2 FDHs found with $900k worth of untaxed cigarettes arrested

 

Some of the cigarettes found on the 2 helpers

Hong Kong Customs reported late Sunday night the seizure of around 200,000 suspected illicit cigarettes from two storage and distribution centers in Sheung Shui said to be operated primarily by foreign domestic helpers.

Two female foreign domestic helpers aged 40 and 48 but whose nationalities were not disclosed, were arrested.

Customs said the untaxed cigarettes have an estimated market value of about $900,000 and duty potential of about $660,000.

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The arrests came after customs officers saw the two women carrying suspicious nylon bags in Choi Yuen Estate at the crack of dawn on Sunday. Upon checking, about 90,000 pieces of cigarettes were found inside the bags.

The helpers then escorted the officers to their employers’ public rental flats where an additional 110,000 illicit cigarettes were discovered.

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Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the domestic helpers used their employer’s public housing units where they also lived, as storage centres for the contraband cigarettes.

According to customs, the helpers used the flats as delivery addresses and collected the illicit cigarettes in small batches to avoid detection by their employers. They distributed them during early hours on holidays, but it was not clear who the recipients were.

Customs said it will continue investigating to find out the source and distribution channels for the illicit cigarettres.

Further arrests have not been ruled out.

The haul was kept inside public housing flats belonging to the helpers' employers

In Hong Kong, tobacco duty amounts to 80 cents per stick, pushing up the price of a 20-stick pack to more than $90. But on the black market, each pack sells from $20 to $30.

Customs warned that it is an offence to buy or cigarettes for which tax has not been paid. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes could be fined a maximum of $1 million and jailed for up to two years.

The public is urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

AMCB submits 2025 agenda for migrant workers to govt

 

The multi-ethnic group presents its written demands to a govt representative

By Daisy CL Mandap

A multi-ethnic alliance of migrant domestic workers staged a picket outside the Hong Kong Central Government Offices this morning to present concrete demands on living wage, working hours regulation and improvements on working and living conditions, which they call their 3Ws campaign.

About 50 MDWs from Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand comprising the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, held up posters and spoke on their demands outside the CGO, after which a government representative stepped outside to collect a copy of their written statement.

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Number in their list of 3Ws is their call for a “living wage” for all, including MDWs who they say have to deal with the rising costs of basic goods, just like any other person living in Hong Kong.

AMCB says at least $6,172 a month is what migrant workers need to allow themselves and their families to live a bit more comfortably. If provided with a food allowance, this should be at least $3,123 a month.

The picket outside the CGO this morning

The second W in the campaign is the “working hours regulation.” AMCB wants MDW contracts to stipulate a continuous 11-hour rest period for the workers each day, especially as it has received complaints of MDWs working for up to 16 or even 20 hours each day.

The lack of regulation deprives MDWs of much-needed rest and sleep which they need to work safely and effectively, said the AMCB.

The third and last W stands for “working and living conditions” of MDWs. From the time the first standard foreign domestic helper contracts were issued by the government, nothing has been done to set a standard for sleep and rest accommodation for MDWs who number more than 300,000 now, according to AMCB.

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While the word “suitable accommodation” is mentioned in their contract, the term does not give concrete examples of where a MDW can be allowed to rest and sleep in. Thus, during consultations with their members, they found out that 3 out of 5 migrants do not have private rooms to sleep in.

There have also been documented cases of MDWs being forced to sleep inside toilets, atop washing machines, or inside coffin-like cabinets in the kitchen.

“Their uniqueness as workers who live where they work implies a 24-hour on-call household worker with little or no rest and privacy, said the AMCB.

The group has reiterated the call to make the live-in arrangement for all MDWs optional for those who cannot be given decent and acceptable accommodation.\

2 dead, 4 injured in car crash at NAIA

 

The black SUV finally came to a halt by the glass doors of the terminal entrance

Two people were killed and four others were injured after a black SUV crashed through barriers at the departure area of Terminal 1 of  Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila at about 8:50 am today, May 4.

The dead included the five-year-old daughter of a departing overseas Filipino worker, and a 29-year-old male.

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The injured included another OFW who was about to leave the country and members of his family who were sending him off.

According to initial reports the SUV driver identified as Leo Gonzales told investigators he was parked at the terminal’s entrance after taking a passenger to the airport, when another car suddenly passed in front. He panicked and pressed on the accelerator instead of the brakes.

The driver said he hit the gas pedal instead of the brakes in panic

However, two CCTV footages taken overhead showed the car’s path was only blocked by a pedestrian at the time. The SUV is seen to have accelerated fast, managed to avoid the pedestrian, but rammed through the barriers and crushed people around, before resting just before the glass doors of the terminal entrance.

Here's a link to a CCTV footage from NAIA: https://www.facebook.com/bomboradyophilippines/videos/4053108891592308/

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Videos shared online by onlookers showed the dead girl’s father in an emotional breakdown, saying “anak ko yun, anak ko yun,” repeatedly.

In a statement, the New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC) said the driver who crashed the car is now in the custody of the Philippine National Police which is pursuing an investigation.

The two fatalities were both dead on the spot

The Land Transportation Office has suspended his licence for 90 days while the investigation is ongoing, while a show cause order has been issued against both the driver and the registered owner of the car, said to be a Ford Everest.

Meantime, NNIC’s president, Ramon S. Ang, has committed to personally pay for the medical expenses of those injured and provide financial assistance to the families of the two fatalities.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said it has preventively suspended the driver’s license of the motorist involved in the incident. It will last for 90 days while the investigation is ongoing.

The LTO also said it has also issued a show cause order against the registered owner and the driver of the SUV.

Aftermath of the tragedy on SCTEX caused by a driver who said he fell asleep at the wheel

The NAIA tragedy happened just three days after a sleeping passenger bus slammed onto a number of vehicles lined up at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), killing 10 people and injuring 37 others.

Reports said the driver of the Pangasinan-bound Solid North provincial bus told investigators he had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Among those killed were eight people in a Nissan Urvan which had set off from Antipolo City, including four children being taken to camp in Pangasinan.

Also killed were a couple aboard a Kia Sonet car – 32-year-old Philippine Coast Guard Seawoman 1 Dain Janica Alinas and her husband, Jon-jon, 34. Miraculously, their two-year-old son who was strapped to his car seat, escaped unharmed.

The family was said to be on their way to a holiday in Baguio City.

Nearly all of the injured were passengers  of the North Star bus and mostly sustained only minor wounds, including the driver.

Authorities have since arrested  the driver and he now faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides, physical injuries and property damage.

Enrolment for overseas voting to end on May 7

 

All registered OFW voters who have not enrolled can do so tomorrow or Monday

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has reminded all overseas voters that they have only until Wednesday, May 7, to enroll to vote in the ongoing using the Online Voting and Counting System.

Everyone must enroll to be able to cast their ballots online in the ongoing overseas voting for the 2025 general elections in the Philippines.

Registered overseas voters can enrol themselves using their device and visiting  ov.comelec.gov.ph/enroll.

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Alternatively, they can go to the OWWA OFW Global Centre on the 18^th floor of United Centre in Admiralty if they need help. The Center is open everyday from 8am onwards tomorrow, May 4 (Sunday) or May 5 (statutory holiday) to accommodate all voters who need help with enrolment.

They must appear in person and bring their Philippine passport  (recognized Philippine IDs and HKIDs may only be used if the passport is not available).

After enrolment they can proceed to vote at any of the kiosks set up at the Center. Voters are reminded that they have only 15 minutes to fill up and cast their votes, so they are encouraged to already have a prepared list of the candidates that they wish to vote for.

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Those who have enrolled may vote online until 7pm on May 12, when polls close across the Philippines for the mid-term elections.

Overseas Filipinos who are voting online for the first time can choose up to 12 senatorial candidates and one party-list from the list furnished by the Commission on Elections on the ballot itself.

 

 

Splash to open Sunday swimming classes for beginners on Tuesday

 

Many of those who have benefited from Splash's swimming lessons are MDWs

A non-government organization that teaches Hong Kong people, including foreign domestic workers, to swim, for free, is set to open registration for its Sunday Beginner programs this coming Tuesday, May 6, starting at 10am.

Splash Foundation says its learn-to swim adult program is designed for absolute beginners, but those with some swim experience are also welcome.

Its Sunday programs are primarily open to migrant domestic workers, and will be held at the West Island School in Pokfulam on all Sundays from May 18 to July 20, at these times:

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·       8:30am - 9:15am

·       9:45am - 11:00am

·       11:00am - 12:15pm

·       12:15pm - 1:30pm

Online registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Splash makes the first class mandatory, and a has a strict attendance policy, so those who register are urged to make sure they are able to take part on the dates and time they choose.

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“Don’t take someone else’s opportunity to learn to swim away,” said its statement.

Registration will be through the Splash Foundation website at the button below. Links will be visible starting May 6, Tuesday at 10am.

https://www.splashfoundation.org/en/how-to-register

Reminders for registration:

·       Prepare for registration by finding stable internet connection

·       Have your HKID, email address, Whatsapp phone number ready to input

·       Have access to your email account (email address and password ready)

·       Double check all your contact details!  

Email admin@splashfoundation.org if you have any questions

The Splash Foundation started its first swimming lessons in 2015, with a group of 30 migrant domestic workers being taught how to swim by a dedicated group of swimmers at a pool not used on Sunday afternoons.

Since then, it has taught this like skill to more than 7,500 people, mainly migrant workers and children.

3W campaign for migrant workers to be launched

 

AMCB leaders show what the 3W campaign is all about

Members of the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body are set to hold a picket from 11am to 12 noon on May 3, in front of the Central Government Office in Admiralty to launch its 3W campaign for better protection for migrant workers.

The 3Ws stand for wage increase, working hours regulation and improvement in workers’ living and working conditions.

Following the picket, AMCB will turn over a petition letter to a government representative.

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The AMCB and International Migrants Alliance of IMA made the announcement on May Day, when they would traditionally march through the streets along with local workers, to call for better working conditions across all sectors.

In a published statement the group said they have received complaints from migrant workers about “very serious” long working hours, of between 16 and 20 hours, “inhumane accommodation and food provision, and various other abuses.

It is because of these unbearable working conditions that many migrant domestic workers are forced to terminate their contracts, said the AMCB, and not due to the whimsical reason of “job hopping,” or employer shopping.

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The group again urged the Hong Kong government to regulate working hours and lift the requirement for the mandatory live-in arrangement for foreign domestic workers as this is the primary reason why strict regulation cannot be imposed.

Forcing MDWs to live with their employers leads to abuses and exploitation, said AMCB, while working long hours deprive them of much-needed rest and sleep, and could lead to serious health problems.

The AMCB also reminded the government that the regulation of working hours is a “must” under international law standards such as the ILO Convention No 189.

 

The campaign will focus on the following demands:

 

1.     Raise the minimum allowable wage for DMWs to $6,172 and the food allowance to $3,123, in line with what is an acceptable “living wage” for all

 

2.     Legislate working hours for all workers

 

3.     Implement working hours specially  for MDWs that will allow them a continuous rest period of at least 11 hours per day

 

4.     Make live-out an option

 

5.     Include in the standard employment contract a clear description of the following: (a) working hours/rest hours; (b) suitable accommodation; and (c) decent food

 

AMCB, a network of migrant organizations from the Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lankans and Thailand, has been spearheading since 2019 the campaign for social inclusion, living wage for all, and the protection of the well-being of more than 300,000 migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.

 

 

MPF offsetting cancelled on May Day

 

From May 1, the MPF can no longer be used for long-service and severance payments

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun has dismissed concerns that preventing employers from using the mandatory provident fund or MPF to make severance and long service payments to employers could lead to massive layoffs.

Speaking on radio on May Day, when the offsetting mechanism for the MPF was officially canceled, Sun said he did not believe bosses would fire workers just to save money.

He also said it was not likely that long-service staff would be replaced with new hires on low salaries because of the tight labor market.

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 “If an experienced employee is already familiar with the business and contributes effectively, does replacing them truly save costs?” Sun said when questioned.

He also warned that hiring new staff could be costly as they would have to be trained.

Besides, he said existing workers’ length of service could still be offset, but not for the new hires.

“Therefore, by doing so, it does no good to the employers.”

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Under the MPF system which was implemented in 2000, both employers and employees are required to make mandatory contributions equal to 5% of the employee's relevant income, subject to minimum and maximum income levels. These contributions are deposited into the employee's MPF account to help build retirement savings.

When an employee resigns or is made redundant, the employer could use the MPF to pay for severance and long service to the worker.

But that offsetting mechanism was removed under a government bill filed in 2022, and took effect this Thursday, May 1.

Secretary Sun says employers are not likely to hire new, less-paid workers
because of the offsetting cancellation (RTHK photo) 

Writing on the issue separately on his Facebook page, Chief Executive John Lee said doing away with the offsetting mechanism will benefit more than three million workers in Hong Kong.

He added the government will also come up with a subsidy scheme to help ease the burden on employers who will have to shoulder extra costs due to the policy change.

This subsidy scheme worth over $33 billion, will be spread over 25 years.  Sun said the amount can be increased should it become necessary.

 

NAIA security staff told not to touch passports

 

 Security staff at all NAIA terminals should not touch the passports of entering passengers

In what appears to be a determined effort to stamp out the “punit-passport” complaints involving Filipinos travelling out of the Philippines, the Department of Transportation has ordered security personnel to keep their hands off the travel documents of passengers entering any of the terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

Earlier, the DOTr also warned airline companies in a weekend meeting against tampering with the passports of their passengers, after a rash of complaints posted on social media by travelers who said they had been prevented from leaving due to tears in their passports which had not been there before they were presented for check-in.

The one that was shared the most was posted by Diana Natividad, who said her 78-year-old father was stopped from boarding by Cebu Pacific check-in staff who noticed a slight tear in the binding of his passport.

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Even though they were later cleared to fly by another check-in counter and immigration officers, they were still stopped at the boarding gates by other Cebu Pacific personnel.

In an advisory posted on Tuesday, the New Naia Infra Corp (NNIC) told all security personnel at the Manila international airport not to touch the passports of entering passengers when during the verification process.

 “Passengers will simply be asked to show their valid ID or travel document by holding it up themselves,” the advisory added.

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In most aiports abroad, however, including Hong Kong, anybody can enter aiports freely, and passengers are required to present their passports only when checking in for a flight, eliminating such an unnecessary verification process.

In his meeting with airline representatives earlier, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon warned that any attempt by their personnel to deliberately tear or mutilate passports of passengers to prevent them from flying will not be tolerated.

Dizon said that during the ongoing investigation by the DOTr and the Civil Aeronautics Board, CCTV footages will be inspected, along with actual personal accounts by passengers who claimed to have been victimized.

“If we see reports of these incidents and prove that there are airline personnel behind this scheme, then I am sorry. Sanctions will be imposed on both the airlines and their personnel,”  Dizon stressed.

In Natividad’s case, Cebu Pacific had earlier claimed its check-in staff had checked with airport authorities in Bali, Indonesia, and they were told that the elderly passenger would be prevented from entering even if he was cleared to fly in Manila.

Dizon said part of their investigation will include a check with Bali authorities on the matter.

The DOTr, meanwhile, reminded passengers bound for international flights to always check the validity and condition of their passports before traveling and to consult with passport centers or airport authorities when in doubt.

However, published advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clearly state that a passport is considered damage only when its physical condition is altered due to wear and tear, aging, negligence, or other factors that leave it mutilated or defective.

A passport is deemed mutilated only if its data page becomes unreadable or if any information is missing.

Clearly, a simple tear in the passport that does not make the passenger information unreadable should not stop anyone from leaving the country.

Filipina detained over $3.66M that went through her bank accounts

 

File photo from HK Monetary Authority

A Filipina facing three money laundering charges after some $3.66 million in crime money allegedly passed through three bank accounts under her name, has been remanded in jail after appearing at Fanling Court Wednesday (April 30).

Vermadel Canonero, 47 years old, faces three cases of “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offence,” in violation sections 2(1) and 25(3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

Magistrate Kenneth Chan adjourned the case to June 25.

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The first charge arose from deposits and withdrawals that totalled $345,000 in her Bank of China account between June 7 and July 4 last year.

The second charge was based on incoming and outgoing transactions that totalled $261,627.61 in her China CITIC Bank account between March 28 and Nov. 13 last year.

The biggest amount in the case, which totalled $3,053,671.25, went through her MOX Bank account from March 12 to July 13 last year.

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In a separate case in the same court, Ma. Gretel Mago, 48, pleaded not guilty to a similar charge so Magistrate Chan scheduled a trial for June 2.

Mago is accused of money laundering, based on a total of $1,1,25,601.96 in crime money that allegedly passed through her Hang Seng Bank account between July 2 and July 27 last year.

Money laundering in Hong Kong carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail and $5 million in fines