Govt goes after recruiter of OFW kept in Kuwait freezer

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has begun looking at the possible liabilities of the Filipino recruiters of Joanna Demafelis, the 29-year-old worker who was killed and kept in a freezer in an abandoned house for one year in Kuwait.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said President Duterte had tasked the NBI to summon Demafelis’ recruiters.

The International Police had arrested Demafelis’ employers, Nader Essam Assaf, a Lebanese, and his wife Mona Hassoun.

Hassoun is in the custody of Syrian authorities in Damascus.

Roque said the government hopes the couple would be prosecuted and punished the soonest time possible.

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said they expect Kuwaiti authorities would request the extradition of Assaf to stand trial for murder in Kuwait.

“Assaf’s arrest is a critical first step in our quest for justice for Joanna and we are thankful to our friends in Kuwait and Lebanon for their assistance,” Cayetano said.

He has confirmed that Lebanese authorities already have custody of Assaf.

Citing an initial report from Philippine ambassador to Kuwait Renato Villa, Cayetano said Hassoun was arrested with her husband in Syria where the two fled after leaving Kuwait last year.

Kuwaiti authorities discovered early this month the battered body of Demafelis inside a freezer in the couple’s abandoned apartment.

Cayetano said the DFA and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) would follow President Duterte’s instructions to vigorously pursue justice for Demafelis.

Duterte visited Demafelis’ wake in Sara town, Iloilo last Thursday, vowing to seek justice as he lashed out at Kuwait for its slow-paced action on the murder of the Filipino worker.

The victim’s mother Eva had said they went to the recruitment agency that sent Demafelis to Kuwait after they lost contact with her in 2016. She found out that the recruitment agency was ordered shut down for numerous violations.

Demafelis was recruited by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Global E-Human Resources Inc., which was shut down in 2016.

The foreign recruitment agency that handled Demafelis’ deployment was Fadilah Farz Kaued Al Khodor Recruitment Office, currently on the watchlist of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) because of a pending case, according to a report on CNN Philippines.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the recruitment agency would be held accountable “civilly or administratively” for what happened to Demafelis.

“Unless the Kuwaiti police have evidence to link them to the violent death of Joanna, in that case they could be held criminally liable. We will look for them,” Bello said.

Authorities said some 252,000 Filipinos work in Kuwait, many as domestic helpers. They are among over two million Filipinos employed in the region, whose remittances are a lifeline to the nation’s economy.

About 10 million Filipinos work overseas and their treatment abroad is often a political issue at home.

Since the Philippine government stopped the deployment of workers to Kuwait five weeks ago, it has also repatriated Filipinos from Kuwait.

The Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, has so far brought home a total of 1,540 Filipinos from Kuwait for free.

Filreflex celebrates 13th anniversary

By Ellen Asis

The Filipino Reflexologist and Massage Therapists Association (Filreflex) celebrated its 13th year anniversary on Feb. 11 at the Bayanihan Centre in Kennedy Town with the induction of its new officers, led by Lilia Ranas, a University of the Philippines graduate and a registered nurse.

Administering the oath of office was Vice Consul Robert Quintin, who congratulated the new officers, and encouraged them to continue their mission of providing service, and of being good examples to their fellow Filipinos.

Also in attendance was Florence Belenario, one of the pioneers of the group who said she will continue helping the group provide the service they are best known for, which is massage.

One should not underestimate the healing power of massage, she said, as this helps relieve the bodily pain experienced by many Filipina domestic workers because of their long hours of work.

Belenario also encouraged the new members to keep improving their massage therapy skill as this could help them earn a decent living when they decide to go back home in the Philippines.

Filreflex is the first wellness massage group to be organized in Hong Kong. It was founded in 2005 by a group of Filipinos with a background in the medical field, and were passionate about providing service through massage.

Many of these founding members now own spa salons in the Philippines where they get to apply the skills that they have learned in Hong Kong.

Aside from Ranas, who was sworn in as president of the group, the other officers are Fredalyn Palgue, vice president; Ellen Almacin general secretary; Susan Basiga, assistant secretary: Soledad Generallo, treasurer; Maritess Malones, auditor; Erna Orilla and Maribel Portible, PROs, Alicia Naoha, sergeant-at-arms; Salveh Tapel, muse; and Florence Belenario, Susan Genova, Genevy Carillo, Lota Reyes, Ana Liza Ezmeralda, members of the board of directors; and Reina Castronuevo, adviser.

Filreflex is inviting everyone who wants to learn massage, with or without prior experience, to call Lilia Ranas at telephone number 6421 4994.

NGO blasts Court for rejecting challenge to live-in rule

By The SUN Staff

A non-government organization advocating for migrant workers’ rights has expressed disappointment over the High Court’s rejection of a bid by a Filipina domestic worker to challenge the legality of the mandatory live-in requirement.

The Mission for Migrant Workers said in a statement issued on Feb. 14 that the court’s decision upheld the “inhuman treatment” of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong.

“With this decision, the High Court has turned its back against 3 out of every 5 FDWs who endure either alternative accommodation arrangements or their designated bedroom serves other multiple functions in the household.” said Johannie Tong, the Mission’s community relations officer.

“They have also forgotten the 1 in every 50 FDWs who sleeps in areas such as toilets, storage rooms, stock room or warehouse, backdoor, basement, balcony, roof, computer room, study room, music room, closet, dressing room, or in a room with just a divider for her sleeping space.”

In his decision, Court of First Instance Judge Anderson Chow said the Filipino applicant in the case failed to provide sufficient proof that the live-in policy is illegal and breaches the rights of foreign domestic helpers.

Judge Chow said that the Immigration policy to let the maids live with their employers is a matter that FDHs helpers could accept or not, even before they come to Hong Kong.

“If, prior to coming to Hong Kong, he/she considers the Live-In Requirement to amount to an unacceptable invasion of his/her personal or private rights, he/she can of course choose to remain in  his/her home country, or work in some other countries which do not have such requirement,” said Judge Chow in his judgment.

Then, after coming to Hong Kong, the FDW finds the policy unacceptable, he or she can still terminate the employment contract by giving a month’s notice, said the judge.

The applicant, domestic helper Nancy A. Lubiano, sought a judicial review of the rule in 2016, saying it was unconstitutional and breached the rights of helpers.

On Sept. 13 last year, she sought to amend her notice for a judicial review and serve a second affidavit in support of her application, but both these were rejected by Judge Chow in his decision.

But the judge allowed a request by Lubiano’s lawyers that her personal details be not disclosed to the public. 

The Filipina advanced four grounds to support her legal challenge: 1) the Immigration Director does not have legal authority to impose the live-in rule; 2) the requirement heightens the risk of a breach of fundamental rights and is, therefore, unconstitutional; 3) the policy is discriminatory against domestic helpers or migrant workers; and 4) the implementation of the policy without any general exception is irrational and unlawful.

Chow said that the live-in requirement is a matter of contract between the employer and FDH, and as between the employer/FDH and the Director, it is an “undertaking” given by the former as an eligibility criterion for the issuance of a FDH visa.

“The Applicant’s alternative argument is premised on the assumption that the Director cannot impose the Live-in Requirement as a condition of stay. I do not accept this contention,” said Chow.

He said the live-in requirement should be regarded as a “functional requirement” of the FDH’s employment. The migrant workers were allowed to come in to fill a vacuum left by local domestic workers who did not want to live with their employers.
He noted that the live-in requirement has always been part of the FDH importation scheme, but was only included as part of their employment contracts on April 1, 2003.
However, a general exception was made at that time for employers who obtained the Director of Immigration’s approval to let their FDHs live out prior to this date. These employers are still allowed this exemption, so long as they continue to employ helpers without a break of more than six months.

“Currently, there are approximately only 30 such employers being allowed to employ live-out FDHs,” said Judge Chow.

Regarding the issue of fundamental rights, the judge said the applicant failed to show that the policy has given rise to a significant or serious risk of violation of a fundamental right.

Paul Hsieh, SC, for the applicant, cited “servitude” and “forced or compulsory labor” as the potential violations, but Chow said these are not defined in the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.

On the ground that the policy is discriminatory, Chow said there is enough relevant difference between FDHs and imported workers admitted under the Supplementary Labor Scheme to justify the different treatment.

The judge said FDHs are admitted for the purpose of providing live-in domestic service, so they are expected to live with their employers, unlike other workers who are not admitted for such purpose.

“I do not consider the pursuit of societal interest in the importation of workers to provide live-in
domestic service in Hong Kong can be said to result in an unacceptably harsh burden on FDHs,” the judge said, rejecting Lubiano’s ground.

Chow also brushed aside the argument that the live-in requirement heightens the risk of ill-treatment of FDHs by their employers. “While the fact that the FDH is living in the employer’s residence would mean that there may be more opportunities for the employer to apply ill-treatment on FDH if the employer is minded to do so, I am by no means satisfied that the risk of ill-treatment is unacceptably or significantly increased by the fact that the FDH is living in the employer’s residence,” he said.

Chow also dismissed the argument that the Director is being irrational or is wrong in not using his discretion in allowing for exceptions to the live-in requirement for FDHs.

Lubiano, who was on Legal Aid, to pay the costs of the application,was represented by Paul Hsieh SC and Earl Deng, on instructions by Daly, Ho and Associates.

Child-care training aims to turn out professional amahs

By Vir B. Lumicao

Some 300 domestic workers are targeted to become professional child carers in an upcoming free training program that will teach them the difference between child discipline and care, and possibly save them from jail.

Labor Attaché Jalilo dela Torre told The SUN that for the long term, the training would prepare the participants for the Hong Kong government’s plan to allow families to hire certified foreign caregivers.

But he said the seminar workshops, to be conducted by Next Chapters president Christina Themar, was not going to be held in cooperation with the Hong Kong government.

The child carers, like the helpers who are being trained for dementia patient care, would be able to earn TESDA certification that could qualify them for care-giving jobs, Dela Torre said.

He said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority would assess the trainees after the program, which begins on Mar 11 and finishes in December.

The four-hour seminar-workshop will be held every second Sunday of the month at the new POLO site at Mass Mutual Building in Wanchai. The training will start with a maximum of 30 participants per session.

More than preparing domestic workers for the caregiver jobs, Dela Torre said the program was initiated because of the worrying rise in the number of domestic workers going to jail for allegedly ill-treating their young wards.

“Dumarami na kasi ang mga kababayan nating nakukulong dahil hindi maka-distinguish between child discipline and child care,” the official rued.

“Kasi nga, dahil sa cultural differences natin. Sa atin, puwede na ang palu-palo, kurot, ganyan. Dito, kapag nahuli ka sa CCTV, naku, sa kulungan ka,” he added.

Hong Kong laws consider ill treatment of children as child abuse. Several Filipinas have been jailed over the past few years for laying a hand on their wards.

Since January this year, at least three Filipinas have been charged in court with “ill-treatment or neglect of a child” and their cases are still pending resolution.

A memorandum of understanding for the professional development of child carers was signed on Feb 14 by Next Chapters president Christina Themar and welfare officer Judith Santos of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Hong Kong.

Labatt Dela Torre said OWWA would pay for the services of Themar, the resource person,.

He said domestic workers with child-care duties must also know what their rights are, as they learn how to take care of children professionally. He said the training program would also professionalize the domestic workers who enroll in the seminar workshop.

A training program for helpers who are taking care of persons with dementia is already being offered by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. 

Other projects lined up for OFWs are a two-Sunday free seminar on how to cope with suicidal depression to be offered by The Good Samaritans, and a planned “Know Your Rights” seminar in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong.

The seminar “Coping with Suicidal Depression and Grief” was to be held on two Sundays, Feb 25 and Mar 4 at POLO.

NGO blasts Court for rejecting challenge to live-in rule

By The SUN Staff

A non-government organization advocating for migrant workers’ rights has expressed disappointment over the High Court’s rejection of a bid by a Filipina domestic worker to challenge the legality of the mandatory live-in requirement.

The Mission for Migrant Workers said in a statement issued on Feb. 14 that the court’s decision upheld the “inhuman treatment” of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong.

“With this decision, the High Court has turned its back against 3 out of every 5 FDWs who endure either alternative accommodation arrangements or their designated bedroom serves other multiple functions in the household.” said Johannie Tong, the Mission’s community relations officer.

“They have also forgotten the 1 in every 50 FDWs who sleeps in areas such as toilets, storage rooms, stock room or warehouse, backdoor, basement, balcony, roof, computer room, study room, music room, closet, dressing room, or in a room with just a divider for her sleeping space.”

In his decision, Court of First Instance Judge Anderson Chow said the Filipino applicant in the case failed to provide sufficient proof that the live-in policy is illegal and breaches the rights of foreign domestic helpers.

Judge Chow said that the Immigration policy to let the maids live with their employers is a matter that FDHs helpers could accept or not, even before they come to Hong Kong.

“If, prior to coming to Hong Kong, he/she considers the Live-In Requirement to amount to an unacceptable invasion of his/her personal or private rights, he/she can of course choose to remain in  his/her home country, or work in some other countries which do not have such requirement,” said Judge Chow in his judgment.

Then, after coming to Hong Kong, the FDW finds the policy unacceptable, he or she can still terminate the employment contract by giving a month’s notice, said the judge.

The applicant, domestic helper Nancy A. Lubiano, sought a judicial review of the rule in 2016, saying it was unconstitutional and breached the rights of helpers.

On Sept. 13 last year, she sought to amend her notice for a judicial review and serve a second affidavit in support of her application, but both these were rejected by Judge Chow in his decision.

But the judge allowed a request by Lubiano’s lawyers that her personal details be not disclosed to the public. 

The Filipina advanced four grounds to support her legal challenge: 1) the Immigration Director does not have legal authority to impose the live-in rule; 2) the requirement heightens the risk of a breach of fundamental rights and is, therefore, unconstitutional; 3) the policy is discriminatory against domestic helpers or migrant workers; and 4) the implementation of the policy without any general exception is irrational and unlawful.

Chow said that the live-in requirement is a matter of contract between the employer and FDH, and as between the employer/FDH and the Director, it is an “undertaking” given by the former as an eligibility criterion for the issuance of a FDH visa.

“The Applicant’s alternative argument is premised on the assumption that the Director cannot impose the Live-in Requirement as a condition of stay. I do not accept this contention,” said Chow.

He said the live-in requirement should be regarded as a “functional requirement” of the FDH’s employment. The migrant workers were allowed to come in to fill a vacuum left by local domestic workers who did not want to live with their employers.

He noted that the live-in requirement has always been part of the FDH importation scheme, but was only included as part of their employment contracts on April 1, 2003.

However, a general exception was made at that time for employers who obtained the Director of Immigration’s approval to let their FDHs live out prior to this date. These employers are still allowed this exemption, so long as they continue to employ helpers without a break of more than six months.

“Currently, there are approximately only 30 such employers being allowed to employ live-out FDHs,” said Judge Chow.

Regarding the issue of fundamental rights, the judge said the applicant failed to show that the policy has given rise to a significant or serious risk of violation of a fundamental right.

Paul Hsieh, SC, for the applicant, cited “servitude” and “forced or compulsory labor” as the potential violations, but Chow said these are not defined in the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.

On the ground that the policy is discriminatory, Chow said there is enough relevant difference between FDHs and imported workers admitted under the Supplementary Labor Scheme to justify the different treatment.

The judge said FDHs are admitted for the purpose of providing live-in domestic service, so they are expected to live with their employers, unlike other workers who are not admitted for such purpose.

“I do not consider the pursuit of societal interest in the importation of workers to provide live-in domestic service in Hong Kong can be said to result in an unacceptably harsh burden on FDHs,” the judge said, rejecting Lubiano’s ground.

Chow also brushed aside the argument that the live-in requirement heightens the risk of ill-treatment of FDHs by their employers. “While the fact that the FDH is living in the employer’s residence would mean that there may be more opportunities for the employer to apply ill-treatment on FDH if the employer is minded to do so, I am by no means satisfied that the risk of ill-treatment is unacceptably or significantly increased by the fact that the FDH is living in the employer’s residence,” he said.

Chow also dismissed the argument that the Director is being irrational or is wrong in not using his discretion in allowing for exceptions to the live-in requirement for FDHs.

Lubiano, who was on Legal Aid, to pay the costs of the application,was represented by Paul Hsieh SC and Earl Deng, on instructions by Daly, Ho and Associates.

laging upo ang ulam niya

Si Emilyn ay isang dalagang Ilongga, 32 taong gulang. Sabi niya para makatikim ng kaunting kaginhawahan ang kanyang.mga magulang at mga kapatid ay nakipagsapalaran siyang magpunta ng Hong Kong at nagbayad ng Php40k bilang processing fee.

Ngayong Abril ay matatapos na ang kanyang kontrata sa mga among Intsik na may anak na pitong taon at limang taong gulang at nakatira sa Kowloon, at nag-iisip siya ng mabuti kung pipirma pa siyang muli ng kontrata sa kanila.

Hindi mayaman ang kanyang mga amo, pero hindi naman din mahirap. Gayunpaman, sa halos dalawang taon niya sa kanila ay halos panay tsikwa o upo ang pinapapaulam sa kanya araw araw. Minsan ay walang sahog kundi puro tsikwa lang ang kanyang ulam kaya walang kalasa-lasa.

Sa isip niya kahit sana chicken powder man lang ang isangkap nila. Hindi naman siya mapili at ayaw magreklamo, pero sana man lang daw ay may lasa ang ipinapakain sa kanya.

Ang payo ng kanyang mga kaibigan, kung maayos naman ang pakikitungo ng mga amo sa kanya ay magtiis na lang siya at bumili ng ekstrang pagkain para hindi ganahan siyang kumain. Sa isip naman ni Emily, kung may makita siyang amo na mukhang hindi kuripot sa pagkain ay lilipat na lang siya at baka maapektuhan pa ang kalusugan niya dahil sa kulang siya sa sustansya. – Merly T. Bunda

Hinipuan ng amo

Si Elena, 34 taong gulang at taga Calinog, Iloilo, ay dali-daling bumalik sa Pilipinas kamakailan kahit mahigit isang buwan pa lang sa Hong Kong dahil sa takot sa kung ano ang gawin sa kanya ng among lalaki.

Dumating siya dito noong Dis 23 at nagtrabaho sa mag-asawang intsik na parehong taga Mainland China. Bihira sa Hong Kong ang among lalaki dahil nasa China ang trabaho, kaya sila lang ng kanyang amo at alagang bata ang laging pumupunta doon para dumalaw sa lalaki.

Nitong bumalik sila doon mula Peb 16 hanggang Peb 24 para sa Chinese New Year ay binalot si Elena ng takot nang pilitin siya ng among lalaki na makipagtalik. Diring diri si Elena dahil pinaghihipo siya ng amo na mabaho pa ang hininga.

Napigilan lang ang lalaki nang balaan ni Elena na magsusumbong siya sa asawa nito. Sumenyas ang lalaki na huwag siyang magsusumbong  bago lumayo.

Pero magmula nang gawin ito ng amo ay hindi na makapagtulog ang Pilipina. Ang pakiramdam niya ay diring diri siya sa sarili. Kumunsulta siya sa isang kaibigan para maki chat kung ano ang kanyang gagawin at sinabihan siya na isulat niya sa isang diary ang lahat ng mga nangyari sakaling kailangan na niyang magsumbong para may ebidensya siya kahit paano, at para matandaan niyang lahat ang mga detalye. Sinabihan din siya na sisiguraduhin na hindi makalapit ang among lalaki na mag-isa lang siya.

Sinunod naman ni Elena ang bilin hanggang makabalik sila ng among babae sa Hong Kong.

Kinabukasan ay nagkita si Elena at ang kanyang tagapayo sa assistance to nationals section ng Konsulado dahil sinabihan daw siya ng among babae na i-renew ang kanyang visa sa China at babalik na naman daw sila doon ngayong Marso.

Ayon sa isang opisyal ng ATN kailangan na niyang magsumbong sa Hong Kong Immigration. Kapag nandoon na daw siya ay tumawag siya at  pupuntahan siya doon para tulungang magpaliwanag.

Imbes sundin ang payo ay nagpasya si Elena na magpaalam na lang sa among babae. Gumawa siya ng katakot-takot na dahilan para pumayag ito, at suwerte naman na pinayagan siya at binilhan pa ng tiket.

Hindi na isinumbong pa ni Elena ang ginawa ng among lalaki para wala nang gulo. Kinabukasan din ng umaga, Peb. 26, ay lumipad siya pauwi sa Iloilo. Nagpasalamat siya sa mga nagpayo sa kanya pero minabuti niyang umuwi na lang agad at baka tuluyan na siyang mapahamak. Sumumpa siyang hindi na aalis ulit para magtrabaho sa labas ng  bansa. – Merly T. Bunda

Women’s Day protest denounces ‘slave-like’ condition of domestic workers in HK

Women workers march to Immigration offices
(photo by Aaron Ceradoy)

Dozens of protesters marked International Women’s Day today, Mar. 8, by marching to the HK Immigration offices in Wanchai to protest policies they claim keep migrant workers working like slaves in the city.

The protesters said these policies included the ban on their alleged “job-hopping”, the mandatory live-in arrangement, and the two-week rule that mandates migrant workers to leave Hong Kong within two weeks after they lost their jobs. 

Highlighting some of their concerns
(Photo by Aaron Ceradoy)

"We too are women workers with rights and yet, many HK policies bind us to conditions that practically make us slaves,” said a statement issued by the protest organizers, Asian Migrants Coordinating Body (AMCB-IMA HK).

The group said the limitations on their stay have led to abuses, some of them extreme, as in the case of Indonesian domestic worker Erwiana Sulistyaningsih.

"We are women workers bound by to slave treatment set and perpetuated by policies of Hong Kong on domestic workers to purposely keep our work cheap and undervalued, and our rights curtailed,” said AMCB spokesperson Sringatin.

Such exploitation, she said, capitalizes on the prevailing poverty and unemployment in the workers’ home countries that forced them to leave home and endure harsh living and working conditions.

Sunday's protest was against Phil govt policies
(photo from Gabriela HK)

On Sunday, militant protesters led by Gabriela Hong Kong assailed what they called the anti-women and anti-poor policies of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

The protesters said women should now arise and speak out, since Duterte has cast aspersion on their dignity, and has used them to lure tourists into the country.

They cited in particular his “joke” about soldiers being allowed to rape up to three women each, or to shoot women members of the National People’s Army in their genitals to render them inutile.

The protesters also condemned Duterte’s move to amend the Constitution so he could allegedly perpetuate himself in power, and his new taxation scheme that has jacked up prices of prime commodities. 

High Court hears 2 Pinay asylum seekers’ appeal for judicial review

A High Court judge has breathed hope into a Filipina asylum-seeker’s bid to overturn a Torture Claims Appeal Board decision rejecting her application for non-refoulement.

Judge Amanda Woodcock, summarizing Marierol M. Puno’s application, said she would consider the applicant’s reasons for seeking a judicial review.

“You said the Torture Claim Appeals Board did not grant your appeal hearing and you didn’t get a letter asking you to make a submission,” the judge said. She added that did not reflect a high standard of court service.

Puno had said the board failed to consider relevant information; did not show cultural sensitivity; did not take into account actual conditions in the Philippines and the abuses that were happening there.

Puno brought her baby boy to the courtroom and was told by Woodcock to either sit down or carry the baby standing “to keep him under control”.

The judge said she would consider Puno’s reasons. “When I’ve made my decision, I will send you a letter,” she told the applicant.

Also seeking a judicial review of a TCAB ruling on her application on Mar 6 was Emilyn Mapili, whose earlier application for leave to appeal was rejected by the High Court on the ground that her reasons were not convincing.

Woodcock questioned Mapili for several minutes about her compliance with court instructions following the hearing on her latest application in October last year.

The judge said she wrote the applicant on Dec 19 telling her about her leave to appeal. In that letter, Woodcock said, she was telling Mapili to offer reasons for her application. But, instead of complying, the Filipina went to Legal Aid, the judge said.

Mapili replied that she received the judge’s letter only a day after she had approached Legal Aid because she had an application for bail. She showed the pink card that signified she had a pending application and other details.

But Woodcock told the Filipina the date on the pink card was Dec 20. “Why did it take you two months before filing this leave to appeal?” the judge asked.

Mapili said she could not understand the instructions so she asked her boyfriend, a certain Ershad Muhamad, to help her fill up the application form. She said the man had told her to wait two months before submitting the form.

Woodcock said she was holding her decision in reserve and inform the applicant by mail about her ruling.

Pinoy pleads not guilty to ‘indecent assault’

A Filipino maintenance man who has been charged in Eastern Court with two counts of indecent assault pleaded not guilty on Mar 5 to the alleged offenses.

The charges were laid by police against the defendant, Jesnar I. Bade, following a complaint by a Filipina domestic helper in Mid-Levels in July last year.

According to court records, the incident happened when the maid was asked by her employer to call an alarm system technician to troubleshoot an air conditioner.

Magistrate Bina Chainrai set a one-day trial for Mar 29.

Two exhibits presented by the prosecution as well as a cautioned statement will be challenged, the defense said.

Kuwait diplomat’s undocumented maid flies home after POLO rescue

 By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina helper hired by a Kuwaiti diplomat to work in his mother’s house in Kuwait City flew home tonight, Mar 6, after being rescued by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office from the employer’s Hong Kong residence four days earlier.

The 29-year-old mother was escorted to the Hong Kong International Airport by a POLO staff, she said.

Jenelyn Tawon called POLO on Mar 2 seeking the labor office’s help after realizing her visa in Hong Kong was for a visitor and did not allow her to work in the city legally.

“Kasi sa pagkakaalam ko, wala akong visa, illegal na ako. Wala namang sinasabi ang amo ko,” Jenelyn Tawon said to explain why she left her job.

Tawon, a mother of three teenagers, said she found out she was working in Hong Kong in breach of the law only when the diplomat and his family brought her along to Macau for a holiday in January.

Upon their re-entry into Hong Kong, Immigration officers inspected her passport lengthily that her employer got so upset. “Sabi nila wala akong record,” Tawon told The SUN in an interview.

That experience scared her because she had no work visa, and it prompted her to decide to leave her job.

“Kasi sa pagkakaalam ko, wala akong visa, illegal na ako. Wala namang sinasabi ang amo ko,”Tawon said.

She said in terms of working hours, she began doing her chores around 6am and finished at 3pm. But her complaint was that she had only one meal each day, not enough to sustain her for the day’s work.

In Kuwait, Tawon was paid 120 Kuwaiti dinar, equivalent to roughly PhP20,800 while in Hong Kong, she was paid $4,000, substantially below the $4,410 minimum wage for domestic workers.

She said the employer paid her salaries before she left. On Monday, the Kuwaiti delivered to POLO her plane ticket, but the Filipina found out only late in the day that it was only a Hong Kong-Manila passage and no onward ticket to General Santos City.

Tawon told The SUN she asked the employer to also provide a ticket for the connecting flight from Manila to GenSan, but the diplomat refused. That means she will have to buy the ticket on her own.

Tawon was hired by the diplomat through an agency named Non-Stop Employment Agency in GenSan and she flew to Kuwait on Oct 26 last year. After more than a month, the employer took her with his family to Hong Kong because the children were studying in the city.

She said in her less than five months’ stay with the employer, she could not go out except on Fridays, when she took her two young wards to the park because they had no classes.

“Kapag lumalabas kami ng mga bata ay gabi na. Hindi ako talaga makakalabas mag-isa,” the maid said.

But it was on one of those days when she met some Filipinas who heard about her situation and advised her to contact POLO. They gave her the number to call.  

So, on Mar 2, Tawon rang up POLO and Labor Attaché Jalilo dela Torre sent a staff to fetch her.

The Filipina said the diplomat agreed to release her when she told him somebody from the Consulate was coming to pick her up. The employer gave back her passport, which he had kept in line with the practice of employers in the Middle East.

Tawon said she had no claims against the employer. Meanwhile, she said she had not told her husband about her impending arrival. “Gusto ko i-surprise ang bana ko. Yung bunso ko lang pinagsabihan ko,” she said.

She said her husband is a farmer so they have livelihood in the province. “Maghahanap na lang ako ng work dito kung may pambayad na ako sa agency,” she said.

Light and darkness

 By Daisy C.L. Mandap

The past two weeks produced both good and bad news for our migrant workers.

First, the good news.  Hong Kong legislators finally passed a law that prescribes a prison term of up to three years for employment agency operators who commit either one of the two grievous sins: overcharging a job seeker, or operating without a license.

What’s more, the maximum fine for either offence was raised a whopping seven-fold, from $50,000 to $350,000.

This should put an end to the past anomaly of recruiters being fined a fraction of what they had collected from their applicants that they could virtually laugh their way out of a labour prosecution.

Also, the new measure makes it clear that yes, labour officers do have jurisdiction over people who do not bother to get licensed before offering all sorts of jobs to our workers.

In the past, we used to get shocked when labour officers would tell us that they could not go after an illegal recruiter because this person was not licensed by them. Then, when we’d try to help bring the matter to the police, we would be told they had no jurisdiction over the case either.

This caused us a lot of frustration, and even more grief, to victims of recruiters who must have realized that the easiest way to avoid liability is to simply duck from the sight of law enforcers.

Another heartening measure, though not entirely satisfactory, is the extension of the prescription period for filing a case against a rogue agency, from six months to 12 months.

We have long argued against this provision, as it allowed some of the most notorious recruiters hereabouts escape liability. All they had to do was to make the job applicant wait for at least six months for the placement that never came, or stagger the illicit payment to beyond this prescribed term, to escape prosecution.

All told, the new measures lend considerable teeth to the effort to protect migrant workers from unscrupulous recruiters.

Now, for the bad news. Just five days after these tough new laws were passed, a High Court judge came up with a bummer. He said the 15-year-old policy of making foreign domestic workers live with their employers could not be assailed in court.

Among his reasons were: 1) a maid from overseas can choose not to come here if she does not want to live with her employer; 2) it was really the intention of policymakers to make live-in mandatory but decided to make this clear only in 2003 when they included this requirement in the standard employment contract; 3) making workers live in close proximity to their employers does not heighten their vulnerability; meaning an abuser will always be an abuser, whether near or far away.

It does not take much effort to see how narrow-minded, even arrogant, this kind of approach to finding a solution to the long-standing problem of migrant workers being left vulnerable by making them live with their employers 24 hours a day, 6 days a week.

By asking them to uproot themselves and come here to do the work that most locals shun, the government has the responsibility to ensure that they are well protected, not just in terms of salary, but also insofar as their health and welfare is concerned.

And yet, migrants are not even asking for the total scrapping of the live-in arrangement, but simply to make it an option. This is just to ensure that some of them are spared the indignity of being made to sleep in all sorts of unimaginable places like tiny cubicles, storage rooms, common areas such as living rooms and kitchens, and even toilets.

When even a decent sleeping place is denied a migrant worker who is on call practically all day, shouldn’t we protest? When their work contract does not even stipulate the number of hours they should be working, shouldn’t we at least ensure that they have their own place where they can rest after a hard days’ work?

Is it too much to ask to allow them to live a bit more comfortably, just because they agreed to take on a job deemed lowly by many?

An appeal is definitely worth looking into. Until then, we should not stop fighting for what is right, and just, for our migrant workers.

DWC hikes for a cause

By Rodelia Villar

From an outdoor meet-up the previous day in Discovery Bay, members of the Domestic Workers Corner FB group successfully staged a charity hike to Dragons’ Back on Feb. 18, the third day of the lunar new year.

Hike participants take a rest in one of the stations in the route.

The funds raised by the 63 hikers all went to the medical expenses of Baby Alvhane Avert De Guzman of Tugatog, Malabon city, who at age 3, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and had a bone marrow transplant last Jan. 30.

Alvhane’s mother has been sharing pictures with the group of her baby who often has a cheerful smile despite the pain she has had to endure because of her illness. The group says the baby’s sunny disposition has sent positive vibes to members, especially those suffering from homesickness, even depression.

The hike raised a total of $3,685 for Alvhane. Members who couldn’t join the walk also pitched in, and raised $1,060. This was on top of the amounts raised by DMW from two events in October and December last year, which totaled $1,020.

According to Algean Tamayo, one of the participants, she was happy that she could do her bit for Alvhane that she didn’t feel at all tired from the long walk.

Cynthia Bolivar for her part said that she was excited to see so many people supporting the hike for a cause. On top of this, she was happy that she managed to see the beauty of nature through the hike.

Bolivar added that the foremost consideration in organizing the hike for a cause was that there should be unity within the group. Everyone was consulted about the mechanics of doing the event, such as allowing members to decide on how much they could contribute, and how they could keep themselves safe and well during the trek.

The hike finished at 2pm, and the group members thanked everyone who supported them, especially those who offered prayers for the success of the event. – Rodelia Villar

CNY at the beach: Some members of Domestic Workers Corner went to Discovery Bay to have some fun on the 2nd day of Chinese New Year on Feb. 17. They had meals together, and also played badminton and volleyball. The members traveled to DB Bay from different parts of Hong Kong so they could take advantage of the relatively warm weather and do some outdoor activities. DWC is a Facebook group formed to help Filipina domestic workers, especially those who are in Hong Kong, cope with the daily demands of their often stressful work. 

2 Pinoys accused of going shopping with stolen card

By Vir B. Lumicao

Two Filipino residents appeared in Eastern Court on Feb. 14 to face multiple charges of theft and obtaining property by deception for using a stolen credit card to go on a shopping spree a year ago.

The two defendants, identified as Manuel Roldan, 49, who works as a waiter, and Edward Reyes, 50, a musician, appeared before Magistrate Bina Chainrai.

Roldan was charged with one count of theft and four counts of obtaining property by deception. Reyes faces three counts of obtaining property by deception. The charges were read to them but no plea was taken.

The prosecutor applied for the transfer of the case to the District Court and sought an adjournment of the hearing until Feb 28 to prepare for the transfer.

Court records show that on Mar 1 last year, Roldan stole a Bank of China Mastercard credit card owned by a certain Lam Chi-hau. 

He was charged with one count of theft after his arrest.

On the same day he got hold of the credit card, Roldan went to Cyber System Computer, a shop in 298 Computer Zone  in Wanchai and bought a laptop computer valued at $1,956.

He paid for the computer by representing himself as the genuine holder of the card, the report said. He was charged with obtaining property by deception for that transaction.

Roldan continued his shopping spree, this time joined by his friend Reyes. They bought a second laptop computer worth $3,750 at another Cyber System Computer shop at Wanchai Computer Centre using the card.

Next, Roldan and Reyes went to Wise Computer Technology Co also in Wanchai Computer Centre and bought a laptop computer valued at $3,330. They used the same card to pay for the purchase.

The pair’s final purchase using the stolen card was a bass guitar and an effect machine for guitar valued at $9,450 which they picked up at a Tom Lee Music shop at City Centre on Gloucester Road, Wanchai.

 The report did not say when or how Roldan and Reyes were arrested, but the prosecution did mention that the wife of the first defendant will be one of the prosecution witnesses.

Chainrai told the two to return on Feb 28 for the transfer hearing of their case.

Roldan and Reyes are out on bail but additional conditions were imposed by Chainrai.

Tougher sanctions on errant recruiters hailed

By Daisy CL Mandap

Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre has lauded the Hong Kong government’s recent move to make it a criminal offence for operators of employment agencies to overcharge job seekers or operate without a licence.

Under the amendment to the Employment Ordinance that was gazetted on Feb. 9, agency operators found guilty of either offence could be jailed for up to three years, and fined a maximum of $350,000.

Previously, the penalty did not include imprisonment, and the maximum penalty was only $50,000.

Domestic helpers during Sunday in Central.

A statement released by the Hong Kong government said: “The Ordinance will afford better protection to job-seekers, including foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) who may easily fall prey to dishonest EAs that overcharge them on commission as they may not be fully aware of their statutory rights. The Ordinance will also help enhance the service standards of EAs.”

Labatt dela Torre sees this as a move in the right direction.

“I welcome it (tightening of regulations). It seems that the Hong Kong Government is serious about placing a deterrence to misbehaviour by rogue agencies. We look forward to an uncompromising enforcement regime to ensure that the new law benefits our migrant workers,” he said.

An association of employment agency operators also reacted positively to the stricter sanctions.

Thomas Chan, chairman of the Hong Kong Union of Employment Agencies, said: “We welcome the move. From what we understand, most of those who violate the law are those agencies without accreditation from the Philippine or Indonesian government”.

But even if the violator is an accredited agency, Chan said: “They will have to bear the brunt of law enforcement”.

He also said it was time the government cracked down on recruiters who operate without a licence. “What I know is that quite a number of staff of agencies do this after leaving the agency, for Indonesian workers in particular.”

The more stringent rules came just over a year after the legislature passed a Code of Practice for EAs, with the warning that should this prove to be ineffective, tougher measures would be put in place.

Another significant amendment to the Ordinance was the extension of the time limit for filing a case of overcharging or unlicensed operation against an EA from six months to 12 months.

In the past, the shorter time bar often resulted in job applicants not being able to file a claim, as the recruiter would deliberately delay the processing of job applications, or make the fee payable by installment to beyond the prescribed period.

 In addition, the Ordinance has extended the liability for overcharging to agency managers and staff. Before this, only the registered operators of the agency could be held liable for the offence.

Another new provision allows the Commissioner for Labour additional grounds to consider refusing to issue or renew or revoking a licence; and provides him/her a legal basis to issue codes of practice for EAs.

In line with the amendments to the Ordinance, the Commissioner promulgated a revised Code of Practice for EAs which superseded the earlier one that took effect on Jan. 13, 2017. 

The amendments set out the service standards that EAs should observe in handling job-seekers’ passports or personal identification documents, and require EAs to remind employers to give information about the proposed accommodation to the worker before the contract is signed.

Kaunti na lang ay susuko na

Pagod na pagod na, at kaunting kaunti na lang ay susuko na daw sa trabaho si Becca, 49, at Ilongga. Sa kanyang kuwento, panay pasakit daw ang pamilya ng kanyang amo.

Ang among babae, super arte daw. Laging wala sa ayos ang ginagawa. Kahit mayroon namang mesang kainan, sa coffee table kakain. Imbes sa kuwarto, sa sala matutulog. Tapos, kahit may study room naman sila, sa dining table gumagawa ng Chinese calligraphy. Maraming beses na natutulog sa hapon, at pagsapit ng alas diyes ng gabi, biglang gagawa ng cookies. Natural, si Becca ang kailangang matira sa kusina para magligpit.

Ang isa pang dagdag pasanin ay ang kanyang mga alaga. Dati, pakainin lang niya ang mga ito ay tapos na. Ngayon na mas malalaki na sila at may nobyo at nobya na ay nadagdagan ang kanyang trabaho. Laging kaladkad ng mga ito ang mga kasintahan sa bahay para kumain at tumambay. Tuloy, dumoble ang kanyang hugasin at linilinis.

Gustong gusto na ni Becca na bumigay dahil sa pagod pero nag-aaral pa ang dalawa niyang anak, at walang pirming trabaho ang kanyang asawa. Ang panganay niya ay may isa pang taon sa kolehiyo samantalang ang bunso ay dalawang taon at kalahati pa.

Minsan habang nagpapahinga si Becca sa kusina ay napansin ni amo na mukhang pagod na pagod ito at malalim ang iniisip. Kinausap siya nito at sinabing kaunting tiis na lang dahil nagpaplano na daw bumukod ang panganay nitong anak, at ganoon din ang bunso dahil pareho nang engaged at balak nang magpakasal.

Hindi na daw magtatagal at sila na lang mag-asawa ang kanyang pagsisilbihan. Sa sinabi nito ay naibsan ng kaunti ang hirap at pagod ni Becca, na 16 taon nang naglilingkod sa pamilya ng amo. – George Manalansan

Maling bintang ng amo

Isa si Mila sa mga mahirap ang kalagayan sa amo. Sa walong buwang ipinagtrabaho niya ay walang araw na hindi siya nahahanapan ng mali ng amo. Isa pag sa mga problema niya ay lagi siyang pinagbibintangan ng amo na magnanakaw. Kahit anong bagay na hindi agad makita ng amo ay sinasabi na ninakaw niya.

Isang araw na naglilinis si Mila, hindi niya akalain na biglang magsisigaw ang amo, hanap ang kwintas na inilagay daw nito sa drawer. Dahil sanay na si Mila sa mga inaasta ng amo ay hindi niya ito masyadong pinansin, ngunit ganoon na lang ang gulat niya nang bigla itong magwala.

Pilit na pinahanap kay Mila ang kwintas sa buong bahay, pati na sa kuwarto niya. Pagod na pagod si Mila sa kakahanap at balisang-balisa dahil sa pagbibintang ng amo kahit alam naman niyang wala siyang kinuha na hindi kanya.

Dumating ang lola at pati ito ay pinaghanap sa nawawalang kuwintas pero wala silang nakita. Buong araw na panay sermon ang inabot ni Mila, kaya napaiyak siya na hindi alam ang gagawin.

Pagkatapos ng hapunan, habang naghuhugas ng pinagkanan si Mila sa kusina ay biglang pumasok ang amo, bitbit ang kuwintas na nailagay pala nito sa pitaka. Napaiyak sa sahig si Mila na umiiyak dahil hindi niya mapigilan na ilabas ang sama ng loob.

Humingi naman ng pasensiya ang amo sa kanya. Marahil dahil doon ay nagbango na ang pakikitungo ng amo kay Mila, at masaya naman siya dahil hindi na siya naghihirap tulad ng dati. Si Mila ay 42, tubong Capiz at nagtatrabaho sa Tsing Yi. – Rodelia Villar

“Singing While Filipino: Reflections on Authenticity and Labour” 
Lecturer: Dr. Anjeline de Dios, Lingnan University
April 9 (Monday), B5-417, AC1, Yeung Kin Man Academic Building, City University, HK. Organized by: South East Asia Research Centre, CityU HK. Open to the public

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

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 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.

What's on where

The Philippine Consulate General will be closed on the following dates:   
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)

Auditions for “Sayaw Pinoy” Performance
(Kapangyawan Friendship Festival)
PCG Conference Room. Registration Deadline: Feb. 25
Audition Schedules:
Mar. 4, (Sunday), 4-6pm: Maria Clara and Rural Suites
Mar. 11, 4-6pm, Cordillera and Muslim Suites
Groups are required to bring USB drive with their material in MP3 format. Details: PCG Cultural Section, 2823 8537

Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Classes
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

NOPT 18th Anniversary Celebration
Mar. 4, 12noon – 2pm, L’hotel, Tin Hau (MTR Exit A)
Motif: Black and white. Contact: Gemma Lauraya, 6169 5181

Magdalo Party HK Launch
Mar 4, 11am – 5pm, Metropark Hotel, Mong Kok. Special guest: Rep. Gary Alejano. Contact: Glady Ecleo Ayo, 5604 5267

MFMW Charity Raffle Draw
Mar 4, 6pm  Draw (Sale of raffle tickets ends at 5pm)
Our Center, St John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Road, Hong Kong.For tickets, call 2537 1333
Proceeds will go to the welfare and basic services for migrant domestic workers in crisis

Pinoy and Proud
Mar 4, 10:30 am – 5pm, Chater Road, Central
Organized by: Smart Pinoy

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

Coping with Suicide and Depression (Part 2)
Mar 4, 10am-4pm, Philippine Overseas Labor Office
16th floor, Mass Mutual Tower, Wanchai. Registration has ended.

Cocktails for a Cause
Mar 12, 7pm, Wanchai Stadium Bar Shop A3, Hay Wah Building 72-86 Lockhart Rd, Wanchai, HK ,Hosted by: Wimler Foundation

Understanding Hong Kong (Its traditions, values and what makes it tick)
Mar 18, 2pm-5pm, PCG Conference Room
Resource Speaker: Jason Ng, lawyer and author
Organized by: Wimler Foundation HK. To register, call Anna Regulacion, 6500 9288/ Lorna Mojica, 2823 8512

“Beyond Myself” Art Exhibition
Among those on display are works from the HK OFW group, “Guhit Kulay”. Ongoing until March 17, 2018
3rd floor, Vargas Museum, University of the Philippines, Diliman.
Organized by: Goldsmiths, University of London.
Partners: University of Hong Kong, Enrich HK, Scalibrini Migration Center and Vargas Museum.
Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm

Music of Love for Arthur
(A benefit show in memory of Art Manuntag)
Mar 25,  4pm-8pm, The Doghouse Kowloon
Organized by: HKMU & Friends

Migrant groups mark People Power anniversary

By Daisy CL Mandap

Representatives of more than 30 overseas Filipino workers associations in Hong Kong marched from Chater Road in Central to the Philippine Consulate offices in Admiralty on Feb. 25, to protest what they called as President Duterte’s tyrannical rule.

The march was organized by the Coalition Against Duterte’s Tyranny, which counts among its members leftist groups and other opposition organizations like The Yellow Warriors, Democratic Fighters and The Silent Majority Hong Kong.

In a statement, the group said they were united in their desire to stop Duterte from becoming a dictator like Ferdinand E. Marcos, who was toppled by People Power 32 years ago.

The protesters march from Central to the Philippine Consulate building in Admiralty.

“We cannot let Duterte become the despot that he wants himself to be. On this day 32 years ago, we succeeded in getting rid of a dictator. We can do it again,” their statement said.

Eman Villanueva, one of the rally organizers, threw scorn at the claim of Duterte and his supporters that they feel for overseas Filipino workers.

“Sa dami ng mga OFW na nagsuporta kay Duterte dito sa Hong Kong, mayroon na ba silang napakinabangang konkreto? E yung OEC nga, napakasimpleng papel, hindi maibigay sa mga OFW. Nangako pa ng iDOLE, gusto ding pabayaran. Noong nilabanan namin, ang gusto kunin naman ang pondo sa OWWA, na pera din ng OFW!”, he said.
He was referring to an earlier promise by Duterte and his labor secretary, Silvestre Bello III, to scrap the overseas employment certificate (OEC) that OFWs departing from the Philippines are required to have. Later, an OFW card called iDOLE was introduced as a replacement for OEC, but the promise to issue it starting December last year was not met.
Villanueva also hit out at Duterte for kowtowing to both the United States and China in his bid to maintain an iron-fist rule in the country.
The militant leader said the deference to China was due to a Php6-trillion loan that Duterte is trying to wangle from Beijing so he can fund his “build, build, build” program to accelerate economic growth.
“Ang tunay na kahulugan ng ‘build, build, build’ ni Duterte ay utang, utang, utang para sa gobyerno, kupit, kupit, kupit para sa mga pulitiko, at bayad, bayad, bayad para sa mga ordinaryong Pilipino,” said Villanueva.
Other speakers assailed Duterte for his campaign to change the Constitution so he can tighten his grip on power, his violent anti-drug campaign that has led to at least 13,000 mainly poor Filipinos getting killed, his attempts to stifle dissent and opposition by persecuting political opponents and human rights campaigners, and many other alleged misdeeds.
The protest, held just a few blocks where Duterte’s daughter Sara Duterte Carpio launched the HK arm of an alliance said to focus on giving help to needy Filipinos, ended with the handing of the unity statement to a Consulate representative.
It also coincided with the Hong Kong launch of the Tapang at Malasakit Alliance led by Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.