New EM support centers to be set up in line with CE’s Policy Address

 

The Chief Executive holds up copies of his Policy Address 2025 (Handout)

Chief Executive John Lee has unveiled new initiatives to support ethnic minorities (EMs) during his policy address earlier today, underlining their vital role in Hong Kong society.

Among the new measures is the introduction of a pilot project providing support and counseling services to EMS through a dedicated service center; and a new interpretation and translation service to help them cope with life in Hong Kong.

More EM care teams under the Home Affairs Department will also be created, covering the North and Islands Districts, while a Youth Network and a Women's Network will be set up in the 10 existing support service centers.

To help EM job applicants, government departments may also design job-oriented language tests to help them meet language proficiency requirements. Recruitment information will be widely disseminated to attract EM talents to the civil service.

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For students who do not speak Chinese CE Lee said that learning materials for the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Chinese Proficiency Test will be extended to junior secondary levels starting in the 2026/27 school year.

The government will also continue offering after-school Chinese language courses and support cross-school teacher-learning communities to enhance educational support.

Among the new measures announced by CE Lee are the following:

1)    A series of new measures that will allow more public housing tenants to buy government-subsidized flats, and enable those currently housed in government-subsidized flats to move into the private property market

2)    A plan to transform Hong Kong into an international education hub by raising the quota for non-local students at universities, developing universities of applied sciences and speeding up the construction of a university town in the Northern Metropolis

3)    The easing of property investment requirements for its cash-for-residency scheme by keeping the maximum residential property investment amount at $10 million, but lowers the transaction price ceiling from $50 million to $30 million

4)    Further boost the birth rate by, among other things, extending the claim period for additional child allowances for newborns from one year to two, or a total of $260,000 incentive per child; setting up more child care centers and dedicated counters for mothers-to-be seeking medical services, and increasing the quota for assisted reproductive services from 1,100 to 1,500 treatment cycles in this financial year.

House of Representatives picks new speaker

New Speaker Faustino Dy III delivers acceptance speech

The Philippine House of Representatives changed its leadership today, electing Faustino "Bojie" Dy III of Isabela’s 6th District as speaker to replace Martin Romualdez of Leyte, who resigned.

"I step down not in surrender, but in service — for sometimes, the greatest act of leadership is the grace to let go, so that this institution may endure stronger than before," Romualdez said before the vote.

For his part, Dy said in his acceptance speech that his administration will be accountable and transparent. "We will listen to your voices," he added.

The House vote came nine days after the Senate voted Vicente Sotto III as its new president to replace Francis Escudero, and started a revamp that saw senators who support former president Rodrigo Duterte relegated to the minority bloc.

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Both reorganizations were prompted by the growing scandal over flood control projects.

While the Senate vote to remove Escudero was triggered by efforts to limit the Duterte bloc-led Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation to projects from 2022 to 2025, instead of from 2016 to cover bigger scandals during the Duterte administration, Romualdez’s resignation came after efforts by critics to link him to “budget insertions” that funded the failed projects.

Some of those critics appear to have been appeased, as only 28 abstained from voting for Dy as compared to 34 who did not vote for Romualdez when the 20th Congress opened last July 28. 

Among the converts were independent congressmen Toby Tiangco (Navotas, Lone District), Duke Frasco (Cebu, 5th District) and Albee Benitez (Bacolod, Lone District), whose vote for the new speaker signified they were joining the majority.

Malacanang welcomed the new House leadership.

“We respect the independence of the chamber and acknowledge the contributions of former Speaker Martin Romualdez. We now look forward to working with Speaker Faustino Dy III to advance measures that strengthen the economy, ensure basic services, and protect our democracy,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had earlier ordered that completed infrastructure projects must now be formally accepted by local government officials before the Department of Public Works and Highways can mark them as finished and pay the contractors.

Marcos said told a press conference that he was surprised to learn that this was removed during the Duterte administration.

Charges laid against lending company RichRen

 

A number of Philippine passports held as collaterals were reportedly found in RichRen's offices

Hong Kong Police have confirmed the filing of charges against RichRen Finance Limited in Mong Kok, which they raided in November last year on suspicion of illegal money lending.

According to the police, RichRen was officially indicted for lending money at excessive rate and accepting prohibited security (like passports) for loan. The case has been scheduled “for mention” in court on October 14.

During the raid, a number of Philippine passports were found inside the financing company’s office and taken away pending further investigation.

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Similar raids were also carried out at the shops across Hong Kong of two mobile phone retailers suspected of engaging in money lending without a licence.

A total of 46 people were arrested during the crackdown which the police said at the time were related to a syndicate that had illegally extended loans amounting to at least $39 million to 6,500 domestic helpers.

The force said the syndicate had charged an annual interest rate of around 100 percent for the loans.

Following the raids, the Philippine Consulate said those whose passports were being held by the police should contact them directly so they could be informed about the process and conditions for issuing them with new documents.

It also issued a reminder that using or accepting passports as collaterals for loans is a serious offence under the Philippines’ New Passport Law, which prescribes a prison term and fine for violators.

As a matter of practice, the Consulate never returns passports used as collateral for loans, as this could amount to condoning an illegal act. In addition, the replacement passports issued to those who pawned them for loans are valid for only five years, instead of the usual 10.

Passport applicants are also made to sign an undertaking that they will not commit the offense again, otherwise they will only be issued a one-way travel document.

Pinoy student to face rape, child-porn cases in DC

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

A case against a 16-year-old Filipino student accused of rape and publishing child pornography before the Eastern Court, was adjourned today prior to its elevation to the District Court.

Prosecutors asked for the adjournment of the case against L. U. for the preparation of transfer papers. Principal Magistrate David Cheung granted the request by scheduling a new hearing for Oct. 14.

The student is accused of raping X last Feb. 14 inside the Bonham Commercial Center in Sheung Wan, in violation of section 118(1) of the Crimes Ordinance.

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A second charge accuses him of publishing eight nude photo of X between Feb. 7 and March 21 this year, in violation of section 3(2) of the Prevention of Child Pornography Ordinance.

Hong Kong magistrate courts normally elevate rape cases to a higher court as these are beyond the magistrate's sentencing power.

 

Free tram and ferry rides, other treats on China’s National Day

 

Free tram sides are given as treats to the public on many significant occasions

A series of special offers, including free rides on all tram routes and several on ferries, will be made available to the public on October 1, in celebration of the 76^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s  Republic of China.

The MTR will give away 76,000 single journey e-tickets to the public through a lucky draw on the same day, while children can ride most bus routes of KMB, Long Win Bus, Citybus and New Lantao Bus for free.

All commercial cinemas will also provide tickets to movies at half the price, while all sports venues and museums run by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will offer free admission. Everyone can also enter the Hong Kong Wetland Park for free.

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Free guided tours and dining, consumption and accommodation offers currently provided by the Revitalising Historic Building through Partnership Scheme will be expanded from mid-September until late October as part of the celebration.

Joining in the fun are more than 1,000 restaurants and merchants that will provide discounted meals, while several public markets will also roll out different offers. Shoppers at the “Local Fresh” stores, whether virtual, physical or mobile app, will also get a 24% discount on selected products.

Ngong Ping 360 and Ocean Park, two of Hong Kong’s top tourist attractions, will offer ticket discounts, while Tai Kwun, the Peak Tram and Madame Tussauds will give out souvenirs to patrons.

The West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Jockey Club and HK Trade Development Council as well as over 100 shopping malls and department stores will roll out shopping, dining or parking offers.

More freebies and other special treats from some government departments and organizations will be announced in due course.

To get information about the offers and special activities, check out the dedicated website, www.nationalday76.gov.hk.

 

 

 

 

Cinta-J to close down after 42 years

 

Allen Lee (in black) join his golfing buddies including ex-Labatt Bernie Julve
 (in green at back) for a final photo at Cinta-J

It was a night that recalled the happy times of the 80s and the 90s when Wan Chai was the place to be for late-night dining and drinking in Hong Kong, and Cinta-J restaurant and bar was where most Filipinos ended up in, for a taste of comfort food from back home and singers who obliged their penchant for karaoke and dancing.

After 42 years being at the center of fun and entertainment for most Filipinos in Hong Kong, Cinta-J at no 69 Jaffe Road (which explains the J in its name) is closing down at the end of the month.

On that particular Wednesday night, Sept. 3, many of its old customers who gathered there to party ended up getting nostalgic, as they realized that it could be the last time they would be spending their happy hours there.

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Among those who said goodbye to their favorite watering hole was former Labor Attache to Hong Kong Bernie Julve and his golfing and drinking buddies who used to gather at Cinta-J before, or after, a golf game.  They all realized going out on golf trips would not be as fun without their favorite pit-stop.

In another part of the restaurant, a group of longtime residents celebrated a birthday, and as before, spent the rest of the night dancing and singing with the in-house band. There could never be another place where they could let their hair down, and feel right at home.

Allen Lee with his son Bryan and daughter-in-law Cris

Cinta-J’s founder and owner, 83-year-old Allen Lee, said the Malaysian Consulate building where his resto-bar is housed has been sold, and given the current tepid catering industry and high property prices, it would not be prudent to continue operating it.

But his son Bryan and daughter-in-law Cris who have been running the place for the past several years remain upbeat, saying they are still hoping to find a new place where they can carry on the business.

Many longtime customers of Cinta-J would likely welcome a reopening, but Cinta away from Jaffe Road - - where they had the most fun eating Filipino or Indonesian food dancing and singing to their hearts’ content - would never be the same.

At its heyday, when Hong Kong was the favorite place for R&R by seafarers from all over the world, Cinta-J was often packed and pulsating. It could either be fun or rowdy, or both, but always with the best music in town.

A visit to Cinta-J is never complete without the singing & dancing

The all-night partying started to slow down about 10 years ago when China started rejecting berthing requests from ships, particularly those from the US navy, amid rising political tension.

Cinta-J managed to pull through, only to suffer another setback when massive anti-government protests erupted across Hong Kong from 2018 to 2019, with Wan Chai becoming one of the flash points.

Just as things were starting to quiet down, the Covid-19 pandemic happened, and the catering sector once more took a direct hit. Cinta-J, along with several bars on Jaffe, were among the worst hit. (See report here: https://www.sunwebhk.com/search?q=Cinta+J)

Getting back up from all those whammies have been difficult, but losing the place it has called home for decades was what hastened the Lees’ decision to shut down the business they nurtured for so long, for good.

Poster for the final group farewell to Cinta-J organized by the UPAA-HK

As a tribute to those happy times, a group of Filipino residents led by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association is preparing to hold a final farewell to Cinta-J on September 24, six days before it is finally shuttered.

Special guest for the evening will be Cinta-J’s most beloved singer Nicky Flores, who will be taking to the stage again together with his wife and former singing partner, Merly. Surprise numbers will also be presented.

To book a ticket, please see the poster above or call Cath at 9536 0166

 

 

Pinoy driver jailed 6 months for stealing from unlocked car

The alleged theft happened in the carpark of Aberdeen Marina Club (photo from Facebook)

A Filipino driver was jailed for six months after being found guilty at Eastern Court today of stealing a handbag inside a Tesla car that had been left unlocked by its owner when she parked at the Aberdeen Marina Club.

No direct evidence pointed to Dionese Medallon, 46 years old, but Deputy Magistrate Chung Wing-sze cited “irresistible inferences grounded on facts” to find him guilty of the theft, which took place last Jan. 17.

Prosecution had alleged that he opened the car door and took away a brown handbag on the front passenger seat, which contained an Apple computer, a wallet with $2,000 cash inside, as well as the Tesla’s key which was left in the ignition, for a total loss of about $25,000.

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The case against Medallon revolved around the fact that he moved the Alphard he was driving from where he had earlier parked, to a spot beside the Tesla car, before driving off less than two minutes later.

Magistrate Chung described as incredible Medallon’s testimony that he moved the car because it was too hot where he was originally parked when it was winter, that he was too busy cleaning the second row of the Alphard’s seats to notice that the Tesla was unlocked and had a handbag in it, and that he drove off because he was called to pick up his employer’s child.

She also noted that no one else got near the car during the 20 minutes that it was parked, ruling out any other possible suspect.

She found the three prosecution witnesses – the Tesla’s owner, a security guard and a police officer –honest and reliable.

In sentencing Medallon, she said the value of the stolen items may be insignificant but they contained vital personal information.

She also said the theft did not involve detailed planning but was more opportunistic.

Medallon, who has worked as a family driver since 2022, has been fired from his job due to the case. He is married to a Filipina who also works in Hong Kong as a domestic helper. They have three sons, aged 20, 21 and 23.

(Read the previous story: https://www.sunwebhk.com/2025/09/pinoy-driver-denies-stealing-bag-from.html)

 

HK OFWs hold angry protest over Ph flood fund mess

 

Anger is etched on face of protest leader Baneng Mendez

Filipino domestic workers held an indignation rally outside the Philippine Consulate offices in Admiralty on Sunday morning to protest the widening corruption scandal in the Philippines over billions of pesos lost in anomalous flood control projects that date back to 2016.

The move came in the wake of similar protest actions in Manila launched as congressional inquiries uncovered a massive collusion between private contractors and government officials in pilfering money meant to stop the recurrent flooding across the country.

“Nakakagalit!” (Sickening) was the first word uttered by one of the protest organizers, Baneng Mendez of Bayan Muna Hong Kong and Macau, in expressing her anger over the years of corruption that is being uncovered only now.

PINDUTIN DITO

“Kung hindi pa tayo nagagalit sa lumalalang korapsyon sa Pilipinas, hindi tayo tunay na Pilipino,” an enraged Mendez said. (If we are still not angry over the widening corruption in the country, we are not true Filipinos).

She decried that migrant workers are given a hard time getting financial help from the government when the culprits steal P2 million each day from the public coffers.

Protest banners call for the jailing and other retribution for the culprits

Another speaker, Dolores Balladares of United Filipinos –Migrante Hong Kong said politicians in the country are using their position to amass wealth at the expense of the people they are meant to serve.

The 50-odd protesters representing various Filipino migrant groups that were given police clearance to hold the 30-minute rally held banners blaming widespread corruption for the worsening floods that have plagued the country for years, and called for retribution.

They said money that could have been spent to improve the people’s lives has been stolen by a few people who have been living in luxury, including a contractor-couple who had shamelessly paraded their fleet of about 40 luxury cars during interviews on social media.

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They called on those responsible for the plunder to be held to account, including putting them behind bars immediately.

Not surprisingly, there was no call for President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to step down, as that would mean Vice President Sara Duterte, who could soon face an impeachment trial over her alleged misuse of hundreds of millions in “confidential funds," taking over the top post.

The protest ended with Vice Consul Gino Soriano of the Consulate accepting a copy of the demand letter from the protesters addressed to President Marcos.

Labor attaché linked to flood control mess recalled

 

Labatt Maglanque has also been put in the immigraton lookout list

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans J. Cacdac has ordered the recall of the country’s labor attaché in Los Angeles, Macy Monique Maglanque, after she was tagged by Senator Panfilo Lacson to a company linked to flood-control anomalies.

Cacdac said in a statement on Friday that the recall will give Labatt Maglanque an opportunity to personally respond to the questions about her involvement in the questionable deals.

 “Today, we have issued a recall order for Labor Attaché Maglanque so that she can return home and personally face the investigation. No penalty has been imposed yet, but it is important that she herself responds to the questions—not only from the DMW but also from any other investigations that may be necessary,” said Secretary Hans Cacdac.

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He said the recall is a routine procedure that is in line with the DMW’s commitment to due process.

“She will only be facing the investigation. This is part of our commitment to integrity and accountability in public service,” Cacdac added.

Labatt Maglanque is the daughter of Mayor Rene Maglanque of Candaba, Pampanga and former president of Globalcrete Builders, a construction company that secured Php2.195 billion worth of flood control projects from 2018 to 2024 in Bulacan alone, said Lacson.

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Together with the daughters of Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan and Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, the younger Maglanque is said to have formed MBB Global Properties Corp, which now owns Wyndham Garden Hotel in Clark, Pampanga.

Lacson said the initials MBB stand for Maglanque, Bonoan and Bernardo, signifying an unholy alliance between the powerful contractor and the two DPWH officials.

The MBB company is said to stand for the mayor and the two top DPWH officials

Labatt Maglanque is said to be the president of the MBB group, while Sunshine M. Bernardo, the daughter of the former USec, is corporate secretary; and Fatima Bonoan dela Cruz is treasurer.

Following Lacson’s expose, new DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon has requested that Bonoan and the three executives of the MBB Group be put on the immigration lookout bulletin

Labatt Maglanque’s Facebook profile indicates she became a labor attaché in 2017, and was initially posted in Singapore before being moved to LA four years later.

She holds a bachelor of science degree in management of financial institutions from De La Salle University, and a master in business administration from the University of London.

Flood control probe widens; million-people protest set

 

EDSA Shrine rally (GMA News photo)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has added a third front in the investigation of failed and ghost flood control projects, while the Department of Public Works and Highways has begun filing criminal complaints against the first batch of erring employees.

Amid these government moves, a million-people rally is being planned at the Luneta on Sept. 21 to express outrage for the “large-scale thievery”, capping off a series of protests in streets and schools. 

The latest of these were Friday’s protest by students at the University of the Philippines in Diliman and Saturday's march from the EDSA Shrine to the People Power Monument in Quezon City.

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“Let us call out and condemn the politicians and contractors who wear different colors but worship the color of money, who steal our people’s money,” declared a statement by the convenors, which included the Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA) and the Panatang Luntian Coalition.

Another protest, dubbed the “Trillion Peso March,” led by the Clergy for Good Governance, will take place at the People Power Monument on EDSA the same day.

Both events were timed for the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the president’s father, Ferdinand Sr., in 1972.

It is not yet certain when the three-member Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), created by Marcos under Executive Order No. 94, will begin to “hear, investigate, receive, gather, and evaluate evidence, intelligence reports, and information, against all government officials and employees, and any other individual, involved in anomalies, irregularities, and misuse of fSunds in the planning, financing, and implementation of government flood control and other infrastructure projects nationwide.”

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Malacañang has named former DPWH Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson, who cleaned the agency during the term of President Benigno Aquino Jr., and SGV and Co. country managing partner Rossana Fajardo, as the first two of ICI’s three members. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong will act as special adviser and investigator. 

The chairperson is expected to be appointed next week.

“The President has appointed individuals of proven competence, integrity, and deep familiarity with infrastructure, finance, and institutional reform,” presidential spokesperson Claire Castro said.

“As the President has repeatedly said: no one will be spared. Even relatives, friends, or allies — there will be no sacred cows [in the ICI investigation],” Castro said.

Even if ICI starts its investigation, the ongoing inquiries by the Senate and the House of Representatives will continue, according to Sen. Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate Blue ribbon Committee.

“The Senate Blue Ribbon probe and the work of the independent commission are complementary. They won’t compete with each other,” he said.

Lacson said the first hearing next Thursday in which he will be chairman, will not only generate evidence that could be used by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), but also help in crafting anti-corruption laws.

He said he found evidence that could confirm revelations in Congress last week that Senator Jinggoy Estrada received a 30 per cent commission from P355 million paid for flood control projects that were never built. 

Estrada and Joel Villanueva, who was alleged to have gotten a 30 per ent cut of $600 million in ghost projects, have denied the allegations.

For his part, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon will aim for DPWH personnel responsible for anomalous flood control projects to return the money they stole. “It is not enough to go to jail. It is not enough to be held accountable. We need to return the people’s money,” he said.

Among the measures he would explore is to freeze and forfeit in favor of the government the assets of persons named in cases that result from these projects, with the help of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

Last Thursday, the DPWH filed the first batch of graft charges against 20 government engineers and employees from Bulacan, and four private contractors and their owners, including the Discaya couple. He said the DPWH would file a second batch next week against those involved in Oriental Mindoro projects.

 

Pia Wurtzbach recalls life as OFW during HK visit

 

As OWWA's ambassador, Pia helps promote health and wellness among OFWs

“Confidently beautiful with a heart” is a mindset that Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey has embraced since she was crowned Miss Universe in 2015, and is what she now espouses as an advocate of health and wellness for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Wurtzbach was in Hong Kong last Sunday, Sept. 7, as part of her volunteer work as an ambassador for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). 

According to OWWA administrator PY Caunan, the beauty queen does not get paid for what she does for OFWs, and even pays for her own airfare when they go abroad together.

Coinciding with their visit was a health and wellness event at the OFW Global Centre, and the launch of virtual hub of LoveYourself, an advocacy group for HIV prevention and mental health for Filipinos, particularly OFWs.

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Through the online hub, OFWs can ask questions about sexual and mental health issues, which Wurtzbach said is now particularly relevant because of a sudden spike in the number of Filipino migrants getting infected with HIV.

Latest government figures show that HIV infections jumped 500% in the first three months of this year, compared to the same period last year, prompting the Department of Health to recommend a declaration of national public health emergency.

An OFW fan took the chance to ask Pia for an autograph

Wurtzbach was accompanied in her visit by Love Yourself founder and executive director Ronivin “Vinn” G. Pagtakhan, who evoked a lot of laughter from the audience with his quips on how OFWs can practice self-love, including indulging in sexual pleasures.

“Importante na alam ninyong pasayahin ang sarili ninyo,” he said, to the delight of the mainly female audience. (It’s important that you know how to pleasure yourselves).

Pagtakhan told the OFWs HIV is no longer the dreaded disease it used to be, as there are now at least two cases of patients who have been declared virus-free after treatment. But prevention is still the key to preventing its spread.

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Wurtzbach took the chance to relate her experiences as an OFW herself. She said her mother worked as a caregiver in the United Kingdom for 10 years. When her mother got married to a foreigner, Wurtzbach who was then still a minor and a struggling actress, was forced to follow her.

That was when she experienced “yung hirap, yung pagod” (the hardship and physically tiring life) of a Filipino migrant worker.

She said she waited on tables at a hotel and did odd jobs, like working as receptionist in a realty company and distributing flyers. It was while working at the hotel that she decided to enroll in a culinary course.

All the while, she said she was longing to go back home, so that when she had saved up enough, she decided to fly back to Manila, and began joining beauty contests. The rest, as they now say, is history.

Laundry factory raid nets 8 suspected illegal workers, employer

 

Those arrested in the laundry raid are led away

A total of nine people were arrested in an anti-illegal work operation by the Immigration Department that targeted a laundry factory, according to a statement released by the government today.

Those arrested included eight suspected illegal workers and the person who hired them.

Those reportedly found working illegally at the laundry comprised three men and five women aged 29 to 48. The suspected employer is a woman aged 52.

The raid was one of several conducted by immigration officers from Sept 9 to 11.

Apart from the laundry factory, operatives from Immigration and the HK Police force also raided 102 target locations in Hung Hom, Kowloon City and Western districts.

In these separate raids, two suspected illegal workers, both men aged 48 and 52, were arrested. A 49-year-old woman was also detained after she was found to have overstayed her visa.

According to the statement, an investigation into the suspected employers of the illegal workers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is likely.

Immigration again warned that working illegally, whether paid or unpaid, is an offence under Hong Kong law.

The prohibition applies to tourists and recognizance paper holders who are not allowed to work  without permission from the Immigration director. Foreign domestic workers are also prohibited from working outside the home of their contract employers.

Those found violating their visa conditions by engaging in illegal work could be jailed for up to two years and fined a maximum of $50,000.

Overstayers, illegal immigrants or those subject of a removal or deportation order could be jailed for a maximum of three years and fined $50,000.

In addition, the Chief Executive may issue a deportation order against such illegal workers. Under Hong Kong laws, deportation could be ordered against an immigrant who has been found guilty of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years.

Employers of illegal workers face the more severe penalty of a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years. The director, manager or any officer of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability.

Under sentencing guidelines issued by the High Court, the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.

 

Bail hearing for Pinoy in $10B fake bank docs case reset

 

HSBC branch where incident was reported (Google Maps photo)  

An elderly Filipino facing a charge of “using a false instrument” after allegedly presenting fake documents purporting to show he had US$10 billion in deposits at the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp., was told he could apply for free lawyer’s services after he appeared unrepresented at the Eastern Court on Thursday, Sept. 11.

Acting Principal Magistrate David Cheung told Ramon Revillosa Jr., 69, to go to the Duty Lawyers Service at the court building after he failed to respond to a question of whether he wished to make a bail application. The elderly defendant has been in jail since his arrest last Feb. 10.

When Revillosa accepted the offer to avail of the services of a free counsel, the magistrate assumed that the defendant had reserved the right to a bail review and set a hearing on Sept. 19. By then, his  new lawyer could make a new application for bail on his behalf, and cite the reasons why the court should allow him temporary liberty.

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Magistrate Cheung also adjourned the case to Nov. 6, as requested by the prosecutor, for further investigation.

He earlier noted that Revillosa was represented in previous hearings by a private lawyer, apparently hired by the Philippine Consulate..

A routine auditing procedure, however, resulted in payments to the solicitor firm beng suspended by the Consulate, according to a source. Under Hong Kong law, legal services can be cut off if bills are not paid.

Revillosa is alleged to have presented a bank capability letter, guarantee letter and a certificate of balance, all purporting to have a value of US$10 billion and issued by HSBC, which he “knew, or believed to be, false”.

Using a false instrument is punishable under section 73 of the Crimes Ordinance with up to 14 years in jail.

He was the only one charged, although he was arrested with a Filipina woman lawyer, a Malaysian man, a Taiwanese man and a woman who used a Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit to enter Hong Kong.

Last June 28, the same magistrate ordered psychiatric tests to be conducted on him in Siu Lam Hospital in Tuen Mun, which specializes in psychiatric care, to find out if he was fit to plead or needed to be hospitalized.