DMW increases cash aid to distressed OFWs

 

The Department Order mandating the increased benefits

The Department of Migrant Workers has increased the amount of its financial assistance to overseas Filipino workers in distress, or under certain circumstances, to their next-of-kin, to between P50,000 and P100,000.

Previously, the one-off cash grant was limited to Php30,000 per OFW, except those who returned from war-torn countries, who received Php50,000 each.

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The increased aid was provided under Under Department Order No. 05, series of 2024 which was published last Wednesday, Aug. 14.

Under the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund which was set up last year, the intended beneficiaries include those who are experiencing financial hardships due to human-induced emergencies such as human trafficking and illegal recruitment. OFWs in such situations will receive Php50,000.

DMW lists down distressed OFWs qualified to receive Php50k

Also entitled to the same amount are OFWs who are severely affected and/or displaced due to economic downturn or recession in the host country, bankruptcy or downsizing of the company or the employer, and those who are victim of abuse, exploitation, maltreatment, or contract violations; and the immediate family members of jailed OFWs.

The amount is raised to Php75,000  if the OFW has a severe illness, injury or mental health condition; has experienced abuse and exploitation resulting in physical or mental disability, injuries, or mental health condition; or is displaced due to war, political unrest, and/or other extraordinary circumstances. The same amount will be granted to the next of kin of OFWs on death row.

OFWs with serious illnesses are among those qualified to get Php75k

Those entitled to receive the biggest cash assistance of Php100,000 are the immediate relatives of OFWs who passed away in the host country due to natural or accidental causes, or those who died within one year from arrival in the Philippines.

The money grant is separate from OWWA benefits, which include the Php100,000 or P200,000 given to the family of members who die onsite, depending on whether the death was due to natural causes or accident; and the Php20,000 in burial assistance.

Relatives of OFWs who die at work or shortly after returning home, could claim Php100k

The DMW Aksyon Fund which was set up last year, has a Php2.8 billion budget allocation for 2023.

Those who request for financial assistance and meet the criteria set under the DMW circular shall submit their application along with the required documents onsite, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), or to DMW offices if the worker is already in the Philippines, within one year after arriving in the country. The cash aid will be paid through bank transfer, cash, money remittance, or any other cost-effective mode that can be utilized.

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(Read the full Department Order here: https://dmw.gov.ph/.../DMW/ISN-EXT/2024/DMW-DO-05-2024.pdf)

Earlier this month, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac  said that nearly Php1billion from the Aksyon Fund had been disbursed to extend legal and labor assistance to at least 52,000 workers, and financial assistance to 10,000 others.

Cacdac said the DMW and its attached agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), have responded to appeals for help by  OFWs, especially those affected by the Sudan humanitarian crisis that erupted in April 2023, and the conflict between Israel and militant group Hamas that started in October last year. 

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Visit “Give Care to Our Caregivers Service Fair” this Sunday

 

Blood glucose testing at a previous event

The Mission For Migrant Workers will bring its “Give Care to Our Caregivers Service Fair” to Victoria Park in Causeway Bay on Sunday, Aug. 18, offering various services for free to all foreign domestic workers.

The event is timed to coincide with the celebration of Independence Day by the Indonesian Community, the Mission said in an announcement.

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Everyone is welcome at Victoria Park’s Grass field.from 10am to 5pm to join in the activities, it added.

The services to be provided for free to visitors include guidance and case support by Mission volunteers, blood pressure-taking, chiropractic adjustment by professionals, blood glucose testing, massage and many others provided by partner organizations.

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“Give Care to Our Caregivers Service Fair” is a regular Sunday project of the MFMW held in various venues to give recognition to the contributions of foreign domesric workers to Hong Kong.

Established in 1981, MFMW is the longest existing independent service provider for migrant workers in Hong Kong and Asia. It is an outreach program of the St. John’s Cathedral of HK Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican).

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Tulfo urges faster action on Mabatid's case as NBI seeks help for complainants

 By Daisy CL Mandap

Tulfo wants the case against PCVC and Mabatid resolved by next month

An agent of the National Bureau of Investigation has asked Senator Raffy Tulfo who heads the Senate Committee for Migrant Workers, to better protect victims of illegal recruiters and law enforcers tasked with helping them, saying those they complain about resort to harassment and intimidation to prevent their being hauled to court.

Agent PaulFred Tombali suggested to Senator Tulfo during a committee hearing on Monday, Aug 12,on several cases of unresolved illegal recruitment, that complainants as well as investigators in these cases should be given immunity from suit.

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In reply, Tulfo said investigators should act more quickly on the complaints so cases could be filed immediately, and warrants of arrests issued accordingly, against the culprits.

Tombali cited as an example a recent attempt by Prisca Nina Mabatid, named as chief executive officer of PinoyCare Visa Center and Opportunities Abroad, to get Cebu City prosecutors to recommend the filing of unjust vexation chages against three complainants against her and her associates.

Tombali is asking immunity for complainants, investigators

Luckily, the Cebu prosecutors decided to dismiss her complaint on June 18 without even conducting a preliminary investigation, citing a lack of probable cause. The fiscals mentioned that the respondents were merely asserting their right as alleged victims of an illegal recruitment, a case that was brought up not only in the media, but also during a Senate hearing.

In a separate briefing with OFW complainants in Hong Kong last month, a DMW official disclosed that even they were receiving threats for pursuing the cases. 

The three complainants are pursuing a case of large-scale illegal recruitment and syndicated estafa against Mabatid and PCVC staff Adam Hechanova, Ma Teresa Binghay and Jhearlyn Jabellana, for allegedly luring them to pay around P139,000 each, after promising them student visas to Canada which never materialized.

Tombali, who is tasked with pursuing the various complaints against Mabatid and her PCVC group, said it would also help if they are given more funding to help the complainants, some of whom have to travel far to attend hearings and investigations.

Apart from a case filed on behalf of the three by the Department of Migrant Workers with the Laguna Prosecutors Office, the NBI has recommended the filing of similar charges against Mabatid and several other people with the Department of Justice in Manila.

Asked by Tulfo on the progress of the investigation, Tombali said the case was already submitted for resolution by the DoJ last month. On further prompting, he said it is possible a decision on whether a case will be filed in court will be issued by September.

Mabatid often posts photos of her with powerful politicians like Tulfo on social media

“Aabangan ko yan,” (I will watch out for that) said Tulfo, who added he wanted warrants of arrest to be issued against the accused, and for them to be put on the Immigration watchlist “kasi ayaw ko naman na patuloy silang mag re recruit.”

Large-scale illegal recruitment and syndicated estafa are both non-bailable offences for which the prescribed maximum sentence is life imprisonment.

Earlier, Tulfo complained that it was taking the investigators a long time to act against the alleged illegal recruiters who he said had connived with some local government officials and even dared use his name, in perpetuating the alleged scam.

The Senate hearing also focused on complaints by dozens of would-be OFWs who claimed to have been illegally recruited by a certain Francia Bagasan who promised them jobs in Canada and Japan, but were abandoned after paying up to P130,000 each in processing fees.

The complainants said that a certain Joel Capua, who took part in the recruitment, had claimed to be an employee of the Bureau of Immigration. This claim was subsequently denied by the BI during an interview.

Responding to the complaints, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said many illegal recruiters are able to victimize a lot of people because of their grassroots-level connections. He said government agencies should step up their information dissemination at this level to curb the problem.

“Yung kanilang kakayahang manghikayat, ‘yung tamis ng kanilang mga dila at mga pangako, ‘101%,’ ‘yung mga ganoon, marami pa ring kumakagat sa mga ganong pain. Maaaring hindi fully or adequately informed, so I will still attribute this to a continuing information platform or program,” said Cacdac.

Cacdac says information at the grassroots is important to trump illegal recruitment

(There are still many Filipinos who take the bait because of recruiters’ ability to convince, and their sweet words and promises like “101%.” It is likely they are still not fully or adequately informed, so I will still attribute this to the need for a continuing information platform or program).

Cacdac mentioned a “barangay-level intervention” program with the Department of the Interior and Local government which aims to put a stop to this practice, saying that some barangays, wittingly or unwittingly, become active participants in illegal recruitment.

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3-year-old girl dies after being hit by tram

 

The young girl and her grandfather were pinned under the tram

(UPDATED)

A tram accident on Des Voeux Road West has killed a three-year-old girl and injured her older  sister, their grandfather, and their domestic helper.

Reports indicate the tram struck the young girl, her 6-year-old elder sister, their 66-year-old grandfather and 24-year old helper as they were crossing the road outside the Kennedy Town swimming pool in Sai Wan at 10:44 am this Thursday. 

The younger girl and the grandfather were trapped under the tram, and had to be freed by rescuers.

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The girl was bleeding from the head and was unconscious when rushed to Queen Mary Hospital while her grandfather suffered serious head injuries but was conscious. The girl was declared dead at 12:26pm.

The older girl was treated at the hospital with a bleeding head while their helper sustained leg injuries. They remained confined in hospital, along with the grandfather, as of this writing.

Subsequent reports said the little girld was with her grandfather, and the older one with the helper, when the incident happened.

They had reportedly crossed the road on a red traffic light and were looking the other way when they were hit by the tram.

The driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is still being detained for questioning. 

Tram services between Kennedy Town Terminus and Hill Road were temporarily suspended following the incident.

In July last year, a 41-year-old man died after being knocked down by a tram and getting trapped underneath it on Des Voeux Road Central in Sheung Wan.

Police arrested the tram driver, a 35-year-old man, on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death. 

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High Court rejects asylum bid of ex-FDH who overstayed

 

The High Court, where the Court of First Instance holds it proceedings 

A former domestic helper from Bulacan has failed to convince the High Court to review the denial of her application for asylum in Hong Kong, which she based on fear that a former boyfriend would harm or kill her for leaving him.

Analyn Alenio, 39 years old, had appealed to the High Court after the Immigration Department and the Torture Claims Appeal Board rejected non-refoulement claim for failing to meet the standard test for asylum applications.

“… 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 or merits in her intended application,” declared the Court of First Instance ruling dated dated Aug. 8, 2024 and signed by Chung Lai Fan for the High Court Registrar on order by Deputy High Court Judge Bruno Chan.

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”…  judicial review is not an avenue for revisiting the assessment by them in the hope that the court may consider the matter afresh,” the decision said, citing previous cases.

Alenio last arrived in Hong Kong on Aug. 14, 2020 to work as a domestic helper. However, her employment was terminated on Oct. 20, 2022, and she did not leave after her 14-day visa extension expired.

She was arrested by police six months later on May 4, 2023, was subsequently convicted of overstaying and jailed for 15 months.

While in jail, she filed her non-refoulement claim for protection from being deported, claiming that she would be harmed or killed by her former boyfriend, with whom she bore three children, because she wanted to separate from him for having an affair with another woman.

That claim was rejected by the Immigration Department, which noted that she failed to meet all the applicable grounds including risk of torture, risk of her absolute or non-derogable rights under the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, risk of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and risk of persecution.

The department also noted that this “was a private relationship dispute between the 2 of them only without any official involvement that state or police protection would be available to the Applicant if resorted to, and that reliable and objective Country of Origin Information (“COI”) show that reasonable internal relocation alternatives are available in the Philippines with a large population of 117 million people spread across a vast territory of more than 298,000 square kilometers.”

Alenio appealed to the Torture Claims Appeal Board, where she gave evidence and answered questions in a hearing on Dec. 18, 2023, but her appeal was dismissed on Dec. 22 on the same grounds.

She brought the case to the Court of First Instance on April 19, 2024 – almost one month later than  the three months allowed to file an appeal – and did not give a “proper ground” for the judicial review, other than giving “a regurgitation of her claim as before of fear of harm from her former boyfriend….” The ruling noted.

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2 students admit stealing H&M clothes; sentencing put off

 

Shop where theft happened (Google Maps photo)

Two Filipino students pleaded guilty today at Eastern Court and were convicted of stealing clothes at an H&M store in Causeway Bay.

But the sentencing for P. Basiuang, 20 years old, and L.J. Centeno, aged 18, was put off to Aug. 28 to wait for the probationary officer and community service officer report ordered by Principal Magistrate Don So.

The two reports will be the basis for their penalties.

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In the meantime, Basiuang and Centeno were released on bail of $500 each.

The two admitted that last April 15, they stole two black T-shirts, one black vest, one grey T-shirt, one pair of white socks, one pair of black pants and one pair of beige socks at the H&M store at the Fashion Walk on Paterson St. in Causeway Bay.

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OS freed on bind-over arrangement

 

Shatin Court (photo from Google Maps)

A Filipina tourist who had overstayed her visa for three months and then applied for asylum, walked free from Shatin Court today after she agreed to be bound to a promise not to commit any offense in the next 18 months.

If she does, Charmaine Icaranom, 31 years old, would be fined $2,000.

The bind-over arrangement came after the prosecution offered no evidence in their breach of condition of stay case against Icaranom.

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Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong charged her $500 as court costs, deductible from her cash bail.

With the bind-over in force, prosecution withdrew the charge against her.

Icaranom, who was given until Dec. 6, 2023 to leave after she arrived as a tourist, was charged with violating Section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance when she remained in Hong Kong until March 12, 2024.

She has since claimed non-refoulement to seek protection from being deported back to the Philippines until her asylum application is resolved by the Immigration Department. 

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DH gets 8 months in jail for theft

 

Taikoo Shing, where offense was committed

A Filipina domestic helper was jailed for eight months today after admitting that she stole 11 pieces of jewelry from her employer’s flat in Tai Koo Shing.

Principal Magistrate Don So handed down the sentence on Dorothea Suedad, 47 years old, right after she pleaded guilty at a hearing in Eastern Court.

Suedad was charged with theft for stealing one bracelet, two pieces of gold and 10 watches, between Jan. 1 and June 19 this year.

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In a separate case, Magistrate So returned Arturo Patricio, 48 years, to jail custody after a bail review since the latter did not make a new bail application.

A police complaint accused Patricio of “unlawfully and maliciously” wounding a local, To Po-keung, last June 26 at the 2^nd floor of Neng Heng Sheng House in Sheung Wan.

His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 24.

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2 FDHs arrested for hawking food on footbridge

One of the 2 arrested FDHs is led away by immigration agents

Officers from the Immigration Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) have arrested two suspected illegal workers, both of them foreign domestic helpers.

According to a statement issued on the government website yesterday, the two women, aged 44 and 47, were caught selling food on a pedestrian footbridge on Sunday, in the vicinity of Mong Kok Road, where the Labour Department’s headquarters is located.

The two were arrested on suspicion of breaching their condition of stay by engaging in illegal hawking and selling food on the footbridge.

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FEHD officers seized some hawker equipment and food in the vicinity that were apparently abandoned.

Immigration warned that FDHs should only perform domestic work in their employer’s address as stated in the employment contract. They cannot carry out any non-domestic work, or take up, or join or establish any business other than the contracted domestic work, whether paid or unpaid, in Hong Kong.

Anyone found guilty of violating a condition of stay faces a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.

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Business-minded DH gets court reprieve

The accused Filipina got off lightly after appearing in Shatin Court

A Filipina domestic helper accused of violating her condition of stay by putting up a business selling food in Wanchai, got off lightly at the Shatin Court today by being bound over with a promise not to reoffend for 18 months.

Prosecutors offered no evidence against E. Domingo, aged 57, and subsequently withdrew the charge of breach of condituon of stay, which violates the Immigration Ordinance, after she agreed to be bound over.

Magistrate Andrew Mok told her that this will preserve her clean record as long as she would keep her promise for 18 months. If she reoffends, however, she would be fined $1,000 and would be punished for the new offense.

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Magistrate Mok also told her to pay $500 to cover court costs, to be taken from her cash bail.

The case was filed by the Immigration Department, accusing her of establishing a business selling food in Wanchai, which violates her condition of stay imposed on her by Immigratuon on May13, 2022.

The condition permitted her to stay in Hong Kong to work only as a domestic helper for a specific employer at an address stated in the work contract they signed jointly.

In another courtroom in Shatin, another breach of condition of stay case was adjourned, this time involving illegal work.

Jenny Guzman, aged 44, appeared in court accused of doing odd job duties in Shau Kei Wan last Feb. 22, which is prohibited under the  terms of her visa as a domestic helper.

 Deputy Magistrate Li Cheuk-wai scheduled the next hearing for Sept. 17 for verdict.

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Philippine Robotics team scores big at Asian competition in HK

The 4-school team relishes podium glory

The Philippine Robotics Team, comprising students from Quezon City High School, Betty Go Belmonte Elementary School, Claret School of Quezon City and Batangas State University, copped three major awards at the 2024 First Lego League Asia Open Championship held on Aug 3-4 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The team won the Best Robot Design Award (QCHS/BGES), Best Innovation Project Award (Claret School) and Best Team Model Award in Explore category (BSU).

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During a courtesy call on Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan  ahead of the competition, team members from QCHS and BGBES were assured of the Consulate’s full support and were encouraged to give the contest their best shot.

Congen Usudan (middle) sent off the team with good vibes during their courtesy call

Congen Usudan also commended their families and mentors for encouraging the students to demonstrate excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in the country and abroad.

More than 480 teams from 24 countries took part in the international competition that integrates education, technology and creativity.

They competed in four categories: robot game, robot design, innovation project and core values. During the competition, they were asked to use their imagination and creativity to integrate STEM elements, placing equal emphasis on learning and fun.

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Miss Hong Kong 2024 goes to Baguio

 

Photos show the 3 Miss HK candidates in action during their Baguio visit

Three candidates in the Miss Hong Kong 2024 pageant went to Baguio City recently to do some photo shoots at the invitation of the Philippine government, as part of the bid to promote Cordilleran art.

Ellyn Ngai, Candice Wong, and Zoie Tse were accompanied in their trip on July 18 to Aug  4 by TVB artists Ms. Luisa Maria Leitão and Ms. Phoebe Pang, with support from the Philippine commercial attaché to Hong Kong, Roberto B. Mabalot, Jr.

The visit and photo shoot were at the invitation of the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre – Hong Kong of the Department of Trade and Industry and organized by TVB Broadcast Limited.

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Throughout the eight-day shoot, the candidates were able to witness the talents of outstanding Filipino Cordilleran women and artists. 

They were also taken to the  city’s iconic attractions and local businesses such as the Baguio Cathedral of Our Lady of the Atonement, OTOP Hub, the Tam-awan Village and the Cordillera School of Digital Arts, Inc.

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Apart from this, the ladies took part in a variety of activities including learning the catwalk from transgender beauty queen A.R. Duque, and visiting a local school to learn animation production.

The Miss Hong Kong pageant was established in 1946 and acquired by TVB in 1973.

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Filipina in drug trafficking case detained to await next court date

 

Place where Yap was arrested

A Filipina has been returned to jail custody after a drug trafficking case against her was adjourned for Sept. 29 at the Eastern Court.

Ma. Divina Yap, 49 years old, appeared at Eastern Court on Friday (Aug. 9) before Principal Magistrate Don So but the prosecution asked for an adjournment to wait for laboratory test results to identify and quantify the dangerous drug seized from her.

A complaint filed by anti-triad police on Aug. 3 did not specify the dangerous drug she supposedly trafficked.

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The complaint just stated that she “unlawfully trafficked in a dangerous drug” when she was arrested last Aug. 1 at the basement of a building on High Street in Sai Ying Pun.

In a separate case at West Kowloon Court, Gian Edward Aldea, 35 years old, was freed on a $2,000 bail after he was charged with drug possession and overstaying his visa.

The drug possession case arose after police allegedly found a plastic bag containing 0.85 gram of methamphetamine hydrochloride (otherwise known as ice or shabu) in his possession when he was stopped last April 11 at Lo Tak Court in Tsuen Wan.

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During an investigation at the police station, it was also discovered that Aldea was a visitor whose visa had expired on April 1 but he did not leave Hong Kong until he was arrested on April 11.

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