Palace honors late DMW Secretary Toots Ople with ‘Lakandula’ award

President Marcos hands over the Lakandula medal to Ople's daughter Estelle

 President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has posthumously conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) on the late former Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople at Malacanang Palace on Dec. 30.

The conferment honors were held more than two years after Secretary Ople succumbed to cancer at age 61 while still serving as the DMW’s secretary.

Receiving the posthumous award were her family members led by her daughter, Estelle Ople Osorio.

DETAILS HERE

“In many ways it could be said that all of us who are doing any kind of work for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) around the world are only following the instructions she laid out,” President Marcos said in his speech.   

“She was the one who started it all. Everything that we are doing now, all of the successes that you see, she laid the groundwork for that.”

Toots Ople died after serving as DMW Secretary for just over a year

Ople, daughter of the late senator and former Labor Secretary Blas Ople, served as undersecretary for labor from 2004 to 2009, during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

When she left public office, she founded the Blas Ople Foundation which focused on helping distressed OFWs all over the world.

She ran as senator in the same ticket as President Marcos in the general elections in 2010, but lost. Shortly after he took over as president, Mr. Marcos named Ople as secretary of the newly formed DMW.

Basahin ang detalye!

Mr Macos said that under Ople’s leadership, the Philippines entered into 42 bilateral agreements with 25 countries, all aimed at protecting OFWs.

The agreements, he said, “were based on the firm belief that Filipino workers deserve protection they deserve fairness, and they deserve respect, wherever they may be anywhere in the world.”

Ople is also credited with setting up the One Repatriation Command Center, the OFW Hospital, the DMW Mobile Application and OFW Pass. She was also known for her firm advocacy against illegal recruitment and the trafficking of Filipino workers abroad.

“More than two years since her passing, her work remains in the policies that she shaped and in the everyday systems that protect our overseas workers,” Mr Marcos said.

The Order of Lakandula, one of the nation’s three senior honors, is awarded for political and civic excellence in recognition of leadership, bravery and service to the country.

MWO HK has a new labor attaché – finally

 

Labatt Chavez and Congen Israel make the 'home' sign to signify
MWO's commitment to being the OFWs' 'tahanan' abroad

After nearly a year of not having a labor attaché at the helm, the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong has finally acquired a new head of post.

According to MWO’s Facebook post on Sunday, Jan. 4, lawyer Cesar L. Chavez, Jr. has assumed the post of the Philippines’ labor attaché to Hong Kong since arriving in the city on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025. 

He was welcomed by Consulate officers and staff led by Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. who stands as the Philippines' top representative in Hong Kong.

DETAILS HERE

Chavez succeeded Atty Melchor Dizon who started serving as labor attaché in Hong Kong on Feb 23, 2020, and should have retired earlier, but was extended until January last year after his original intended successor was promoted to a higher position in the DMW. Assistant labor attaché Tony Villafuerte was appointed officer-in-charge in the interim.

Ex-Labatt Mel Dizon retired a year ago

According to the MWO post, Labor Attache Chavez has been in public service for 27 years, 13 years of which he served overseas, and 14 years with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Before moving to Hong Kong, he served as labor attaché in Taiwan for eight years (2017-2025) and before this, in Kuwait (2013-2016). He also served as welfare officer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 2009 to 2012.

Basahin ang detalye!

On his first day at work, Chavez assured OFWs in Hong Kong that during his watch, the MWO will further strengthen and improve its programs and services for them.

No other background information on the new labatt was made in the post, but the statement said Chavez’ appointment at MWO Hong Kong reflected the Department of Migrant Workers’ commitment to protecting and promoting the welfare of OFWs.

 

DH urges public fight against cervical cancer

Graphic from FB page of Healthy Pilipinas

Hong Kong's Department of Health (DH) has launched this year’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Month with a call for women, including female OFWs, to undergo cervical screening.

“Infection with HPV (human papillomavirus) or early stages of cervical cancer may not have any noticeable symptoms,” the DH said. “Therefore, women aged 25 to 64 who have had sexual experience should undergo regular cervical screenings.”

 “The Government will further expand cervical screening services to encourage more women to undergo screening and safeguard their health," said Dr Edwin Tsui, controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH.

DETAILS HERE

January has been designated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO) as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and motivate actions against cervical cancer, with the goal of eliminating this public health concern within the next century.

In Hong Kong, cervical cancer was the seventh most common female cancer in 2023 and the ninth leading cause of cancer deaths among females.

As most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV, women are recommended to receive HPV vaccination before having sexual relations, undergo regular cervical screenings and practise safe sex (such as using condoms and avoiding multiple sexual partners) to prevent HPV infection. In addition, smoking should be avoided as it can increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Basahin ang detalye!

The Cervical Screening Program has been ongoing since 2004 while HPV vaccination has been included under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunization Programme (HKCIP) since 2019, with a high vaccination rate of about 90 per cent in recent years.

The DH also launched a one-off HPV Vaccination Catch-up Program in December 2024, with over 48 000 doses administered so far.

Cervical screening services are available at Maternal and Child Health Centres (https://www.fhs.gov.hk/english/centre_det/maternal/maternal.html) of the DH, Women Wellness Satellites (https://www.wws.org.hk/page/contact-us), as well as through non-governmental organizations and private healthcare providers.

The DH also regularly sends reminders to eligible women via the Cervical Screening Information System and the eHealth mobile app to schedule their screenings, it added.

Ocean Park’s ‘Wild Twister’ stalls again

 

'Wild Twister' also stopped abruptly six months ago

Ocean Park’ high-speed ride “Wild Twister” stalled this Saturday afternoon, leaving 15 people aboard suspended in mid-air for about 19 minutes.

It was the second time in six months that the popular ride with its giant rotating steel arm and spinning seats had malfunctioned, leaving some of the riders visibly worried while they waited to be rescued.

Last August 10, the ride also abruptly stopped following a signal failure, leaving 17 people aboard trapped for an hour and 45 minutes and had to be rescued by firemen.

DETAILS HERE

A spokesman for the park said a signal failure that occurred shortly before 3pm also caused the safety system to kick in today,  and stopped the ride.

Park staff immediately went into emergency mode and reset the system to lower the ride’s cars back to the ground.

All passengers had safely gotten off the ride at 3:16 pm, and no injuries were reported.

Basahin ang detalye!

Witnesses said some passengers looked a bit shaken when left hanging in mid-air but were otherwise calm as staff hurried to bring them down to safety.

Ocean Park immediately suspended operations of Wild Twister until further notice while a thorough inspection and testing of the ride is carried out.

Park management assured that public safety is its top priority so the ride will not resume until experts confirm it is safe to operate it again.

10 people arrested in latest anti- illegal work sweep

 

One of 8 suspected illegal workers who were arrested it this man

The recent holidays did not stop Immigration officers launching a series of anti-illegal work operations, which resulted in the arrest of 10 people.

A statement from Immigration said the suspects were arrested in joint operations with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Leisure and Cultural Services Department from Dec 24, 2025 to yesterday, Jan. 1.

Immigration said among the targeted venues were renovation flats, exhibition venues and retail stores.

DETAILS HERE

Eight of those arrested were suspected of carrying out illegal work. They comprised six men and four women, aged 23 to 64.

Two were employers. Their investigation is ongoing, and immigration said further arrests could not be ruled out.

Anyone who takes up work in violation of their visa condition like tourists and domestic helper face a maximum sentence of two years in prison and $50,000 in fine.

Those found to have employed illegal workers could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to $500,000.

Basahin ang detalye!

Separately, if the employer failed to inspect a jobseeker’s travel document if he/she does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card, could also be charged with violating immigration laws. 

If the charge is proven the accused will face a maximum sentence $150,000 in fine and imprisonment for up to a year.

 To report illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.

 

Pinay jailed 10 months for 3 thefts

 

Park Garden, where the thefts took place (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina domestic helper who has pleaded guilty to three counts of theft involving $36,000 in cash and a kuxury watch was sentenced today at Eastern Court to 10 months in jail.

Sharina Joy Cabal, 37 years old, admitted the thefts in a hearing last Dec. 19, but Magistrate Kestrel Lam put off the sentencing to await a background report that he ordered to find out why she violated section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

Magistrate Lam emphasized to Cabal the gravity of her offense, as it involved breach of her employer’s trust.

DETAILS HERE

In the first charge, Cabal admitted stealing $6,000 in cash between April 1 and May 31 last year at her employer’s flat in Park Garden on Tai Hang Drive, Happy Valley. For this, Magistrate Lam sentenced her to two months in prison.

In the second charge, she admitted stealimg $30,000 between June 1 and Aug. 31 last year from the same flat, for which she was jailed for four months.

The final theft, for which she was entenced to six months in jail, was of one "Bulgari" watch worth $18,000 owned by one Jonathan Yam, which took place on Oct. 13.in the same place.

Basahin ang detalye!

The total sentence ended up at 10 months after Lam made the first and second sentences run at the same time, leaving a total of four months, before adding the third sentence of six months.

Filipina found dead after dispute with professor-husband

 

Avignon in Tuen Mun, where the woman's body was found (Google maps)

Hong Kong Police have confirmed reports that a 30-year-old Filipino woman was found dead inside a room in the Tuen Mun flat she shared with her French husband, said to work as an associate professor at City University.

The 48-year-old husband reportedly called the police at 4:13pm on Dec 31 to say he found his wife unconscious inside a barricaded room in their flat at Avignon in So Kwun Wat, Tuen Mun.

Paramedics who responded to the call declared the woman dead at the scene. No arrests were made in connection with the case, which has been temporarily classified as “dead body found” pending an autopsy.

DETAILS HERE

But the husband was subsequently arrested for drug possession after police officers reportedly found heroin during a search of the flat.

According to earlier reports, the husband had told the police he and wife had argued over sleeping times, so he went to sleep in the living room, leaving his wife inside the room.

Basahin ang detalye!

Their domestic helper who rarely stayed at their home, reportedly left at 1pm but returned when the man asked for her help in forcing the room door open. 

By 4pm, the man and the helper had tried to enter the room but it was blocked from inside, prompting the professor to call the police.

Various reports said the man teaches Southeast Asian politics at City U.

 

New hospital fees, penalty tickets rise from today

 

Treatment at emergency rooms will now cost more than double the previous fee

From today, Jan. 1, patients who seek treatment at accident and emergency wards of public hospitals will be charged HK$400 from the previous HK$180, except in cases classified as critical or emergency.

This is part of a major reform of public health care service charges which takes effect on the first day of the New Year.

As part of the changes, fees for medicines dispensed at specialist and family medicine outpatient clinics will also be adjusted, and the prescriptions limited to a maximum of four weeks’ supply per visit.

DETAILS HERE

Authorities are also introducing a "co-payment model" for certain specialised services such as complicated pathology tests and non-urgent imaging scans, which will be charged at between $50 and $500.

However, basic check-ups with high demand will remain free of charge.

To mitigate the financial impact on some residents, an annual cap of HK$10,000 on certain public medical fees will be introduced, regardless of the patient’s financial capability.

Existing fee-waiving mechanisms for needy patients will also continue. The Hospital Authority says applications for fee waivers can be filed ahead of time.

Basahin ang detalye!

In anticipation of a rash of questions and concerns over the new fee structure, the HA said more than 1,000 staff will be deployed starting Thursday to assist patients at public hospitals. Those who need their help should look for workers wearing orange armbands.

The said hospital staff called patient service ambassadors are tasked with helping patients apply for fee waivers, reservations and bill payments, and other related concerns.

Meanwhile, higher penalties for traffic violations also took place starting today.

Fines for 19 specified offences such as unauthorized parking, speeding, crossing white lines and using a handheld phone while driving will increase from between HK$320 and HK$1,000 to HK$480 and HK$1,500.

The Transport Department said the deterrent effect of the previous fines has diminished because of inflation.

Also set to increase is the fixed penalty for smoking offences. The previous fee of HK$1,500 will be doubled to HK$3,000 as a further deterrent to smokers.

The higher fine will now also apply for those who smoke while queuing for public transport or at the entrances and exits of public places.

In relation to this, non-smoking areas will be extended to within three meters of the doorways of hospitals, government clinics, schools, residential care homes and childcare centers.

Campaign restarts for colorectal screening for those aged 50 up

 

Poster for the colorectal screening campaign

The Department of Health has again called on Hong Kong residents born between 1950 and 1976 (50 years old to 75) to enroll in the government-subsidized colorectal screening program (CRCSP) from Jan 1, 2026.

The program aims to lower the risk of colorectal cancer among those who fall within the targeted age group by offering them subsidized or even free colorectal screening tests at accredited private clinics every two years.

Colorectal cancer is on record as third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in Hong Kong.

DETAILS HERE

Last year, 15 percent of more than 579,000 elderly residents who were enrolled in the program showed positive results, indicating the importance of early detection.

According to Dr Edwin Tsui, controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, there were 5,467 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer in 2023, accounting for 14.4 percent of all new cancer cases.

“Colorectal cancer screenings can identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer and asymptomatic patients, and enable them to receive early treatment, thus significantly improving prognosis,” said Dr. Tsui.

Basahin ang detalye!

“Also, removing colorectal adenoma during a colonoscopy can prevent it from developing into cancer.”

Through a public-private partnership model, qualified residents can get the subsidized  colorectal screening tests every two years in the private sector.

Those who wish to participate in the CRCSP should first attend a medical consultation with a primary care doctor who will then arrange a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) screening.

If the FIT result is positive, the participant will be referred to an enrolled colonoscopy specialist to receive a colonoscopy examination subsidised by the Government. If the FIT result is negative, the participant is advised to repeat the screening two years later.

As of the end of November 2025, over 66,000 new participants have enrolled in the program, bringing the total number to more than 579,000.

Among them, 15% yielded positive FIT results. After further screening, about 45,000 persons or 7.9% were diagnosed to have colorectal adenomas, and about 3 800 persons (0.7 per cent) had colorectal cancer after colonoscopy examination.

The DH said analysis showed that more than 50 per cent of the colorectal cancer cases detected under the CRCSP were in the early stages, demonstrating the effectiveness of screening.
     
Currently, more than 1,200 PCDs are enrolled in the program with about 2,300 clinics and 260 colonoscopy experts to provide services.

More than 70 percent of these clinics do not charge extra for colonoscopy and polyp removal while specialists should only charge a maximum co-payment amount of $1,000 for a standard colonoscopy.

Eligible persons who are interested in joining the program must enrol in the Electronic Health System (eHealth) at www.ehealth.gov.hk or call the Registration Office at 3467 6300 for details.
 
For more information on the CRCSP, please visit the DH's thematic website www.colonscreen.gov.hk or call the dedicated hotline (3565 6288) during office hours.

 

 

 

Pinay DH accused of $159,400 theft fails in bail bid

Theft allegedly took place in The Arles (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina domestic helper accused of stealing jewelry and gadgets worth $159,400 from her employer, returned to jail today after failing to convince the Shatin Court in a bail review to free her temporarily.

Magistrate Raymond Wong said Janet Pamittan, 51 years old, failed to present new facts to indicate a change of circumstances in the case. He adjourned the case to Feb. 3.

DETAILS HERE

Pamittan is accused of theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

A Shatin Police complaint alleged that she stole one diamond ring in white color valued at $100,000, one Chanel necklace  valued at $50,000, two Chanel bracelets valued at $70,000, one necklace valued at $2,000, one bluetooth speaker valued at $250 and one power bank valued at $150-HKD – all owned by female Xu Li.

Basahin ang detalye!

The theft allegedly took place last Dec. 21 at one of the flats in The Arles on Au Pui Wan Street. Shatin.

East Coast Boardwalk opens to public

 

The  newly completed part of the East Coast Boardwalk connects various districts on HK island

Anybody can now run, jog or walk the entire length of the promenade on Hong  Kong island east,  with the opening on Monday of the last kilometer of the East Coast Boardwalk, which connects Fortress Hill to Shau Kei Wan.

This walkway by the harbourfront is the last link that connects13 km-long harbourfront on Hong Kong island, from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan.

DETAILS HERE

It spans some 2.2 kilometers under the Island Eastern Corridor, and is equally divided into the eastern and western sections. 

The western section which connects the East Coast Park and the North Point Promenade, was opened earlier this year.

The newly opened eastern part extends from the North Point Promenade to Hoi Yu Street in Quarry Bay.

A favorite among visitors is this glass walkway where one can seemingly walk on water

A key attraction of the newly opened eastern section is an experiential glass observatory deck where visitors can walk on a transparent walkway and peer into the waters below while enjoying the sea breeze.

Entrance is free but to prevent slipping or damaging the glass deck, visitors are asked to put on shoe covers before entering,

Basahin ang detalye!

On the East Coast Broadwalk, the public is encouraged to join various activities such as walking, jogging or biking. But if the person is not so inclined, there is a separate pedestrian pathway that can be taken.

There are eight theme areas on the walk, four on each side. On the western side there is Sun Wave, Play Wave, Fish Wave and Gather Wave. In the eastern side there is Pet Wave, Sky Wave, Art Wave and Wave Hub.

On the Boardwalk passersby one can simply sit on cascade-shaped benches to watch the sunset, visit the play area and try the fitness equipment and the glass observation desk. It is a pet-friendly place so visitors may bring along their pets, but they should be leashed.

The various open spaces along the promenade may also be used for hosting art exhibitions and community activities.

The East Coast Boardwalk opens 24 hours a day, but the movable swing bridge will only be in operation from 6am to 11 pm and the glass observatory deck, from 10 am to 6pm

There are five access points to the Eastern Section:

1) Turn right from Shu Kuk Street towards North Point Promenade (about a 4-minute walk from Exit A1 of North Point MTR Station);

2) Via a pedestrian ramp at Java Road adjacent to the North Point Vehicular Ferry Pier (about a 5-minute walk from Exit A1 of North Point MTR Station);

3) Via a link bridge from Man Hong Street (about a 8-minute walk from Exit A1 of North Point MTR Station);

4) Via a link bridge from Healthy Street East (about a 5-minute walk from Exit C of Quarry Bay MTR Station; a stair lift for wheelchair users will be installed in the third quarter next year); and

5) Via Hoi Yu Street (about a 5-minute walk from Exit C of Quarry Bay MTR Station).

 

Pinay remanded over 2 drug trafficking charges

 

Causeway Bay neighborhood where Filipina was arrested (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina who uses a recognizance form as an identity document, indicating she is seeking asylum in Hong Kong, was returned to jail today as her two-count drug trafficking case was adjourned at Eastern Court.

Joanne Miniano, 43 years old and unemployed, has been detained since she was arrested last Aug.19 at Phoenix Apartments  on Lee Garden Road, Causeway Bay.

DETAILS HERE

Magistrate Kestrel Lam scheduled the next hearing for Feb. 24.

The first charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug, contrary to sections 4(1)(a) and (3) of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, arose from Miniano allegedly selling a cannabis oil cartridge at the eighth floor staircase of Phoenix Apartments.

Basahin ang detalye!

In the second  drug trafficking case, Miniano was alleged to have for sale 138 Etomidate cartridges cannabis oil cartridge, and 14 packets of cannabis gummies inside a flat on the eighth floor of  Phoenix Apartments.

 

Rizal expert's talk caps HK celebration of 50th year of PH-China ties

Be like Rizal, PCG tells all Filipinos

The Consulate General in Hong Kong has called on every Filipino to embody Dr. Jose Rizal’s peaceful advocacy for reform, education, reason and civic duty, as it commemorates the 129^th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Philippines’ national hero.

Dr. Rizal, a renowned ophthalmologist, had briefly set up practice in what is now known as D’Aguilar Street in Central, Hong Kong, and lived on Rednaxela Terrace in the Mid-Levels.

DETAILS HERE

It was thus fitting that the PCG had capped its year-long celebration of the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Hong Kong and China by co-sponsoring through its Sentro Rizal a talk by foremost Rizal historian, Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, at Dara Restaurant in Sai Ying Pun, last Nov. 26.

Dr Ocampo spoke on “Early Philippines-Hong Kong Historical Relations: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal” before an audience of Hong Kong residents, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the city’s academic, cultural, heritage, and commercial institutions.

During his engaging talk, Dr Ocampo also highlighted two more places linked to Rizal: a second residence on Arbuthnot Road and a second clinic on Duddell Street in Central, both of which have yet to get official recognition from Hong Kong’s Monuments and Antiquities Board. 

Dr Ambeth Ocampo (middle, right) sits beside Congen Jun Israel after the foremost
Rizal historian spoke to a select group of HK residents and diplomats 

A full write-up on his talk can be found here: bit.ly/458FJ2T

The article was only recently uploaded on the PCG’s website as the event unfortunately coincided with the tragic fire in Tai Po that killed 161 people, including a Filipino domestic worker.

Basahin ang detalye!

“The Consulate General respectfully acknowledges this context and conveys its deepest sympathies to the victims and their families, underscoring the importance of solidarity in moments of both cultural celebration and community grief. The event was co-presented by PHCham Hong Kong & Macau,” the article said in part.