OFW shocked by PhilHealth demand for 5 years' back payment, plus interest

 

The demand letter sent by PhilHealth to Jackie

A Filipina domestic worker in Hong Kong was shocked to receive a letter from the local PhilHealth office in her Aklan hometown recently, demanding that she pay back monthly premium contributions from November 2019 until July last year.

According to Jackie T., the letter which was dated August last year, was received by her sister only this month.

The letter signed by the officer-in-charge of the PhilHealth Kalibo office said Jackie had incurred “deficiencies” since November 2019, which she must pay, with compounded monthly interest not exceeding 1.5%.

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Even at the current minimum wage of a domestic worker in Hong Kong of nearly $5,000 or about P37,500, that would already amount to P1,875 in monthly contribution, based on the 5%  charge stipulated for self-earning individuals, including overseas Filipino workers.

That means, for the five years and three months that she was said to be in arrears, with the prescribed contribution of between 3 and 5 percent of her monthly income, Jackie will have to pay PhilHealth no less than Php100,000 in total, apart from the compounded monthly interest in penalties.

“Kalokohan na yata ito, hindi naman sana mandatory kasi hindi naman nagagamit dito sa Hong Kong,” said Jackie.

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(This is crazy, the payment should not be mandatory since we do not even get to use the PhilHealth coverage in Hong Kong).

Like all migrant workers in Hong Kong, Jackie is covered by an employee compensation insurance that their employers are required to pay for under the law.

The insurance payout is usually more than enough to pay for the nearly free medical treatment that all Hong Kong residents, including migrant domestic workers, could avail of from public hospitals.

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The benefit extends even to costly medical treatments like chemotherapy or dialysis, for as long as the employer is willing to continue to be bound by the FDW contract.

In contrast, a PhilHealth coverage in the Philippines is rarely enough to cover the costs of medical care and hospitalization, much less if expensive medical procedure or treatment is needed.

Dolores Balladares, chairperson of United Filipinos – Migrante Hong Kong, was appalled by the letter sent to Jackie, as widespread OFW protests forced former President Rodrigo Duterte to halt the forced collection of premiums from them at the height of the pandemic in 2020.

It has not been revived since.

Even at the height of the pandemic Balladares (center) and her group took to the streets 
to protest the mandatory and far more expensive PhilHealth charges on OFWs

“Kailangan talagang tutulan yan,” said Balladares, who promised to look into the issue more closely. (That should definitely be opposed).

PhilHealth has received a lot of flak recently after it transferred P89.9 billion in excess funds to the national treasury. Many people said the money should have been spent instead on better services and bigger subsidies for members with critical illnesses.

The outrage prompted the two houses of Congress to strip the agency of its subsidy for the next fiscal year, which had originally been pegged at Php74.31 billion.

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Ironically, while PhilHealth Aklan acknowledged the “temporary suspension” of the provisions of R.A. 11223 due to the pandemic, it said in the letter to Jackie that its provisions still apply.

This, it maintained, is because there is “automatic entitlement to benefits guaranteed under the UHC Act” for all registered Filipino members.

While the law explicitly provides fines and penalties for employers who fail to remit their share of the monthly PhilHealth premiums for their workers, it is silent on the consequences of delayed, or non-payment of contributions by self-paying members like OFWs.

It can only be imputed that apart from being charged a monthly interest on their unpaid contributions they may also be deprived of discounts on their medical bills. But for OFWs in Hong Kong, this may be irrelevant.

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Free courses for OFWs who want to learn how to do business

 

 

Skills training is a step forward to becoming an entrepreneur
(Kasambuhay photo)

Here’s a chance for OFWs to learn how to start and run a business back home.

The Department of Science and Technology is inviting OFWs to enroll in entrepreneurship training with emphasis on the use of science and technology, to be conducted under its Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) project.

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The courses are free and will always be free, DOST said in an announcement. However, it has invested a total of P60,000 per trainee, so it is asking them to indicate a willingness to complete the course. 

“iFWDPH is a commitment to providing valuable learning resources without any cost barriers for our OFWs!” it added.

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Deadline for application is Feb. 28.

The 3-month online courses, which have benefited more than 500 OFWs, feature:

• Step-by-step training in business ideation.
• Training on advance business concepts.
•  Innovation-focused mentorship.
• Innovation funding opportunity to bring your project to life.

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“Whether you're dreaming of launching a tech startup or growing an innovative enterprise, we're here to help you succeed,” the DOST announcement said.

Details on the courses can be found here:  www.ifwdph.dost.gov.ph.

Application form is here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=uo8s4dlOjEmQvBjIxDxkv9WqDR0F-AxDnMdTaTCHX8hUQVlVTEhKTzFaUVVDVFdCTllHV0tMTTRKOC4u

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PCG warns of online game scam by money launderers

 

Warning against the online game scam

The Philippine Consulate has warned Filipinos in Hong Kong against a supposed online game offered by money laundering syndicates, in which victims are promised payment of at least $500 if they join using their HKID cards and personal photos.

“Unfortunately, the supposed online game is actually a virtual bank app (e.g., Mox Bank, ZA, ets) and the syndicates would use the Hong Kong ID and photograph taken from the target FDW to open a bank account,” said the PCG.

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Once the bank account is opened in the name of the unsuspecting victim, the syndicate would use it to launder or funnel proceeds from criminal activities.

Not a few Filipino domestic workers who had fallen for this ruse have been charged in court for money laundering, which almost always result in the accused being sentenced to months in prison, depending on the amount involved.

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Professing innocence, or of having been victimized by the real culprits, have yet to hold sway with judges, who follow sentencing guidelines that decree immediate custodial sentence for the accused.

Do not write the PIN on your ATM card, says the PCG

From documented cases, the Consulate said syndicates have also managed to take control of bank accounts owned by FDWs by using lost ATMs.

“Unfortunately, some FDWs write their personal identification numbers (PIN) on their ATM cards, and this allows the syndicates to use the bank account as a stooge bank account for money laundering.

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Left unsaid were the documented cases of FDWs willingly lending their ATMs to unknown people, often in exchange for a few hundred dollars, without realizing the likely consequences of the foolhardy act.

The message is thus clear: Do not provide copies of your personal documents like HKID cards, passports and ATMs to strangers, said the Consulate.

Never share your personal documents with strangers and report promptly if you lose them

If any of these documents are lost or misplaced, the owner should report immediately to the Immigration Department, the Consulate or the relevant banks to prevent them being used for money laundering.

Under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance, money laundering is punishable with a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for up to 14 years.

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Ex-WOMED HK president Jenny Bulaon passes on

 

Jenny at an event at the Philippine Consulate, where she was a regular volunteer

The Filipino community in Hong Kong is mourning the passing of the former president of WOMED-Hong Kong, Juanita Abraham Bulaon.

Bulaon, known as Jenny or Jen to her friends in Hong Kong and “Lita” to friends and family, succumbed to breast cancer in her hometown of Gerona, Tarlac. She was 68.

She is survived by her husband, Danilo, who took care of her from the time she decided to go home for good in 2020 after being diagnosed with the disease.

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Her remains now lie in state at the Gerona Chapel in Poblacion 2, and will be buried this coming Saturday, Feb. 15.

Jenny was a registered nurse in the Philippines before coming to Hong Kong to work as a domestic helper in 1985. She worked here on and off, until she decided to retire to the Philippines five years ago.

Many of her friends and fellow members at WOMED HK were taken by surprise by news of Jenny’s passing, as she kept her ailment a secret to many.

Jenny and fellow WOMED HK volunteers often hung out at the Metrobank offices

But among those who knew what she had been going through was WOMED HK founder Josie Cajada who recalled in a Facebook post how Jenny had lamented about her ailment to her via a video call three weeks ago.

Cajada said she responded, “Kapit lang, Jenny, I know God is good to us all.”

Still, Cajada said she was “shocked” to hear of Jenny’s passing.

Jenny was honored with an Outstanding OFW Leadership Award by Tarlac officials
led by Governor Susan Yap (leftmost)

Also posting a tribute to Jenny was her former employer, Tom Donovan. In a Facebook post he said: “A tribute to Juanita Abraham Bulaon, our Amah in Hong Kong on her passing this week. Godspeed on your journey, your reward for a life so well lived awaits. Thank-you for all your care and love. You made our family part of your family.— feeling sad.

You Rest now, it's well deserved. Bless you and yours always.— feeling sad.”

The late Consul General Raly Tejada sent off Jenny with a plaque of appreciation

 Under Jenny’s leadership, WOMED HK  provided free blood pressure and glucose check-ups to fellow overseas Filipino workers every Sunday at the Philippine Consulate offices at United Centre, and during the overseas election period, at Bayanihan Centre in Kennedy Town.

For her long and exemplary stint as an OFW, no less than the Tarlac provincial government under Governor Susan A. Yap bestowed Jenny with a “Tatak TarlakHenyo” and an “Oustanding OFW Leadership award” in December 2018.

Less than two years later, the Philippine Consulate also gave recognition to Jenny’s selfless work for the Filipino community in Hong Kong, even amid the pandemic. Consul General Raly Tejada awarded her with a certificate of appreciation for her work as a volunteer in support of the Consulate’s various programs and projects.

Though grieving her loss, Jenny’s friends and relatives take comfort in the thought that her death would be reunited with her only son Cris, who was killed in a traffic accident nearly 25 years ago, when he was in his teens. They know Jenny had long waited to see her son again.

 

Pinoy jailed 1 week for assault on policeman

 

Scene of the crime (Google photo)

A Filipino who assaulted a police officer at the fountain outside the Citygate Mall in Tung Chung was sentenced to one week in jail today after a trial at West Kowloon court.

Sean Matthew Lanuza, 23 years old who works as a scaffolder at construction sites, failed to prove his innocence as Deputy Magistrate Nicole Chun gave more weight to the testimony of his victim, Sergeant Tang Wing Kit.

Lanuza was charged with assaulting a police officer “acting in the execution of of his duty” on Apil 10 last year, according to the committal warant issued by Lantau Police, dated Sept. 20, 2024. 

The charge sheet gave no details of the incident.

He was convicted of violating Section 63 of the Police Force Odinance, which punishes the offense with a maximum fine at level 2 ($5,000) and imprisonment of up to six months.

2 Filipinos arrested tying to encash fake bank docs for US$10B

 

HSBC branch where incident was reported (Google Maps photo)  

Two Filipinos were arrested with three others after they allegedly attempted to encash two fake letters of credit amounting to US$10 billion at an HSBC branch in Central yesterday (Feb. 10), according to new reports.

The two – a 68-year old man who claimed to be a businessman and a 38-year-old woman who claimed to be a lawyer – were arrested after they presented the fake documents at the HSBC branch in China Bldg. on Queens Road, Central, using them to open an account.

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Bank staff who examined the documents found them suspicious and called police.

Officers arrested the two Filipinos along with a Malaysian man, a Taiwanese man and a woman who used a Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit to enter Hong Kong.

They are scheduled to appear tomorrow at Eastern Court.

Foremost Filipino chef Gaita Fores found dead in HK hotel room

 

Gaita Fores, 1959-2025

Renowned Filipino chef Margarita “Gaita” Fores, named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, was found dead in her hotel room in Hong Kong Tuesday. She was 65.

A post by her son, Amado, on Instagram, announced Fores’ passing, calling it “sudden” and “unexpected.” He gave no further details but said their family would be able to give more information in due time.

Another relative told The SUN that Fores was in high spirits shortly before she died inside her room at The Upper House in Pacific Place, Admiralty.

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“She had been travelling to Morocco where she went up a big (hot air) balloon for the first time, then Madrid, and decided to pass by Hong Kong before finally flying back home to Manila,” said the source.

As soon as she got to Hong Kong, she had reportedly posted on social media about the harbor view from her hotel room, and the food she ate at Prince and the Peacock restaurant at nearby Arbuthnot Road, where the Michelin-starred chef was her good friend.

That was apparently the last meal she had, as she was found unresponsive in her hotel room the next day after missing a lunch appointment.

Fores was a two-time cancer survivor, but was not known to have any apparent health problems.

In an article about her and her fellow restaurateur son Amado earlier this month, Fores even mentioned about how she was looking forward to being at her son’s wedding this year.

Gaita and son Amado's culinary journeys were featured in Tatler magazine early this month

Born in March 1959, Fores was a descendant of two wealthy and influential clans, the Aranetas on her mother’s side and the Fores’ on her father’s. Her maternal grandfather, Don J. Amado Araneta, built the Araneta Center complex in Cubao, while her paternal grandfather, Dr. Jose Fores, was one of the founders of the Makati Medical Center.

She started her cooking career in 1986 when she traveled to Italy for four months to learn the country’s language and cuisine. On her return to the Philippines she started a personal catering business until she decided to open her first restaurant Cibo, in 1997. It now has branches all over the Philippines.

Cibo’s success insired Fores to open three more restaurants, Lusso, Grace Park and Alta.

Her biggest accomplishment to date was her being named Asia’s Best Female Chef by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in December 2016.

The Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong says it is now working on shipping Fores’ remains as soon as possible, in accordance with her family’s wishes.

 

Migrant workers take part in HK Marathon

 

MFMW's runners and supporters at the HK Marathon

A number of foreign domestic workers were among about 74,000 people who took part in the Standard Chartered-Hong Kong Marathon 2025 held on Sunday, with at least three completing the full, 42.195 -kilometer marathon.

The three – Marah Cabania, Carmina Bajarin and Roxanne Banawa – were veteran trailwalkers, but had joined the HK Marathon, one of the city’s biggest sporting events, for the first time.

They ran to raise funds for the Mission for Migrant Workers, one of a number of non-government organizations enlisted as co-partners of the annual race this year.

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All completed the race well within the six hour-time limit set by organizers. Carmina came in first at 4:45:03, Marah at 5:16:39 and Roxanne at 5:21:29. Not a mean feat, considering that the three often could only train on Sundays, their only day-off in the week.

Marah, a veteran of several trail running competitions, including the grueling three-day hk100, said the HK Marathon posed a different challenge.

“Mas ok po sa akin ang trail run kaysa road running. Ang road po kasi matigas (unlike) sa trail na lupa na hindi masakit sa talampakan,” said Marah.

(I like trail running more than road running. The road is more difficult to run on than the soil in trail runs which is gentler and does not cause the soles of my feet to ache).

Marah shows off her medal for completing the full marathon

Marah’s balancing act of doing domestic work while preparing for the numerous running contests she joins on a regular basis were featured in a TV documentary recently. It showed her exercising on the kitchen floor in her employer’s flat in-between chores, and then taking part in the hk100 trail race call the “Grand Sam,” which required her to run for three straight days, and complete a distance of nearly 200 km: 33 km on the first day, 56 km the next day, and 103 km on the third day.

In the same video interview was Indonesian domestic worker Sringatin, who spoke about her role as a spokesperson of Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, a foremost migrant rights group in Hong Kong.

Here is the link to the video interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=7s2LlHnFcD4eijQr&fbclid=IwY2xjawIXJahleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYRtUkGmL2sUsZ7iutrsgTg5OUmvN4roZApw7G47ggmJ0_DRFa6GbDwi1Q_aem_rqojUqApgFKSnNHFhramQw&v=vZHEnDQwuaQ&feature=youtu.be

Sring also took part in the 10-km race of the HK Marathon for the MFMW.

Final preps for the MFMW team before the big race

According to the MFMW, a total of 28 runners from diverse backgrounds listed up for the HK Marathon under its banner. About a quarter ran the full marathon, a few the half-marathon, and the rest, the 10-kilometre race.

The runners were a motley crew of migrant workers from the Philippines and Indonesia who enjoy trail running, young students passionate about drama, and local professionals who excel in fancy rope skipping. Among the migrant workers, a number had lived temporarily at the Mission’s shelter.

“This running initiative provides numerous opportunities to enhance the well-being of the migrant community while promoting cultural diversity and inclusion,” said the MFMW in a Facebook post that showed its runners preparing for the race.

“Despite our varied backgrounds and differing skill levels, we unite in our running practice, learning from one another and fostering a sense of camaraderie.”

The MFMW said all proceeds from the fund-raising will be used for its services and programs that enhance the well-being and empowerment of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.

Marites survived the 10-km race 10 years after a major leg surgery

Also among the runners in the 10-km race was Marites Palma, founder of Social Justice for Migrant Workers. She ran to raise funds for Resolve Foundation, which aims to empower leaders from marginalized and disadvantaged communities, including migrant domestic workers.

“Nag join po ako for an inclusive Hon Kong, and for the advancement of SJMW, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities,” said Marites.

In a Facebook post, she said she had initial doubts about finishing the race because of a major leg surgery she had to undergo in 2015 to remove an aggressive tumor. She was told by her doctor then that she could no longer do long hikes or run for an extended period.

After 10 years she decided not just to run again, but join the 10-km race of the HK Marathon.

“Natapos ko ang 10km run na inspirado dahil napatunayan ko sa sarili ko na kahit may problem noon sa aking left leg ay nakaya ko pa ring tumakbo ng 10km,” said Marites.

She said those who want to donate to her cause may still do so until the end of the month, through this link: https://give.asia/campaign/support-tekla-s-first-time-running-10km-for-an-inclusive-hk-391?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0Rw_0MCZdJFG4zrS1FfYrS61ei6iYKhfm8nSCjcWJK-pFfb5Gxo1gEhjk_aem_NFAMJtYP0MtCW22ITNIPlA#/story

Ex-DH admits drug trafficking, to be sentenced by High Court

 

Tsim Sha Tsui building where Filipina was arrested (Google Maps photo)

A former domestic helper who has overstayed and sought asylum to be able to remain in Hong Kong, pleaded guilty at Eastern Court today to two drug trafficking charges, but her case was elevated to the High Court for sentencing.

Sherlita Guia, 37 years old, was earlier advised by Magistrate Frances Leung, that because of the quantities of drugs she was alleged to have trafficked, her case would be transferred to the High Court in case of a guilty plea, or to the District Court for trial if the plea was not guilty.

Guia was arrested on July 14, 2023 at Tsim Sha Tsui Mansion on Nathan Road, and has been detained since her case was first heard at the Kowloon City Court on Feb. 28 last year.

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The first charge pertains to her trafficking in dangerous drugs, namely 52.17 grams of methaphetamine hydrochloride (otherwise known as shabu or ice) and 339.72 grams of cocaine, at Room 1 of a flat in  Tsim Sha Tsui Mansion.

The second charge arose from her dealing in 26.32 grams of cocaine and 13.3 grams of 3,4-methylenedioxymethaphetamine, at Room 2 of the same flat, which she was renting.

Also seized from the flat were records of drug deals and cash.

A urine test after her arrest showed she was positive for cocaine.

Guia will be in jail to await her next court date, to be set by the High Court.

Memorial mass held for Filipina found dead in employer's home

 (UPDATED)

Notice of memorial mass for Merlyn (from Facebook)

A mass was said on Sunday, Feb. 9, at St Joseph’s Church in Central for a former longtime volunteer who was found dead in her employer’s home in Repulse Bay six days earlier.

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Merlyn Anillo, 41 years old, was found lifeless in her room by her employer who had just returned from a vacation. It’s  believed the Filipina had been dead for about four days before her body was discovered.

A neighbor posted this picture of Merlyn's body being taken away (from Facebook)

According to staff at the Migrant Workers’ Office, cardiac arrest is believed to have caused her death, and no foul play had been detected. But the result of the autopsy could take time.

The MWO said it had been in touch with the deceased Filipina’s employer and her family in Sta Lucia, Ilocos Sur. The family has reportedly asked that the remains be brought home so she can be buried in her hometown. 

According to a close friend, Lhen had complained of having a heart problem and of having undergone depression after a falling out with some fellow volunteers at St. Joseph's church.

She also reportedly told the friend on Thursday, or the day she is believed to have passed on, that she was having palpitations. But when told that she should go and see a doctor, she said she could not as her employer was not in town.

Her friend tried to call her the next day but Lhen no longer picked up. 

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Police said that they received a report at about 1pm on Feb 3 that a "foreign woman" was found collapsed in a house on South Bay Road, Aberdeen. Police who arrived at the scene certified her dead at the scene.

The case has been classified as "dead body found."

Lhen was said to have worked in Hong Kong for 12 years, and was a longtime guitarist at St Joseph's choir.

However, she was forced to leave the church following a dispute with fellow members at the Apostleship of Prayer group in April last year. She then moved on to Mt Carmel Bethany Choir in Wanchai and was with them until her passing.

Her friend, Flor, said Lhen also stopped going out on her days off. After attending church she would reportedly just go back to her employer's house, and declined invitations to meet up elsewhere. She also often spoke of feeling depressed, and of having heart problems.

Flor said she had urged Lhen to seek counseling, but could not go with her as she had to move to Macau last August due to problems with her employment. They kept touch through phone calls, however, and it was Flor that Len had called the day before she passed.

Lhen's friends say her remains will be brought home by air direct from the mortuary on Feb. 15. No public viewing is expected.

DH jailed one year for money laundering

File photo

Another Filipina has been jailed for one year after pleading guilty at Eastern Court to allowing the use of her bank account for laundering of crime money totalling more than $1 million.

Majorie Tayaoa, 44 years old, is the latest in the long list of Filipinas who had been entangled in money laundering by letting other people take control of their bank accounts.

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She was charged with dealing with property known or believed to be proceeds of indictable offense, in violation of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

Tayaoa admitted allowing the use of her Mox Bank account to receive deposits totalling $1,136,868.02, which were subsequently withdrawn, between July 20 and Aug. 1, 2023.

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Meanwhile, Jennifer Ducusin, 40 years old, has been remanded in jail after appearing in at Kwun Tong Court last Feb. 7, accused of stealing jewelry and other items worth more than $772,000 plus 2,500 yuan in cash.

A police complaint listed the items she allegedly stole from her employer: three necklaces, 17 rings, five pairs of earrings, eight bracelets, three gold chains, one gold coin, two gold ingots, three pendants, two watches, one handbag, one scarf, one shawl and one ivory scale.

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The theft allegedly happened at her employer’s flat at Green Park in Tseung Kwan O between July and November last year.