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Filipina dies in Taipo traffic mishap

Posted on 30 October 2018 No comments

By The SUN
The car that hit the victim and a nearby traffic light post.
(Photo by Joan Chan) 

A Filipina domestic worker who was hit by a private car in Taipo on Sunday night, Oct 28, has reportedly died from her injuries at about 7am the next day.

A police spokeswoman confirmed her death, and said they are still investigating the accident.

The victim, identified in reports as a 55-year-old Filipina domestic worker, has been named by some of her friends on Facebook as Tess Hernandez, from Mindoro island.

Officials at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office say her family has already been informed.

The police said the accident happened at about 11pm Sunday night, when the car driven by a 38-year-old local man named Fung was traveling along Ting Kok Road towards Tai Mei Tuk.

The woman was reportedly knocked down by the car as it approached Shuen Wan Lei Uk.

Paramedics surround the victim before she was taken to hospital
(Photo by Joan Chan)
The spokeswoman said the victim sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to Prince of Wales Hospital in Shatin in unconscious state. She was certified dead at 6:56am on Oct 29.


Fung also suffered injuries from the accident but refused to go to the hospital. He later left the scene, the officer said.

He was not arrested and no charge was laid against him.

Officers of the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories North, are said to be still investigating.

Earlier, local newspaper reports said the car was a white Honda with a ‘P” (driver is on provisional license) plate.

The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, collided with a safety island and a traffic light before hitting the woman,
sending her flying about 10 meters.

Reports about the accident spread after photos taken by a Joan Chan appeared on Facebook, along with a one paragraph report of the accident.

A woman is seen lying in the middle of the road while a car was resting on its side after apparently flipping. A broken traffic light pole is seen a few meters away.

In another photo, traffic officers or medics surrounded the victim while apparently waiting for an ambulance to take her to hospital.

The accident came nearly a year after another Filipina domestic worker from Bohol, Geraldine Betasolo, was also killed after being hit by a van in Taipo.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer to contact the investigating officers at 3661 3818 or 3661 3819. 

  


Fil-Am found guilty of trying to cash fake US$2B check

Posted on 27 October 2018 No comments
Orosa will be sentenced at the District Court on Nov 12

By Vir B. Lumicao

 A Filipino-American woman has been convicted in District Court of “using a false instrument” for attempting to deposit a fake US$2 billion cashier’s check in a Hang Seng Bank branch in October last year.

Judge Charles Chan convicted Elena S. Orosa who stood emotionless at the dock on Oct 22, and set the sentencing for Nov 12 pending a background report. Orosa, who is said to hold a degree from a US university, was remanded in custody until then.

Chan rejected the defense case that Orosa, 57, had no intention to cash the check. He maintained that an offense had already been committed even if the check was not cashed.

He also dismissed Orosa’s claim that she did not know the check was fake before she tried to deposit it in the account of a certain Manish, alleged owner of Great Billion Hong Kong Ltd in the Hankow Road, Tsimshatsui branch of Hang Seng on Oct 18, 2017.

Chan said he did not believe that someone who studied at a US university like Orosa would not question why a friend would entrust a check with such a big amount to her.

The prosecution had said earlier that Orosa graduated with a BS Management degree at San Francisco State University. She was born in the Philippines but migrated to the US with her parents at age 5, and had acquired US citizenship.

Giving evidence in court, Orosa said she went to the bank before noon to deposit the check in Manish’s account at the request of her Filipino friend, Randy Songadan. She said Randy had no funds to come to Hong Kong so could not deposit the check personally.

The defense tried to show Orosa had unknowingly allowed herself to be used by other people for the transaction that would have caused the bank a US$2 billion loss had the check not been discovered as a forgery.

Orosa, during cross examination by defense lawyer John Hemmings, admitted that Randy was not the owner of the check. She said Randy mentioned in Whatsup messages about four days earlier that he had assets belonging to former president Ferdinand Marcos and that the US$2 billion was part of those assets.

Randy claimed a friend named Ed Frondoso had contacts in Central Bank who made the check to take money that “the old man” Marcos had kept in Hang Seng, Orosa said.

She also admitted that about four days because going to the bank, she had been in contact on Skype with Manish, who instructed her on where to deposit the check and to give the deposit receipt to Raveen Kumari, managing director of Great Billion in Hong Kong.

Orosa said after presenting the check to a bank staff named Liu, she and a friend, Filipina tourist Veronica Yambao, were told to sit in a waiting room while staff processed the check. They were arrested by police more than half an hour later.

In his ruling, Chan said he did not believe that Orosa did not know the check was fake before she tried to deposit it, adding any adult with a business sense would know it was a forgery.

He also rejected the defense claim of prejudice in how the bank staff at the counter handled the check after Orosa presented it. The judge said the staff was just performing his duty when he called the attention of his superior to the forgery.

HK’s ICM raises US$2 million for the Philippines’ poorest

Posted on 25 October 2018 No comments
Sutherland with ICM's beneficiary community in backdrop 


By Daisy CL Mandap

When it comes to raising funds for the Philippines’ poor communities, nothing beats the Hong Kong –based charity group, International Care Ministries. Or to be more precise, its extensive support base from Hong Kong’s elite.

Three guests paid $150,000 each for dinner
hosted by VP Robredo and catered by Fores
At its annual banquet held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre last night, Oct. 24, ICM raised a record-breaking HK$15.9 million (or more than US$2 million) for its various programs in central and southern Philippines.

Among the evening’s highlights was the live auction, where there was frenzied bidding for the dinner for eight with Philippine Vice President and pro-poor advocate Leni Robredo at her home in Quezon City, to be catered by world-famous chef, Margarita Fores.

Just hours after auctioneer Joff van Reenen brought down the gavel for $150,000, ICM’s chief executive officer David Sutherland said in an email that two other bidders offered to pay the same amount if VP Robredo would agree to host them as well.

“We immediately contacted the VP and before 1:30am she agreed to accommodate three ICM dinners at her home for three different auction winners. I am impressed!”

A similar thing happened to the live auction for skiing lessons with the Polish ski mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel, plus dinner and accommodation for 10 at a luxury ski resort in Niseko, Japan After the gavel went down for $160,000, another bidder made the same offer for the experience, and got an immediate yes.
Van Reenen auctioning off the Mandela lithograph

The third item in the live bidding, a lithograph with an imprint of the left palm of the late South African President and freedom fighter Nelson Mandela, went for $250,000.

Still, the $1 million raised from the live auction was just a fraction of the record haul that ICM made from its 2018 “Stepping Free from Poverty” banquet.

Sutherland said that it was the first time the charity group had breached the US$2 million threshold from its annual fundraiser.

“This US$2m is about 25% of ICM's annual cash funding needs - a great start to our funding year,”he said.
Young guest holds her number paddle to donate $400k, then $40k

Nearly half of the amount, or $6.6 million, came from the night’s jaw-dropping “Moment of Giving” part, when 122 guests raised their number paddles in succession to hand out between $8,000 and $800,000, all in one go.


Many donors gave $80,000 each, as this was matched dollar for dollar by a United States charity, Find Us Faithful, up to a maximum of US$500,000. Sutherland said the counterpart fund was exhausted because of the donors’ generosity.

“Highest ever,” said Sutherland in describing the money raised from guests who gave and expected nothing in return.

Philippine Consul General Tony Morales
and Consul Paul Saret were among the guests
 
“Leaves me speechless to see so many different people donating. Thank you. As I mentioned, one of the things that separates the ICM banquet is not a handful of people generating all of the donations - it is truly a democratic effort where a wide range participate.”

Another big draw was the silent auction when a total of $1.7 million was raised from donated items, mostly artworks from Philippines-based donors and other supporters. The items were auctioned off in three lots, in-between the three-course dinner.

ICM, which operates in nine regions and 23 provinces in Visayas and Mindanao, has set a budget of HK77.64 million (Php541 million) for its operations this year and next.


ICM beneficiaries get share of spotlight

Sugar Cane Warriors from Bacolod show their winning moves

No ICM banquet is complete without the presence of young, happy Filipinos who provide the best testimony of how the Hong Kong – based charity transforms lives, and offers hope to the ultra poor.

At this year’s dinner, most poignant was the presence of young Alexis, who just had a successful club hand/foot surgery, with help from ICM’s Medical Mercy Fund. The six-year-old boy helped convince 13 donors to give $40,000 each in exchange for his framed handprints, so others could also benefit from the live-changing surgeries.

According to ICM, eight Filipino children with club foot were treated between 2017 and 2018. It is anticipated that 15 children will need the same kind of help each year. Those with cleft palates are the most numerous, with 61 children treated last year, and up to 200 others expected to need the same kind of treatment each year.

At the banquet, most visible were the three young members of the ICM children’s choir, who emceed the show. Mary Jane, Rizzel and Nica have performed along with the rest of the ICM choir have shared their songs of hope with hundreds of people in the Philippines, Hong Kong and the United States, including at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Among those who provided entertainment were three teenagers from Bacolod City, who were the runaway winners in the final round of the “Stepping Free” dance contest. Marvin, CJ and Erben who call themselves the “Sugar Cane Warriors,” delighted the audience with their energetic movements and daring acrobatics.

According to the souvenir program, the boys’ families have benefited from ICM’s programs since 2015. Often forced to choose between school and working in the sugar cane fields that surround their homes, they’re said to choose the former, as they know the importance that education plays in their future,

The Bacolod boys won over the spirited performance of the River Dancing Queens from Western Mindanao and Coco Mommas from Southern Mindanao.

ICM, which has an office in Manila, operates in nine bases across the Visayas and Mindanao: Palawan, Panay, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol, Zamboanga del Norte, Koronadal, and General Santos. 

Its work extends to 23 provinces through partnerships with 6,000 churches.

Last year, it provided help to its one-millionth family member through its Transform program, and aims to reach the next million by its 30th anniversary in 2023.

In future, it hopes to extend help to other poor communities across the globe. - - DCLM








Filipina ex-DH charged with jewelry theft, overstaying

Posted on 25 October 2018 No comments
A Filipina former domestic worker who has overstayed her visa for nearly 4 years was charged in Eastern court on Oct 8 of stealing three pieces of diamond jewelry three years ago.

Fedelita Sante, 48, appeared before Magistrate Veronica Heung Shuk-han to face charges of theft and overstaying her visa. She was arrested on Oct 5 at the Immigration Department’s General Investigation Service office at Skyline Tower in Kowloon Bay.

The prosecution opposed bail for Sante, who had no fixed address. The magistrate remanded her in custody.

The first charge stated that between Jan 1 and Feb 4, 2015, the defendant allegedly stole a diamond necklace, a diamond pendant, a diamond ring and an iPad Air, all belonging to Melanie Helene Silvie Viquel. 

The theft allegedly took place in Viquel’s flat at Sum Way Mansion, Belcher St., Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong Island.

Police did not give an estimate of the total value of the items that were allegedly stolen, or of how the offense was committed.

In the second charge, Sante was accused of “breach of condition of stay” for failing to leave Hong Kong after her visitor’s visa lapsed on Dec 11, 2014.

The case was adjourned until Nov 5 at the request of the prosecutor, who said she needed legal advice and to allow Immigration to investigate further the defendant’s overstay.

Appeal Court foils asylum-seeker’s bid to resist deportation

Posted on 25 October 2018 No comments
The Court of Appeal has rejected a Filipina asylum-seeker’s bid to take to Hong Kong’s highest court her application for a judicial review of the government’s deportation order against her.

Justices Peter Cheung, Carlye Chu and  Aarif Barma ruled on Sept 28 that Mary Ann D. Minque’s application did not meet their conditions for granting leave to appeal.

Minque sought leave to appeal an earlier dismissal of her application to go to the Court of Final Appeal against Deputy High Court Judge Bruno Chan’s rejection of her initial bid for judicial review.

Minque, who came to Hong Kong as a domestic worker in May 2008, overstayed her visa after her contract was terminated prematurely by her employer on Aug 16, 2012.

She was arrested by the police on Mar 14, 2013, but she applied for asylum at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees about a month later. 

The following year, she filed for non-refoulement, or against being sent back home, citing as reason the alleged threats to her life by her abusive husband and some creditors.

However, she failed to get the Immigration Director and the Torture Claim Appeals Board to grant her application, prompting her to seek leave for a judicial review at the High Court.

In denying Minque’s latest bid, the CA said she failed to comply with orders for a written submission to support her application. The only ground she cited in her Notice of Motion was that could not go back home because her life would not be safe there.

Chu said this was not acceptable as it related only to Minque’s personal circumstances and did not meet involve any question of great, general or public importance.


Cooking on a budget

Posted on 25 October 2018 No comments
By Rodelia P. Villar

Cooking need not be stressful, even if you’re on a budget.

This is what Lorelie Bergamos, an active member of Domestic Workers Corner (Its all about Food) tells her fellow members who often ask for suggestions on how they could stretch the budget given them for daily meals.

In her case, this 39-year-old migrant worker from Acop Rosales Pangasinan, who works for a family of four in Whampoa Garden in Hunghom, manages to come up with a complete meal – with soup, meat, fish and vegetables – on a daily budget of $100.

What’s important, she says, is you must love what you’re doing, especially cooking, and always try to learn new things.

“Ang message ko sa mga katulad kong OFW sa HK, lalo na mga baguhan, keep reading and asking lang  sa DWC All About Food, google (recipes) and watch youtube about cooking. Marami silang matutunan mula dito,” she says.

She adds, “mahalin at alagaan ang mga amo, pagsilbihan sila with love, lalo na sa pagluluto, para mas lalo tayong ma-inspire.”

Bergamos says she always tries to serve her employers’ favorite dishes. 

“Ang lagi kong niluluto para kay Sir ay (anything) basta may isda, any luto ng isda, happy na sya. Ang madam ko naman, sushi and all Japanese foods ang favorite nya. Ang mga alaga ko naman, roasted pork, fried pork neck, stir fry talbos ng snowpeas, pork ribs with sweet sauce and Korean foods ang gusto.”

Lorelie says she loves cooking because it is a great way to relieve stress. Learning new recipes and sharing them with others also give her joy and satisfaction.

“Masaya po ako na mai-share ang mga nalalaman ko sa pagluluto lalo na  sa mga baguhan dito sa HK. Nakikita at nababasa ko kasi na iyon lagi ang mga problema nila, kung ano ung mga dapat nila lutuin everyday. Kaya ito na iyong chance para ma-share ko naman po mga natutunan ko sa pagluluto,” she says.

Here are some of those tried-and-tested budget recipes from this happy cook:


Stewed Sea cucumbers and dried mushrooms
Ingredients:
Frozen sea cucumber
Dried mushrooms
Ginger, sliced
Garlic, crushed
Oil for frying
Cornstarch

Seasoning
3 tbsps oyster sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce ground white pepper
 sesame oil
Shaoxing wine

Procedure:
1. Defrost the sea cucumbers.
2. When they’re completely thawed, place in boiling water. Add ginger and a little shaoxing wine. Let boil for 15 minutes.
3. After 15 minutes of boiling, take out sea cucumber, wash in tap water, then let dry.
4. In a frying pan, add a little cooking oil, then sauté garlic.
5. Add the mushrooms, sea cucumber and seasoning and let boil for 15 minutes.
6. Add a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce, then mix thoroughly before serving.


Fried pork neck
Ingredients:
2 medium size pork necks
Breading mix
Oil
Chili powder

Procedure:
1. Wash pork neck then pat dry.
2. Marinate pork with the breading mix powder
3. In a frying pan, add oil and wait until it sizzles. Add the pork necks and fry until they turn golden brown.
4. Slice the pork, then sprinkle with chili powder before serving.
This dish goes well with sweet chili sauce as dip.


Fried Fish
Ingredients:
Small fish
Salt or chicken powder
White pepper
Cornstarch
Oil

Procedure:
1. Wash the fish then pat dry.
2. Marinate with salt or chicken powder, white pepper and cornstarch.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan, then add the fish. Fry until both sides turn crispy.
4. Serve hot.


Stir-fry cabbage with bell peppers
Ingredients: 
A small head of cabbage
Bell peppers in three colors
Garlic
Onion
Chicken powder
Fish sauce or patis
A little sugar
XO sauce or chili sauce

Procedure:
1. Wash vegetables, then slice to desired size
2. Saute garlic and onion, then add cabbage.
3. Season with patis, chicken powder, a little sugar and water, until cabbage wilts a bit. Cover for three minutes
4. Add bell peppers, then mix well until the peppers are cooked.
5. Add a bit of XO sauce or chili sauce for added flavor.
6. Mix well and serve.

Stir-fry Chinese lettuce with fried minced fish
Ingredients:
Minced fish (sold for only $5 in wet markets)
Chinese lettuce
Chicken powder
Garlic
A little sugar
Pinch of salt

Procedure:
1. Wash vegetables well.
2. Fry the minced fish until golden brown. Set aside.
3. Saute garlic, then add Chinese lettuce.
4. Add chicken powder, salt, sugar and mix for about three minutes.
5. Put cooked vegetables on a plate and top with the fried minced fish. Serve.

Koponan ng Indonesian, tinalo ang mga Pinoy sa Samoki volleyball tournament

Posted on 25 October 2018 No comments
Nilampaso ng Indonesian Team na KSB Brizick, 3-0, ang pambato ng mga Pinoy na Wolf Team sa katatapos na Samoki Womens Volleyball Tournament-Summer League tournament na ginanap sa Victoria Park, Causeway Bay noong ika-30 ng Setyembre.

Ang tunggalian ay para sa kampeonato ng bracket A sa pasinaya. Hinirang na overall most valuable player at best spiker sa bracket A si Anyi ng KSB Brizick.

Hinati sa tatlong bracket and mga koponan - A, B at C - at ang unang makakuha ng 25 puntos sa bawat laban ay siyang panalo.

Sa bracket B, nagwagi ang Ilocos Warrior sa iskor na 3-2 laban sa D’Punisher, at pinarangalan bilang best player is Lola Doliente.

Sa bracket C, panalo ang Stray Cats laban sa Drifters sa  iskor na 3-1, at tinanghal na best player si Aileen Bariaud ng Stray Cats.

Kasalukuyan nang inihahanda ang autumn-winter league ng palaro at lahat ng volleyball teams ay inaanyayahang sumali. Tawagan lang si Marlyn sa numero 61597165 para sa anumang katanungan. – Marites Palma

Ang nagwagi sa Samoki Womens Volleyball Tournament-Summer League tournament Bracket A: KSB Brizick.

Bracket B Champion ~Ilocos Warrior A


Want to help set Tai Chi record?

Posted on 23 October 2018 No comments
Do you want to be part of a world record? Here’s your chance.

On Nov. 18, the International Social Service (ISS) Hong Kong Kong will attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the “Most Nationalities in a Tai Chi Class”. The record-setting bid will take place from 10am-12noon at Southorn Playground in Wan Chai.

To create the new world record, around 500 participants of 50 nationalities or more will be asked to take part in a beginner-level Tai Chi class. The lesson will be around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Beginners with little or no previous Tai Chi Experience are welcome to join.

The fun event is part of ISSHK’s year-round activities, and embodies its belief in equal opportunities for all regardless of race, nationality and creed.

The special guest at the event is Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary for Administration, Matthew Cheung.

To enroll, check out http://www.isshk.org/60/ .

The deadline is Oct 15.

Tai Chi practitioners practise their skills.

Fun tournament marks FBC’s 7th anniversary

Posted on 23 October 2018 No comments
By Daisy CL Mandap

Any event hosted by the Filipino Bowling Club Hong Kong is bound to be fun, and its 7th anniversary celebration on Oct 7 was no exception.

Members came in costumes to compete in the tournament held at the South China Athletic Association building in Causeway Bay where 18 teams took part. The fun continued through the hearty lunch shared by around 100 people, and the awarding of prizes that followed.

Consul General Antonio A. Morales was guest speaker. In his message, he congratulated FBCHK on its anniversary, and lauded the members led by president Jennifer Gafate for organizing bowling tournaments while doing charity work on the side.

“Nagsasaya na kayo, nakakatulong pa kayo,” ConGen Morales said.

Also among the guests were the editors of The SUN-HK who praised FBCHK for gathering
Filipinos from all walks of life in a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

FBCHK counts among its members a number of engineers and other professionals, church leaders and retirees, as well as migrant domestic workers.
In a message she posted after the tournament, Gafate thanked everyone who joined the celebration, and said: “It is not about winning or losing but it’s for establishing a strong rapport and great sportsmanship among us all.”

Dominating the tournament was the Couples for Christ Team, which took home the championship trophy in the Class A division, with a total of 2,451 pinfalls.

Champions in class A: CFC Team.
Its players, Anthony Cruz and Shirley Yung, also took home the trophies for the High Game and High Series categories in the men’s and women’s single divisions, respectively.

In second place was Pin Nutz Crasher, which garnered a total of 1,821 pinfalls; while third was Team Wan with 1,709.

In Class B, the champion was Rugby 7’s with 1,717 pinfalls; second was Hip Hop Hooray with 1,628 and third was Bowl You Over with 1,609.

Class C winner was Wrecking Bowls Team, with 1,438 pinfalls; second was LBC with 1,386; and third was Duterte Alliance HK Team with 1,320.

Topping class D was Choosen Angels with 1,320 pinfalls; Vulnerabowl Team with 1,187 and Bowlabelles with 1,138.

Adjudged winner for Best in Costume was Choosen Angels, whose players showed up and played wearing ghoulish costumes.

D Choosen Angels won for best costume.The other groups that took part in the tournament were Square and Compass Club HK, The Builders (class A and B), The 4 Fighters, The Spare Gals, and Rock and Rollers Team.


Gafate said awards were also handed out to the winners of her group’s monthly tournaments.

FBCHK members have taken part in several international tournaments held in Singapore and Australia, and is slated to host the annual contest in Hong Kong next year.

Guardians Amber HK marks 2nd year

Posted on 23 October 2018 No comments
Guardians Amber Hong Kong Chapter celebrated on Oct 7 its second founding anniversary and induction into office of its newly elected officers.

The celebration, held at Neway Karaoke in Wanchai, was attended by about 20 people comprising members and guests of Amber, an all-female chapter of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Inc. of Hong Kong.

Amber, which has 18 active members, was founded two years ago by Philippine Buffalo baseball player and SCC Divas cricketer Jessie Duque.

The highlight of the event was the oath-taking of Amber’s newly elected officers led by May Ann Joy Tolentino, president; Richel Ayade, vice president; Sherly Samson, secretary; Lorraine Caberra, treasurer; Hera Caraecle, auditor; Alma Moreno, business manager, and Mercelita Buenvenida, PRO.

They were inducted into office by Charlie Gamboa, vice president of the Hong Kong executive council of PGBI HK.

Among the guests were Alex Banang of BSA, supporter Dave Chan, SCC Divas cricket team vice president Jennifer Alumbro, and Vir B. Lumicao of The SUN Hong Kong.

New Amber officers, members and guests in a souvenir pose.

Labatt Jolly returns, sets eye on newly accredited agencies

Posted on 22 October 2018 No comments

By Vir B. Lumicao

Labor Attaché Jalilo dela Torre has said he will review the accreditation of more than 20 new local employment agencies, as he resumed work in Hong Kong on Oct. 21.

Labatt Dela Torre retook the top post at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office nearly six months since he was recalled to Manila to face a supposed inquiry about his alleged favoritism in dealing with agencies and other misconduct.

No such inquiry appeared to have taken place, but Dela Torre was unable to return to his desk sooner because he needed to get cleared all over again so he could be sent back to Hong Kong as the Philippines’ top labor official.

On his return, he was received warmly by many leaders of the Filipino community, mostly those who protested an order for his recall in May by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

“It’s good to be back in Hong Kong. A lot of unfinished business and discontinued projects to be resuscitated,” Dela Torre posted on his Facebook page at the end of his first day back at work.

In an interview with The SUN earlier in the day, he said he would check if the agencies given accreditation in his absence passed his framework for “ethical recruitment.”

His yardstick includes requiring agency owners seeking accreditation to undergo a seminar, sign undertakings to comply with legal recruitment guidelines, and agree to third-party assessment.

He also said he will act against Philippine agencies that charge excessive training fees from domestic workers coming to Hong Kong for the first time, or joining new employers.

Another concern was the shortening of work contract processing in POLO, which appeared to have taken its toll on staff.

“I need to meet all the staff kasi sa processing of contracts, mukhang na-shorten nila into one day pero at the expense naman ng empleyado, alas-10 o alas-11 umuuwi,” he said.

He said there is no point to speed up the work in POLO because it still takes the Consulate five days to complete the processing.

In the last three months of his absence, Labor Attache Nida Romulo took over POLO as officer-in-charge.

But after the formal turnover of the post back to him on Oct 22 at the Consulate, Labatt Romulo will head on to Malaysia, where she will also head POLO.

Dela Torre said Bello had given him no special instructions before he returned here.

“Wala naman. It’s just that make sure yung mga controversial cases na baka lumabas sa media, dapat agapan, ireport kaagad sa kanya,” such as sexual offenses against Filipina workers, Dela Torre said.

He said he told Bello that Hong Kong has existing mechanisms to deal with such cases.

Even as he hit the ground running, Dela Torre paused at the end of the day to thank all those who welcomed him back.

In his Facebook page, he said: “The spontaneity and warmth of the welcome of the community were overwhelming, and I was speechless. Faces both familiar and unfamiliar beamed and their smiles of recognition and gratitude lifted my spirit.

“I can only reciprocate by recommitting myself to the advocacies I have dedicated myself to pursue, and have pursued, before I left Hong Kong and went on a long vacation. It's like I never left at all.”

Coins for Bethune participants asked to turn over all cans

Posted on 21 October 2018 No comments
Nearly 80 cans distributed to Filipino community organizations that asked to join the annual Coins for Bethune House project have yet to be turned over.

This was according to Edwina Antonio, executive director of the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, who also appealed for all filled-up cans to be submitted no later than Oct 15.

The counting for the donations was supposed to end on Sept. 30, but due to a schedule mix-up, the activity was moved from the KUC Space to the Bethune shelter in Jordan.

This, according to Antonio, could have accounted for some of the donations not being turned over on time.

So far, more than $38,000 in coin donations from 183 groups and individuals has been tallied by volunteers, she said. At least 260 stickered cans have been distributed to various donors, meaning 77 have yet to be turned over.

Despite the big number of missing cans, Antonio reckons it would be hard to equal, much less surpass the $57,000 total collection from last year’s fund campaign.

Her team plans to end the counting so the shelter can work on other upcoming projects, including several benefit shows being held on its behalf by Pintura Circle and other non-profit groups.

Bethune House, which operates two shelters in Kowloon and Hong Kong island, is a charity organization that provides free legal help and accommodation to distressed migrant workers. It survives solely on private donations. - DCLM

Risks faced by FDWs in online business

Posted on 21 October 2018 No comments
By Cynthia Tellez

You will notice on Facebook or other social media the engagement of some migrant domestic workers in business ventures. They offer different items and sometimes even with prices and information on how to contact them. We understand the necessity of having extra income to augment the low salary. We also understand how prices have soared because of the high inflation rate in our country so much so that our previous remittance to our family is no longer sufficient. Even in Hong Kong where we spend part of our income, prices of basic commodities are also getting higher.

But there are things that foreign domestic workers must bear in mind to stay away from any untoward incidents that might affect their stay in Hong Kong.

First of all, all foreign workers in Hong Kong who are on employment visa are subject to conditions of stay. The “conditions of stay” provide that foreign workers are only allowed to work with a specific employer or a specific company. But such conditions are more restrictive in the cases of foreign domestic workers who are governed by the “New Conditions of Stay” which took effect in 1987. These restrictions include what is commonly known as the “two-week rule”, which mandates that a migrant worker can remain in Hong Kong for only 14 days upon termination of the employment contract. The visas issued to foreign domestic workers also bear the name of their employers as specified in the employment contract. They are only allowed to work with that employer in the specific address stated in the contract and must live in that same address.

In addition, all workers subjected to conditions of stay can only do the work stated when they applied for a visa or permit to work in Hong Kong. For example, foreign domestic worker can only do domestic work, in the same way that architects or engineers are bound to only do what they applied for at the Immigration Department. You cannot engage in other types of work, otherwise, it will be a violation of your conditions of stay. Prior permission must be sought from the Immigration Department for any work-related changes.

Our compatriots working as domestic workers are thus advised to avoid violating their conditions of stay as in the following examples:
• Doing part-time domestic work outside of the employer’s address. These include the houses/flats of your employer’s relatives or other houses owned by the employer that are not stated in the employment contract;
• Working in business premises, even if it’s owned by your employer;
• Selling phone cards or other items; and,
• All other kinds of work outside of what’s stated in the employment contract filed with the Immigration Department.

Now, let us discuss the internet or online business that many migrant domestic workers are now engaged in.

There are times when we see online advertisements for business opportunities offered by companies. These are very enticing advertisements as they promise you an income in the thousands of dollars in a short period of time. All that the interested parties are supposed to do is to get the items, maybe on consignment basis, and sell or market them to friends and fellow migrants.

Many are lured to apply because it would seem your household duties will not be affected because you could sell the items on social media only during your spare time. The advertisements say all you need to do is to multiply your followers on social media so you gain a captive market. You don’t have to pay for advertising your product because it’s free on social media, especially on Facebook.

Unless there is a complaint against the item or product you sold, you will not encounter problems. All you need to sort out is the manner of payment. Once you get this out of the way, all should be smooth sailing. You’re not out there physically selling items, anyway, so you could not be accused of doing illegal work. At least, that’s what you are made to believe.

But you should remember that social media is open to most people, even if you’re selling in a “closed” or “secret” group because practically anyone who applies as a member is accepted. These are virtual marketplaces so keeping the site secret will defeat the purpose of people joining it for their online businesses.

Here is where your vulnerability lies.  So, you might want to seriously consider the following:
1 For any foreign worker in Hong Kong who is subject to conditions of stay, it is close to impossible to apply for any business permit for it will violate the conditions of stay. Prior consent of the Immigration Department to engage in business outside of the current permit of work is needed. So, in case a business permit is needed before you can operate your online business, it will be difficult to secure one. If it is not needed, then you passed the first step.
2) In case no business permit is needed, you should be very sure that the items or products you are selling are not banned or restricted in Hong Kong, like cosmetic items that are not approved for sale by relevant government agencies;
3) Even if you pass the two above-mentioned matters, there is a third condition that could be the most difficult. Permit or no permit, the Immigration Department is very strict on the matter of workers breaching the very specific and restrictive conditions attached to their visas. Foremost of these is the restriction against engaging in any other kind of work, be it fulltime or part-time, paid or unpaid, other than that what is mentioned in the contract or the application submitted to the Immigration Department.

Migrant domestic workers who do online businesses, once detected by the proper authorities, especially by the Immigration Department, could be prosecuted accordingly. It does not matter if the employer gave permission to the worker to engage in such a business because it is the Immigration Department which has the sole power to determine whether you are in breach of the conditions of stay. If the authorities find that you breached these conditions, they will decide whether to initiate prosecution, or removal proceedings, meaning you will be asked to leave Hong Kong. In addition, you could be banned from returning to Hong Kong for a period of time.

As we said at the beginning, we understand why our migrant workers engage in extra work to earn more money. But you might want to consider the possible outcomes for this contract violation as enumerated above, then weigh if he additional income is worth the risk of being prosecuted or barred from Hong Kong.

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This is the monthly column from the Mission for Migrant Workers, an institution that has been serving the needs of migrant workers in Hong Kong for over 31 years. The Mission, headed by its general manager, Cynthia Tellez, assists migrant workers who are in distress, and  focuses its efforts on crisis intervention and prevention through migrant empowerment. Mission has its offices at St John’s Cathedral on Garden Road, Central, and may be reached through tel. 2522 8264.

Sapilitang SSS at insurance, dagdag pahirap sa OFW

Posted on 21 October 2018 No comments
Ni Vir B. Lumicao

Nahaharap ang mga OFW sa karagdagang bayarin sa darating na taon kapag pinirmahan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang bagong panukalang batas ukol sa pagpapatupad ng mandatory coverage ng Social Security System sa lahat ng mga OFW.

Ipinasa noong Okt 8 ng dalawang sangay ng Kongreso ang Senate Bill 1753 o Social Security Act of 2018, o SSA 2018, na nagtatakda ng sapilitang pagsali ng mga OFW sa SSS, ang tagapamahala ng pensiyon ng mga pribadong manggagawa.

Ang bagong batas ay itinulak sa Kongreso ni Emmanuel Dooc, pangulo at punong ehekutibo ng SSS.

Ang pangunahing target ng SSA 2018 ay ang bawat isa sa tinatayang 10 milyong Pilipinong nagtatrabaho sa labas ng bansa upang magsilbing mekanismo ng pag-iimpok nila para sa kinabukasan nila, ayon kay Dooc.

Sa kasalukuyang sistema, ang isang OFW na nagbabayad ng PhP1,760 bawat buwan nang di kukulangin sa 10 taon ay magkakaroon ng PhP6,400 na buwanang pensiyon; ika-13 buwang pensiyon; pampalibing na PhP20,000; salary loan na hanggang PhP32,000, at utang sa pabahay na aabot ng PhP2 milyon, sabi pa ni Dooc.

Gayunman, nagngingitngit ang mga OFW sa pagkakapasa sa Kamara ng nasabing panukalang-batas, dahil itinatadhana din nito na itaas ng 1 porsiyento ang dating 11% kontribusyon ng bawat miyembro, tuwing ikalawang taon. Ibig sabihin simula sa 2019 ay tataas ito sa 12%, hanggang umabot ng 15% sa 2025.

Ang masaklap, simula sa 2019, papasanin ng OFW pati ang ambag ng amo sa 12% kontribusyon, kaya magiging PhP2,400 ang babayaran niya ng sapilitan sa SSS buwan-buwan.

Nagbubunyi si Dooc tiyak na tatabo ng labis-labis na pondo ang gobyernong Duterte mula sa sapilitang pagsali ng mga OFW sa SSS, na siyang mangangasiwa sa pagpapalago ng perang ambag nila.

Tinatataya ng Migrante, ang pandaigdigang organisasyon ng mga manggagawang Pilipino sa labas ng bansa, na mula sa PhP4.64 bilyon na boluntaryong ambag ng mga OFWs noong 2016 ay lolobo nang 3,000% patungo sa PhP144 bilyon sa unang taon pa lang ng pagpapatupad ng batas na ito.

Limpak-limpak na pera ng OFW iyan na iglap na makakamal ng gobyerno. Wala sanang problema kung may sapat na garantiya ang gobyerno na ang perang sapilitang pipigain sa mga mangggagawa ay iingatan at palalaguin ng SSS.

May dahilang makaaamoy ng baho ang  marami sa bagong maniubrang ito ng pamahalaan dahil noong panunungkulan ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, nabunyag ang tangkang pagwaldas ng administrasyon sa perang nakalaan para sa pensiyon ng mga manggagawa.

Ang napipintong paniningil sa kanila ng sapilitang SSS contribution ay iba pa sa mandatory insurance na US$144 sa sisingilin naman ng Philippine Overseas Employment Administration sa mga OFW tuwing pipirma sila ng kontrata tuwing ikalawang taon.

Sa kabila ng mga dagdag-singil na ito, hindi nakikitaan ng madla ng aktibong kampanya ang gobyerno laban sa mga gahamang employment agency na patuloy na pumipiga sa mga manggagawang papunta sa ibang bansa.

Talamak ang paniningil ng mga ahensiya ng illegal na placement fee na itinatago nila sa iba’t ibang bayarin, tulad ng sapilitang pagti-training ng mga manggagawang malaon nang namamasukan at natututo ng mahahalagang kaalaman sa ibang bansa.

Garapalan na ang pagpiga ng gobyerno sa dugo ng mga OFW na dapat lang ilantad at tutulan ng mga manggagawa at ng kanilang mga pamilyang tuwirang naaapektuhan ng mga mapagsamantalang patakaran.   

Bicolanos hold tourism festival on Chater Rd

Posted on 21 October 2018 No comments
By Ellen Asis

Members of the Bicol Migrants Association held the first ever Bicol tourism festival in Hong on Sept 30 at Chater Road, Central.

Six provinces comprising Bicol region each had a booth that exhibited their native products, from food delicacies to handicraft to costumes, and displayed pictures of famous tourist attractions in each place.

According to BMA president Art Buban, the initiative is meant to promote the Bicol region as a tourist destination, not only for tourists, but also for Filipinos, including foreign domestic workers.

The group is confident their region has more than enough attractions to capture anyone visiting it for the first time, and for former visitors to want to go back for more.

The top draws include the perfectly-formed Mayon Volcano in Albay province, and the world-class surfing facilities in Camarines Sur.

The other provinces that make up the Bicol region are Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon.

One of the booths set up to showcase Bicol’s tourism and cultural resources.
Consul Paulo Saret who was the guest speaker at the event, praised BMA for taking the initiative to get more people to visit their region and discover its many beautiful attractions.

Consul Saret said that tourism helps the economy, and uplift the lives of many Filipinos so it’s important for everyone to promote our country and encourage more tourists to come and visit the Philippines.

One of the attractions at the day-long event was a booth occupied by guests from the famous Filipino radio program, “Isumbong mo kay Tulfo”, including the host, Ramon Tulfo. The veteran journalist posed for pictures with many OFWs who dropped by the booth, and promised help to those who needed it.

BMA was founded by Buban only last year, but has already 230 members.

Adventurers mark 2 years of happy hiking

Posted on 21 October 2018 No comments
By Vir B. Lumicao 

An all-OFW hiking group, The Adventurers, marked its second founding anniversary on Oct 1 with a barbecue party attended by more than 50 members and supporters at Butterfly Beach in
Tuen Mun, New Territories.

The group was founded two years ago by Analyn Soriba, a jolly 34-year-old domestic worker from Rosario, Batangas.

The energetic and joke-cracking Batangueña says her mission is to provide a healthy and worthwhile activity for Filipino helpers in Hong Kong to relieve themselves of the stress of working abnormally long hours in their employers’ homes.

Fun activities, including parlor games and photo-taking, highlighted the celebration.

The Adventurers organizes a hike on one of Hong Kong’s numerous trails every Sunday and statutory holiday, weather permitting.

More than 50 members and supporters at Butterfly Beach in Tuen Mun, New Territories.Its Facebook page already has 697 members, many of whom belong to other OFW groups, and like The Adventurers’ friendly trekking activity.


Most members are workers who prefer to explore Hong Kong’s natural beauty on their days off instead congregating at parks and city streets.

For the homesick worker, especially newcomers seeking new friends, a lunchbox, a bottle or two of water and enough Octopus load to get them to and from the hike site, are enough to spend a fun day with the group.

Once in a while, Soriba invites her followers and supporters to charity hikes to raise funds for worthwhile causes. Whatever the purpose of a hike, whether for charity or plain leisure, Soriba makes sure that they all enjoy the outing.

Just a few days after the Tuen Mun get-together, she led The Adventurers to another excursion, a walk to Tai Po Park on Oct 7 which she called “Wagwag Stress Day.”

Soriba promises members that The Adventurers would be a suitable home for the lonely OFW, describing it as: “Tahanan kung saan puro #HapiLangNaWalangEnding!”

OFWs learn first aid in 1-day Red Cross seminar

Posted on 21 October 2018 No comments
By Ellen Asis

Twelve Filipino domestic workers completed a one-day first aid course held at the Hong Kong Red Cross head office in Kowloon on Oct 7.

The course is aimed at giving pointers to domestic workers on how they should respond if someone in their employer’s household was injured or was involved in an accident, especially those they are taking care of.

The participants learned about the principles of first aid, bandaging, treating burns and scalds, choking, muscles cramps, home safety measures and precautions, giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and how to handle a patient.

One of the participants, Louie Licop, said she felt lucky and happy that she was able to avail of the free training because she learned so much about giving first aid.  She particularly liked the lecture on bandaging and choking because she learned how to administer help properly.

She also said she was glad to have learned so many useful things, though admitted she had a hard time absorbing so much information in just one day.

All the participants will receive a certificate from the Red Cross for completing the intensive training.
Trainees work on dummies to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation .



Pista sa St Teresa idinaos

Posted on 21 October 2018 No comments
Ni George Manalansan

Nagdaos ng pistahan sa St Teresa Church sa Prince Edward Road noong ika-30 ng Setyembre and Filipino Catholic Community ng simbahan.

Matapos ang dasal at pasasalamat ay nag-awitan at nagkasayahan ang mga dumalo sa pamamagitan ng mga laro, katulad ng caterpillar game, paper relay, ice candy eating, shooting
coin in a class, bring me game, tongue twister contest at balloon relay.

Lalong pinagtibay ang samahan ng mahigit 10 grupo na kasama sa STFCC ng kasiyahan at sabay-sabay na panalangin.

Sa tampok na raffle draw, sinuwerte si Eden Anoyo dahil siya ang nagkamit ng grand prize na $700 na nasa red packet. First prize naman si Gemma Egam na nanalo ng $500, samantalang isang mini oven ang napunta sa nanalo ng second prize na si Gege Tamparong, at third prize naman si Lorna Padecio na nagkamit ng isang set ng baking tray.

Marami ang nanalo ng consolation prize na pera sa red packet.

Bago naghiwa-hiwalay ay nagsalo-salo ang lahat sa hapunan.

Ayon sa lider ng grupo na si Amalia Elefante, ang St Teresa ang pangalawa sa pinakamalaking Catholic community sa buong Hong Kong.

Sugod na, mga kapatid, sa hapag.


PRC grants LET proctors, watchers credit units for renewal of their license

Posted on 21 October 2018 No comments
Domestic worker-teachers who served as proctors and watchers in the Special Board Licensing Examination for Teachers held in Hong Kong on Sept 30 are entitled to as many as 10 credit units needed for renewing their professional licenses.

A new Professional Regulation Commission resolution gives 7 credit units to those who help out in the elementary-level exam and 10 for those in the secondary-level exam, said Gemma Lauraya, president of the National Organization of Professional Teachers-Hong Kong.

“We are happy because all the proctors and watchers in the BEED exam earned 7 units of CPD and those in the BSED exam earned 10 units, which we can add to the units earned so we can renew our licenses,” Lauraya told The SUN.  “This is the first time that the PRC gave us this opportunity.”

Labor Attache Nida Romulo and PRC officials oversee the LET.
PRC Chairman Teofilo Pilando Jr. along with two commissioners, signed Resolution 1118 on Sept 25, giving CPD credit units to those who help out in the professional licensure exams. One credit unit is given for each hour of service rendered.

Of the 60 who served as watchers and proctors in the licensure exam held at Delia Memorial School-Hip Wo in Kwun Tong, 58 were NOPT HK members,

Lauraya said. Those assigned to the elementary-level exam stayed until 2pm while those in the secondary-level finished at 6pm. 

On Sunday, Oct 7, Consul General Antonio Morales and Labor Attaché Nida Romulo handed certificates and licenses to 15 passers of the 2017 LET in ceremonies at the Consulate’s Sentro Rizal.

The documents were brought personally to Hong Kong by Dr Reynaldo Cristobal, head of the five-man PRC team that administered the exam.

Lauraya explained that the PRC requires professional teachers to renew their licenses every three years to be able to teach in Philippine schools. 

Those who renew their licenses until Dec 31 this year must earn 30 credit units while 45 credit units will be required from January next year.

 Thousands of Filipino teachers who have chosen to work as domestic helpers in Hong Kong and other places abroad can earn the required credits only by attending CPD seminars and training programs offered by accredited CPD providers.

But on Feb 15 this year, PRC Commissioner Yolanda Reyes directed the CPD secretariats to accept certificates of attendance in seminars and trainings offered even by unaccredited providers for crediting under the self-directed learning modality.    - VBL                                                        

Phil-Indo Consulates ask HK for lower loan interest

Posted on 19 October 2018 No comments
ConGen Morales at the CORP-Gear-Up Launch

By Daisy CL Mandap

The consulates of the Philippines and Indonesia are set to announce their joint effort to get the Hong Kong government to ease interest rates on loans, seen as one of the reasons why many migrant domestic workers get enmeshed in debt.

The joint campaign is expected to be unveiled at a press conference on Monday, Oct. 22.

Earlier, Philippine Consul General Antonio A. Morales spoke about the initiative in a speech at the launching of a new reintegration campaign for returning Filipino workers on Oct. 14 at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Wanchai.

“Last week, I and the consul general of Indonesia met with the Chief Secretary (Matthew Cheung) on the possibility of reducing interest rates and of course, the possibility of prosecuting those who get their (migrant workers) passports, Morales said.

He cited the most recent case of about 400 Philippine passports being seized from the house of a suspected loan shark in North Point. Last year, more than 800 passports, mostly belonging to Indonesians, were seized in a separate operation.

Morales sees the high interest rates on loans as one of the reasons why migrant workers end up saddled in debt.

“Alam ba ninyo na ang interest rate na legal maximum is 60%?,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Comprehensive OFW Reintegration Program (CORP). “So kung mangungutang kayo ng $1,000, $1,600 ang babayaran ninyo. Yan ang legal.”

In the case of the loan sharks, police have revealed that the interest rate charged to migrant workers who are asked to pawn their passports and employment contracts as security, is 125%.

It’s not known what, if any, steps will be taken by the Hong Kong government in response to the appeal by the two consulates. However, someone privy to the talks said the two consuls general were told during their meeting with the Chief Secretary to step up their education campaign to discourage heavy borrowing among their workers.

Morales said it is part of his advocacy to get more Filipino migrant workers to save and plan for their future so they can avoid the debt trap.

He revealed encounters with some migrants who have been working in Hong Kong for 20 or more years, including those who volunteer at the Consulate, who have not saved for their eventual return to the Philippines.

“It is really tragic,” he said.

But he added, it is unavoidable for some to resort to borrowing due to unforeseen events. “Hindi rin natin mapipigilan ang ating mga kababayan na mangutang.”

So apart from asking the Hong Kong government to lower the legal rate of interest for loans and crack down on illicit loans, Morales said the Consulate has been spearheading effort to provide financial education to Filipino migrant workers.

Helping OFWs prepare for their eventual return home, as the CORP program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration plans to do, is another way to help them focus on their goal, and avoid unnecessary and burdensome borrowing.

CORP has partnered with Atikha's "Go,Earn, Accelerate, Return Uplift Philippines" (Gear-Up) program in providing comprehensive reintegration for OFWs in Hong Kong.  
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