Longtime OFW cancer patient among beneficiaries of DMW’s Aksyon Fund

 

Juvy is always happy to take part in activities organized by Bethune House 

For the past seven years, Juvy Abuan Bustamante has lived with breast cancer, although you may not guess it from the way she looks, and her usually sunny disposition.

Juvy, who has worked in Hong Kong as a domestic helper for the past 30 years, is lucky to have an employer who continues to sign her up despite her condition, allowing her to get much-needed medical treatment at a much lower cost.

This is especially crucial now that Juvy has been told that she will have to undergo chemotherapy for life, after her cancer has progressed to stage 4.

But Juvy who is 56 and single, does not let that dominate her mood and outlook. She continues to work when she’s not undergoing chemo every three weeks, and at the same time, help her fellow overseas Filipino workers through the Mission for Migrant Workers as part of her union activities.

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She also spends time visiting fellow cancer patients who are being supported by the Mission and Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, which have both helped her in the most trying of times, including when she had to undergo mastectomy and had nowhere to go post-surgery. 

MWO HK posted this picture of Aksyon Fund beneficiaries, including Juvy

Last Saturday, she also received financial aid from the Philippine government, through the “Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan” or Aksyon Fund of the Department of Migrant Workers.

The P75,000 she received was part of the second tranche of Aksyon Fund granted to seriously ill and needy OFWs in Hong Kong worth a total of more than Php657,000.

The money was distributed by the Migrant Workers Office to eight OFWs stricken with cancer (breast, colon, cervix and tongue cancer) who each got Php75,000; and  one involved in a labor case, who received Php50,000.00 and PhP7,132.00 for her air fare as part of the Post’s repatriation assistance.

Juvy said she was glad that The SUN had alerted her about the Aksyon Fund, and took her to Social Welfare Attache Rem Marcelino, who ticked off all the documents she needed to bring to get approved for the financial assistance.

Previously, Juvy said she had approached the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to ask for any kind of assistance they could give her, but was dissuaded by the long list of documents  that she was asked to provide.

She is glad that there is now an Aksyon Fund that she could use to pay the token amounts she is charged each time she goes to the hospital for her treatments.

“Salamat at nabibigyan na ng financial support ang mga katulad kong may sakit na malubha, dahil sa tingin ko ay may obligasyon naman talaga ang gobyerno na tumulong dahil sa mga naibayad na namin magmula ang lumabas kami sa Pilipinas,” said Juvy. (Grateful because those who are seriously ill like me are already getting help, because to my mind, I think the government has the obligation to help us because of the amount of money we have contributed since we left the Philippines).

She was particularly grateful to Marcelino who went out of her way to ensure she was only asked for documents that were absolutely necessary to prove her medical condition.

On Marcelino’s advice, Juvy said she would follow up on the progress of a separate application for medical help that she had filed with OWWA.

Armed with what she learned from working on her Aksyon Fund and OWWA applications, Juvy said she should now be able to help fellow OFWs who are struggling to pay their medical bills while trying to hold on to their jobs - and sanity.

According to MWO Hong Kong, the Akyon Fund is in line with “the commitment of DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac to provide immediate and effective relief to OFWs in distress, ensuring their safety, security, and well-being.

Officer-in-Charge Antonio R. Villafuerte led the release of funds assisted by Assistant Labor Attaché Nemesia Karen E. Arlan, Attache Marcelino and staff Rio Abegail T. Villonez.

The Aksyon Fund is also available for those who need assistance with their legal cases, repatriation of OFW remains, and other similar interventions to protect the rights and promote the welfare of OFWs.

Those who are in need of such help may visit the MWO office on the 29^th floor of United Centre in Admiralty so they can be guided with their application.

 

 

Marcos chides the corrupt in third SONA

 

President Marcos (inset) delivers his third State of the Nation Address
before a joint session of Congress

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. today chided corrupt government officials involved in failed flood-control projects, as the country emerged from inundation brought by three storms that dumped the southwest monsoon rains.

“Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino (you should be ashamed towards your fellow Filipinos),” he said as members of Congress gathered for his State of the Nation address at the Batasang Pambansa gave him a standing ovation.

“Let us not pretend anymore. The whole public already knows the racketeering going on involving the projects – kickbacks, initiative, errata, SOP (standard operating procedures), ‘for the boys,'” he said.

“… Be ashamed because our fellow Filipinos were swept by floods or were submerged in floodwaters. Be ashamed towards our children who will inherit that debt incurred because of what you committed, because you pocketed the funds,” he said in Filipino.

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He said the Department of Public Works and Highways will list and review all flood control projects that were started or completed in the last three years; identify those that failed, the unfinished, and the ghost projects, and make them public so that taxpayers can “share what they know that will help in our investigations.”

The President also warned that he would not sign any proposed national budget that would not be aligned with the administration’s programs. “… for the 2026 national budget, I will return any proposed General Appropriations Bill that is not fully aligned with the National Expenditures Program.  And further, I am willing to do this even if we end up with a reenacted budget,” he added.

During his speech, Mr. Marcos compared his administration to that of his predecessor, ex-President Rodrigo Duterte.

The anti-drug campaign in the first three years of his administration has nearly matched the accomplishments during the full six years of the Duterte administration, with more than 153,000 individuals arrested, 9,600 of them high-value targets, he said.

“Most alarming was that more than 677 of them were government personnel — over 100 were elected officials, and more than 50 were police officers,” he said.

Marcos also criticized the 10 years that the 48 Chinese-made Dalian trains had been in storage after being purchased in 2014 for ₱3.76-billion by then President Noynoy Aquino Jr. for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

The taxpayers waited too long for a service they had already paid for, he said. 

“But now, we’ve fixed it,” he said, noting that three carriages are now operational, with more coming on line before year-end after modifications to address weight and system compatibility issues, and safety clearances from independent evaluators.

At the same time, he said, the previous 20 percent fare discount at LRT and MRT for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and students has been raised to 50 percent, he said. He also introduced the “One Plus Three” Family Pass, a Sunday-only promo allowing one paying passenger to bring up to three family members for free on select rail lines.

But the President gave thanks to OFWs “Because of them, the Filipino skills, kindness and heart are showcased in all corners of the world,” he said.

Their personal remittances grew to US$3.02 billion (about P171 billion) in February 2025, up by 2.6 percent from the US$2.95 billion, or P167 billion the previous year.

The yearly address, Mr. Marcos’ third, also touched on the following topics:

Foreign policy: “In the face of new threats to our peace and sovereignty, we are now more resolute in our preparations, vigilance, and self-defense. Nevertheless, we remain restrained and patient, especially in guarding our entire archipelago and in protecting our national interests…. Then as now, our foreign policy remains the same: the Philippines is a friend to all. The Philippines is an enemy to none.”

Foreign investment: “My single resounding message to the international business community is this: The Philippines is ready. Invest in the Filipino… Our dependable and hardworking Filipinos, innately skilled, adaptable, and possessed with a heart for service, are here, ready to work and to succeed with you.” He also reported that in his official visit to the United States last week, he secured over $21 billion (around P1.19 trillion), in investment pledges in the healthcare, infrastructure, semiconductor, renewable energy, and digital technology sectors.

P20 per kilo rice: “We have proven that we can implement the P20 per kilo rice. Our farmers will not lose income…. As of July, the subsidized rice is available at 123 locations nationwide, including 88 Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers, public market stalls, local government units, and other government-run outlets…. We will allocate P113 billion to bolster the programs of the Department of Agriculture, we will launch these nationwide through hundreds of Kadiwa stores and centers in different local government units.”

Electrification:  2.5 million households have been given access to electricity since 2022, reducing the number of households without power to around two million. “Even though we are well known for valuing renewable energy, energy problems continue to affect every Filipino — such as three million households still without electricity, frequent brownouts, and high power prices.”

Water supply: “We have received so many complaints that the water doesn’t even reach their faucets…. We will ensure that those who neglect and fail in this important public service are held accountable.”

School classrooms: The President said 40,000 new classrooms will be built before the end of his term in 2028, in partnership with the private sector. He also promised: “You can be assured that your competence will not be measured merely by the number of students you pass, but by the number of learners you help improve and inspire to aim higher in life.”

Healthcare: “In the span of three years, we increased the number of public hospitals and specialty centers. We have also established 53 Bucas centers across 32 provinces in the country. These centers offer free check-ups, x-rays, lab tests, and more—providing immediate outpatient services without the need for hospital confinement…. Each of the  1,642 cities and municipalities in the country now have at least a doctor.” He said those who get treated at public hospitals will no longer have to pay for their stay, but did not specify whether related expenses like medicines and surgery will also be free.

On the missing sabungeros: “We will go after and hold accountable the masterminds and those involved — be it civilians or officials…. No matter how strong, heavily influential or wealthy they are, they will not prevail over the law.”

 

 

Pinoy pro theater group to hold free acting/writing workshop for OFWs

 

Bootstrap Theatre founder William Elvin tells OFWs why they should join the worshop 

Fresh from the successful staging of its maiden play, “Fake,” the Bootstrap Theatre team made up mostly of Filipino professionals in Hong Kong, has opened registration for its acting and scriptwriting workshop for migrant domestic workers to be held from September 14 to November 16 at Bayanihan Centre in Kennedy Town.

Bootstrap founder William Elvin Manzano, a renowned theater actor, director, writer, composer and singer, visited Bayanihan earlier Sunday, to announce the workshop and encourage the Filipino domestic workers who were there to take part.

PINDUTIN DITO

The free theater workshop titled “Teatro Bayanihan Tayo” intends to help FDWs gain self-confidence and discover their hidden talents while taking a break from their day-to-day grind.

It's the first such workshop to be held since renowned film and stage director Behn Cervantes did a month-long acting training for OFWs in the early 2000s, and National Artist for Film Ricky Lee conducted a day-long scriptwriting seminar in 2016.

Poster for Teatro Bayanihan

The workshop will be held from 2pm to 5pm over 10 Sundays from September 14 to November 16. Anybody who wants to learn how to act or write a script is welcome to join on a first come, first served basis.

Those interested are asked to register by sending a message to the Facebook page, "Teatro Bayanihan Tayo!" Link is here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578706853112.

Slots are limited so those interested are urged to register immediately.

Basahin ang detalye!

The Bootstrap Theatre’s seasoned talents led by William Elvin, will conduct the workshop.

TBT describes itself in its Facebook page as “a Filipino-centric theatre group based in Hong Kong, staging contemporary, socially relevant straight plays and musicals written by Filipino playwrights for an international, multicultural audience.”

Its debut play, “Fake”, which dramatized the unraveling of two big hoaxes in Philippine history, left audiences enthralled during its two stagings on June 7 at The Fringe Club in Central.

 

 

 

Single bettor wins $53M in special Mark Six draw

 

Stanley Street betting station is known as 'luckiest' among punters (HKJC photo) 

Only one bettor won the $53 million that was at stake in the 81^st Mark Six Summer Snowball Draw held Thursday night.

The winning numbers were 19, 22, 25, 32, 33, 45 and the special number was 36.

One lucky ticket won the grand prize that totaled $53,095,300.

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Seven tickets won the second prize, with each receiving HK$718,820.

The third prize will be divided among 238.5 winning bets, with each receiving $56,260.

Among those who had placed a bet, hoping to win the snowball windfall, was a number of foreign domestic workers.

One of them, MM, said she rarely bought a ticket to the lucky draw, but decided to buy one this time because of the huge amount involved.

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Had she won the first prize, or even the second or third, she said she would go back home and use the money to start a business, or if it was big enough, she’d buy a new house.

The biggest ever Mark Six pot was $193 million, which was also won by a single bettor in the Lunar New Year Snowball in February this year.

Punters packed Jockey Club betting stations all over Hong Kong earlier that day hoping for a shot at the top prize, resulting in a turover of over $380 million

The next Mark Six draw is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20, with the first prize win estimated at $8 million.

 

 

Filipinos continue to visit HK in record numbers

 

Ngong Ping is one of Hong Kong's top draws for Filipinos

Filipino tourists continue to flock to Hong Kong, helping boost the city's visitor arrivals to 24 million in the first half of the year, for a 12% increase compared to the same period last year.

While Mainland visitors make up 70% of the tourist arrivals in this period, totaling 17.8 million overall for a 10% increase; four Asian territories including the Philippines also made their presence felt.

Non-mainland visitors accounted for 5.84 million arrivals, a 17% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines recorded an impressive growth of 25% or more.

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Figures from the Hong Kong Tourism Board show that in the first five months of the year alone, a record 556,078 Filipinos visited Hong, for a 26.9% increase year-on-year.

Last year, HKTB said a record-breaking 1.19 million Filipino visitors came to Hong Kong, making them the third-largest group of visitors, following those from mainland China and Taiwan.

Full data from June are not yet available, but given the trend this year, it is likely the figure for Filipino tourists in the first half of the year should be around 580,000.

The Philippines only ranked sixth in 2018, a record year for Hong Kong tourism.

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Despite the dropping value of the Philippine peso vis-a-vis the US dollar, the country’s strong economic growth and its proximity to Hong Kong are seen as the drivers for the continuing influx of Filipinos.

Long-haul travellers are also increasing in numbers, accounting for an 18% increase year-on-year, with visitors from Australia up by 33% in the same period.

HKTB says the steady rise in the number of tourist arrivals is due to its targeted promotional events and enhanced connectivity.

The reopening of key border checkpoints including the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Port have also helped boost local tourism.

 

New anti-mosquito drive launched against chikungunya fever

FEHD personnel distribute anti-mosquito leaflets

The Hong Kong government has lstepped up its campaign against mosquitos to prepare against the wet and hot season that seasonally sees an increase in mosquito-borne diseases.

This time, the campaign is focusing on chikungunya fever, a viral and incurable disease that has been identified in over 110 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its main symptoms are fever and debilitating joint pain which causes the stooped appearance of patients that gave it the name  “chikungunya”, which means “to become contorted” in the Kimakonde language in Africa.

The campaign is led by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Department of Health.

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In an announcement, FEHD said it has begun convening meetings of the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts, which include the Housing Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to strengthen inspections in public areas, public housing estates and parks..

“Targeted and sustained mosquito control actions will be carried out at locations with higher mosquito infestation risks, based on the latest Gravidtrap Index for Aedes albopictus,” it sad. These measures include conducting fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes, removal of stagnant water and water-holding containers, application of larvicides (e.g. temephos sand granules), and installation of mosquito traps.

FEHD said inspections will be stepped up at construction sites, works areas and private residences.

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“The FEHD also invites the Housing Department and property management companies to conduct mosquito control campaigns in housing estates and encourages resident participation; working with the District Offices to assist in mosquito prevention and control at locations with infestation issues, such as ‘three-nil’ buildings; and strengthening public education and publicity through promotional videos, posters and leaflets to remind the public to adopt mosquito control measures,” it said.

As for the public, FEHD issued this advice:

• Keep the environment clean by disposing of rubbish properly. Refuse like empty cans and food containers where water can accumulate easily should be disposed of in covered litter containers;
• Clean the saucers under potted plants weekly and prevent water accumulation;
• Change the water in vases and scrub their internal surface every week;
• Keep water-storage containers, such as buckets and basins, tightly covered; 
• Check umbrella stands, umbrella tubes and air-conditioner drip trays to prevent any water accumulation.
• Keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the water accumulation.
• Scrub all drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergents at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
• Call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and visit the Centre for Health Protection's thematic webpage: www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.html for more information on chikungunya fever.

Filipina claiming torture from husband, gives up 3-year bid to stay in HK

 

Judicial review applications are always lodged with the High Court

A Filipina former domestic worker who overstayed her visa in Hong Kong in 2019, then proceeded to file a claim for non-refoulement on the basis of torture, has given up her application to remain in the city, saying she was no longer in harm’s way.

Accordingly, High Court Judge Bruno Chan handed down a decision yesterday, July 24, dismissing her application for a judicial review of the order denying her bid to remain in the city.

J.M., 35 years old, had sought asylum status in Hong Kong in May, 2022 after surrendering for overstaying her visa for three years. She claimed that her husband in the Philippines would harm her after learning of her long-running affair with another man in Hong Kong.

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J.M, who is married and has three children with her husband in Batangas, said it was her lover who told her husband about their affair after she jilted him for abusing her.

After learning about the affair, JM's husband allegedly called her up and threatened to kill her if she returned to the Philippines. That was the reason she decided to surrender to Immigration and raised her non-refoulement claim, said the Filipina.

But on Aug. 31, 2022 the Director of Immigration ruled that there was no evidence of any real intention on the part of her husband to seriously harm or kill JM, but only uttered angry words and empty threats.

Basahin ang detalye!

In addition, the Director said there was no record of any past ill-treatments from the husband, and in any event, it was a private domestic dispute between the two of them, and did not involve the state or the authorities.

If she decided to go back home, she could easily move far from her husband as the Philippines has a vast territory, with a functioning security and judicial system.

The applicant appealed the decision to the Torture Claims Adjudication Board (TCAB) but this was also dismissed on July 12, 2023.

On Aug 21 of the same year, J.M. filed an application for leave for a judicial review of the Director and TCAB’s decisions copies of which she attached, but without citing any grounds.

“As such, and in the absence of any error of law or irrationality or procedural unfairness in her process before the Board or in its decision being clearly and properly identified by the Applicant, I do not find any reasonably arguable basis for her intended challenge,” said Judge Chan.

The judge then noted that J.M. had written to the court on Apr 11 this year, requesting that her application for leave be canceled, saying it was now safe for her to return to the Philippines.

Given that he found no reasonable prospect of success for the applicant’s intended application for judicial review and her own confirmation that she could now safely return home, the judge dismissed the case.

 

16-year-old detained for rape, publishing child pornography

 

X

Entrance of building where offenses were allegedly committed (Google Maps photo)

A 16-year-old Filipino was returned to jail after the adjournment of his rape and publishing child pornography cases at the Eastern Court.

L.U. is accused of raping X on Feb. 14 at a room in Bonham Commercial Centre on Bonham Strand  Road in Sheung Wan, in violation of section 118(1) of the Crimes Ordinance.

PINDUTIN DITO

He is also accused of publishing eight nude photos of X between Feb. 7 and March 21 this year in violation of section 3(2) of the Child Pornography Ordinance.

In a hearing last Tuesday (July 22), prosecution asked Acting Principal Magistrate David Cheung to adjourn the case pending results of the forensic examination by the government laboratory and for further legal advice  from the Justice Department.

Basahin ang detalye!

Magistrate Cheung scheduled the next hearing for Sept. 16.

Since he had no application for bail, the long-haired youth was remanded in jail custody. But Cheung reminded him he has the right to go to the High Court and apply for bail.

No work or school across Luzon as typhoon Emong slams into Pangasinan

 

PAGASA highlights parts of Luzon that will experience heavy rains and possible flooding

Classes and offices have been ordered shut again this Friday in Metro Manila and 34 provinces across the Philippines with the approach of Typhoon Emong (international name: Co-may).

The Philippines’ national bureau, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) said the typhoon made landfall in Agno, Pangasinan province at 10:40pm Thursday night.

Emong was packing a maximum wind speed of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 165 kph while slowly moving to the east when it slammed into Agno.

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It is expected to hit ground twice as it crosses Northern Luzon, before emerging over Babuyan channel by Friday morning or noon.

PAGASA forecasts heavy rains in many parts of Luzon until Sunday evening due to the combined effects of typhoon Emong and the southwest monsoon. It warned floods and landslides are possible in the affected areas.

Earlier on Thursday, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced the suspension of classes and work in Metro Manila and 34 provinces, many of which are just recovering from massive flooding brought about by monsoon rains and typhoon Crising (international name Wipha).

The provinces included in the suspension are Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Norte, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Apayao, Cagayan, Kalinga, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Rizal, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro and Palawan.

DILG Secretary , Jonvic Remulla said in the advisory that government frontline workers are not included in the work suspension order.

Flooding on Taft Avenue earlier this week due to monsoon rains (PhilStar) 

Meanwhile, PAGASA raised typhoon signals 4 to 1 across Luzon, depending on the wind speed in each area:

Signal No 4, (with winds between 118 and 184 kilometers per hour in the next 12 hours) was raised over the Ilocos region, including the following: Southwestern portion of La Union (Bangar, Luna, Balaoan, Bacnotan, San Juan, City of San Fernando, Bauang, Caba, Aringay, Agoo, Santo Tomas); western portion of Ilocos Sur (Santa Lucia, Santa Cruz, Tagudin); northern portion of Pangasinan (Agno, Bani, Bolinao, Anda, City of Alaminos, Burgos, Dasol, Mabini, Sual).

Signal No 3, indicating wind speed of between 89 and 117 kph, in the next 18 hours, was hoisted over the rest of Ilocos Sur and La Union, as well as the following: southern portion of Ilocos Norte (Laoag City, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Dingras, Solsona, Nueva Era, City of Batac, Marcos, Paoay, Currimao, Banna, Pinili, Badoc); central portion of Pangasinan (Lingayen, Bugallon, Infanta, Dagupan City, San Fabian, Binmaley, Labrador, Sison, Pozorrubio, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, Calasiao, Santa Barbara, Mapandan, San Carlos City, Aguilar); Abra, western portion of Mountain Province (Besao, Tadian, Sagada, Bauko); western portion of Benguet (Sablan, Kapangan, Mankayan, Tuba, Bakun, Kibungan) and extreme northern portion of Zambales (Santa Cruz)

Signal No 2, with winds between 62 and 88 kph in the next 24 hours, is in force in the rest of Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, northern portion of Zambales (Masinloc, Candelaria, Palauig, Iba); Apayao, Kalinga, the rest of Mountain Province, Benguet, Ifugao, Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands; northern and western portions of Isabela (Cordon, City of Santiago, Ramon, San Isidro, Alicia, San Mateo, Cabatuan, San Manuel, Luna, Aurora, Burgos, Roxas, Quirino, Mallig, Delfin Albano, Quezon, Cabagan, Santa Maria, San Pablo, Maconacon, Santo Tomas, Tumauini, Gamu, Ilagan City, City of Cauayan, Reina Mercedes, Naguilian); northwestern portion of Quirino (Diffun), western and central portions of Nueva Vizcaya (Kayapa, Santa Fe, Ambaguio, Aritao, Bambang, Bayombong, Villaverde, Solano, Bagabag, Dupax del Sur, Dupax del Norte, Kasibu, Quezon, Diadi); northwestern portion of Nueva Ecija (Nampicuan, Cuyapo, Talugtug, Lupao, Carranglan, Guimba); northern portion of Tarlac (Mayantoc, Santa Ignacia, Gerona, Pura, Ramos, Anao, San Manuel, Moncada, Paniqui, Camiling, San Clemente)

Signal No 1, with wind speed of between 39 and 61 kph in the next 36 hours is hoisted over the rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales, as well as the northern and central portions of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, Baler, San Luis); western and central portions of Pampanga (Porac, Floridablanca, Angeles City, Mabalacat City, Magalang, Mexico, Bacolor, City of San Fernando, Santa Rita, Guagua, Arayat, Lubao, Santa Ana); northern portion of Bataan (Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Morong); and the rest of Zambales

 

Migrante launches fund-raising drive for Phl flood victims

 

Several groups led by United Filipinos-Migrante Hong Kong have reactivated its “Operation Migrante Sagip Kababayan” fund-raising drive for those affected by severe flooding in the Philippines, caused by monsoon rains and typhoon Crising (international name, Wipha), which intensified as it slammed into Hong Kong last Sunday.

The severe flooding continues in many parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila; as well as the Visayas, even as another typhoon named Dante is expected to hit the Philippines over the week.

Preliminary estimates by the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operations Centre (DRRMOC) show that at least P333 million worth of rice, corn and  high crops as well as livestock, and poultry have been lost due to the floods.

Basahin ang detalye!

At least six people have been killed and six others are missing.

The Migrante-led relief operation is asking for cash donations for faster assistance to flood victims though they are also accepting much-needed goods like ready-to-eat food, medicines, diapers and personal hygiene supplies.

For donations, please see the attached poster or contact the numbers of the people indicated at the bottom. 

Goods may be dropped off at Chater Road on the two coming Sundays, or at the office of the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants at No 2 Jordan Road, Kowloon HK. They can be reached at telephone number  25237536. 

Donation in any amount or, or any of the requested goods, will be greatly appreciated, said relief coordinator Dolores T. Balladares.

 

 

DH jailed 50 days for going into business

 

Immigration Department

Going into business while working under a domestic helper’s visa can get you in serious trouble with the law.

An Indonesian domestic helper learned this lesson Wednesday (July 23) when she was jailed for 50 days after pleading guilty to breach of condition of stay, in violation of section 4 of the Immigration Ordinance and by virtue of Regulation 2 of the Immigration Regulations.

Julita Neiske, 29 years old, admitted at Shatin Court that she established a business selling health products between the 20^th and 27^th of August 2023.

Basahin ang detalye!

The complaint filed by the Immigration Department said she contravened a condition of stay which required her to work exclusively as a domestic helper at the address of her employer.

The Immigration Ordinance punishes such offense with a maximum fine of Level 5 ($50,000) and imprisonment for up to two years.

High Court paves way for transgenders to use public toilets matching their identity

 

Court outlawed ban on use of opposite-sex public toilets

A High Court judge has ordered that a law criminalizing the use by transgenders of public toilets designated for the opposite sex be struck down for violating the minority group’s equality and privacy rights.

In his landmark judgment handed down today, Judge Russell Coleman ruled in favor of “X,” a transgender man who challenged the city’s public convenience regulations, which prohibits anyone aged five and above from using toilets allocated to the opposite sex.

The judge said “drawing the line” of a person’s biological sex at birth results in a “disproportionate and unnecessary” intrusion into privacy and equality rights, and contravenes the Basic Law and Hong Kong’s Bill of Rights.

Basahin ang detalye!

But he said it would not be appropriate for the courts to distinguish between a “female person” and a “male person,” saying this should be a matter for legislation.

He gave the government up to a year to come up with a solution to end the contravention.

“I suppose the view could be taken that, as with other conveniences accessible by the public (but privately managed), there are other offences which can be used to deter and punish improper conduct,” Judge Coleman said.

"This is a matter of the line-drawing, which seems to me to be a question for the government or legislature to address."

The government was given 28 days to appeal the decision.

"K" had sought to amend the wording of the Public Conveniences (Conduct and Behaviour) Regulation, which bans people aged five or above from facilities allocated to their opposite sex. Offenders can be fined up to $2,000 on summary conviction.

K was diagnosed with gender dysphoria in 2017. When he launched the legal challenge in 2022 he was holding a “gender identity letter” from a doctor that certified he is to be treated as male in social contexts, and that using gender-specified facilities is an important part of his transition.

K argued that his constitutional rights were violated by the prohibition against him using public toilets designated for men.

He asked for the regulation to be changed so pre-operative transgender people who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria like him can use toilets that correspond to their preferred gender.

The government opposed his claim, arguing that public toilet access rules protect other users' rights, including privacy and security, as well as societal expectations.

 

The decision marks another victory for groups advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Hong Kong, including a landmark ruling in 2023 that said that full reassignment surgery should not be required before transgender people can have their gender changed on their official identity cards.