New Balikbayan Act gets boost from DMW

 

Senator Raffy Tulfo and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac

A Senate bill to enact the New Balikbayan Act to provide comprehensive government assistance to returning OFWs in settling into productive lives in the Philippines, has received support from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

DMW said it “supports the goal of further strengthening mechanisms for long-term and comprehensive support for OFWs, especially in the midst of ongoing regional conflicts and geopolitical trends where it is important that assistance does not end with financial and repatriation assistance, but continues until they start anew in the Philippines.”

The New Balikbayan Act or Senate bill 2423 under discussion at the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, seeks to activate assistance six months before they come home. 

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It prescribes DMW assistance in:

• Education: Training and knowledge building.
• Psychosocial Support: Mental health and personal counseling.
• Entrepreneurship: Business startup guidance.
• Employment: Local job placement assistance

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Committee Chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo said in a statement: “Today, our National Reintegration Network merely acts like an ‘emergency room’ rather than a recovery center. Many returning OFWs are still losing their savings due to fraudulent investments and fraudulent business deals.”

He noted some OFWs who, despite high positions and skills acquired abroad, end up unemployed or underemployed due to incorrect job matching, as well as those who experience psychological trauma that affects their ability to work.

The bill seeks to expand reintegration services, access to livelihood assistance, and support system for returning migrant workers and their families.

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Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said: “Our OFWs spent years making sacrifices for their families and our country. As they return home, they deserve the opportunity to build a better future. With this law, we [at the Department of Migrant Workers] stand ready to fully implement it and support our returning workers every step of the way.”

DMW added that its swift passage will help institutionalize ongoing reintegration reforms, ensure their sustainability, and provide a stronger framework for government-led action through the National Reintegration Network.

“Our OFWs should not have to come home and start empty. The Bagong Balikbayan Act will help ensure that reintegration begins early and connects returning OFWs to real opportunities for a more secure future,” Secretary Cacdac added.

“Under Republic Act No. 11641, there is already a reintegration program implemented by the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). However, the bill will provide a stronger and more permanent foundation,” DMW said.

Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, principal sponsor of the bill in the House of Representatives, appealed to the Senate to swiftly pass the Bagong Balikbayan Act.

Acidre underscored the urgency of institutionalizing programs that help OFWs transition back into local employment, entrepreneurship, and community life after years of working abroad.

16 persons arrested in latest anti-illegal work operations

 

Immigration agents display items seized during the raids

Multiple raids led by the Immigration Department have resulted in the arrest of 16 people across Hong Kong over a week-long period that ended on September 3.

Targeted during the raids were restaurants, massage parlors and flats under renovation.

Of those arrested, 13 were suspected to be illegal workers, two were employers and one was an overstayer.

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The suspected illegal workers comprised five men and eight women, aged 33 to 46.

Two of them, a man and a woman, held recognizance forms which attest to their right to remain in Hong Kong while their applications against non-refoulement were being considered. However, they are not allowed to take any employment, paid or unpaid.

Another woman was found in possession of a forged HK ID card, which is a more serious offence than working illegally.

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The arrested overstayer is a woman aged 68.

Two men, aged 39 and 48, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested. Their cases remain under investigation and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Immigration said in a statement that anyone who violates a condition of stay, like working without permission, is a serious offence for which a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and fine of up to HK$50,000 is prescribed.

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If the illegal worker is an illegal immigrant, a non-refoulement claimant or an overstayer, the prescribed maximum prison term is three years, along with HK$50,000 in fine.

Possessing and using a forged identity document or using one issued to another person could result in imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of HK$100,000.

Those found guilty of employing illegal workers could be punished with a maximum fine of HK$500,000 and imprisoned for up to 10 years.

 

ASEAN Film Fest 2026 to screen ‘Boses,’ a film on abuse and healing

 

As part of the ASEAN Film Festival 2026, the iconic Cinemalaya movie on how music has healed a child abuse victim, will be shown at Emperor Cinema at iSquare, Tsim Sha Tsui, on September 13 at 3pm.

A talkback to be led by the FilmFest committee and the Philippine Consulate General will be held after the screening, with the film’s producer and director Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil and one of the film’s co-writers, Froi Medina. 

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This will be followed by a mini-concert by one of the movie’s lead actors, Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata, along with four of his young students at Casa San Miguel, a community arts center based in San Antonio, Zambales.

The movie tells the moving story of a severely abused child, Onyok, who was sent to a shelter next to the house occupied by reclusive violin master, Ariel (played by Bolipata), who turned to playing music to recover from losing a loved one.

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Ariel discovers the immense talent of Onyok, and the two eventually formed an unlikely but wonderful friendship founded on their mutual love for music. In the process, both managed to heal and recover from their painful pasts.

The movie which was widely acclaimed by critics, swept almost all major awards at the Golden Screen Awards in 2009, including Best Director for Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Best Motion Picture for Drama, Best Editing, Best Musical Score, Best Original Screenplay and Best Breakthrough Performance By An Actor for Julian Duque, who played Onyok.

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One of the most glowing reviews of Boses can be found here: https://awesome.blog/2013/07/boses.html#google_vignettees

The movie has won support and endorsement from advocacy groups like the UNICEF, the Department of Education, and the UP-PGH Child Protection Unit.

In tandem with the film screening, Sentro Rizal at the Philippine Consulate will also host a free concert for OFWs with Coke Bolipata and four of his young students at Casa San Miguel arts center in Zambales on the same day.

The concert will be held at the Bayanihan Centre in Kennedy Town on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 10:30pm. Registration starts at 10:15am. 

𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐀 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓-𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄, 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓-𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐇 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒.

Interested participants may register through the following link or by scanning the QR code on the poster: https://forms.gle/Twwb69Y7azp7ZAUJA. 

 

Pinay charged with 2 others in robbery case held without bail

 

The robbery allegedly took place in one of these buildings (Google Maps photo)

A Filipina domestic helper accused of aiding and abetting a robbery was remanded in jail while her two co-accused - a Pakistani and an Indian- who are facing robbery and detention charges, were granted bail in a hearing at the Kowloon City Court on Friday.

Magistrate Arthur Lam adjourned the case to October 7 after setting a cash bail of $15,000  each for Pakistani construction worker Rizwan Iqbal, 31 years old, and Indian asylum seeker Singh Amandip, 40 years old.

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However, Magistrate Lam returned Jinky Joy Cortado, 36 years old, to jail to await the next hearing.

Iqbal and Amandip are charged with robbery, contrary to section 10 of the Theft Ordinance, after they allegedly robbed a male, Mohammand Mahboob, of one sling bag containing three ATM cards, one Apple iPhone 17 Pro mobile phone and $60,000 in cash, for a total value of $70,000.

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They were also charged with false imprisonment, contrary to Common Law, and punishable under section 101I of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance after they allegedly “assaulted and unlawfully and injuriously imprisoned Male/Mohammand Mahboob and detained him against his will,” according to the charge sheet filed by Police.

The offenses allegedly took place last August 25 inside a flat on 187 Ma Tau Wai Road, Hung Hom.

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Cortado, on the other hand, was charged with aiding and abetting robbery, contrary to section 10 of the Theft Ordinance, and section 89 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, for helping Iqbal and Amandip in the robbery.

She was also charged with aiding false imprisonment, contrary to Common Law, and punishable under sections 101 I and  89 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, for helping her co-accused illegally detain Mohammand.

Saturday services at PCG to celebrate SSS anniversary

Hong Kong will be one of two overseas posts chosen to host SSS Global Kabayan Day, which will be held on September 12-13 in celebration of the Social Security System’s 69^th anniversary.

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On Saturday, September 12, the Philippine Consulate will hold a special Saturday session from 9am to 12 noon, during which Filipinos can avail of the its usual services, from passport application processing to the issuance of overseas employment certificates.

A meeting with leaders of the Filipino community has also been set for the day.

On the same day and the following day, September 13, SSS will also provide services to its members, in particular, on how they can obtain the MySSS Card, the new SSS ID that is equipped with an EMV chip, and can be used for SSS transactions.

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A new program called LoanLite, will also be launched. The new service aims to provide quick loans of up to Php20,000 at low interest to members.

SSS Global Kabayan Day will also be held in Barcelona, Spain, where the government-run social insurance program will open its 17^th overseas branch.

 

 

Pinay in detention for $423K theft of jewelry, cash

 

The theft allegedly took place in this development (Google Maps photo)

A Filipino domestic helper was returned to jail after her two theft cases, in which is accused of stealing $422, 928 in cash and jewelry, was adjourned today at Tuen Mun Court.

Rosa Combo, 41 years old. is facing two charges of theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance,.

Acting Principal Magistrate Daniel Tang adjourned her case to October 16  for mention.

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Combo is charged with stealing two gold rings, two bracelets, one baby gold necklace, one baby necklace with gold pendant, three gold necklaces, one gold bracelet, all with a total value $400,000, the property of Cheng Tsz-wing Vincent

She faces a second theft complaint in which she is accused of stealing HK$11,000 and CNY10,000, for a total value of $22,928.29, also the property of Cheng.

The two theft cases allegedly took place  between October 8, 2024 and January 29, 2026, at a flat in Riva on Ying Họ Road, Pat Heung, Yuen Long, New Territories.

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In another theft case at Kowloon City Court, Maricel Noveda, 36 years old, was released on bail of $1,000 after Magistrate Arthur Lam adjourned to November 8.

Noveda is charged with stealing a chose in action -- debts totalling of $35,298.10, owed by Octopus Cards Limited to the card owner Chan Yuk – when she allegedly used the card for purchases between November 1, 2025 and January 23 this year.

She faces a second theft charge in which she is accused of stealing supermarket coupons equivalent to $15,000 owned by Chan, between December 1 last year and January 31 this year.

Filipino tourists warned against illegal work

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has warned Filipino tourists against violating their conditions of stay in Hong Kong by taking up work or engaging in business during the 14-day visa-free entry granted them.

A statement posted by the Consulate on Facebook said the 14-day period is “for tourism and leisure purposes only.”

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Under regulation 2(1) of the Immigration Regulations, a tourist is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid; establish or join in any business; and become a student at a school, university or other educational institution.

Given these prohibitions, the Consulate said tourists cannot work as a photographer at tourist sites, help open or run a business establishment, solicit buyers of condominiums or time shares, or applying for a Hong Kong driver’s license to secure a job as a driver.

Visitor from the Mainland is arrested for acting as tour guide in HK (File)

The warning comes amid an intensified campaign by the Immigration Department to flush out illegal workers, be they foreign domestic workers, overstayers, asylum seekers or tourists. Government law enforcers routinely arrest about two dozen people in their weekly anti-illegal work operations.

Only recently, Immigration sought the Consulate’s help in warning Filipino workers on their days off that they should not engage in illegal work, like giving manicure and pedicure services, hawking food, clothes or any other items; and even helping shape and pluck eyebrows.

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The same rule applies to all visitors who do not have express permission from Immigration to take up work during their visit. This was emphasized recently when a Shenzhen-based makeup company announced publicly that it did the makeup of a Miss Hong Kong candidate, sparking .

Following the public advisory, a FDH messaged The SUN to ask if she will be violating immigration regulations if she signed up as a sub-agent for the Hong Kong office of a big Philippine real estate company. The answer to this is a resounding “yes.”

 

2 months jail for Filipina for illegal work

 

Suspected illegal worker is arrested by Immigration officers (File)

A Filipina arrested by Immigration officers while “performing a cleaning duty” in a Tsm Sha Tsui business establishment, was sentenced to two months imprisonment today by the Shatin Court.

Rowena Manaois, 44 years old, had been charged with breach of condition of stay, contrary to section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance, and by virtue of Regulation 2 of the Immigration Regulations

Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong handed down the sentence after Manaois pleaded guilty. She was charged by the Immigration Department after her arrest last July 5

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She admitted violating her condition of stay imposed by an immigration assistant on January 5, 2026, which permitted her to remain in Hong Kong for employment solely as a domestic helper for Lo Yuen Shan Sharon at her address.

Manaois was one of 29 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations mounted by the Immigration Department from July 3 to July 9.

During these operations, Immigration officers raided multiple target locations including restaurants, warehouses and massage parlors.

Those arrested included 20 suspected illegal workers, six suspected employers and three overstayers.

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The arrested workers comprised nine men and 11 women, aged 29 to 69. Among them, three men were holding recognizance forms which prohibit them from taking any employment, and two women were suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. The arrested overstayers comprised two men and a woman, aged 40 to 44.

Two men and four women, aged 39 to 53, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested.

In another case at Shatin Court also today, a Filipino accused of lying during an interview with an Immigration officer for the extension of his stay, was remanded in jail by Magistrate Cheang. His bail review was scheduled for September 11.

Lervin Dizon, 33 years old, was charged with making a false representation to an Immigration Officer lawfully acting under or in the execution of Part III of the Immigration Ordinance, contrary to section 42(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance.

The charge said Dizon lied when he told the officer that he would renew his contract with Lin, Sơn Chung John to take up employment as a domestic helper.

Peso hits new record low of P62.565 vs US$

The peso dropped to new record low two days in a row

The Philippine peso has continued its downward slide, posting a new all-time low of Php62.565 against the US dollar on Wednesday, September 2.

(This resulted in the peso dippling to its lowest level of Php7.97 to the HK dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar).

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The peso earlier hit an all-time low of P62.69 against the greenback in intraday trading, before clawing back up at the close of trade.

The peso previously closed at a record low of Php62.40 against the US$1 the previous day, September 1.

The HKD which is pegged to the USD is close to hitting 8:1 to the peso

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona had earlier said that the central bank was monitoring the foreign exchange market, after the Philippine peso breached the Php62 barrier. It sank to Php62.265 vs the US dollar on Friday, Aug 28.

The weakened peso means the price of imported commodities like oil will rise even more, which in turn could push up inflation and local prices.

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Conversely the stronger dollar will initially benefit families of overseas Filipino workers who will get more peso for their dollar. But the rising prices in the country could also trim their purchasing power. 

HK set to launch this year's flu vaccination program

 

Scan QR codes for more information

The Hong Kong government will launch this year’s seasonal influenza vaccination program on September 17, with public hospitals and outpatient clinics under the Hospital Authority (HA) offering subsidized or free flu jabs to high-risk people, those who have follow-up appointments or are admitted for treatment.

The vaccines are also administered in accredited private clinics.

The Center for Health Protecton, which leads the Government Vaccination Program 2026/27, said the influenza season began in late June.

“A total of 11 severe paediatric cases have been recorded. Among these cases, six patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, one patient is in stable condition, one is in serious condition, two are in critical condition and one has passed away," said CHP Controller Dr Edwin Tsui.

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In a statement, the HA appealed to members of the public to receive vaccinations early.

"The influenza activity in Hong Kong has remained at a relatively high level, and the risk of influenza transmission will increase accordingly. High-risk individuals such as chronic disease patients, the elderly and children may develop severe complications after an influenza infection, leading to serious illness or death,” the HA said.

“Vaccinations can enhance immunity against influenza and greatly reduce the risk of serious illness and death from infection. The protection will last for at least six months, providing effective protection for members of the public. Since it takes about two to four weeks to develop antibodies after inoculation, the public is urged to receive flu jabs early to build up an immunity barrier for themselves," it added.

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Eligible for vaccination are:

• Persons aged six months to under 18 years, and those aged 50 years or above;
• Pregnant women;
• Eligible persons with intellectual or physical disabilities;
• Persons aged 18 to 49 years with chronic medical problems; and
• Long-stay in-patients.

Members of the public can enquire about details of this year's seasonal influenza vaccination program at the respective specialist outpatient clinics or FMCs they attend, or make enquiries via the HA hotline 2300 6555 during office hours.

4 Philippine films featured in ASEAN Film Fest 2026

 

The Loboc Children's Choir performed on opening night of the ASEAN FilmFest

Four outstanding movies from the Philippines are featured in this year’s ASEAN Film Festival, with one of them, Song of the Fireflies, making it as the opening film for the yearly event.

The internationally renowned Loboc Children’s Choir, on which the film revolves, was also flown in for a post-screening concert at the Hong Kong Palace Theatre in West Kowloon on Aug. 20, before a diverse crowd of ASEAN diplomats, film buffs and FilmFest executives.

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After their concert, the young singers were joined onstage by their founder and music trainer Alma Taldo, whose struggles to form the choir and help it navigate the tough series of choral competitions across the Philippines, served as an inspiration for the movie.

Together they received a plaque of appreciation from the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation and the Philippine Consulate General led by Consul General Romulo D. Israel, Jr.

Still from Leonor Will Never Die

Also making it to the list was Leonor Will Never Die, an imaginative debut feature by a multi-awarded filmmaker Martika Ramirez Escobar.

The film described as “vibrant love letter to the golden age of Philippine cinema,” was shown twice at M Theatre in West Kowloon: the first on August 23, and the second a week later, on August 30, which also featured a post-screening talk by Escobar.

Leonor Will Never Die won the Special Jury Award for Innovative Spirit at the Sundance Film Festival.

Boses tells the story of a young abused boy who regains his voice through music

Soon to be shown is the third movie on the list, Boses, which shows the universal healing power of music. It tells the story of Onyok, a mute seven-year-old boy who regains his voice and heals his trauma from abuse through violin lessons given by a reclusive musician named Ariel.

This Cinemalaya movie has won wide acclaim, and swept almost all major awards at the Golden Screen Awards in 2009, including Best Director for Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Best Motion Picture for Drama, Best Editing, Best Musical Score, Best Original Screenplay and Best Breakthrough Performance By An Actor for Julian Duque, who played Onyok.

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As an added bonus, Ongkeko-Marfil and one of the film’s co-writers Froi Medina will join a talkback after the Boses screening set for September 12, 3pm onwards, at the Emperor Cinema at iSquare in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Renowned Filipino violinist Coke Bolipata, who plays the role of Ariel in the movie, will also do a mini-concert with four of his young musical talents after the screening.

Unmarry is about a couple who goes through annulment then realize they can still be friends

Last on the list is Unmarry, a 2025 movie directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, one of the most awarded independent filmmakers in the Philippines today.

The movie starring Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo, revolves around a couple who goes through the process of annulling their marriage and discussing custody of their three children. During a series of meetings and hearings they formed a bond that raises the possibility of finding a new chance at love.

The movie will be screened at Emperor Cinema at Entertaiment Building in Central on September 20.

The ASEAN FilmFest 2026 which runs from August 20 to September 27, features more than 30 carefully selected movies from 11 ASEAN members, as well as Hong Kong, China, Australia, Pakistan and Russia, all shown to the public for free. This is the biggest lineup since the festival's inception.

This year's featured films include for the first time one from Timor-Leste, ASEAN's newest member.

SSS launches micro lending facility to mark 69th year

 

SSS President Robert Joseph M. de Claro poses with SSS chairman and
Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go at the anniversary celebration and press con

The Social Security System has launched SSS LoanLite, a micro loan facility that allows members, including OFWs, to borrow from P1,000 to P20,000 within minutes of applying, to mark its 69^th anniversary.

The SSS LoanLite will be among the subjects to be discussed by SSS officials when they visit Hong Kong on Sept. 12, the first leg of a caravan that will also take them to Madrid, where an SSS branch will be reopened, and other parts of Europe.

It is part of SSS efforts to expand access to financial assstance, SSS President Robert Joseph M. de Claro, said during a press conference today at the SSS headquarters in Quezon City.

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De Claro said the effective cost of borrowing, which includes the 0.67 per cent SSS interest per month plus charges imposed by participating banks, should not exceed 1 per cent per month – a huge improvement from the rate imposed by 5-6 lenders who charge up to 20 per cent per month.

At present SSS LoanLite is available only through the Union Digital online banking app. Three more banks – Land Bank, RCBC and Union Bank—will soon incorporate the facility into their own online banking apps.

SSS senior vice president Joy Villacorta said more banks are expected to participate.

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To qualify for SSS LoanLite, a member must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application and below 65 years old at the end of the loan term.
• Have at least 12 posted monthly contributions.
• Have no past due short-term member loan.
• Have no pending or settled final benefit claim (e.g., retirement or permanent total disability).
• Have no active Restructured Loan.
• Have an account enrolled in the online facility of a participating financial institution.
• Have no record of fraud against SSS.