CG says Russian counterpart to back illegal recruitment drive

By Daisy CL Mandap

Consul General Antonio A. Morales says his Russian counterpart, Alexander Kozlov, has promised to work with him on finding a solution to the illegal recruitment to Russia of Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong.

The pledge was reportedly made during a courtesy visit by Congen Morales to the Russian Consulate on Jan. 24.

The Philippine Embassy in Moscow says about 5,000 Filipinas are working illegally in Russia, with many of them having arrived there from Hong Kong. The Filipina domestic workers there hold either a work visa issued only to professionals or skilled workers, or short-term commercial visas. There is no visa category for domestic workers in Russia.

ConGen Kozlov reportedly asked for documents on specific cases of illegal recruitment of Filipinas to Russia, and promised to look into them.

ConGen Morales told The SUN on Jan. 30 that he also managed to briefly bring up the same issue with his Turkish counterpart Korhan Kemik when they met also on Jan. 24.

The two sides also discussed ways of improving relations.

Turkey is another favorite destination of Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong seeking to move to another country. But as with Russia, there is no job category for foreign domestic workers in Turkey.

Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre has been waging an all-out war against recruiters bringing overseas Filipina workers to Russia and Turkey in recent months, amid reports that many end up being exploited in both destinations.

Labatt dela Torre also maintains that third-country deployment of Filipinos is illegal under Philippine laws.

Mga OFW, tumulong para maitala ang bagong record sa tuloy-tuloy na CPR

Mahigit 600 na OFW ang tumulong para maitala ang bagong rekord sa marathon CPR

Ni George Manalansan

Kabilang ang humigit-kumulang 600 Pilipinong manggagawa sa mga tumulong para makapagtala ng pinakamaraming bilang ng nagsanay ng cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sa tuloy-tuloy na sesyon noong Peb. 3-4 sa Fire and Ambulance Services Academy sa Tseung Kwan-O.

Ang kabuuang bilang na 3,027 ay pumasok sa Guinness World Records para sa kategorya ng paramihan sa pagsasagawa ng tuloy-tuloy na CPR. Ang dating record na 2,619 ay naitala ng India noong 2016.

Bilang paghahanda, ang mga migranteng Pilipino ay binigyan ng pagsasanay sa compression only cardio pulmonary resuscitation (COCPR, isang mas simpleng paraan ng CPR) noong Enero 7, 14 at 28 sa HK University sa Pokfulam.

Sinamahan nila sa CPR Marathon 2018 ang mahigit 2,500 katao, na binubuo ng mga guro at estudyante sa ilang paaralan sa Hong Kong. 

Kabilang sa mga nag-organisa si Dr. Mike Manio ng HKU

Bukod sa pagsali para makapagtala ng bagong record, layunin din ng mga nagbigay ng pagsasanay na maparami ang bilang ng mga tao sa Hong Kong na maaring makapagbigay ng first aid at mapataas ang tsansang mabuhay ng mga biglang kinakapos ng hininga o nawawalan ng malay.

Sa araw ng marathon, may libreng sakay sa mga kasali mula sa Tiu Keng Leng MTR. Pagdating sa lugar na pagdarauan ay isa-isang nirehistro ang mga kasali at binigyan ng numero at pulseras na may barcode. Nagkaroon muli ng pagsasanay bago sumabak sa marathon. Sa dami ng mga kalahok ay kinailangang umupo muna at maghintay.

Sa tulong ng mga ambulance men at CPR marathon helper ay naging maayos ang daloy ng pila para sa panghuling hakbang na isinagawa sa loob ng auditorium.

Isa si Jim Cheung sa mga CPR helper na nagpalakas ng loob sa mga kasali, at nagsabing gamitin lang nila ang natutunan sa mga pagsasanay at sa praktis para makaraos.

“Have your power to push, compress continuously without a gap,” ang bilin niya. “Remove your watch, necklace, jackets or anything that may obstruct you, If you stop for 5 seconds you failed….the next trainee will come in and prepare to change after the count,  5, 4, 3, 2, 1. If you pass, you will become a certified CPR first aider.”

Isa sa mga kalahok si Jennete Ladiero, na halatang malungkot. Naalala kasi niya nang minsang magbakasyon siya ay biglang tumumba sa harap niya mismo ang ama, at namatay. Wala daw siyang nagawa dahil wala pa siyang alam sa paglalapat ng first aid. “Siguro kung may alam na ako noon, baka buhay pa siya ngayon,” ang sabi niyang may panghihinayang.

Bago lumabas ng auditorium ang mga kasali ay binigya sila isa-isa ng tiket para sa museo ng mga bumbero na nasa parehong gusali. Dito ay makikita ang mga lumang gamit sa pag-apula ng apoy, isang talaan ng mga sunog sa loob ng nakaraang tatlong dekada, mga first aid kid, at ang nilalaman ng isang ambulansiya.

OFW photographer scoops another award

Joan Pabona's award-winning photo, "Sacrifice"

A Filipina domestic helper has bagged the first-runner up slot in a photo contest sponsored by National Geographic in Hong Kong, the latest in a string of accolades she has won since taking up photography seriously about four years ago.

Joan Pabona, 35, from La Union, received the second highest award in the National Geographic  Wheelock Youth Photo Competition Hong Kong, held at the Wheelock Gallery in Queensway on Jan. 31. Her winning piece was titled “Sacrifice”, and showed a construction worker seemingly buried amid a pile of nets while at work.

Pabona, who won in the category, “People and Happenings in Hong Kong, received a cash prize of $6,500 and a 12-month subscription to the National Geographic Magazine Traditional Chinese Edition. Her winning photo was also included in an exhibit launched to coincide with the awarding ceremony at Wheelock Gallery.

It was the second major win for Pabona, who has been dabbling in photography since she was in

Joan and her beloved Nikon D3100

college in the Philippines, but began taking the hobby seriously since acquiring her dream camera, a Nikon D3100, months after arriving in Hong Kong to work as a domestic helper in 2013.

In March last year, she was adjudged as Grand Winner in the “Women at Work” photo contest organized by Christian Action. For 2016 and 2017, she won silver and bronze awards in various categories in the International Photography Awards - Philippines.

As a veteran of the photo contest circuit, Pabona says she did not exactly “jump for joy” on learning about her NatGeo win, but admits it is the most prestigious she has received so far.

She took her winning shot from inside her employer’s high-rise flat in Happy Valley. She says that to get the best shot, one should have a good camera, an eye for detail and the passion for taking pictures.

In her case, that passion was reignited after she joined Lensational, a local group that aims to empower women through photography. Pabona joined the Basic Photography Workshop jointly organized by Lensational and Parasite in 2016, then the Pinhole Camera Workshop in 2016 and 2017 by Hulu Culture, and most recently, the Video Editing Workshop by the Voices of Women group at the University of Hong Kong.

She continues to hone her talent by contributing photos to the Manila Bulletin newspaper in the Philippines, and by reading and watching youtube videos on photography. She has become quite good in her hobby that she has been commissioned to do works for charity, for which she does not get paid.

Pabona is part of an eight-member group, Fun and Bold (FaB) photographers, who organize photo shoots in various parts of Hong Kong on their days off. They have also done charity work for the Bahay Aruga center for cancer patients in Manila. 

Also with this group is Roselle Azucena, who because of her recent win in the Gawad Amerika contest, will soon be headed to the United States to take up a photography scholarship.

That could come soon, too, for Pabona, who doesn’t let a day pass without her tinkering with her camera. For her, joining contests – and winning – are all just tools toward improving a talent she was lucky to have been blessed with. – with a report from George Manalansan

Uhaw sa pag-ibig

Si Raquel na biyuda at tubong Mindanao ay 53 taong gulang na at may apat na anak na lalaki na malalaki na, nguni’t patuloy pa ring naghahanap ng pag-ibig. Sa kasamaang palad ay natapat siya sa isang Negrong manggagantso.

Lagi siyang binabalaan ng mga kaibigan na iwasan na ito dahil pineperahan lang siya, ngunit hindi siya nakikinig. Tuwing day-off niya ay lagi ding gabi na kung bumalik siya sa bahay ng amo niya sa Pokfulam, kahit ilang beses na siyang pinagsabihan dahil nag-aalala din ang mga ito sa kanya.

Nang mapuno ang amo niya ay biglang tinerminate si Raquel, kahit na anim na taon na siyang naninilbihan sa kanila. Bale pa ay kauutang lang niya noon ng $40,000 sa isang financing company para may ipantustos sa nobyong bolero.

Mabuti na lang at nakahanap pa rin siya ng bagong amo, kaya nakabalik nitong nakaraang buwan. Agad din naman niyang sinabihan ang inutangan na itutuloy niya ang pagbabayad ngayong nakabalik na siya.

Ang kaibigan naman niyang si Jasmin ay lagi siyang pinapayuhan na matuto na siyang makinig at huwag nang magpaabot ng gabi sa labas kasama ang kanyang dyowa. At lalong huwag na rin niya ipapangutang ang lalaki. Kasi kung mapauwi siyang muli ay ano na lang daw ang gagawin niya sa kanilang probinsiya kung wala siyang pera?

Sabi ni Jasmin, sana ay matuto na si Raquel na mas pahalagahan ang trabaho kaysa sa lalaking pera lang ang habol sa kanya. – Merly Bunda

Pinauwi’t pinabalik

Kakaiba ang karanasan ni Lorie, 28 taong gulang, sa among taga Hang Hau. Na-terminate siya ng amo kamakailan dahil sinagot niya ito nang mapuno na siya sa kasungitan nito. Agad-agad siyang pina-empake at pinauwi, na hindi naman niya tinutulan dahil gusto na rin naman niyang umuwi. Basta sinigurado niya na binayaran siya ng tama, kabilang ang kanyang natitirang sahod, isang buwang suweldo kapalit ng pasabi, at bayad sa air ticket.

Ngunit dalawang araw pa lang siya sa kanilang bahay sa Cebu nang tawagan siya ng masungit na amo at hilingan na bumalik siya matapos ang dalawang linggo dahil hinahanap siya ng alaga. Hindi naman siya nag-atubiling bumalik dahil napalapit na rin siya sa alaga, at gusto rin niyang makita muli ang mga kaibigan dito.

Pagbalik niya ay kinausap niya ng masinsinan ang amo. Sinabi niya na kung may nagawa siyang mali ay puwede naman siyang pagsabihan, huwag lang pagalitan at sigawan.

Naaalala niya kasi ang naging karanasan niya sa Singapore, kung saan una siyang nagtrabaho bilang kasambahay. Sa unang dalawang taon niya sa amo ay wala siyang naging problema, pero sa sumunod na taon ay bilang nag-iba ang ugali nito. Inoorasan na siya sa pamamalengke at laging pinapagalitan. Hindi na rin siya pinag day off.

Nang hindi na nakatiis si Lorie ay nakikipagtalo na siya sa amo, na umabot sa puntong nasampal siya nito. Lumayas si Lorie at pumunta ng shelter para humingi ng tulong. Nakatagal siya doon ng tatlong buwan habang hinihintay na matapos ang kanyang kaso laban sa amo.

Noong ika-15 ng Hunyo noong isang taon ay dumating si Lorie sa Hong Kong para muling makipagsapalaran. Akala niya ay magiging maganda ang kalagayan niya dito ngunit sa unang anim na buwan niya sa amo ay sobrang hirap ang naranasan niya. Maselan ang among lalaki at lagi na lang may nakikitang mali sa ginagawa ni Lorie. Mabuti na lang at nagkagaanan sila ng loob ng kanyang alaga kaya napilitan siyang magtiis muli.

Walang permanenteng araw ng labas si Lorie kaya madalas siyang walang kasama tuwing nag de day off. Pero minsan ay nagkikita din sila ng mga dating kasamahan sa Singapore, at sila ang nagpapayo sa kanya na magtiis na muna, at subuking hulihin ang loob ng amo.

Sinunod naman ni Lorie ang mga payo nila, nguni’t sadyang mainitin ang ulo ng kanyang amo kaya nang mapuno na siya ay sumagot na rin.  Mabuti na lang at hindi nasabihan ng amo ang immigration na pinutol na nito ang kontrata kay Loraine kaya nang magbago ang isip nito ay may visa pa rin ang Pilipina.

Agad namang kumuha ng OEC si Lorie para makabalik.

Ngayon ay mahigit isang buwan na siyang nakakabalik sa amo at masaya na siya dahil maganda na ang kanilang samahan. Palaging Linggo na rin ang kanyang labas, kaya lagi na silang magkakasama ng mga kaibigan. Kapag mayroon siyang gustong sabihin sa amo ay pinapadalhan lang niya ng message sa whatsapp para mas magkaintindihan sila, at ganito rin ito sa kanya.

Tanging dasal niya ay magtuloy-tuloy na ang kanilang magandang samahan. — Rodelia Villar

Manindigan sa karapatan

Naka 10 buwan pa lang sa paninilbihan sa Taipo si Elaine, 32 taong gulang, nang bigla siyang pababain ng amo. Pilit siyang pinapapirma na siya ang pumutol sa kanilang kontrata ngunit hindi siya pumayag.

Kahit pa pulis ang kanyang amo ay nanindigan si Elaine na hindi siya pipirma kung hindi nito palitan ang kasulatan para ipakita na ang amo at hindi siya ang nag-terminate. Hinamon pa niya ito na tumawag ng pulis kung ipipilit ang gusto.

Sa tinuran niya ang nagkatinginan ang kanyang amo at ang asawa nito, at napilitang itama ang sulat. Bago pumirma ay hiningi ni Elaine ang lahat ng dapat na bayaran sa kanya, kasama ang annual leave niya para sa 10 buwang paninilbihan. Kahit madaling araw na siyang nakababa ay hindi siya pumayag na hindi itama ang kanyang pinirmahan.

Ang nasa isip ni Elaine noong mga panahong iyon ay ang laki ng nagastos niya para lang makapunta sa Hong Kong. Tatlong beses siyang pina medical examination ng ahensya, sa halagang Php2,500 at dalawang tig Php3,000. Iyung una ang sabi ay expired na yung permit ng nag medical exam sa kanya, yung pangalawa ang sabi naman ay positive daw yung pregnancy test niya kahit alam niyang imposible ito dahil nasa probinsiya ang asawa niya at isang buwan na siya sa Maynila. Sa kagustuhang makaalis ay nagpa-eksamin siyang muli sa pangatlong pagkakataon, kasama ang dagdag na Php800 para sa pregnancy test.

Bukod dito ay pinagbayad siya ng Php16,000 para daw sa training.

Sa laki ng nagastos niya ay isinumpa ni Elaine na hindi na siya magpapaloko ulit. Kahit madaling araw na siya nakababa ay naroon pa rin ang galit, takot at inis ni Elaine.  Nakadagdag pa kasi dito ang galit at paninisi ng kanyang agency dahil hindi siya pumayag sa gusto ng amo.

Matapang na sinagot ito ni Elaine na hindi siya kailanman pipirma sa maling kasulatan. Dahil sa madaling araw na, sa isang McDonald’s outlet nagpalipas ng oras si Elaine bago nagbiyahe papunta sa kanilang simbahan kung saan may shelter para sa mga naterminate.

Nang sumunod na Linggo ay pumunta siya agad sa Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) para ireklamo ang agency. Bukod kasi sa siningil sa kanya ay pinagbayad pa ang kanyang tiya na nandito sa Hong Kong.

Ang payo ni Elaine sa mga kababayan: huwag matakot ipaglaban ang karapatan lalo at marami namang mga tao na maaring tumulong sa iyo sa oras ng kagipitan. - Rodelia Villar

3 OWWA receipts missing

Three official receipts of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration have gone missing in Hong Kong, and the government agency says those invoices have now been voided and will not be honored.

A notice issued by OWWA Hong Kong gave the receipt serial numbers as 15576948, 15576949 and 15576950.

Welfare Officer Judith Santos said the use of those missing receipts would be considered null and void.

She requested anyone who had found it or inadvertently taken it to return it to the OWWA office at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office on the 16^th floor of Mass Mutual Bldg. at 33 Lockhart Road, Wanchai.

First 10-year Philippine passport released in HK

Passport officer Rene B. Fajardo issues the passport to Bonna Bedia

The first 10-year Philippine passport was released at the Philippine Consulate on Feb. 5, 2018, to Bonna Bee Bedia. This was less than a month since the new extended validity-passport was launched in Manila

The expected launch of the new passport has caused the number of applicants at the Consulate to more than double since the start of the year, prompting Consul General Antonio A. Morales to shuffle staff on Sundays, the busiest day for applicants.

The number of applications on Sundays jumped to about 700 last month, compared with a 350 average for the previous months.

The regular passport is still being issued at the old price of $480 in Hong Kong, and has the same number of pages, but with improved security features. The requirements for renewal and application remain the same.

Under the new passport law signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in October, regular passports will be valid for 10 years for Filipino travelers 18 years old and above. Those under 18 will still be issued passports that are valid for five years.

What's on where?

The Philippine Consulate General will be closed on the following dates:
Feb 15-18  (Thursday to Sunday): Chinese New Year
Mar 29-31 (Thursday to Saturday): Holy Week
There will be no official business transactions at the Consulate and POLO on these dates.
In case of emergency, please call: 9155 4023 (Consular assistance); 5529 1880 (POLO); 6345 9324 (OWWA)

HK Education Fair
Visit the HKTDC Education and Careers Expo on Feb 1-4 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wanchai. The Philippine booth is at 1E-D07. Representatives from the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University will be there. Admission is free! Talk: Feb.4, 11:30-11:50am: Talk by UP Prof. Wendell Capili

Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Classes
Registration will be on Feb. 3 and 10 (Saturday class)
and Feb. 4 and 11 (Sunday class) MERC, 12/F, Euro Trade Centre, 21-23 Des Voeux Rd Central. Classes will start on Mar 3 (Saturday) and Mar 4 (Sunday)
For Saturday class, please contact:
Analyn Regulacion, Mobile: +852 65009288; Becky Sta. Maria, Message only:  Whatsapp/Viber +852 97622749/  56080713. For Sunday Class, please contact: Ma. Wilma Padura, Mobile: +852 9386 2514, Andi Allado Mendoza, Mobile: +852 56139395
For more info, please check: https://wimler.blogspot.com/2018/01/wimler-hk-lse-hk-alumni-association.html

2018 1st Flea Market
Feb. 4 (Sunday), 10am-4pm, GardenPlus events venue, Wanchai Sports Ground. Organized by: GardenPlus
Event will feature a coupon garden sale, live music, games and programs. Food and drinks will be served, too. Table prices:  Personal stuff- $200 or 2 for $300; Commercial stuff-$500 or 2 frr $800; For more information, call Henny at 6753 5567

Urban Lunar New Year lantern carnival
Mar 1, 2018, 7:30pm-9:30pm – Youth night.
Mar 2, 2018, 7:30pm-10pm – Carnival night.
Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsimshatsui.
New Territories West LNY lantern carnival
Mar 2, 2018, 7:30-9:30pm – Youth night.
Mar 3, 2018, 7:30-10pm – Carnival night.
Tung Chung North Park, Lantau Island.
New Territories East LNY lantern carnival
Mar 3, 2018, 7:30-9:30pm – Youth night.
Mar 4, 2018, 7:30-10pm – Carnival night.
Hong Kong Velodrome Park, Tseung Kwan O

Sustainable Sunday Couture (from Elpie Malicsi) 
Mar 4-14, PCG
Mar 18- April 1, Main Library, University of HK
The exhibition will showcase costumes made of recycled materials that were designed by  Elpie A. Malicsi, a Filipino domestic worker based in HK. For information, contact Dr. Julie Ham at iham@hku.hk

Caritas Language Courses for EMs
Caritas Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project has received sponsorship from the Home Affairs Department to run language courses for ethnic minority residents in HK. Enquiries: 2147-5988.
Sunday Advance Cantonese: Caritas Fortress Hill Centre, G/F, No.28A, Fortress Hill Road, Hong Kong
   Period : 8 April - 22 July 2018 (16 lessons in total)
   Time   : 10:00 - 13:00 (Total 50 hours)
   Target : Ethnic Minorities in HK with HKID
   Fee     : $100 each,, including materials (CSSA recipient : $50)
   Saturday Basic Cantonese: Caritas Fortress Hill Centre, G/F, No.28A, Fortress Hill Road, Hong Kong
   Period : 12 May - 25 August 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 : $50)
Saturday Intermediate English: Caritas Fortress Hill Centre, G/F, No.28A, Fortress Hill Road, Hong Kong.
   Period : 12 May - 25 August 2018 (16 lessons in total)
   Time   : 14:30 - 17:30 (Total 50 hours)
   Target : Ethnic Minorities in HK with HKID
   Fee     : $100 / head including materials (CSSA recipient : $50)
 
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 @ 98512804 and 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 65414432 whatsapp/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 at 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.

Masuwerte ka ba sa Pebrero?

ASO. Isinilang noong 1922/34/46/58/70/82/94/06
Pag-ukulan ng pansin ang kulturang iyong pinanggalingan. Upang gumanda ang porma, gawing regular ang pag-eehersisyo o paglalaro ng sports. Kung gusto mong mag-invest, mamuhunan sa real estate. Mahihirapan kang ayusin ang problema sa taong malalapit sa iyo. Sumulat sa dating kaibigan. Lucky numbers: 12, 18, 21 at 38.

BABOY. Isinilang noong 1923/35/47/59/71/83/95/07
Dahil sa tigas ng loob mo, magkakaproblema ang pagsasama. Sa trabaho, malulusutan mo rin ang hirap at balakid na matagal nang nagpapabagal sa iyo. Kung hihingi ng dagdag-sweldo, ibibigay ito. Makakaranas ng pananakit at panginginig ng katawan, kaya kumain ng pagkain na mataas sa magnesium gaya ng beans, nuts, brown rice at berde at madahong gulay. Gaganda ang pananalapi kung matututo sa mga pagkakamali; iwasang sumugal sa mga bagay na hindi ka sigurado. Lucky numbers: 5, 11, 27, 33 at 40.

DAGA. Isinilang noong 1924/36/48/60/72/84/96/08
Mag-ingat sa labis na nerbiyos, mag-hinay hinay at kumain ng pagkaing sagana sa vitamin B1. Magulo ang love life ngayon, mag-ingat at baka tuluyang masira ang relasyon. Basahing mabuti ang mga dokumento bago pirmahan upang maiwasan ang malaking pagkakamali. Maayos ang samahan sa pamilya dahil sa iyong magandang pakikitungo, sigla at pagiging positibo, pero iwasang ipilit ang mga ideya mo sa mga kaanak. Lucky numbers: 11, 19, 28 at 41.

BAKA. Isinilang noong 1925/37/49/61/73/85/97/09
Upang magtagumpay sa iyong gawain o personal na proyekto, gawin lang ang talagang kailangan at magpakita ng sipag at tiyaga. Kung nahihirapan kang mahanap ang totoong kaibigan o katuwang, ito ay dahil masyadong mataas ang iyong pamantayan. Madali kang magtampo nang dahil lang sa kaunting pagtatalo sa mga kasamahan. Mahihirapan ang lahat na kausapin ka, pero ikaw lang din ang talo sa ganitong sitwasyon. Lucky numbers: 20, 25. 31 at 42.

TIGRE Isinilang noong 1926/38/50/62/74/86 at 98/10
Sa linggong ito, iwasan ang transaksyon sa lupa o bahay, o ang makipag-ayos sa isang legal na usapin. Mag-ingat sa mga biglaang galaw, lalo na sa loob ng pamamahay, at baka masaktan. Kung nagsasawa na sa pang-araw araw na gawain, paganahin ang imahinasyon upang magkaroon ng bagong pananaw. Oras na upang alisin o bawasan ang yabang o bilib sa sarili upang mapaganda ang kalidad ng trabaho. Tahimik ang love life, walang away pero kulang din sa init kaya gusto mong sumubok ng bagong bagay, pero hindi tiyak kung papayag ang kapartner mo. Lucky numbers: 16, 29, 30 at 36.

KUNEHO Isinilang noong 1927/39/51/63/75/87/99
Mag-relax kasama ang mahal mo at lalo kang mapapamahal dito. Mag-ingat: hindi lahat ng kumikinang ay ginto kaya busisiing mabuti ang mga alok sa iyo. Mag-ingat din sa pagtaas ng presyon ng dugo! Sa trabaho, kailangan mong patunayan ang iyong husay at siguradong maganda ang kapalit nito. Huwag mag-atubiling subukan ang iyong mga orihinal na ideya. Lucky numbers: 7, 26, 35 at 40.

 DRAGON Isinilang noong 1928/40/52/64/76/88/00
May alingasngas na namamagitan sa inyo ng kapitbahay o kapamilya; huwag hayaang lumaki ang gulo. Mahihirapan kang kontrolin ang pabigla-bigla mong pagdedesisyon na nakakasama sa iyong trabaho. Mahaharap ka sa masakit na pagtatanong, na makabubuti naman sa iyong isipan at puso. Pag-aralang mabuti ang pinansyal na kalagayan dahil baka nagkamali ka ng kalkula. Baka mas kailangan mo pang magtipid ng husto. Lucky numbers: 16, 23, 31 at 45.

AHAS Isinilang noong 1929/41/53/65/77/89/01
Mag-ingat, babalik ang labis na selos na maaaring magresulta sa malaking pagkasira. Tanggapin ang lahat ng imbitasyon upang magkaroon ng bagong ideya at lumawak ang pananaw. Mag-ingat sa shellfish, alkohol o sa pagkaing hindi nakasanayan na baka magdulot ng pamamaga ng mukha at pamamantal. Sa tulong ng kamag-anak ay maaayos mo ang lahat. Pagdating sa pamilya, huwag ipikit ang mata sa problema; harapin ito bago pa lumala. Bantayan maigi ang mga anak. Lucky numbers: 15, 24, 32 at 46.

KABAYO. Isinilang noong 1930/42/54/66/78/90/02
Magiging abala ka sa trabaho at social life, pero baka makaligtaan mo ang mahal sa buhay. Para maiwasan ang pananakit ng kalamnan, mag-ingat sa paglalaro ng sport o pabigla-biglang kilos. Kailangang ikaw ang lumapit at makipagkilala kung gusto mong magkaroon ng bago at mabuting kaibigan. Malakas ang loob mong sumugal sa sari-saring transaksyon, mag-ingat at bawasan ang tapang mo sa pakikipagsapalaran. Lucky numbers: 13, 22, 37 at 43.

KAMBING. Isinilang noong 1919/31/43/55/67/79/91/03
Lahat ng nirereklamo mo ay nangyayari sa lahat! Subukang tumulong sa mga nangangailangan upang makalimutan ang maliliit na personal na problema. Mag-ingat na mabaon sa utang! Ang pananakit ng lalamunan ay maaring dulot ng allergy. Maaayos din ang ilang problema sa pagsasama at mas magiging masaya pang lalo ito. Mababawasan din ang pag-aaalala at nerbiyos na nararanasan. Lucky numbers: 6, 19, 27, at 41.

UNGGOY. Isinilang noong 1920/32/44/56/68/80/92/04
Makakapagtrabaho ka ngayon ng maayos at tahimik. Magagamit mo ang koneksyon at impluwensya upang umangat sa trabaho o propesyon. Kumain ng marami sa agahan upang gumana ng husto ang isip. Ayusing mabuti ang pananalapi. Magulo ang sitwasyon sa tahanan dahil wala kayong napapagkasunduan sa lahat ng bagay. Huwag hayaang lumala ang problema. Lucky numbers: 5, 18, 26 at 31.

TANDANG. Isinilang noong 1921/33/45/57/69/81/93/05
Napapanahon na upang makipag-ugnayang muli sa mga taong matagal ka nang walang balita. Sa trabaho, hindi maiiwasan ang pagbabago. Huwag mag-alala dahil madali at maayos kang makakapag-adjust. Mababawasan ang problema sa kalusugan, mawawala nang kusa ang allergy mo. Bibigyan mo ng importansya ngayon ang iyong love life, at babalik ang sigla sa buhay. Lucky numbers: 17, 23, 35 at 42.

DCG tells teachers: challenge yourselves intellectuallyDCG tells teachers: challenge yourselves intellectually

By Daisy CL Mandap

Think. Read. Challenge yourself. Question your existence.

These were among the words of wisdom imparted by Deputy Consul General Roderico Atienza to a group of Filipino teachers in Hong Kong who joined the 2018 news writing seminar conducted by The SUN at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Wanchai on Jan. 21.

“We have to continue challenging ourselves intellectually,” DCG Atienza told the 19 teachers and about 10 other foreign domestic workers who joined the seminar. “In the same way that we can maintain our youthful vigor, ganoon din dapat ang mind natin. We also have to exercise our minds.”

Organizer Gemma A. Lauraya, president of the National Organization of Professional Teachers – Hong Kong is joined by The SUN Editor Daisy Catherine L. Mandap, DCG Roderico Atienza and The SUN Publisher Leo A. Deocadiz.

Atienza threw scorn at “nosebleed,” the popular Filipino expression used to denote one’s failure to understand what is being said because it’s in English, saying “let’s avoid (saying) that. That’s because to him, this denotes that someone does not want to be challenged intellectually, that it is better to dumb down the conversation.

“There’s nothing wrong with being an intellectual, huwag lang tayong maging snob,” he said.

Critical thinking, as well as reading, could help open one’s mind to new ideas.

“Before you get into the writing, yung style and everything, get into the thinking (part) first,” he said.

Atienza also shared his experiences as a journalist for five years prior to joining the civil service. Two of those were spent in the Philippines, and three in Japan, where he was hired because of his fluency in both the English and Japanese languages.

The seminar was broken down into three parts, with editor Daisy CL Mandap giving basic lessons on news writing, and how being able to write could help anyone, whatever profession they’re in.

The next part, conducted by associate editor Vir B. Lumicao, focused on news gathering techniques and basic lessons on grammar.

The third part, handled by publisher Leo A. Deocadiz, started off with a video of an actual press conference given by White House doctors on President Donald Trump’s recent medical check-up. The participants were then told to write a “lead” or the first paragraph of a news story, distilling the essential information given out in the presser.

The participants were then encouraged to send stories to The SUN so they will have a better understanding of the process involved in writing the news.

Also at the seminar were The SUN’s contributors, who shared their experiences on how writing has helped them understand issues affecting migrant domestic workers, and given them the courage to express themselves and help others.

The session ended with Gemma A. Lauraya, president of the National Organization of Professional Teachers – Hong Kong, handing over a contribution from participants for the food and other expenses for the seminar, which The SUN in turn said will be donated to the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge.

Pinay na namatay sa banyo, inuwi na

Ni Marites Palma

Naiuwi na ang bangkay ni Erlinda Diego Cabulong, 45, na namatay pagkatapos makitang nakahandusay sa banyo ng kanyang amo noong ika-9 ng Enero.

Nagkaroon ng public viewing ng kanyang mga labi sa Universal Funeral Homes sa Hunghom noong ika-24 ng Enero, bago ito isinakay pauwi sa Maynila kinabukasan sa Philippine Airlines flight PR 301.

Binawian ng buhay si Cabulong sa Tuen Mun hospital dalawang oras pagkatapos siyang itakbo doon ng kanyang amo.

Naulila niya ang kanyang asawa at dalawang anak na lalaki na nakatira sa Purok 4, Villa Santiago, Aglipay, Quirino.

Ayon sa kanyang kapatid na si Mercedes Jasmin Diego, wala pang resulta ang isinagawang pagsusuri para malaman ang sanhi ng pagkamatay ng kanyang nakababatang kapatid. Sa pagkakaalam niya ay wala naman itong sakit na hypertension.

“Napakasakit ang biglaan niyang pagkawala, wala man siyang senyales na mawawala na siya dahil nakagroup chat at nakavideo call pa ang mga anak at apo noong gabi bago siya mamatay, kaya di namin matanggap na wala na siya” ani Diego. Aakuin daw ng amo ang gagastusin para sa pag-uwi ng mga labi ni Cabulong ngunit hanggang Manila lamang. Ang pamilya nila ang sasagot sa pagpapauwi dito hanggang Quirino.

Ang amo na si Josephine Ngan ang unang nagbalita na nakitang walang malay si Cabulong sa loob ng banyo ng kanilang bahay sa Tuen Mun. Umapela ito sa pamamagitan ng Facebook na tawagan siya ng kapatid ng kasambahay agad-agad. Naka-lock daw kasi ang telepono ng yumao kaya hindi nila alam kung sino ang tatawagan.

Aray ko po!

Namimilipit sa sakit si Violy, Ilokana at 50 taong gulang, nang dalhin siya sa Ruttonjee Hospital sa Wanchai noong Enero 8. Pagbaba niya kasi mula sa higaan niyang mataas ay nasabit ang kanyang tuhod sa hagdanan nito, at nasugat.

Kinailangan siyang operahan dahil sa dugong namuo sa kanyang tuhod. Muli ay matinding sakit ang naramdaman niya dahil nababanat ang balat sa kanyang sugat kada hakbang niya. Agad naman siyang pinauwi pagkatapos ng operasyon, at pagkalipas ng ilang araw ay pinabalik para sa therapy.

Pero nang tingnan ng doktor ang kanyang tuhod ay nakita nitong may natira pang dugo sa sugat, kaya kinailangan niyang maoperahan muli. Magkahalong takot at sama ng loob ang naramdaman ni Violy nang muli siyang operahan.

Mabuti na lang at umayos na ang kanyang pakiramdam pagkatapos nito, at dahil binigyan siya ng isang linggong pahinga ng doktor. Alalang-alala naman ang kanyang amo, at lagi siyang sinasabihan na magpahinga.

Alam ni Violy na aksidente ang nangyari, pero tuwing binabalik-balikan niya ang pangyayari, naiisip din niya na dapat ay naging mas maingat siya. Kagigising lang niya kasi noon at marahil ay aantok-antok pa nang bumaba sa hagdanan ng kanyang kama kaya sumabit ang kanyang tuhod.

Ang payo niya, “huwag agad babangon at bababa mula sa higaan, mababa man o mataas, dahil madaling mawalan ng balanse at masabit o matumba”. Mag-inat inat daw muna at siguradong gising na ang diwa bago tumayo at nang malayo sa disgrasya. – George Manalansan

Natalo ang bruha

Galak na galak si Arlene, 35 at Ilokana, nang kumbinsihin siya ng dating among Indian na bumalik sa kanila, kapalit ng $6,000 na suweldo. Nilayasan ni Arlene ang dating amo pagkatapos ng limang taon na paninilbihan dahil sa walang kaparis na pasakit na dinanas niya sa malditang asawa nito.

Siya lang ang tumagal ng dalawang kontrata sa 14 na naging katulong ng among Indian dahil sa kasungitan ng asawa nito.

Maraming dinanas na pasakit si Arlene sa among demonyita. Minsan, nang hindi masunod ang iniutos nito sa kanya ay maghapon siyang hindi pinakain. Ilang beses na din siyang pinalayas, at pinagtatapon ang mga gamit niya sa labas ng pinto.

Napakiusapan lang siya ng among lalaki ang mga anak nito kaya hindi siya umalis.

Ngunit may sukdulan din ang kanyang pagtitiis. Sa ikalimang taon ay tinotohanan niya ang pag-alis, kahit kinailangang umuwi muna siya dahil sa pag-break niya ng kanyang kontrata.

Isang buwan pa lang siyang nakakabalik at naninilbihang muli nang tawagan siya ng dating amo, at hinimok na bumalik sa kanila. Nangako ito na sila na ng kanyang mga anak ang kakastigo sa salbaheng asawa.

Dala sa pangangailangan ay kinausap ni Arlene ang bagong amo at sinabi dito ang alok sa kanya na malaking suweldo. Ayon sa bagong amo, wala itong magagawa kundi pakawalan siya dahil hindi nito kayang tapatan ang alok na suweldo.

Nang iparating niya ang ang pagsang-ayon sa alok ng among Indian ay agad siyang sinundo nito sakay ng kotse, at binayaran ang isang buwang suweldo kapalit ng pasabi sa iniwanang amo. Agad ding inasikaso ang muli niyang pagpirma ng kontrata sa kanila.

Ngayon, ayon kay Arlene ay hitsurang bruha pa rin ang kanyang among babae ngunit bawal nang magsungit dahil ang asawa at mga anak na niya ang makakalaban. Tuwang tuwa naman ni Arlene dahil wala nang kontrabida sa buhay niya, malaki pa ng di hamak sa dati ang suweldo niya. – George Manalansan

Employer cleared, DH gets suspended sentence on illegal work

A Hong Kong employer has been acquitted by the Shatin Court of conspiracy to breach immigration rules while her Filipina helper has been given a three-month jail sentence suspended for three years.

The two cases had been tried separately in Shatin, but the court had delayed the sentencing of Cecelia Guevarra until Feb 5 pending the outcome of the employer’s trial.

Cecelia Guevarra was found guilty

The employer, May Lui, was cleared of two counts of “conspiracy to breach of condition of stay” filed against her by prosecutors from the Immigration Department.

Lui hugged relatives and broke into tears after Magistrate Winnie Lau exonerated her because the prosecutors were not able to prove her guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Guevarra, Lui’s domestic helper for eight years, pleaded guilty in June 7 to two counts of “breach of condition of stay” and “making false representation to an immigration officer lawfully acting …in the execution of Part III of the Immigration Ordinance”.

She faced two more charges of breach of condition of stay and another of making a false statement but these were withdrawn later by the prosecution.

The prosecution cited as basis for the two conspiracy charges the latest two work contracts that Lui and the Filipina had signed, which stated the maid was to work in her employers’ house at all times.

Guevarra was arrested on May 8, 2016 while she was inside her employer’s office in Central. The case dragged on for several months as the Immigration officers also filed a complaint against her employer and wooed the Filipina to testify against Lui.

In her reason for verdict, Magistrate Lau said that defendant Lui elected not to give evidence and, so, it was the prosecution’s responsibility to justify its case and prove she was guilty of the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

 

Employer May Lui walks free from the same case.

The prosecution presented Guevarra and a local woman who was a former office staff of Lui as its witnesses.

Lau said Guevarra testified she worked in Lui’s Central office for one and a half hours three times a week between June 2015 and Dec 2015. She said she had spent 30% to 40% of her time working in the office during that period.

The helper also admitted she owed Lui $20,000 and had not yet repaid it.                              

The magistrate said Guevarra’s evidence was contradicted by the second witness, who said Lui moved to her Central office only in November 2015.

Lau said that piece of evidence already contradicted Guevarra’s claim that her employer moved to Central on Feb 6, 2016.

“I’m not satisfied that the prosecution had established beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant was guilty. Defendant, I acquit you of both charges,” Lau declared.

On Feb 5, the prosecutor told Magistrate Lam Tsz-kan that Guevarra pleaded guilty to the charges eight months ago and helped the prosecution investigate and build a case against Lui.

Lam noted the help Guevarra extended in the investigation of Lui and said he accepted that the maid had followed orders to perform illegal work.

“I’ve considered the facts of the case and accepted the mitigation that you have a clear record and was just following orders,” the magistrate said.

He sentenced Guevarra to 6 weeks in jail for each of the two breach of condition charges and 3 months for making false representation to an immigration officer.

Guevarra told The SUN she was happy with the sentence but had to go to Immigration on Feb 6 and find out whether she could look again for an employer.

Filcom leaders hit reported plan to recall Labatt dela Torre

Labatt dela Torre is noted for cracking down on errant recruiters

By Daisy CL Mandap

Filipino community leaders in Hong Kong are up in arms over a reported move to have Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre recalled and replaced by the Department of Labor and Employment's top official in Davao.

The impending recall was hinted at by Labatt dela Torre himself in a Facebook post on Feb. 2, in which he spoke of savoring his “last few days” in Hong Kong.

By March this year, he would have been in Hong Kong for only two years. The usual term for a labor official posted overseas is three years, but this has reportedly been extended recently by the current Philippine administration to five years.

Sources within the Philippine Overseas Labor Office confirmed the reported plan, and said the one being eyed to replace dela Torre in Hong Kong is Raymundo Agravante, DOLE's  regional director in Davao.

Contacted by The SUN, Labatt dela Torre did not confirm or deny the report. But he said: “They can recall me or transfer me elsewhere, but I should not be accused of any wrongdoing." He declined to say anything more.

The SUN also sent a text message to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III asking about the reported recall, and his only reply was "fake news".

The news, which came in the wake of a recent visit to Hong Kong by a three-man fact finding team from DOLE, sparked concern among Filipino community leaders.

Many regard dela Torre as one of the most hardworking Philippine government officials around. During peak season, he opens his office practically every day to the thousands of OFWs who apply for the overseas employment certificate or OEC exemption before going home for a vacation.

Most Sundays, he even sits behind the service counters in POLO, if he is not out attending Filcom gatherings. 

But often cited as his biggest accomplishment was his unilateral move to ban dangerous window cleaning by migrant workers, which Hong Kong Immigration eventually adopted and made part of the standard employment contract for FDWs.

Dela Torre is credited for
getting HK to ban dangerous
window cleaning by FDWs  

More recently, Labatt’s outspoken stance against the rampant illegal recruitment of Filipino migrant workers for Russia and Turkey prompted Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam to vow tougher sanctions against agencies engaged in the illicit practice.

Eman Villanueva, chair of Bayan Hong Kong and Macau and secretary general of Unifil-Migrante HK, said the plan to recall dela Torre sounded suspicious.

“Bakit siya iyong inaalis gayong sa tingin natin e tama ang mga ginagawa niya?,” asked Villanueva.

Since Dela Torre is widely known for cracking the whip on the illegal recruitment of Filipinos, Villanueva said the government will be sending a strong signal that it does not want the campaign to continue if the labor chief is recalled.

Villanueva also asked why Secretary Bello has not fulfilled an earlier promise to review the light sanction imposed on a former labor attaché found to have allowed his then driver to operate an employment agency.

“Tapos itong gumagawa ng mabuti e tatanggalin?,” asked Villanueva.

Dela Torre’s former deputy, Henry Tianero, who is now posted as a labor attaché in Kuala Lumpur, also offered to put in a good word for his former boss.

Tianero sent a copy of a report he submitted to the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong middle of last year, in which he noted a 21% increase in the number of OFWs who were rehired during dela Torre’s first year in office.

“More were rehired because we were deploying more quality workers,” said Tianero.

And this, he said, was all due to dela Torre’s effort to whip errant employment agencies into line, and placing more restrictions on those applying for accreditation.

A veteran OFW leader, Aura L. Ablin of the Mindanao Federation, was also rattled by the news that dela Torre might soon be recalled.

“Relieving Labatt Jalilo de la Torre from his post here in HK is an absolute mistake. If changing the color of the contract from green to blue is a small matter to our government, it is not for us, and those who fell off windows while cleaning their employer’s house. That’s Labatt Jalilo de la Torre's legacy,” she said.

“MinFed will do its best to keep him here in Hong Kong. Let the voices of all OFWs in Hong Kong be heard!”

Another community leader with a large following said his group was "saddened" by the news that dela Torre might be pulled out from his post. Leo Selomenio, chair of Global Alliance and star of the award-winning movie "Sunday Beauty Queen", said: "We have lined up many projects in partnership with POLO. What will happen to us if he goes?"

He said his group wants dela Torre to stay for several reasons: 1) He has bravely cracked down on "greedy" agencies; 2) He doesn't take a day off during peak months when thousands of OFWs line up to get the OEC exemption through the BMOnline system which "puts too much burden on OFWs; 3) He is very approachable and accommodating to OFWs consulting about their jobs; 4) He works with the Filcom in providing seminars and training that benefit the OFWs; 5) Provides quick solutions to problems referred to him.

Selomenio added: "On the whole he performs his duty beyond expectation. We love him dearly as he gives us priority and a sense of importance".

Another leader, Gemma A. Lauraya, president of the National Organization of Professional Teachers Hong Kong, questioned the real reason for the plan to recall the labor chief.

She also said dela Torre should not be relieved half-way into his term because "He has conscientiously and successfully performed his duties. He has worked hard to fulfill POLO's mission, including fighting human trafficking more aggressively, supporting teachers' programs, and protecting OFW rights and interests.

The unexpected visit of the DOLE fact-finding team from Jan. 25-27, apparently timed while he was away on vacation, appeared to have riled dela Torre. On Feb. 1, his first day back at work, he made several cryptic posts on Facebook that caused many of his friends to ask what was bothering him.

POLO sources said dela Torret felt bad on hearing about the investigation, which was apparently sparked by a complaint to DOLE by a Hong Kong recruiter that failed to get its usual job quota for Filipina bar workers in Wanchai. Labatt dela Torre has reportedly turned down routinely applications for such jobs, concerned that the Filipinas were being exploited.

But the agency’s complaint appeared to be just one of the reasons. The investigators also reportedly questioned POLO staff about Labatt dela Torre’s performance, although most gave him a positive endorsement.

Even the wards at the Filipino Workers’ Resource Centre were given a surprise visit by one of the investigators. Asked if POLO was looking after them well, most of the shelter’s occupants reportedly answered in the affirmative.

‘When my time comes, it will come’

President Rodrigo Duterte said the purported plan of terrorist group Islamic State (IS) to assassinate him doesn’t intimidate him at all.

Duterte brushed it aside as “mere” threats. He said he had been living a “dangerous life” for a long time.

“I’ve been telling you right at the start, when my time comes, it will come. I will stick to what destiny has given. If I go tomorrow, then I go,” he said in a news conference upon his arrival on Saturday from India.

“Assassination? Kung panahon ko na, panahon ko na! (If it’s my time, it’s my time). So I should not be deterred. I should not be discouraged by just mere threats. I’ve lived with it. I’ve been a prosecutor for nine years doing trial work. I live with a—it was a dangerous life then as it is now,” he went on.

An Indian news outfit The Print reported that Duterte was a target of the terror group during his visit to India late last month.

Previously, Duterte repeatedly warned against the possible retaliation of IS after the Philippine troops defeated the Maute extremist group, which laid siege to Marawi City for five months in 2017.

Quoting a security agency source, the India-based news organization reported about intelligence inputs that “the IS has its people and is planning to strike” against Duterte.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the threat was “normal” and assured the public that security measures were in place to ensure the President’s safety.

“The President is aware of it and his security is doing their job as they should assisted by the PNP (Philippine National Police), AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and all government security forces specially on intel,” he said.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said Duterte knew all along that he was a target of IS but added that the President was not demoralized.

Cause of death of Pinay who fainted while cleaning car still a mystery

By Vir B. Lumicao

A domestic helper from Tagbilaran City in Bohol died on Jan 20, after she collapsed while cleaning the car of her employer in Shatin, according to reports.

The victim, identified as Elma Balatero, 43, was found lying unconscious at the car parking lot of Wo Che Estate at 7:49am, an officer of the Consulate’s assistance to nationals section told The SUN.

ATN officer Hermogenes Cayabyab Jr. said the victim’s elder son, who is 22 years old, was to arrive in Hong Kong to arrange the repatriation of his mother. Balatero’s employers reportedly paid for the son’s travel.

The dead woman had another son, who is 21 years old.

The employers, a young Hong Kong couple, had reportedly been distraught over the death of Balatero, who had served them for several years.

A friend of Balatero confirmed this, saying the deceased was treated very well by her employers.

She rebuffed comments posted on social media that the deceased was starved and overworked by her employers.

“She is not overworked. Her employers were very kind to her,” the friend had posted.

ATN is working on the repatriation of the remains while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will process the family’s funeral and death benefits.

Police told The SUN the maid was cleaning a car when she collapsed. People at the carpark who saw her lying unconscious beside a bucket and her cleaning gear called an ambulance.

Police said paramedics who arrived at the scene rushed her to Prince of Wales Hospital but she was certified dead after arrival.

Suspended barrister named in deception case

Ody Lai and Ester Ylagan during happier times.

By Daisy CL Mandap

Former employment agency owner Ester Ylagan has accused her ertswhile friend, suspended Filipino barrister Ody Lai Pui-yim, of using deception to have an Aberdeen flat she used to co-own with her husband (now deceased), to be transferred in Lai’s name.

The allegation was made by Ylagan in a complaint she made to the Central Police Station on Dec. 5, 2017, a copy of which she supplied to The SUN.

The SUN tried to get Lai’s comment on the complaint via email last January 23, and alerted her to the email subsequently on a group chat on messenger, but received no reply.

However, shortly after The SUN's printed version of this story was published yesterday, Feb 1, Lai posted in her Facebook accounts in the name of "Ydo Lai" and "Ody Apostol Lai" a vigorous denial of Ylagan's claim, saying in part: "I have nothing to do with scamming anyone  not even Ester who was supposed to be a friend. Police has no actionable complaints against me that warrants investigation."

Lai also warned: "This is pure DEFAMATION on my person just to sell a story and I now warn The SUN of the consequences of your news". 

Lai's FB post

The two women used to be close friends, and were both officers of the group Club Filipino Hong Kong. Lai, 56, was the founder/chair of the organization, and Ylagan, 65, was president.

In her 4-page cautioned statement, Ylagan said she consulted Lai in July 2016 about the money claims filed against her by some 200 job applicants who were unable to take up the jobs that she had promised them in Canada and Britain.

Ylagan said, “As far as I know, Ody was a barrister and I thus trusted her that she would represent me in settling the case. Ody was supposed to help me refund the applicants upon selling my property in Aberdeen. I co-owned a property with my late husband, and it was situated at Flat D., 6/F, Block 2, Waterfront South, No. 1 Yue Wok Street, Aberdeen Hong Kong. My husband and I purchased the flat in 2000 for about $2.38 million and it was a 2-bedroom flat with sea view.”

 Later, Ylagan said she again met with Lai in a Chinese restaurant in Tai Koo Shing to consult her about the sale of the Aberdeen flat.

 “Ody then asked me to transfer the property to my son and let Ody sell the property so the money will be used to refund the applicants. I trusted Ody and listened to her. Later, I recalled that my son Michael had brought a set of documents regarding the property transfer for my signature. I signed without looking into them in details. In Nov. 2017, I asked my son what happened to the property and he told me it was transferred to Ody because he does not know how to sell the property.”

After agreeing on the sale of the flat, Lai allegedly told Ylagan to go back to the Philippines “to rest”. Lai allegedly told Ylagan that the police in Hong Kong were set to arrest her so she was not to stay in one place in the Philippines and to change her name.

Ylagan also alleged that Lai told her delete all her whatsapp, viber and Facebook accounts and to stop communicating with anyone.

Later, Ylagan said she asked why she needed to stay in the Philippines, and Lai allegedly answered that it was because she didn’t have enough money to fight the case and she didn’t have a strong defense.

“She told me for sure that if I return to Hong Kong I would for sure go to jail if they could prove my criminal intent.”

At that time, Lai had already been suspended from practicing as a barrister. A decision handed down on Sept. 26, 2016 by the Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal found Lai guilty on all 10 charges filed against her by the Bar Council, and suspended her from practicing as a barrister for four years, and pay a penalty of $200,000 plus costs. The decision can be found here:
http://www.hkba.org/sites/default/files/Reasons%20for%20Sentence%2020160926_0.pdf

On March 3, 2017 Lai reportedly contacted Ylagan in the Philippines and told her to sign documents authorizing the barrister to withdraw money from her MPF account in Hong Kong “to pay back the applicants and legal fee”.

Lai allegedly sent Ylagan via courier a set of documents which included a “Statutory Declaration for Claims of Payment, request for policy surrender and MPF forms.

“However, after I sent all those documents (back) to Ody, I have never heard from her anymore,” said Ylagan in her statement.

Later, Ylagan said she learned from her son Michael that only $90,000 was left in her MPF account.

She also learned from The SUN that the cases filed against her by her job applicants were still ongoing. “I was shocked because I thought Ody is working on the case for me and I was speechless when I saw myself on the news,” she said in her statement.

Realizing that nothing was done to settle her cases, Ylagan said she contacted the HK Police and asked for an interview to clarify the matter.

She also contacted her son Michael who had gone abroad by then, to ask why the flat was transferred to Lai’s name. Michael reportedly told his mother that Lai would return the property after three years, and that they could deal with the matter then. Michael also allegedly told Ylagan that Lai did not pay for the property.

Ylagan said she had not tried to contact Lai since her return to Hong Kong because “I am very scared of Ody and she would go mad if she even knew I have returned to Hong Kong.”

Ylagan said she also learned that Lai had been suspended from practicing as a barrister.

High Court allows legal aid for Ylagan's claimants

The High Court has cleared the way for legal aid to be granted to around 200 Filipinos suing to claim more than $2 million from Ester Ylagan, the employment agency owner who promised them non-existent jobs in Canada and Britain.

The decision to allow the appeal against the Legal Aid Director’s decision rejecting the application of the claimants was reached during a chambers hearing on Jan. 18. It is  believed to be the first time legal aid was granted in a class action suit.

Solicitor Melville Boase represented the Mission for Migrant Workers in the appeal.

Mission case officer Edwina Antonio told The SUN: “Akala kasi ng Legal Aid e sisingilin sila para sa bawat aplikante, pero sinabi ni Mr Boase na kami na ang gagawa ng paperwork kaya hindi ganoon kalaki lalabas ang bayad sa legal fee.”

A total of 129 claims against Ylagan and her defunct company, Mike’s Secretarial Service, are pending at the District Court where they were transferred from the Small Claims Tribunal.

Twenty-one claimants had managed to win their claims before the transfer. The next hearing of the cases before the DC has been set to March 2 this year.

The court was also told that Ylagan had returned to Hong Kong, offering to settle the claims if she could recover the Aberdeen flat she used to co-own with her late husband, Rick, who died in October last year.

In its reasons for rejecting the application, the Legal Aid Department cited Ylagan’s unknown whereabouts as one of the grounds, apart from the failure of the claimants to show receipts of the money they paid the recruiter.

Ylagan returned to Hong Kong in December last year, and filed a police complaint  claiming the flat identified as Flat D, 6/F, Block 2, Waterfront South, Aberdeen was obtained by her friend, suspended barrister  Ody Lai Pui-yi, through deception.

A search by the Legal Aid Department showed Ylagan had bought the flat with her husband in November 2000 for $2.37 million. The property was transferred in the name of their son, Ridge Michael on July 23, 2016, for $2.6 million. Then on March 20, 2017, it was further transferred to Lai for a consideration of $5 million.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong Police has reportedly given notice to some of the claimants that it is now ready to start investigating their fraud complaint against Ylagan, who disappeared just before the Small Claims Tribunal started hearing the cases against her in mid-July 2016.

The police had earlier declined to get the complainants’ statement, saying Ylagan had filed a complaint on July 8, 2016, saying she herself had been duped into sending $4.19 million to someone who used the names William Clinton Erich and William Clinton James on Facebook. Ylagan claimed $2 million of this came from her own personal funds.

In the complaint, a copy of which Ylagan furnished to The SUN, the veteran recruiter said she communicated with Clinton James only through the email he gave her: visagent@gmail.com.”. She had no mobile numbers or address for the agent. Despite this, she complied with his order to send money through Moneygram and Western Union to five people with African-sounding names who lived in Burkina Faso. She said she made 86 remittances in total to the given accounts.

Ylagan said she did not profit from the apparent scam. But the unknown agent promised her a UK passport, 15 return tickets to London, and an “opportunity to explore the UK business market,” in exchange for her recruiting hundreds of applicants for the non-existent jobs.

At the time she remitted the $4.19 million, Ylagan said she had recruited 400 applicants. She stopped when she was asked to increase the number to 650, then 800.

Each applicant to Britain was asked to pay $10,000 and $15,000 for those applying to Canada. A leaflet Ylagan had circulated said “any jobs” were available in the two destinations, causing hundreds of applicants who had relied on her reputation as a 30-year veteran of the recruitment business, to swamp her World Wide shop in Central between January to May, 2016.