” Alimboyao told a group from the Senate led by Sen. Jose Victor Ejercito, chairman of the committee on housing.

 Ejercito said the big drop in the collection of housing loan amortization was “very alarming” and “worrisome.”

“This incident sets precedent sa lahat ng mga pabahay (in all housing projects). More than 50 percent, that’s worrisome and very alarming,” said Ejercito, son of former President Joseph Estrada who is now mayor of Manila.

“E papano pa tayo magpapatayo ng mga bahay kung hindi natin mababawi (How will we be able to build homes if we won’t be able to claim them)?” he said.

The senator then asked NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. what could be done to address the problem.

“In so far as the NHA is concerned, upon knowing that there’s an impact in our collection, which is a little over 50 percent, we already mobilized our own people,” Escalada said.

“We need to campaign massively in trying to tell everyone for the old accounts they have to pay. For new accounts that most of the Kadamay members are trying to allege, I think that’s very clear on the part of the NHA that there is no free housing. Everyone should pay because that’s an obligation on the part of the beneficiary,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon pointed out that there’s a law and enforcing it would mean removing the Kadamay members, who forcibly occupied the housing units in Pandi, Bulacan, intended for the military and police personnel.

“These are consequences that must be addressed by this administration because of that policy allowing Kadamay members to occupy. There is a need for housing and that’s a basic human right. The issue is tama ba itong nangyari at proseso?” he told the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

WB notes ‘buoyant’ remittances from OFWs

While remittances from migrants to their home countries showed a decline for the second year in 2016, Filipinos overseas did not follow the trend, according to the World Bank.

In its April 21 Migration and Remittances report, the World Bank noted total remittances to developing countries last year reached $429 billion, down 2.4 percent from 2015’s $440 billion.

With more than a tenth of the over 100 million Filipinos working or living overseas—the World Bank said remittances to the Philippines were “buoyant” last year, bucking the decline across the East Asia and Pacific region.

“Remittances to the Philippines, estimated at around $30 billion, remained resilient, growing by 4.9 percent in 2016 relative to 4.4 percent in 2015,” the World Bank said.

Including flows to high-income countries, global remittances also declined 1.2 percent to $575 billion in 2016 from $582 billion in 2015, the World Bank said. “Low oil prices and weak economic growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Russian Federation are taking a toll on remittance flows to South Asia and Central Asia, while weak growth in Europe has reduced flows to North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa,” the World Bank explained in a statement.

Also, “the decline in remittances, when valued in US dollars, was made worse by a weaker euro, British pound and Russian ruble against the US dollar,” the World Bank added.

Based on World Bank estimates, remittances to the Philippines last year were equivalent to 9.6 percent of the gross domestic product.

The Philippines was the third biggest recipient of remittances in 2016, after India’s $62.7 billion and China’s $61 billion.

In contrast, remittances in East Asia and Pacific declined 1.2 percent to $126 billion in 2016, reversing 2015’s 3.8-percent growth.

“For 2017, remittances to the [East Asia and Pacific] region are forecast to grow 2.5 percent to $129 billion,” the World Bank said.

Pabaya sa trabaho at obligasyon

Isang taon nang naninilbihan si Mara sa among Haponesa at Swiss pero wala pa ring tiwala ang mga ito sa kanya.

Hindi naman nagtataka ang mga kaibigan niya dahil madalas itong lumiban. Dahil stay-out siya ay madalas niyang ipaabot sa mga amo na masama ang pakiramdam niya at hindi makapasok, gayong alam niyang kailangang kailangan siya dahil 18 months pa lang ang alaga niya at parehong may trabaho ang mag-asawa.

Alam din ng mga kapitbahay niya na mahilig itong mag telebabad kahit dapat ay binabantayan niya sa playroom ang alaga. Madalas tuloy siyang pag-usapan ng mga kasa-kasama ng mga bata doon, kabilang na ang mga popo.

Ang isang pang masamang ugali ni Mara ay ang hilig nitong mangutang. Minsan ay nalaman nitong nakatanggap ng $1,000 sa lai see ang isang kapwa Pinay, at ang unang sinabi ay “ang laki naman sis, pautang naman ipadala ko lang para sa anak ko, kailangang kailangan  niya  kasi ng pera.” Nguni’t dahil bistado na nilang lahat ang ugali niyang hindi maaasahan ay walang nagpapautang sa kanya.

Sa kabila nito ay hindi pa rin siya tumitigil ng kauungot.

Minsan naman ay sinabi na kailangan niyang bayaran ang parcel na ipapadala sa kanya. Agad siyang sinagot ng kausap na wala naman siyang dapat bayaran dahil sinagot na nung nagpadala ang lahat ng dapat bayaran. Ang isa pang dahilan na sinubukan niyang gamitin ay hindi daw aabot sa due date ng utang niya ang kanyang suweldo, na agad namang sinagot ng kausap na pwede naman niyang i-adjust ang petsa ng pagbabayad ayon sa araw ng kanyang suweldo para hindi siya laging nag-aalala.

Si Mara mismo ay sinabi sa mga kakilala na mismong mga amo niya ay ayaw siyang pahiramin ng pera, at sinabing hintayin na lang ang kanyang sahod. Minsan ay may naawa sa kanila pero walang maglakas-loob na magpautang dahil libo ang laging hinihingi. Kung daan-daan lang daw sana na pang-allowance ay hindi na sasakit masyado ang kanilang loob kung bigla na lang siyang hindi magpakita.

Nagkatotoo naman ang mga sapantaha nila dahil nabalitaan nilang napuno na ang mga amo nito, at binigyan siya ng isang buwang pasabi. Naaawa man ay sinabi ng isa na kung siya mismo ay hindi kinaawaan ang sarili niya, tayo pa kaya? Kung hindi daw siguro ito nagpapabaya ay hindi siya mawawalan ng trabaho, at lalong magpoproblema sa pera.

Si Mara ay 42 taong gulang, taga Benguet, at solong magulang. – Marites Palma