No more OEC and in-person contract verification, says DMW Sec Cacdac

 

Red carpet, not red tape for OFWs, vows DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac

In line with the Philippine government’s thrust of providing “red-carpet” treatment to overseas Filipino workers, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac announced on Saturday a series of measures meant to ease their burden in dealing with government agencies.

“Hindi red tape kundi red carpet ang dapat ibigay sa mga OFWs,” Cacdac said at the formal launching of the Alagang OWWA Serbisyo Caravan” in Hong Kong.

In line with his thrust, he said the overseas employment certificate (OEC), the exit pass needed by all OFWs departing the Philippines, has already been integrated into the eTravel pass, which is required of all Filipinos leaving the country.

All that an OFW needs to do to secure the OFW Travel Pass is to log on to the eGovPH app and look for the Department of Migrant Workers page (under NGAs) and provide full personal and employment details.

“Kailangan pa rin ninyong magpalista sa DMW kasi kailangan pa rin naming malaman kung nasaan na kayo, kung ano ang kasalukuyang trabaho ninyo, sweldo, posisyon, etc. Pati location ninyo, kailangan din naming malaman,” he said.

(You still need to enlist with DMW because we need to know where you are, what your present job is, salary, position, etc. We also need to know your present location).

After enrolment with DMW and providing flight details, the OFW will be able to secure the OFW Pass.

A good number of OFWs attended the Saturday event

Cacdac also said that starting January next year, all contract verifications with the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong will be conducted online, eliminating the current practice of presenting the contract personally, and sometimes lining up for hours to get it verified.

He said online verification was pilot-tested recently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and the result was some Php22 million saved by OFWs there so far. This was based on an estimate of about Php2,000 spent on travel, food and other expenses by each OFW who submits a contract in person at the MWO.

“Starting in January next year, ia-appl na ito sa Hong Kong and we expect foot traffic to be cut by 60%,” Cacdac said.

That will mean that the MWO could be used more for providing entertainment, training and other services for OFWs, he added.

Cacdac also said that the government is also bent on improving the welfare and protection of OFWs by providing them with legal, medical and financial assistance, whatever their visa status is.

“Documented or undocumented, basta OFW tutulungan namin (as long as they are OFWs we will help them),” he promised.

Such medical help is extended even to their immediate family members who can avail of free treatment at the OFW Hospital in Pampanga and medical services at the OWWA clinic in Pasay City.

“Basta sabihin ninyo kung kailangan ninyo ng medical help.” (Just tell us if you need medical help).

Cacdac also spoke of upskilling programs for OFWs, like the plan by Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) to continue providing them with free online technical and vocational training, and by Ched (Commission on Higher Education) to give credit to their work experience towards earning a college degree.

Cacdac is in Hong Kong for two days, during which he is scheduled to meet with Labor Secretary Chris Sun and leaders of the Filipino community.

Rep Bryan Revilla is introduced by OWWA Admin PY Caunan

Also present at the launch to give support to DMW and OWWA were Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr., Administrator PY Caunan, and Agimat Rep. Bryan Revilla (eldest son of former Senator Bong Revilla and head of the House Committee on Migrant Workers) and Rep. Johanne Bautista.

 

 

Gov’t agencies offer services in OWWA Caravan in HK

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac and OWWA Administrator PY Caunan
lead balloon-popping to launch the 'Alagang OWWA' service caravan

The Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration today launched its “Alagang OWWA Serbisyong may Puso Wellness and Membership Caravan” in Hong Kong with a balloon-popping opening ceremony at its OFW Global Center at Admiralty.

At the heart of the activity is the effort of the Department of Migrant Workers to offer under one roof, the services of various Philippine government agencies.

“It is important for DMW that we bring to you not red tape but red carpet,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said at the opening ceremonies.

DETAILS HERE

Hong Kong is the 12th place where the Caravan was held. And although it was officially launched here today, it was the actually the second time for it to be held in the city. The first was in June, when the OFW Global Centre was officially opened.

OWWA administrator P.Y. Cuanan said the services include the OWWA E-card enrollment, whose staff will continue to be augmented so that they could issue E-cards to 800 OWWA members daily until the end of the year.

The E-cards entitle OWWA members to discounts from 30 partner estblishments such as airlines, clinics, drug stores, cafes, remittance centers, and door-to-door companies.

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In addition, health checkups will be held, and a discounted products and services will be displayed by E-card partner establishments.

“All these services are for you,” Caunan said.

Among the other agencies providing their services in the caravan are:

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Department of Migrant Workers for contract verification and other services

Department of Foregn Affairs for passport renewal and other consular services.

Social Security System for membership services.

Pag-IBIG Fund for membership services.

Basahin ang detalye!

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation for membership services.

Department of Social Welfare and Development for OFWs’ concerns over their families back home.

Professional Regulation Commission, to licensing of teachers and other professionals.

Public Attorney’s Office, for legal assistance.

OFBank (Overseas Filipino Bank) for opening of accounts in the Philippines' first digital-only, branchless government bank.

Philippine Statistics Authority for birth certificate and other documents.

Land Transportation Office for driving license renewal.

The Caravan will continue until tomorrow, Sunday, though the eCard enrollment will last until the end of the month.

Pag-IBIG Fund Member Services Officer Raymond Ramos and managers Albert Falgui
and Carina Ramirez personally attend to Pag-IBIG members  

Pinay DH cleared of assault

 

Joson expresses joy from acquittal 

A Filipina domestic helper accused of assault on a local she had a dispute with at a school bus stop near a Tseung Kwan O development where they lived, was acquitted today after trial at Kwun Tong Court.

Maylene Joson, 45 years old, smiled broadly to her employer and duty lawyer after Magistrate Lau Suk-han cleared her of violating Common Law, which is punishable under section 40 of the Offenses against the Person Ordinance.

The ruling capped Joson’s 10-month legal battle which began last Jan. 3 when Tseung Kwan O police filed the common assault charge against her, to which she pleaded not guilty. 

It ended with her walking free from court after recovering her $1,000 cash bail.

DETAILS HERE

Magistrate Lau noted that the testimony of the supposed victim, Tsoi Chun-lai, was in conflict with the CCTV footage of the incident, which took place on Nov. 21 last year at a school bus stop near where they both lived -- Corinthia by the Sea in Tseung Kwan O.

For example, she noted that the video did not show Joson hitting Tsoi as the latter alleged. Instead, the video showed Tsoi stepping forward first, then pointing a finger at Joson and saying, “You are just a domestic helper. You should know your position.”

The video gave credence to Joson’s testimony that she was pointing back at Tsoi, shouting at her to shut up, when the latter suddenly turned and her fingertip touched Lau’s face accidentally. Joson had testified that it was an accident, that she had no intent to hurt Tsoi and was willing to apologize.

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Magistrate Lau also noted inconsistencies in Tsoi’s testimony, such as when she claimed she arrived at the school bus stop ahead of Joson, when the video showed Joson already in line, chatting with a friend, when she arrived with her child.

She noted that Tsoi claimed her picture was taken a day later, to explain why it did not show bruises on her face. In fact, the photo was taken on the day of the incident.

“I would not rule out that PW1 tailored her testimony to convict the defendant,” Magistrate Lau concluded.

Basahin ang detalye!

The dispute began in the morning of Nov. 20, or the day before, when Joson put the schoolbag of her three-year-old ward on the stairs of the school bus so it would not drive off as her employer, who was carrying her daughter down from their flat, was running late.

Joson’s employer testified that she heard Tsoi scolding Joson for this, but advised the Filipina to just come back home with her to end the dispute. She later received text messages from Tsoi, to whom she apologized.

The next morning, when Joson brought her ward and Tsoi took her child to the school bus stop, they met again and the dispute that led to the criminal charges erupted. The employer said she was not present during the incident.

Developing ‘super typhoon’ on track to hit Luzon

 

Graph shows  Uwan's reach, prompting forecasters to call it a 'monster storm' 

Strong Wind Signal No 1 has been raised in several provinces across the Philippines  as Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung Wong) strengthened slightly, ahead of its expected entry into the Philippine area of responsibility tonight, Nov. 7 or early tomorrow.

Latest forecasts from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) showed Uwan was now packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometres pero hour near the center and gusts of up to 135 kmh.

Uwan is expected to strengthen and develop into a super typhoon when it makes landfall around Isabela-Aurora area in the early hours of Monday, Nov 10.

DETAILS HERE

But weather conditions will start to deteriorate by mid-Sunday in the northern and central part of Luzon, with heavy rainfall and gusty winds expected by Monday, and extending to Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Due to its large circulation of more than 1,000 kilometers, Uwan’s outer rainbands are forecast to also to affect the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas as early as Sunday.

Wind signal No 5 could be raised for the areas that will be directly affected by the storm, with more than 200 milliliters or torrential amount of rainfall expected to affect many parts of Luzon.

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Forecasters warn that catastrophic flash floods, landslides and storm surges are likely in hazard-prone areas, given Uwan’s strength.

Everyone is advised to continue monitoring official updates and bulletins from the national weather station DOST-PAGASA.

The highly feared typhoon comes just days after killer floods from Typhoon Tino swept through many parts of Cebu and neighboring provinces of Leyte, Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, and Palawan.

Basahin ang detalye!

As of As of Friday morning, the death toll from Tino is at 185, with 135 individuals still missing.

Top of Form

The areas covered by Typhoon Signal No 1 are:

Luzon: southeastern portion of Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate.

Visayas: Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, northern and central Cebu, northeastern portion of Bohol, northern portion of Negros Occidental,  northeastern portion of Capiz, and northeastern portion of Iloilo

Mindanao: Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte

MWO to again extend Saturday service on Nov. 8

 

This coming Saturday, Nov. 8, the Migrant Workers Office on the 29th floor of United Centre buildihng in Admiralty will again provide services to overseas Filipino workers, from 9am to 4pm.

The services that will rendered are the following: 

- Individual (not agency) Employment Contract Verification 

- OEC Issuance for Balik-Manggagawa (or returning workers)

- Assistance or Advise for OFWs who wish to relay their complaints or concerns

- OWWA membership renewal

This is a walk-in-only service, on a first-come, first-served basis. For information on the required documents, please scan the QR code in the above poster.

The monthly Saturday services are being provided in response to a clamor from OFWs who have their days-off on this day, backed up by the group United Filipinos in Hong Kong-Migrante.

Pinoys admits drug possession, resisting arrest charges

 

Area where Filipino was arrested (Google Maps photo by Kit Tsin)

A Filipino asylum seeker has pleaded guilty in Kwun Tong Court to possession of methamphetamine hydrochloride (known to Filipinos as shabu) and apparatus to inhale it, and then resisting when four police officers arrested him in a park in Sai Kung.

But Aldrian Maloles, 36 years old, will find out only on Nov. 19 what his penalty for the three charges will be, after Magistrate Lau Suk-han adjourned the case to await a report that she ordered done by the Drug Addiction Treatment Center.

He was returned to jail until then  

The three offenses took place on Nov. 17 last year at the sitting out area outside 15 Sai Kung Hoi Pong Street, in Sai Kung, according to a police complaint dated May 16 this year.

Basahin ang detalye!

In a hearing on Wednesday (Nov. 5), Maloles admitted violating sections 8(1)(a) and (2) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, for having in his possession three plastic bags containing a total of 1.01 grams of a crystalline solid containing 0.99 gram of meth and one plastic bag containing 0.20 gram of crystalline meth.

He also admitted violating sections 36(1) and (2) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance by having in his possession one glass tube with one end shaped as a bulb containing 0.02 gram of crystalline solid meth and one glass bottle with two openings containing 0.01 gram of meth.

When three police constables and one police sergeant arrested him, he resisted and thus violated section 63 of the Police Force Ordinance.

Death toll from Typhoon Tino rises to 92, dozens more missing

 

This riverside community in Talisay City was nearly wiped out by floodwaters (FB photo)

At least 92 people are reported to have died and dozens more missing from Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino in the Philippines) which devastated Central Philippines on Tuesday.

The typhoon, which packed sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour and gusts of up 180 khp, lingered until before noon Wednesday, before intensifying slightly as it headed out to the South China Sea on the way to Vietnam and Thailand.

Basahin ang detalye!

Hardest hit was the province of Cebu, which is still recovering from a massive killer earthquake last month that has set off a series of aftershocks.

The provincial government there confirmed a death toll of 92 in the province alone, with most of the victims drowning in floodwaters that washed away everything in their paths, including cars and buses, and trapped people on their roofs.

Cars were swept away and ended up piled on top of each other in this ritzy subdivision in Cebu City\
(screen grab from DZMM Teleradyo) 

The biggest number of fatalities was recorded in Liloan town, where 36 residents died when the Cotcot River overflowed and inundated riverbank communities and gated subdivisions.

The other fatalities were recorded in Compostela, 16; Cebu City, Danao City and Mandaue City with 9 each; Talisay City, 7; Balamban, 6; and Consolacion, 1.

Separately, the Office of Civil Defense said that 62 other people were reported missing in the neighboring  provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, which were also pummeled by heavy rain and strong winds.

The entire Cebu province has been placed under a state of calamity to allow the local government to access much needed funds for the victims and rehabilitation works. Relief efforts are underway.

In several interviews, Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro said the provincial government is doing all it could to help the victims. She said the massive floods were totally unexpected and were the worst to have been seen in the province.

Residents of the devastated areas including an upscale residential area in Cebu City said the floodwaters engulfed the ground level of their houses within minutes, prompting them to clamber up the upper floors or roofs in panic.

Cebu City residents escape to the roofs of their houses to avoid being washed away (FB)

Others were not as lucky, as they were swept away by the floods, along with a lot of debris, before they could get to a safe place.

Another hard-hit area was a riverside community in Talisay City, which was wiped out entirely by raging waters from the swollen river, despite flood control structures built to protect them.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon said during a tour of the stricken area that flood control projects there need to be improved as they are inadequate, if not faulty.

 

PCG to host legal clinic on HK and PHL laws on Nov 30

 

OFW single parents listen to a talk on their rights at PCG in earlier session (File) 

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Manila II Chapter and Pro Bono Hong Kong will conduct a free legal clinic on the laws of the Philippines and Hong Kong on Sunday, Nov. 30, at the OFW Global Centre on the 18^th floor of United Centre in Admiralty.

The free legal consultations are part of a regular program organized by the Philippine Consulate General to provide easy access to help for Filipinos who are confronted with any legal concerns either in the Philippines or Hong Kong. 

The topics that are often raised range from marital and property rights in the Philippines, to employment rights and benefits in Hong Kong.

Basahin ang detalye!

IBP Manila will provide free legal consultation on the laws of the Philippines through the program titled “Alay Kagitingan: Serbisyong Legal para sa mga Bayani ng Panahon” while Pro-Bono HK will respond to concerns about Hong Kong laws under the “Idulog Mo Kay Atorni: Access to Justice.”

This is one of the rare opportunities for Filipinos in Hong Kong, particularly the migrant domestic workers, to bring directly to the table their questions and concerns about the laws in either territory.

The one-on-one consultations will be held on site for the first 40 clients who have pre-registered for the event no later than November 27. 

To register for the IBP consultations: click on this link:

https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSc1W.../viewform or scan the QR code in the flyer below:

Those who wish to consult on HK laws with Pro Bono should register through this link:

https://forms.gle/QJWqJjkuPgtbd62B8 or click on the QR code in the poster below

Only pre-registered clients will be allowed access to the free one-on-one consultations

 

DC rejects Filipina’s $50K bail offer on theft, fraud charges

 

District Court (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina acccused of bringing a drunk man to a hotel and stealing his mobile phone, Rolex watch and wallet containing credit cards that she used to purchase food and groceries, has been refused bail after offering $50,000 cash.

Mylene Navarro, 48 years old and unemployed, appeared for the first time at the District Court on Tuesday (Nov. 4) for one count of theft and six counts of fraud, all in violation of the Theft Ordinance, which provides for a penalty of up to 14 years in jail.

Navarro was unrepresented, and Judge W.K. Kwok informed her that Legal Aid was still evaluating her application for a free lawyer and doing a means test, which would take six weeks. He thus adjourned the case to Jan. 27, to which she agreed.

Basahin ang detalye!

“Now the issue is whether to grant bail or not,” he said, and asked what she could offer.

Navarro offered around $50,000 in cash, surrender of her passport and proof of her address,

But the prosecution objected, citing “exceptionally strong” evidence against her, including a water bottle found inside the hotel room which bore her fingerprints, CCTV footages which showed her using the stolen credit cards to make purchases and her admission to police that she used the cards.

In addition, the prosecutor said, Navarro had previous offences in 2024.

Judge Kwok turned down Navarro’s bail offer, advising her that she has the right to appeal to the Court of First Instance, and sent her back to jail.

Navarro’s case began when she allegedly took a drunk Chinese man named Lau to Rainbow City Inn on Pitt St. in Yau Ma Tei on Nov. 23 last year and took his mobile phone, watch and wallet containing personal documents and cash of $2,000.

Yau Ma Tei Police alleged that the stolen items amounted to $96,095.50.

The wallet contained, among other things, five credit cards that would lead her to allegedly commit six  fraud offenses by using them on a one-day shopping spree.

The six fraud charges were originally labelled as “obtaining property by deception” for which section 17 of the Theft Ordinance prescribes a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Fraud is punishable with 14 years in prison under section 16A of the Theft Ordinance.

The police complaint said Navarro first went to a Seven-11 store on Bowring Street and ran up a bill for $2,292.50 which she paid by using a credit card issued by the Standard Chartered bank to Lau.

She then allegedly used Lau’s credit card issued by Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. in buying $204 worth of products at a Seven-11 store on Jordan Road.

Navarro then allegedly went to a Circle K store on Jordan Road and charged $1,204 worth of products to Lau’s Standard Chartered Bank Mastercard.

She again allegedly used the credit card in paying $138 for a meal at a McDonald’s restaurant on Yen Chow St. in Sham Shui Po.

Navarro allegedly used Lau’s HSBC Mastercard a fifth time when she bought $227 worth of items at another Seven-11 shop at the MTR Prince Edward station.

Finally she allegedly bought groceries at a Wellcome Store on Lai Chi Kok Road in Mong Kok, running up a bill for $2,214 which she charged to Lau’s American Express card.

LD sets online briefing on FDH employment rights

 

The Labour Department is inviting foreign domestic helpers to participate in an online briefing on their employment rights at 2:30pm on Sunday (Nov. 9).

The briefing is intended to enhance DHs’ awareness of their employment rights through presentations by LD experts.

LD has also invited a representative from the Hong Kong Police Force to give a talk on anti-money laundering and fraudsters’ practices.

The briefing will be conducted in English via Zoom.

Interested FDHs may enroll by noon of Friday (Nov. 7) by either of the following ways:

• Online enrolment through the LD website (https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/en/news_detail.php?fromPage=news&year=briefing&n_id=1#). or
• Send the duly completed Enrolment form (downloadable here: https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/res/pdf/Enrolment_Form_20251109.pdf), by email (fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.hk) or fax to the Foreign Domestic Helpers Division ( Fax no.: 3101 0604).

Participants are required to arrange their own computers or mobile devices with internet access.

The event is free of charge. Enrolment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrolment results will be issued by email. For enquiries, please call 3582 8995.

Filipino jailed 36 months for conspiracy to defraud Immigration

 

The accused is facing 25 charges of fraud
at the District Court

A Filipino who operated a business getting Immigration Department to approve domestic helper visa applications using fake supporting documents, was jailed today for 36 months on 18 counts of conspiracy to defraud.

Homer Herrera, 41 years old, faced 25 charges of violating Common Law, punishable under section 159C(6) of the Crimes Ordinance, but pleaded guilty to 18.

Deputy District Judge Alice Chan sentenced him to 23 months’ imprisonment for the first charge. She also sentenced him to 23 months for each of the 17 other charges and made them all run at the same time, except for 13 months which will run after the first sentence.

Judge Chan said the seven remaining charges, in which the Immigration Department denied the visa applications, will be held on file for future reference.

TAWAG NA!

Herrera was seen smiling after Deputy District Judge Alice Chan left the court room. His lawyer was heard telling him that having been in jail for two years, he was due for release in two months after holidays and discounts for good behavior are deducted from his prison term.

For the guilty plea, Judge Chan gave Herrera a 40 per cent discount on his sentence, but this was wiped out by what she called “aggravating features”.

His being a Form 8 holder, or an applicant for asylum and therefore prohibited from doing business in Hong Kong, added three months to the sentence. His having been convicted on two occasions for similar charges, resulting in his being jailed for a total of nine months, had no deterrent effect on him so she added another three months. The fact that he pleaded guilty to more than one charge added another three months.

Using a computer, Herrera produced fake supporting papers for the applications to get Immigration officers to approve the visas, such as the employers’ proof of address, tax declarations and utilities bills.

She noted that the business was well coordinated and lucrative, even employing Filipino females who acted as intermediaries or agents to recruit DH visa applicants.

Herrera charged $20,000 to $30,000 to domestic helper visa applicants, and gave $10,000 to people who would sign their contracts, Judge Chan said.

 “The employers were fully aware that these were not genuine. And the domestic helpers did not intend to work (as such),” she said.

Herrera arrived in 2007 and worked until 2015 as a musician.

However, he failed to get permanent residency even if his father was a permanent resident, and thus applied for asylum to remain in Hong Kong.

For details of the 25 charges, click here:

https://www.sunwebhk.com/2024/06/filipinos-visa-from-fake-jobs-case.html

https://www.sunwebhk.com/2024/07/5-charges-added-to-20-against-filipino.html

Pinay arrested over cat’s fatal fall

 

The cat reportedly fell from one of the flats in this high-rise building (Google photo)

Hong Kong Police have confirmed the arrest of a Filipina domestic helper last Thursday, Oct. 30, on suspicion of animal cruelty.

The 26-year-old Filipina has since been released on police bail, according to the Philippine Consulate.

The police said a passerby had called to report finding a cat that was lying motionless on a ground near Heya Crystal estate on Castle Peak Road, Cheung Sha Wan.

TAWAG NA!

The 1.5-year-old male Ragdoll cat was declared dead at the scene, and was suspected to have fallen from height.

An investigation revealed the cat was owned by the tenant of a flat in a high-rise building across the street where it was found.

Officers then arrested the helper at the flat on suspicion of cruelty to animals, and was taken to the Sham Shui Po police station for questioning.

Consulate officers say they are assisting the suspect.

The crime of animal cruelty is punishable with a maximum jail term of three years and a fine of $200,000.

But in February this year, more than 60 local animal welfare organizations released a joint petition urging the maximum penalty to be raised to seven years in prison and fines of up to $1 million, citing an alarming increase in animal abuse cases in recent months.

Their statement cited a number of horrific animal abuse cases in recent months, including the use of illegal traps, the wrapping of cats to death and use of cat heads for ritual, and the recurrent poisoning of animals even near residential areas.

The group also urged that individuals convicted of serious animal abuse be prohibited from keeping pets in future.

Peso dips back to 58.79 to greenback after record fall

 

The peso dropped to its lowest level against the US$ last Tuesday

The Philippine peso closed at Php58.79 against the US dollar today, Nov. 3, after rallying earlier in the day to around Php57. (In Hong Kong dollar terms, this means a current exchange rate of Php7.57 to HK$1).

This was the fifth day of ups and downs for the Philippine currency, after it posted an intraday record drop to P59.26 on Tuesday.

The all-time low set off alarm bells as the Php59 level is seen by traders as an indication that the Philippine currency is fast losing its shine, and often prompts the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to step in to avert a possible freefall.

TAWAG NA!

While BSP officials did not confirm direct intervention, Governor Eli Remolona said that “excessive movements” of the peso will be managed to reflect fundamentals.

Tuesday's record fall was not the first time that the national currency had dipped significantly. Records show it has managed to bounce repeatedly from around this threshold since 2022, though it never breached the Php59 level.

In any case, the peso bounced back to Php58.69 by the day’s end, and continued to hover above the P58 level until today.

With December just around the corner, traders expect that the peso will be bolstered by the traditional Christmas season peak for overseas remittances, which normally rises by 20 to 25% above monthly averages.

It could even be more this time, as overseas Filipinos who earn in dollars could be encouraged to increase their usual remittances during the season.

Data show that the peso remains one of Asia’s weakest performing currencies this year. It has lost more than 2% of its value since July, when President Ferdinand E. Marcos revealed during his State of the Nation address that many of the government’s flood control projects were turned into money-making schemes.

In contrast, the Taiwan dollar gained 6.8% over the greenback, 6.6 percent for the Malaysian ringgit, and five percent for the Thai baht.

Longtime Filcom leader signs off with signature pageant

 

Lee Ann says goodbye to HK pageantry in a preliminary event of Bb Turismo 2025

A migrant leader who has made a name for herself with the mega events she has organized for the Filipino community in Hong Kong has bowed out in colorful and grand fashion on Sunday, November 2 with the grand finale of her signature pageant, Binibing Turismo Pilipinas 2025.

Lee Ann E. Mas, who has worked in Hong Kong for the past 18 years, told the thousands of people who joined the day-long community event on Chater Road in Central that it was the last time that the Bb Turismo pageant would be held as she is going home for good.

The former teacher confirmed to The SUN reports that she plans to try her hand at politics, saying the Mayor of their hometown in Cagayan has asked her to run as councilor in the 2028 election.

TAWAG NA!

“My mom is serving her third term as councilor, and might either run for a higher position or retire,” Lee Ann revealed. 

Lee Ann would also be going home to a brand-new house that she and her husband and fellow OFW-driver Aldwin G. Mas have recently moved into, along with their two sons. 

Lee Ann and Aldwin recently celebrated their silver wedding anniversary

In Lee Ann’s  farewell event in Hong Kong, all 14 contestants put their best foot forward, but in the end it was Shaira Bongosia, an Ilongga from the Magdalo group, who emerged as the fairest of them all. 

Shaira (in grey) was proclaimed Bb Turismo 2025
with only a nearby lamppost lighting the Chater stage 

Tall, tan and lovely Shaira also won for the best in production number and talent categories, with her playful but skillful performance of the Pasigin folk dance.

For the past eight years, Lee Ann has organized and directed the pageant meant to showcase the best in Philippine culture through the attires, looks and performances of the OFW contestants representing various regions in the Philippines.

She managed to get the contest, which required no mean effort to mount, going, even thru the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

But this was also thanks to her husband Aldwin, who as head of the Federation of Luzon Active Groups (or Flag) helped provide Lee Ann the organizational and funding support she needed to stage some of the best organized Filipino events in Hong Kong.

Lee Ann first became widely known in the community for organizing and choreographing the Kulay Pinoy dance segment for the Philippine Independence Day celebration in 2016. Even as the rains poured through the performance, some 400 OFWs who went through many months of practice stayed put until the finale, when they formed the image of the Philippine flag.

Kulay Pinoy spectacle choreographed by Lee Ann with about 400 OFWs taking part

Since then, she has mounted many other notable performances, either with other groups including the Philippine Consulate General, or on her own, with Aldwin and other Flag leaders backing her up.

Though she has declared that last Sunday’s Bb Turismo would be her swan song, Lee Ann will be leaving behind a bigger and more inclusive organization that will hold annual events to honor the country’s so-called modern-day heroes, the OFWs.

The group, Kabayani Hong Kong, will lead various Filipino migrant organizations in Hong Kong in continuing Flag’s advocacy of promoting Philippine culture, but on a larger scale, as it will have members not just from Luzon, but the other two main islands of Visayas and Mindanao.

Lee Ann said she has already trained some key officers in the group in organizing and staging an event on the Filipino stronghold of Chater Road. But they and many other Filipinos in Hong Kong would likely agree that Lee Ann would be a tough act to follow.