May nangangarap na mapunta sa US, may hindi

Naging matalik na magkaibigan sina Lyn at Susan na parehong hiwalay sa asawa, dahil iisa ang kanilang mga hilig, at parehong kasapi ng isang organisasyon sa Hong Kong. Nagkataon pa na pareho silang may kasintahan na nasa Amerika.

Matagal ng pine-petisyon si Lyn ng kanyang nobyo na isang Pinoy na naninirahan na sa Amerika pero ayaw niya dahil alam daw niyang kailangan niyang kumayod doon nang husto para mabuhay at mabili ang mga gusto.

Wala naman daw katiyakan na ibibigay lahat ng nobyo ang mga gusto niya, at higit sa lahat, iba pa rin ang may sariling pera. Magaan kasi ang trabaho niya sa Hong Kong, at kung tutuusin ay pwedeng pwede na siyang umuwi sa Pilipinas dahil nakapagtapos na at kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho na ang kanyang mga anak.

Kabaligtaran naman ang sitwasyon ni Susan dahil gustong gusto nito na pumunta ng Amerika pero hindi niyayaya ng kasintahan na Pinoy din. Ayon kay Susan, handa siyang gumastos para lang makapunta doon, pero sa ngayon ay marami pa siyang pinagkakagastusan dahil nasa kolehiyo pa ang dalawa niyang anak na mag-isa niyang itinataguyod.

Minsan, napapaisip si Susan na hiwalayan na an

g kasintahan at maghanap ng iba na handa siyang dalhin sa Amerika sa lalong madaling panahon. Payo ni Lyn kay Susan ay maghintay na muna dahil darating din ang pangarap nito na makapunta sa Amerika. Minsan tinutukso ni Susan na dapat ay nagkakilala sila ng nobyo ni Lyn dahil gusto itong ipetisyon pero ayaw naman, samantalang siya ay atat na atat nang makapunta doon.

Ayon naman kay Lyn, iba-iba lang talaga ang suwerte ng mga tao. – Ellen Asis

Filing of claims: some usual questions

While attending to fellow migrants seeking assistance at the Mission, many questions in their mind get in the way of pursuing cases. Their doubts cause apprehensions because most want an assurance that they can still stay in Hong Kong or leave and come back. They want to know if they can transfer employment, or if they are committing any offence if they pursue a case, or even if they cancel a case. This is very much understandable because it concerns the future of their family back home – the one thing that is most important to them.
What are these questions?

If I file claims against my employer in the Labour Department, will I still be allowed to work in Hong Kong?
The Labour Department attends to disputes between you and your employer. Meanwhile, the Immigration Department deals with your permission to stay in Hong Kong (visa) and the status of your stay.
Labour cases are not criminal in nature and they cannot be used as a ground to prevent you from staying or returning to Hong Kong even if it was you who initiated the termination of contract. In fact, some cases can be considered as “constructive termination” like when employers are deemed to have cut the contract through a violation of its provisions or making it hard for you to comply with your obligations.
If you win your claim for wage in lieu of notice for underpayment, or assault is the reason why you were compelled to terminate the contract, these are circumstances that may help convince the immigration officer about the reasonableness of your act.
So remember to claim all that is due you according to the contract. You may ask assistance from service providers like the Mission (2522-8264) to identify them.
But even if for some reason, you failed to explain well your grounds and you did not get what you are claiming at the Labour Department/Tribunal, you still did not commit a crime to make the Immigration Department prevent you from getting a new employment and come back to Hong Kong.
There are just some conditions that may be considered because the status of a foreign domestic worker (FDW) is bound by the contract that is restricted by several Immigration policies, one of which is the “New Conditions of Stay” (1987) or the so-called Two-week Rule. Employment status, length of stay, requirements to exit Hong Kong in-between contracts and related exceptional cases are bound by this rule.

Do I need a lawyer in the Labour Tribunal?
The Labour Tribunal (LT) was established to quickly resolve employer-employee disputes that were not resolved at the level of the Labour Relations Division (LRD). The LRD will refer the disputes to either Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board (MECAB) or LT, depending on the amount of claims.
Though it has the semblance of a formal court as far as the setting is concerned, it is more of an informal court in the sense that the only allowed parties in the tribunal are the Claimant, the Respondent and the Presiding Officer (acting like a judge in a formal court). Lawyers are not allowed to represent the Claimant nor the Respondent.
But submission of statements is required from both the Claimant (including his/her monetary claims and its computation) and the Respondent. Also, the questioning is allowed (so-called cross examination in formal courts), depending on the decision of the Presiding Officer, by either the Claimant or the Respondent in relation to the statements submitted to the Tribunal. Each item of the claims can be disputed.
The important thing here is because the Tribunal does not allow the presence of lawyers, then the FDW claimant must seek the assistance of institutions like the Mission to assist them on how to write their statement and prepare them for the hearing.

If I file claims against my employer, will they call the police to arrest me?
A labour claim is a civil one, meaning it is not criminal in nature. That is why it is being heard or attended to in a conciliation manner and not in the Court of Law. Even if the employer files a counter claim, it is done at the LRD and not the police. Police cases are criminal in nature while a labour claim is by and large a civil case/claim. The employer cannot use the employment contract provisions to file a swindling case, for example, which is criminal in nature. So, police intervention is just to prevent any untoward incident that might aggravate the situation and lead to a criminal one like physical assault.
But all the contract-related disputes will be resolved at either the LRD or MECAB or Labour Tribunal, not in a regular court. If you are threatened by the employer or by the placement agency by calling the police, ask why they were called and what the complaints are. If it is a crime they are accusing you of, say nothing to the police and let the one that called the police establish their complaint. If you are being arrested, you have the right to remain silent because whatever you say can be used against you. Consult a lawyer or service providers like the Mission.

If I file claims against my employer, could they file counter charges?
Either a FDW or employer can file claims or counter-claims against the other party. No one can prevent that as long as the Presiding Officer (PO) allows it. Of course there are cases where the PO might consider the claim as nuisance but it is totally dependent on the PO. The Respondent can examine each claim and dispute it especially if there is no proof. If the FDW-claimant does not question the counter claim and just kept quiet about it, the PO might take it as an admission that the counter claim is true and correct. If it is not true and was only filed to harass you, contest each item in the counter claim with sufficient evidence.
It there are any unclear explanations above, please contact us at the Mission office (25228264) or through The Sun.

Filipina dies alone at employer’s home

Mary Jane and husband Noel

By The SUN

A Filipina domestic worker who died in her employers’ flat while they were away on a holiday will be making her final voyage home to Ilocos Norte late this month, according to her aunt.

But officers at the Consulate’s assistance to nationals section and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Hong Kong said on Apr 20 they were still waiting for the undertaker of Mary Jane Respicio Jamon to transmit her repatriation papers.

Police said they received a report about 4:15pm on April 4 that a 44-year-old foreign woman was found collapsed inside a unit on Cloud View Road, North Point. Officers who responded certified that the woman was dead at the scene.

The case was classified as “dead body found”. Initial investigation revealed no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, the Police Public Relations Bureau said in reply to an inquiry by The SUN.
      

Jamon’s aunt Alona V. Agustin said police called by the female employer’s father had to force the main door open to enter the flat after phone calls to the maid went unanswered. They found her body on the toilet floor.

Agustin said the employers tried to call up Jamon as they were about to return to Hong Kong to tell her to ask their Filipino driver to pick them up.

Alarmed that no one was answering, the female employer called up her father and asked him to go to the flat. But the old man found the door double-locked and dialed 999.

Agustin, wife of the deceased’s paternal cousin, said police told her that Jamon must have just urinated when she collapsed because she was not able to flush the toilet.

“Siguro nahilo siya kasi may lahi silang high blood,” Agustin said, adding that the victim often had flu. She said Jamon was supposed to join her and some friends for barbecue on Apr 5, a public holiday.

Agustin said she saw a big bump on Jamon’s forehead and dried blood and broken tooth in her mouth when she checked on the remains at Victoria Funeral Parlor in Kennedy Town.

Herself a helper here, Agustin said she had been liaising with the police, the Consulate, the funeral parlor and Jamon’s employers as she processed the documents needed for shipping Jamon’s remains to her home in Barangay Sta Maria, Piddig.

She said a public viewing of the deceased OFW will be held on Apr 26 at 2pm to 2:45pm, and the shipping of her remains via a Philippine Airlines flight will take place the following morning.

Officers at the ATN and OWWA, however, said the final schedule is not yet known as the undertaker, Tim Fook Funeral, has not yet handed the repatriation papers to the Consulate.

Jamon was born on Oct 20, 1973. She was married to Noel P. Jamon from Cabatuan, Isabela, with whom she had a 5-year-old adopted child.

Agustin said Jamon had worked for her employers for six years and had just signed her fourth contract with the family. Jamon went home for a vacation in the Philippines last year.

The aunt is waiting for a copy of Jamon’s birth certificate and marriage contract so that OWWA Hong Kong can send her long service pay and salary to her husband.

Agustin also told The SUN about her difficulty conveying the news to relatives because she did not know who to inform first. So, she relayed it to Jamon’s sister in Finland, so she could inform her other siblings in Canada and Hawaii. – Marites Palma and Vir Lumicao

Officers grilled about Filipina theft suspect's claim of repeated strip-searches

Two of the strip-searches allegedly happened at Western Police Station

by Vir B. Lumicao 

 

A Filipina maid said she was “ashamed, stressed, and shivering in cold” when several police officers strip-searched her several times in the early hours of Jan 3 after arresting her for the alleged theft of $500 and a lip balm.

But five of six officers who Margie Lotino reportedly pointed at during an identification parade at the Wanchai police station on Apr 13 denied they had gone beyond the body search level stipulated in police guidelines.

Lotino, giving evidence during her trial in Eastern Court on Apr 20 for theft, was emotional each time she was queried by both prosecution and defense lawyers about the alleged strip-searches.

Another body search reportedly happened in Wanchai Station

She said that during two separate body searches in the toilet of her employers’ flat in Pokfulam, various officers took turns ordering her to strip down to her underwear. She was reportedly told to take off her top clothes first, then her lower garments.

“They told me to take off my jacket and shirt, and then they pulled my bra and looked into it. Then they ordered me to take off my trousers and socks. They pulled my panty and also looked into it,” Lotino said, breaking into a sob.

At one point, Magistrate Simon K. F. Ho called a break as the Filipina, who is in her 30s, became too emotional.

She positively identified five female officers who allegedly conducted the body searches on her on four separate occasions: first in her employers’ house, second at the Western Police Station, third at the Wanchai Police Station, and fourth, back at the Western Police Station.

She also identified a male officer who signed the custody search document, which contained details of the searches.

Earlier on Mar. 13, Lotino pleaded not guilty to stealing a $500 bill from her employer on Jan. 2, claiming she had been set up.

Lotino said she found the bill on the floor while she was cleaning the master bedroom, and put it on a cabinet top in the living room.  She said she told her employer about finding the money when the latter got home that evening. The employer, who was then in the bathroom, reportedly thanked the maid but reached out for the money with a towel, a suggestion that she did not want her own fingerprints on the bill.

Not long afterwards, police came and Lotino and her belongings were searched.

Lotino said she was forced to sign a cautioned statement admitting the offence because she was cold, hungry, and was under intense pressure from the repeated body searches and interrogation she was made to endure.

“You better admit you stole the money and I will send you to the Philippines,” on officer allegedly told her at one point, but the maid said she insisted she was telling the truth.

Lotino said during one search at Western Police Station, a male officer entered the room while she was only wearing a bra and panties. In another search, a male officer came in with a pair of scissors and cut the cord of her jogging pants so it could be pulled down easier.

She also complained that her wrists hurt because she was handcuffed tightly when she was transferred to Wanchai Police Station, then back to Western Station. She said she had spotty bleeding and developed a lump in her left hip after the searches.

The defense said the investigation of the maid began at 1:30am on Jan 3 and finished only at 3:15pm on the same day. The defense lawyer challenged the cautioned statement, saying there were several parts that the defendant disowned.

Lotino said she signed the cautioned statement even if her mind was blank because she was not feeling well. “I told the (Tagalog) interpreter that I was stressed, no sleep because they banged my bed; I felt ashamed because they looked at my private parts. I felt cold, they did not give me proper food and water,” Lotino said sobbing.

She said the investigators let her sign parts of the statement without letting her read them. At one point, she said, the interpreter told her to just write what she dictated.

Before the Filipina took the witness stand, six of the officers she pointed to in the police ID line-up were called in to give evidence. Four of them answered “disagree” or “I can’t recall” when asked the same questions about searching the helper bodily.

Each of them was also asked about the first guideline in the conduct of body searches, and the reply was Level One, meaning a search only of a suspect’s outer clothes.

The investigator, when asked why she did not make a custody search report, admitted she forgot to do it but saw a higher officer prepare the document after the examination. 

The magistrate ordered both parties to make written submissions when the hearing resumes on May 6, and extended Lotino’s bail.

Pinoy technician convicted of indecent assault on Filcom leader

By Vir B. Lumicao

Case was heard at Eastern Court 

A technician was convicted in Eastern Court on Apr 18 of two counts of indecent assault on a fellow Filipino, a female domestic worker known to many as an active leader in the community.

Jesnar Bade, a 55-year-old Hong Kong resident, was ordered held in custody until May 2 pending a community service report. 

The defense lawyer had requested the report as part of a bid to help Bade escape a prison term, but Magistrate Cheung Kit-yee said a jail sentence was still an option.

When contacted by The SUN, the victim identified in court only as Miss X, said she was moved to tears by the outcome of the case. She was not in court for the verdict.

But earlier, Miss X, a mother of three, gave evidence as the prosecution’s primary witness, while her employer’s elderly mother-in-law was the second witness.

Miss X told the court how Bade had embraced her from behind twice and tried to hold her breasts as she asked him to teach her how to bypass the alarm system in her employer’s house in Mid-Levels in July last year.

She said she covered her breasts with her arms, then elbowed him with her right arm, while saying, “Kuya, huwag ganyan! (Big brother, back off!).”

“OK, but I’ll have to kiss you then,” the defendant allegedly replied before eventually stepping away.

To make matters worse, the defendant sent her a WhatsApp message about half an hour later saying he had an erection because of her.

In her testimony, the elderly woman said she called the manager of the security service company, G4S, and asked him to come to her house after Miss X showed her the text message. When the manager saw the message, he helped the elderly woman call the police.

The defense did not call any witness.

In a written verdict that she read out in court, the magistrate said she found the complainant credible because her evidence was straightforward and clear.

The magistrate rejected the defendant’s claim that he had only tapped Miss X on the shoulder and did not embrace her. The magistrate said it was clear from Miss X’s evidence that she did not know the defendant, and had talked to him only for the first time when the technician went to her employer’s house,

“I consider it unacceptable and unreasonable for a male stranger to embrace a woman from behind and to do it twice,” the magistrate said, as she declared the defendant guilty on both charges.

Bade’s wife, who was in court, wiped off tears on hearing that her husband had been convicted.

The defense lawyer said in mitigation that Bade was a first offender, had a clear record, a good family. His wife is said to be a bank executive, his elder daughter is working, and his younger daughter and his son are studying.

He said Bade had worked for the security company for 24 years and had a good work record.

The lawyer vigorously argued for community service to give his client an opportunity to show his remorse.

 

Expired nga ba?

Bago pa lang si Glor sa amo at isa sa mga tungkulin niya ay ang ipaalala at magpainom ng gamot dito. Diabetic ang amo at makakalimutin na rin kung minsan. Unang araw pa lang niya ay tiningnan na niya ang expiration date ng mga gamot. Nakita niya ang isa na expired na ng ilang buwan kaya ipinaalam niya ito sa amo, ngunit sinabi lang ng matanda na “just keep it”.

Pagkalipas ang anim na buwan ay nagpa check up ang amo at pagdating sa bahay ay sinabi nito na iinumin na ang gamot na ipinatabi sa kasambahay. Nagulat si Glor dahil halos isang taon nang expired ang gamot, kaya sinabi niya sa amo ang, “Maam, are you sure?”. Sagot naman ng amo, “It’s ok, you know it’s very expensive.”

Ininom nga ng amo ang gamot at sa awa ng Diyos ay mukhang wala namang naging masamang epekto ito.

Nang ikuwento ni Glor sa isang kaibigan ang tungkol sa gamot ay nagtawanan na lang sila nang sabihan niya na kaartehan lang para yang expiration na yan sa gamot, dahil kapag mahal pala ay ok pa rin. Sabi naman ng

kaibigan, wala naman siyang dapat ikabahala dahil sinunod lang niya ang utos ng amo.
Lingid sa dalawa, hindi naman talaga agad nawawalan ng bisa o nakakasama ang mga gamot na expired na dahil parang gabay lang iyon sa mga pasyente.

Marami ang may bisa pa ng ilang buwan pagkatapos ng nakasaad na expiration date. Si Glor ay tubong Bacolod at nagtratrabaho sa Sai Ying Pun at magtatapos pa lang ng kontrata sa among Intsik na may dalawang anak. – Ellen Asis

Pinays end Indons’ dominance of Kudarat

By Vir B. Lumicao

A Filipina squad has won the championship for the first time in the Sultan Kudarat Friendship Team women’s volleyball tournament, which was previously dominated by Indonesians.

The organizers held the tournament on Apr 5 at Fa Hui Park Playground in Mong Kok to raise funds for a former Bicolano OFW who is cancer-stricken and in need of help, Sultan Kudarat team president Jhergin Barcelona told The SUN.

She said half of the proceeds will go to a project of the team for Cavite youths.

“We play for fun and, at the same time, nakakatulong kami kahit sa maliiit na bagay. Isa lang layunin ng aming grupo ang ipakita sa mga taong may mabuting puso na may paraan para makatulong sa mga nangangailangan,” Barcelona said.  

Team Philippines’ D’Stitch unleashed a barrage of volleys as they scored 25 points against their Indonesian rivals Metal, who trailed the Filipinas by 15 points.

D’Stitch and Metal reached the championship by virtue of their 1-2 finish in the elimination round to be paired in the best of four, in which Filipino teams Defenders and Realsmashers faced off.

Defenders played a thrilling match against Realsmashers, but in the end shook off the challengers, 30-26, to emerge as second runner-up. Realsmashers automatically took the third runner-up position.

The four teams earlier defeated their competitors in the elimination round to enter the best of four games.
Barcelona said 13 teams in all participated in the friendly one-day league, the fourth since Sultan Kudarat was founded in October last year.

The teams were Dolphins, Abstract, NP Spikers, SET HK, DBozz, New Style, Realsmashers A, Realsmashers B, and Spinners.

Barcelona did not say how much they collected for the cancer patient, Imelda Aguila, who is undergoing chemotherapy. She said they received the request for help from members of another team.

Makilahok!

CARITAS PROGRAMS
Health Concern Day (for Women FDW)
Body check including mass body index, blood pressure, glucose and stress test, and muscoskeletal assessment
May 20 (Sunday) 2:30-4:30pm. Test results out on May 27, same time. Fee of $20 will cover tests and handouts
Venue : Caritas Fortress Hill Centre. G/F., No. 28A Fortress Hill Road, Fortress Hill, Hong Kong.

Saturday Basic Cantonese
May 12 – Aug 25 2018 (16 lessons in total)
Time   : 10:00 - 13:00 (Total 50 hours)
Target : Ethnic minorities in HK with HKID
Fee     : HK$100 / head including materials (CSSA recipient : HK$50). Venue : Caritas Fortress Hill Centre. G/F., No. 28A Fortress Hill Road, Fortress Hill, Hong Kong.
                       
Saturday Basic Chinese Writing
Jun 9 – Sept 22, 2018 (16 lessons in total)
Time   : 10:00 - 13:00 (Total 50 hours)
Target : Ethnic minorities in HK with HKID
Fee     : $100 / head including materials (CSSA recipient : HK$50). Venue : Caritas Shek Kip Mei Centre. Rm. 107, 1/F, Tai Hang Tung Community Centre, 17 Tong Yam Street, Shek Kip Mei, KLN
For queries, call 2147-5988.

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

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

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

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

What's on where

HKMU 7 Decades

With Journey’s Arnel Pineda as special guest
Apr 29, 1-6 pm, HK Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui
Organized by: HK Musicians’ Union and Philippine Consulate General. Sponsors: Philippine Airlines, Heliservices, Parsons Music and The SUN

 ‘Are You OK’ Graduation
(Public Education and Community Launching Ceremony)
Apr 22, 10:45am – 2pm, Chater Garden, Central
OFWs who finished 4 Sundays of training on human trafficking and illegal recruitment will receive certificates)
Organizers: International Office for Migration, Equal Opportunities Commission, RainLily and Christian Action
Free entrance

Beyond Myself Exhibition
Apr 26 - May 14, The Hive Spring (2 MTR stops from Admiralty) . Open to the public. Organized by: Enrich HK
This international art exhibition showcases the work of Filipino domestic worker artists in Hong Kong and London, telling their own stories of hardship, sacrifice, struggle, empowerment or achievement. The exhibition comes to Hong Kong for two weeks only following highly successful events at Goldsmiths, University of London and UP Vargas Museum in Manila. Kick-off ceremony on Apr 26 is free but a voluntary donation of $100 will be requested. RSVP: http://bit.ly/BeyondMyselfHKLaunch Email info@enrichhk.org

CARD HK Graduation
Apr 29, 1-5pm, Bayanihan Centre Kennedy Town
Graduates will come from batches 45-47
Future Training Schedule:
June 10, Livelihood Training
June 23, Saturday, Financial Literacy
Venue: Bayanihan Centre Kennedy Town
To register, call 95296392 or 54238196
Organized by: CARD HK Foundation

Professional Development for Child Care Workers Training
May 13, 12nn-5pm. POLO Community Hall, 18th floor, Mass Mutual Tower, 33 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai. Only shortlisted participants who confirmed their attendance will be allowed to take part. Maximum no of participants: 50
Reminder
(1) Make sure you are available from 12:00nn-5pm. If you cannot commit on the said time, inform POLO so your slot can be offered to others who are free and eager to join the training.
(2) Please be at the venue one hour before the start of the training. Latecomers will not be accommodated
 (3) Walk-ins will not be entertained

Bb. Turismo 2018 (Flag Queen 2018)
May 20. Lung Wo Road, Central
Organizers: Federation of Luzon Active Group with One Visayas HK. For details, check or message Flag Luzon FB page

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

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

Fate slams rival in knock-out game

By Emz Frial
Hong Kong’s only all-Filipino softball team, Fate, scored big in its first game in the Festival of Sports, a knock-out game held annually by the Hong Kong Softball Association, separate from its regular league.
Fate scored a decisive win over its local rivals, Minions, 18-1, in a game that was called off after only three innings in accordance with regulations.

The locals batted first. Four players managed to stand on the batting plate but only one, Chong Yin, got to run the bases. However, Chong was caught out before she could reach home base.  

Myra Japitana scoots to safety on the home base. 

When it was their turn to bat, the Filipinas immediately scored 5 points, courtesy of Myra Japitana,  Jeremiah Gabales,  Don Gaborno, Bambee Abadilla and Maribel Sitchon.

The inning ended in their favour, 5-0 .

In the next inning, a pitching error by Gaborno gave batter Chan Po Yan a free walk to the first base. She later managed to run to second base but was stuck there when the next three batters were caught on pass balls or standing out.

Taking over at the home plate, Fate piled up 6 more scores. Those who made this possible were Belinda Ganitano,  Japitana,  Eunice Locop,  Gabales,  Abadilla and Sitchon. That ended the second inning at 11-0.
Minions’ Chong Yin did not lose faith, and managed to score for her team in the third inning.

But it was too late, as the unstoppable Fate retaliated with 7 more points. Those who scored were Japitana,  Locop,  Gabales,  Gaborno, Sitchon, Delia Elbanbuena – and ninth batter Editha Hidalgo who ended the game with a home run.

The umpire then called both teams to line up before declaring an end to the game as per regulations.
On April 15 Fate will have a game versus local Celsius at 12:15pm at Shek Kip Mie.

Bello scored for likening dead OFW in freezer to ‘ice cream’

Bello with  Presidential Communications Asst Sec Mocha Uson at the Bong Go event

By Daisy CL Mandap

Filipino community leaders in Hong Kong have begun an online campaign to get Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III kicked from his post, allegedly because of widespread corruption and his callous attitude towards overseas Filipino workers.

Among the grounds cited by the so-called “Oust Bello Movement” were the labor chief’s alleged use of the words “ice cream” to describe Joanna Demafelis, the OFW who was killed and stuffed in a freezer by his employers in Kuwait.

“He is callous and insensitive to the plight of OFWs. In shocking remarks he made after gatecrashing a meet-and-greet session between HK OFWs and Special Assistant to the President Bong Go on Apr 12, Bello told the OFWs that they should prepare well for their future, and not wait until they turned into “ice cream” like Joanna Demafelis…before they became self-sufficient,” said the group’s statement issued on Apr. 18.

MinFed officers with SAP Bong Go (in red shirt)

The allegation was supported by several leaders who were at the meeting, including officers of the Mindanao Federation, who organized the event. One MinFed officer told The SUN several guests, including those who were part of President Duterte’s entourage in his Hong Kong visit, had expressed shock at Bello’s insensitive remarks.

The statement further quoted Bello as saying that Demafelis’ family had become instant millionaires since many people moved by the OFW’s unfortunate death had given them money.

 Bello with HK employment agency operators

Foremost among the grounds cited by the group, however, was Bello’s firm stand on the recall of his Labor Attache to Hong Kong, Jalilo dela Torre. The group alleged that the recall “appears to have been prompted by a complaint from a recruiter who failed to get the Labor Attaché to approve a job order for bar dancers in the red light district of Wan Chai”.

Despite assurances from Go and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano that Dela Torre would not be removed from his post, the group said Bello is adamant his labor attaché must return home to answer allegations of impropriety.

“Is this the result of money changing hands between the agencies and Secretary Bello?,” asked the group. “That could only be the case”.

Five other grounds were cited by the group in calling for Bello’s sacking, including his failure to comply with promised relief for OFWs, such as the issuance of the OFW ID to replace the overseas employment certificate, and the payment of rebates to longtime members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administraiton.

In addition, Bello is accused of engaging in corruption when he abruptly halted OEC processing last year, and when he took over the granting of direct-hire exemptions to Filipino professionals who found their own jobs abroad.

Another ground cited was Bello’s alleged use of his position to appoint family members and relatives of influential people as labor attaches in key posts abroad, despite their lack of qualification and failure to meet the minimum requirements for the job. The group alleged that the prized posts are traditionally given as rewards to labor officials who had served well in difficult assignments in Asia and the Middle East.

More damning were the allegations that Bello had connived with agencies in an effort to trick President Duterte into lifting the deployment ban to Kuwait, and with employers’ groups to stall efforts to end work contractualization.

The statement alleged that Bello has gone against the recommendation of his own top officials who feel that the working and living conditions of Filipino workers in Kuwait have not improved.

“This could only be due to the influence of his known close friend, Lucy Sermonia, president of the association of agencies deploying workers to Kuwait. Together, they have misled the President by persuading him to sign an MOU which is empty of substantive provisions,” said the statement.

Bello was also accused of adopting a draft executive order made by employers’ groups in the long-running campaign to end work contractualization.

“His open collaboration with big companies and employers’ groups has served as the main stumbling block to ending contractualization, a key campaign promise by President Duterte”, said the statement.

Among the initial signatories of the campaign to get Bello booted from the Cabinet were Bayan Hong Kong and Macau, Mindanao Federation, Global Alliance, Unifil-Migrante Hong Kong, Filipino Migrant Workers Association, and the Global Ministers Association.

Bethune House on edge as resources dry up

By Vir B. Lumicao

A shelter for distressed migrant women workers in Hong Kong is on the brink of closing down as its financial resources continue to dwindle.

According to executive director Edwina Antonio of the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, the only other option left to them is to borrow money to keep going.

“Magsasara kami, o mangungutang para ipagpatuloy ang shelter,” Antonio replied when asked by The SUN what measures they intend to take in the face of financial distress.

Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge executive director Edwina Antonio with supporters and wards.

On April 1, Antonio renewed her appeal for financial help when she addressed the Luzon Alliance International and Global Alliance event on Chater Road.

It is only through the community’s support that the 32-year-old Bethune House is able to continue serving the scores of women who come to it for shelter when they are driven out by their employers, she said.

In early March, Antonio took to social media to appeal for financial help, saying Bethune’s cash resources would dry up next month.

Antonio said the charity must raise $120,000 each month to pay for the rent, utilities and other operating costs of its two shelters in Sheung Wan and Jordan Road.

The amount goes to food, personal hygiene products, medical attention, visa extension fee, transport and documentation needs of 15 or more residents in each of the two flats.

Despite the dire outlook for the shelter, Antonio continued her usual work advising migrant workers who approached her for advice on their particular problems.

Wards at the two shelters were at the Chater Road booth of Bethune House on Apr 1 urging mostly migrant workers passing by to contribute to Coins for Bethune.

The women had been terminated by their mostly local employers, with two of them accused of theft and a third one, of maltreating her young ward.

The theft cases are pending resolution in court while the maltreatment case had been dropped thrice by investigators for lack of evidence but has dragged on because the employer had allegedly amended her charge each time police dropped it.

Bethune House caters to helpers from the Philippines or Indonesia who are victims of abuse, illegal termination of contract, or accused of wrongdoing by their employers.

The shelter gives residents a full range of assistance, from drafting their complaints to reporting to the police, going to the hospital for a medical check-up, filing a claim in court, and attending court hearings.

During their stay, the wards are also taught their rights under the law, and the legal implications of their cases. In addition, they learn how to deal effectively with trauma, stress, anxiety and depression resulting from their experiences.

The wards are forbidden by law to work while their cases are pending, so, they totally rely on charity to remain in Hong Kong and fight their cases, Antonio said.

 She hoped that kind hearts would come to Bethune House’s rescue. Donations can be made by check payable to The Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, Ltd. or by direct deposit to Hang Seng Bank S/A number 284-8-241309.

Antonio said all cash donations of $100 and above are tax deductible.

The Bethune House was set up in 1986 by the Mission for Migrant Workers initially to help distressed Filipino helpers. It now helps workers of other nationalities.

OFWs taught how to invest in stocks

By Ellen Asis 

There is nothing so intimidating about investing in stocks that migrant workers are better off looking at other options for making money.

This was the assurance given to 74 foreign domestic workers who attended a talk on Investing in Stocks as part of the ‘Lunch and Learn” financial literacy series conducted jointly by Enrich and KPMG at Hysan Place in Causeway Bay on March 25.

Speaker Craig Nastanski, a self-made technopreneur and a stock investor, gives an insight into investing in stocks.

Speaker Craig Nastanski, a self-made technopreneur and a stock investor himself, told the participants that there are two ways to earn money from stocks, through dividend and when the share price rises.

But he hastened to remind them that investing in stocks does not guarantee that one earns money. There are risks involved, and fees that they have to deal with. Thus, it is important for anyone who wants to invest to study and learn the knowledge of investing.

Nastanski enumerated seven steps which he said a FDW needs to consider before investing in stocks, such as knowing your objective, deciding on what kind of stock to buy, doing research on that stock or fund, choosing a broker, buying the stock, asking yourself if you want to consider buying again, monitoring and adjustment.

He also said it is important to save first before investing, and make sure the decision you make is based on research.

Nastanski said investing in stock should be for a long term of at least five years, and the ideal is 10 years.
Over this period, stocks will rise and fall, but over the long term they tend to rise.

It is thus important that you are  financially stable and are investing for the longer time to minimize the risk, Nastanski said.

For more details about the Lunch and Learn series and other financial literacy workshops and seminars, like the Facebook page, Enrich.

Child minders taught how to stay calm and act professionally

By Marites Palma

There was a lot of enthusiasm when a a new round of child care training began at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Wanchai on Apr 8.

This was despite the low turnout of participants. Of the 50 who quickly filled up the slots opened for the half-day seminar, only 18 showed up, probably because of the confusion that arose from the unexpected recall on Mar 26 of Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre, who had spearheaded the training as part of his continuing education campaign for OFWs.

Participants listened eagerly as the lecturer, Christina Themar of Next Chapters Organization, gave them useful tips on how to take care of a child in a professional manner, and how not to lose their cool when faced with difficult situations.

Cristina Themar (center) of New Chapters Organization, is joined by seminar participants.

Themar demonstrated to the workers what they must do when the child they’re caring for throws a tantrum in a public place. She said the carer needs to take two steps backwards before taking a deep breath, then two steps forward and another deep breath, to cool down and think clearly on what needs to be done.

She said the carer should talk calmly and with her eyes on the same level as her ward so the child feels safe and comforted.

Themar said it is important for the caregiver and her employer to collaborate on a mutually satisfying schedule in looking after a child. Both parties must keep their communication lines open and take interest in the child’s needs as it grows older.

She said there should be a consistency in providing for the needs of children as they benefit from a normal routine.

Lastly, she said carers must be mindful of how they respond to their ward’s misbehavior, and how they impose discipline on a child that has been entrusted to them.

Themar also took up topics like cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity in looking after a child.
She said a caregiver should be aware of the physical and verbal interactions with a child, and should be mindful in disciplining according to the age and behaviour of the child. Further, the level of engagement with children should be clear and concise, and in line with the parents’ expectation to avoid confusion.

If the carer is looking after a sick child, she should respect the medical practices of the family, and not apply any method she may have used with her own children, as this could cause allergy or adverse reaction.

The carer must also prepare and serve food to the children with love and thoughtfulness, and observe cleanliness at all times.

She should also be aware of how her role is seen from the eyes of the family she serves, and understand the level of independence given her when performing daily tasks like riding in public transportation, bathing, getting dressed and completing a child’s homework. This way, problems could be avoided in the course of work.

Part of Themar’s lecture dealt on the proper way of communicating with employers. She said the following are examples of expressions that demonstrate goodwill: “I appreciate it!”, or “sounds like good idea”. When one wants to show her proactive nature, she may say: “Lets work together to plan”, “Why don’t we”, “How about...”?

In suggesting a follow-up, she may say, “Why don’t we touch base tonight when you return home?’ In establishing trustworthiness, the worker might say: “I have your child’s best interest at heart”, or I’ll be there”. In providing positive assurance, one may say, “I am sure we can figure out a way to sort it out”.  When acknowledging, say, “It was really tiring to carry the baby and all of the groceries.”

The carers were told to be honest, and not pretend that they can do everything easily.

“You need to tell the truth so that you can maintain your good health, you also need to protect yourself to have a healthy life while working away from family,” Themar said.

As a final word, she advised them to try to control their emotions when a serious situation arises in the course of work.

“Don’t ever let the little one be the cause of losing your job.”  “Act professionally in attending the needs of your ward”. “Always stay calm” were among her pieces of advice.

Themar invited other migrant workers who also want to develop professional skills in child care to attend future sessions of the Child Care Tarining at POLO.

High Court quashes 2 moms’ bid to stay with kids in HK

The High Court

Drafters of Hong Kong’s post-1997 constitution did not intend to relax the government’s tight immigration controls in favor of family rights, a High Court has said.

Chief Judge of the High Court Andrew Cheung said this, as he and two other judges quashed an appeal by two former Filipino domestic helpers for a judicial review of  Immigration’s refusal to extend their visa so they could stay with their children residing in Hong Kong.

The two women, Milagros T. Comilang and Desiree R. Luis, through their counsel Gladys Li SC, challenged the Immigration director’s decision, claiming they have the right to remain here under the family rights provisions of the Basic Law.

Comilang had filed the appeal to be with her son Zahrah Noor Ahmed. Desiree R. Luis did the same for his sons David John, Carl Benz and Mark Joelry, all minors. Their cases were heard jointly along with African appellant Salifou Dembele’s appeal for permanent residency to be with his Chinese wife and their three children.

The decision, penned by Vice President Justice of Appeal Jeremy Poon and concurred in by Cheung and Vice President Justice of Appeal Johnson Lam, was handed down on Mar 26 after the three judges heard the cases simultaneously on July 10-12 last year.

Cheung said at the heart of the cases were the constitutional family rights of the foreign applicants and the corresponding family rights of family members who are residents.

He said these rights were argued based on Article 37 of the Basic Law, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

He said, ultimately, one must look at the true intent of the Basic Law drafters towards family rights as a whole in deciding whether the applicants’ arguments are correct or not.

“There is simply nothing to indicate to this court that when drafting the Basic Law under the overarching theme of ‘one country, two systems’, the drafters intended to relax the Government’s tight immigration controls in favor of family rights,” the judge said.

He said Li relied on Article 37 of the Basic Law, which guarantees freedom of marriage of Hong Kong residents and their right to raise a family freely shall be protected by law.

Citing a precedent case, Cheung said the right guaranteed under the Basic Law does not extend to a person in Hong Kong who is not a resident as far as it relates to immigration legislation governing his entry into, stay in or departure from Hong Kong “unless the right in question is a nonderogable and absolute right”.

Lam agreed, saying “the core issue …is the impact of the right to family life on the exercise of the power of the Director of Immigration in respect of immigration control.”
Comilang, a domestic helper terminated in July 2005, married Ahmed, a Pakistani permanent resident of Hong Kong three months later and gave birth to Zahrah on Feb 2, 2006. The child became a permanent resident by birth. The Filipina’s visa expired on Oct 10, 2005 so she applied for a change of status as a dependant of Ahmed.
On May 8, 2007, Ahmed, who was found to have a wife in Pakistan, pulled out his support for her application and Comilang left him and Zahrah for good on June 4, 2007.
She had made several but futile applications for her extension of stay since September 2007 to take care of her child.  She began judicial review proceedings in April 2011, but Lam dismissed her application and rejected all her grounds of challenge.
She applied for judicial review in April 2014. In June 2014, the judge granted her ex parte leave to apply for judicial review.

The other first appellant, Desiree Luis, came to Hong Kong as a helper in 1991.  She married Mr Luis, a Filipino helper here, in 1997. She gave birth in the Philippines to their eldest son, who had been allowed to stay in Hong Kong as a visitor on five separate occasions. He last left Hong Kong in January 2014.

Luis gave birth to two more sons while working in Hong Kong, David (the second appellant) in June 2002 and Carl (the third) in August 2004. In April 2006, her work contract expired. She was granted extension to stay until 3 June 2006.

  Luis visited Hong Kong as a visitor on numerous occasions and had been granted extension to stay in Hong Kong.  In December 2009, while visiting Hong Kong, she gave birth to her youngest son, Mark (the fourth appellant).

After verification by the director, David was confirmed to have acquired Hong Kong permanent residency since 2010.  His two younger brothers remain in Hong Kong as dependants of their father.

On Jan 26, 2012, the director refused Luis’s application for extension of stay to take care of her three sons in Hong Kong.  She then overstayed, but this was deemed “tolerated” only by the Director of Immigration.
Luis applied for permission to remain in Hong Kong on May 6, 2013 to take care of her sons.  It was refused by the director on Jul 26, 2013 on grounds similar to those applied to Comilang.  In May 2014, Luis applied for leave for judicial review and she was granted ex parte leave in July 2014.

Salamat sa FB, nagka-reunion ang magkakaibigan

Pagkatapos ng ilang taong di pagkikita ay nagkaroon muli ng komunikasyon ang limang magkakaibigan na dating magkakasama sa tirahan sa Hong Kong, salamat sa Facebook.

Taong 1990 nang magkila-kilala sila sa isang boarding house sa Nim Shue Wan village sa Discovery Bay. Legal pa noon ang stay-out dahil mga 50,000 pa lang ang bilang ng mga migranteng domestic helper sa Hong Kong.

Kasama sa grupong ito si Myla na dati nang nagtrabaho dito noong 1987 pero na terminate kaya umuwi. Pagbalik niya makaraan ang tatlong taon ay isinama siya ng kanyang ate sa isang boarding house, kung saan may tatlo pang ibang nakatira.

Naging masaya ang kanilang samahan, bagamat mula sila sa iba-ibang probinsiya. Sama-sama sila sa pagkain, at hati-hati sa mga gastusin katulad ng upa sa bahay at bayad sa kuryente, tubig at telepono. Mahilig silang lahat sa pakikipag penpal, pati yung mga may asawa na. Humingi naman daw sila ng permiso sa kanilang mga asa-asawa dahil parang aliwan na lang naman nila ang pakikipagsulatan sa iba.

Pinakabata si Myla kaya parang ate ang turing niya sa mga kasamahan. Sa loob ng mahigit isang taon silang nagsama-sama ng masaya, hanggang nagdesisyon ang dalawa sa kanila, sina Zita at Lilia, na pumunta sa Japan. Doon kasi nagtatrabaho bilang waiter ang asawa ni Lilia, at kinumbinsi sila na lumipat doon dahil madali pa noon ang makapagtrabaho doon.

Pagdating sa Japan ay laging tinatawagan ng dalawa si Myla at hinihimok na sumunod sa kanila. Sagot na daw nila ang pamasahe, tirahan at pati show money niya, pero natakot si Myla kaya tumanggi sa alok. Ang sumunod na pumunta sa Japan ay si Merlie, dahil nakapunta na din doon ang asawa bilang chief cook sa isang restaurant.

Dahil dito ay sina Myla at Sofia na lang ang naiwan sa boarding house.

Noong una ay lagi silang nagtatawagan hanggang naging pare-pareho na silang abala sa trabaho. Nakailang beses ding lumipat ang mga amo ni Myla sa nagdaang 14 na taon kaya hindi na alam ng iba kung paano siya hahanapin. Tanging ang ate na lang niyang si Merlie ang nakakausap niya.

Kamakailan ay laking tuwa ni Myla dahil nakita niya pareho sa Facebook sina Zita at Lilia. Ayon kay Merlie, nakapangasawa ng isang negosyanteng Australian si Zita matapos mabiyuda. Si Lilia naman ay nag for good na dahil malaki na ang negosyong poultry sa bayan nito sa Pampanga. Si Merlie naman ay sa US na nakatira, dahil dinala doon ng anak na naging piloto.

Bale si Sofia na lang ang hinahanap ni Myla dahil walong taon na ang nakakaraan nang huli siyang makabalita tungkol dito. Ayon sa balita, nakapangasawa ng foreigner si Sofia, at nagkaroon ng anak na matalino at pambato sa beauty contest ang ganda.

Kamakailan, nag group chat sila sa messenger at naalala nila yung may ipinakilala sa kanila na vice consul ng Indonesia, na sumama pa sa kanilang mag barbecue. Minsan ay naisipan nina Merlie at Sofia na puntahan ang address na nasa tarheta na ibinigay sa kanila. Pagdating doon ay may napagtanungan sila na isang guwardiyang Intsik. Ang sabi sa kanila ay “Sohail is a drewil, drewil”.

Bandang huli ay napagtanto nila na ang ibig sabihin ng Intsik ay yung kaibigan nilang si Sohail ay driver lang pala ng vice consul ng Indonesia. Tawang tawa ang barkada sa pagbabalik-tanaw sa kanilang samahan, at sinabing sana ay magkita-kita silang muli pagdating ng panahon. Tuwang tuwa din ang mga nakakatanda sa grupo dahil ang kanilang bunsong si Myla ay naging isa sa mga lider ng Filipino community sa Hong Kong. – Merly Bunda

Ano ang sanhi ng high blood niya?

Bakas sa mukha ni Greg, 56, ang pag-aalala habang nakaupo sa kanyang kwarto at hawak-hawak ang reseta ng gamot para sa pampababa ng presyon ng dugo. Nakakasawa daw yung pag-inom ng gamot na pang-maintenance at nakakatakot dahil baka masira ang kanyang bato at atay. Pero hindi siya makapalag dahil ang amo niyang orthopedic  doktor ang nagpasya na ipakonsulta siya sa cardiologist noong nakaraang taon kahit wala naman daw siyang kakaibang nararamdaman sa sarili.

Katunayan nga, araw-araw pa siya kung mag-check ng kanyang blood pressure o bp, at lagi naman daw normal ang resulta. Gayunpaman, hindi siya nakatanggi nang resetahan siya ng pang maintenance dahil ayon sa doktor ay kailangan na niya ito.

Minsan ay tinanong niya ang amo kung pwedeng tigilan na niya ang pag inom ng gamot pero sinabi nitong hindi puwede dahil doktor lamang daw ang makapagsasabi nito. Sa takot sa maaaring masamang epekto ng gamot na sa tingin niya ay hindi niya kailangan ay agad niyang sinasabayan ng pagkain ang pag-inom nito, sa pag-asang hindi ito tatalab masyado.

Gayunpaman, nagtataka siya kung bakit biglang tumaas ang kanyang presyon. Dahil daw kaya sa mga pagkaing matanda? O dahil mabagal na ang kanyang panunaw sanhi ng kanyang edad, o ng kawalang ehersisyo? Iniisip din ni Greg na marahil ay kulang na siya sa pagpag at hindi na nakaka “change oil” magmula nang mag for good ang asawa, sabay tawa.

Noong nalaman ng kanyang asawa na kapwa Kapampangan ang kanyang pag alta presyon ay nagbiro din ito na baka nga “kulang” lang siya, kaya maghanap daw siya ng girlfriend. Ganito rin ang tukso ng kanyang mga kaibigang babae, at pati na ng amo, samantalang ang isa pang naisip niya ay ang dagdag tensyon sa trabaho.

Nakapunta ng dalawang beses si George sa isang private doctor na ang singil ay $800 kada patingin bago siya pinalipat ng amo sa isang government health center. Ngayon sa halagang $50 lang ay libre na ang kanyang pagkonsulta tuwing ikatlong buwan, blood test at mga gamot.

Ingat na ingat si Greg ngayon na huwag magalit, at mas madalas na isda at gulay na ang kinakain kaysa karne.

Natutuwa siya dahil noong pinakahuling patingin niya sa doktor ay normal na lahat ang kanyang kalagayan. Kapag nanamlay siya, alam na niya na kailangan lang niya ng ehersisyo. Kailangan lang talaga na mas alagaan ang sarili kapag medyo tumatanda na.– George Manalansan

Duterte apologizes for deadly 2010 Luneta hostage incident

President Duterte addresses the 2000 Filcom members at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

By Vir B. Lumicao
 
After nearly eight years since the tragedy, President Rodrigo Duterte apologized to the Chinese people on Apr 12 for the hostage-taking at the Rizal Park in which eight Hong Kong tourists died in a botched police rescue operation.

The President also assured overseas Filipino workers they don’t have to worry when they go home because they will be safe. He warned government officials and employees that he would kick them out if they steal from, or plant bullets in the luggage of “ordinary” travelers.

“If you go home now, sabi ko naman wala na yung bukas ang bag, wala na yung cream…sabi ko sa lahat, alam nyo  na iyan, huwag nyong galawin ang ordinaryong tao. Ang galawin nyo yung mayaman, yung milyonaryo, puwede pang magbigay iyan. Magtanim ka ng bala, p……mo, pakain ko sa iyo,” he said, eliciting applause.

But workers who were expecting to hear from him about the fate of Labor Attaché Jalilo dela Torre, were disappointed when the president made no mention of the controversial recall of the labor official.

Duterte spoke to more than 2,000 cheering supporters from the Filipino community in Hong Kong and other guests, including Chinese businessmen and local employment agency operators, at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Kowloon.

“May I address myself to Chinese people who are here with us,” Duterte said, looking at groups of Chinese guests, some coming from Macau, who were seated in the fenced-off VIP zone in front of the stage.

Excitement builds up as some 2000 OFWs and other Filcom members wait for the arrival of President Duterte at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on April 12 for a meeting with Filipinos in Hong Kong.

“From the bottom of my heart, as President of the Republic of the Philippines and in behalf of the people of the Philippines, may I apologize formally to you now,” a somber-faced Duterte said with a bow at the podium.

“We are sorry that the incident happened and, as humanly possible, I would like to make this guarantee also that it will never, never happen again.”

His hour-long speech climaxed a five-hour, entertainment-filled program that began at 3pm and ended at past 8pm.

The Kai Tak event was also attended by Special Assistant Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano,  Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, communications officer Mocha Uson and presidential daughter Davo City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Also part of the Malacanang retinue were tourism officer Cesar Montano, movie actor Philip Salvador as well as newspaper columnist and TV personality Ramon Tulfo.

The gathering was billed as a forum where the President was to listen to problems and suggestions brought up by the mainly domestic helper OFW population of Hong Kong, but no such interaction took place.

Instead, it became a showcase for the likely candidacy in next year’s senatorial election of administration picks Go, Roque, and Bello, as well as Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos.

But only the youthful special assistant got an open endorsement from Duterte, who called him “my favorite senator Bong Go,” to the approval of most of the OFWs who packed half of the 850-meter-long cruise terminal.

Duterte flew into Hong Kong on Tuesday night from the Boao Forum for Asia annual economic summit in Hainan Province, on the sidelines of which he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Briefing the crowd on his latest trip to the mainland, he said the Chinese government has given the Philippines a 500 billion yuan (PhP4.125 billion) grant. He said the money will be spent on public hospitals and the rehabilitation of war-ruined Marawi City.

The President also said China is starting to look for 100,000 Filipino English teachers to meet demand in mainland schools.

Shifting to his promise to rid the country of drugs and criminality, he said he fired the first official he had appointed because of drugs, despite the help he had given to his presidential campaign.

Earlier, Roque announced what he described as “good news” – that starting in June this year, the workers’ children will no longer have to pay tuition in state universities and colleges.

Duterte hosts dinner for employment agency owners

Those behind Duterte's party include Thomas Chan (in barong with saklay) and beside him is Francis So, who owns an employment agency in Davao City

By Daisy CL Mandap

Amid the uncertainty over Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre’s abrupt recall, ostensibly because of  favoritism in accrediting employment agencies, Hong Kong’s top recruiters of overseas Filipino workers got to dine with President Rodrigo Duterte and his common-law partner Honeylet Avancena on Apr. 11.

The Chinese-style banquet with 10 items on the menu and which Malacanang dubbed in a press statement as the Dutertes’ “dinner with friends in Hong Kong”, was held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Tsimshatsui where the presidential party was also billeted.

Also present were Special Presidential Assistant Bong Go, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello, Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, and Davao City Mayor and Presidential Daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The friendly dinner appeared to affirm what Secretary Bello had purportedly said in a letter to the South China Morning Post, that Duterte had ordered the investigation of Dela Torre, apparently after some recruiters had complained.

Among the guests was Thomas Chan, chairman of the Hong Kong Union of Employment Agencies, who posted pictures of the dinner on his Facebook page along with the caption: “It is really our great honor tonight to attend the private dinner hosted by President Duterte who came to Hong Kong for a short visit, with the coordination of president’s palace of the Philippines. During the dinner, we had a nice chat with President, his wife, his daughter, chief staff of palace, foreign minister and labour minister. Unimaginable and unforgetable indeed”.

Pictured prominently at the dinner was Francis So, a Hong Kong resident married to a Filipina who operates a recruitment agency in Davao City, Duterte’s home base. So’s Facebook cover shots show him with Duterte and Bello at some public functions.

The dinner came the night before Duterte addressed a crowd of about 2,000 people at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, in what was dubbed as a forum with the Filipino community in Hong Kong, but also included agency owners and other Chinese VIPs.

The mainly overseas Filipino workers in the audience did not get to ask questions during the “forum” and some went home hungry because of the long queue for the Jollibee food packs that they had to queue for.

HK Police take no chances as Duterte flies in tonight from China

Duterte during his visit to HK in May 2017

By The SUN

Police in Hong Kong are on high alert as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte arrives tonight for his second visit to Hong Kong since assuming office.

Duterte will arrive at around 10:30 tonight after attending the Boao Forum for Asia, an annual economic summit held in Boao, Hainan Province, where he reportedly met on the sidelines with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

His agenda for the Hong Kong visit is not known, except for a meeting with members of the Filipino community at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Thursday, 3pm-9pm.

Duterte will reportedly be accompanied to the meeting by his Chief of Staff Christopher “Bong” Go and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who have both been tipped to run in next year’s senatorial election in the Philippines.

Duterte is scheduled to fly to his home city of Davao after the meeting.

Despite the tight security, several Filipino community organizations led by the Hong Kong Campaign for the Advancement of Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines (HKCAHRPP) are planning to stage a protest against Duterte.

A statement released by the group earlier today said: “A tyrant and a fascist deserves no warm welcome” in the city.

They called on the Hong Kong government to be transparent in its dealings with Duterte, saying local people do not want to be seen supporting a president who abets extrajudicial killings, violence against women, and high-handed response to criticism and opposition.

However, Vice Consul Bob Quintin of the Philippine Consulate said more than 2,000 people had signed up for the dialogue with the president, despite Thursday being a working day for most Filipino domestic workers in the city. A number of those who registered for the meet-up were given a letter from Consul General Antonio Morales asking their employers to allow them to take the afternoon off for the meeting.

Media representatives who were called to a briefing by the police yesterday said the security alert level will be the same as that put in place for Duterte’s first visit to Hong Kong as president in May last year.

The police asked no further details of the security arrangements be disclosed. However, a report in the South China Morning Post reported on the elaborate measures being taken to secure his visit, including deploying heavily armed counterterrorism agents to patrol the streets, and using an anti-explosive vehicle capable of jamming radio signals.

Duterte who is reportedly considered a “high-risk target” because of his sanction for extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, will also be accompanied by a big police contingent wherever he goes in the city.

During the official briefing, members of the press were told that as a visiting head of state, Duterte is a security risk and police are not taking any chances. Even newsmen will not be allowed just anywhere near the hotel in Tsimshatshui where the President will stay, and will be confined only in a designated press area outside the building.

Arrangements for media attending the meeting at the cruise terminal have been left to the Consulate, the police said.

Shuttle schedule for those
attending the meeting in Kai Tak

Meanwhile, members of the community have begun receiving text confirmation of their attendance to the six-hour meeting with Duterte starting last night (Monday).

The Consulate is deploying shuttle buses to carry those with approved passes from Exit A of the Yau Tong MTR station to the meeting venue. The first shuttle bus will leave Yau Tong at 12noon, and the last bus at 4pm. From the cruise terminal, the first shuttle bus will leave at around 8:30pm and the last at 10pm.

No activity was announced for the President on Wednesday, but word going around in the community said he would be meeting with Filipino businessmen and his local friends.

Many of those who will attend the community meeting are hoping to bring up the controversial recall recently of the Philippine Labor Attache, Jalilo dela Torre. Secretary Bello sent Dela Torre an emailed memo on Mar. 26, stating his recall was to “take immediate effect.”

Despite clearing his desk as told and transferring all office funds and properties to the designated officer-in-charge, dela Torre said he has yet to be told when he is expected back in the home office in Manila.

Various community organizations have held angry protests for the past two Sundays against the recall, saying dela Torre is the only official of the Consulate who has gone of his way to help and protect them from abusive employers and employment agencies.