Fate of Pinay driver in Peel Street crash to be known in Feb

 

Magsino had just parked the car on this slope when it started rolling down, fast

A verdict has been set for February 26 next year in the case of a Filipina domestic helper who was tried at the District Court on two charges relating to the fatal traffic accident in Central four years ago.

Reshielle L. Magsino, 48, was again released on $10,000 bail after she appeared before Deputy District Court Judge Tim Casewell on Friday.

Magsino had pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving that caused the death of a French woman, and serious injury to four others, after a car she had just parked rolled at a fast clip down Peel Street in Central in the evening of Dec 10, 2021.

DETAILS HERE

Killed in the incident was French national Elodie Ma, who was 27 at the time. She was rushed to Queen Mary Hospital in critical condition after the incident, and died less than 24 hours later.

The four other people who were seriously injured were Truong Lise Pui Yee (who was initially listed in critical condition but recovered eventually), Riachi Julien, Moroz Dean Ian and Hui Yat-yuen.

It took prosecutors two years to charge Magsino in court with one count of dangerous driving causing death, and another of causing grievous bodily injury.

DETAILS HERE

At the start of the trial, the court was told Magsino had about nine years of driving experience at the time. The registered owner of the car was her employer, but Magsino admitted to police that she was the one driving that night.

Security cameras showed Magsino and her employer getting out of the vehicle after it was parked on a steep incline on the roads employer getting out of the car after it was parked on the sloping street, and was immediately  followed by the accused who was in the driver’s seat.

The car began rolling down the slope immediately after, with the open door hitting Magsino who fell. She tried to run after the vehicle but it rolled down fast.

Basahin ang detalye!

Ma was shown standing outside a restaurant on Staunton Street when the car rolled over her, causing severe head injury.

The four others who were injured were shown chatting on the road. Some were hurt as they tried to dodge the runaway car, while one was hit by steel railings dislodged went the vehicle got wedged in them, before coming to a full stop.

Magsino was arrested by the police at the scene while the victims were rushed to hospital.

The case was first heard in the Eastern magistracy but was elevated to the District Court due to the seriousness of the charges.

Dangerous driving causing death is punishable with a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment of up to 10 years. If the act resulted in grievous bodily harm, the maximum penalty is $50,000 fine and seven years' imprisonment.

LD hands out $20K subsidy for FDHs affected by Tai Po fire

The Department of Labour has started handing out the $20,000 subsidy for foreign domestic helpers employed in the Wan Fuk Court in Tai Po.

It has opened a special counter at its Mongkok offices today and tomorrow to process applications. After that, applications will be processed during office hours.

DETAILS HERE

DETAILS HERE

“The involved FDHs can start to apply for the subsidy now,” the Labour Department said in an announcement.

The application form for the subsidy is available at: https://www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/res/pdf/applicationform-fdhsubsidy.pdf.

Basahin ang detalye!

Affected FDHs can go directly to the counters, which are open from 11am to 5pm today and tomorrow at:

Foreign Domestic Helpers Division of the Labour Department
16/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre,
1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon 

Pinoy sentenced for driving license fraud

 

Eastern Court

A Filipino who submitted a fake Pakistani license so he could be exempted from taking the driving test required of applicants from the Philippines, was sentenced at Eastern Court today to four months in jail, suspended for 12 months.

This meant that J. Ong, 27 years old and a supervisor at an airline lounge at the Chek Lap Kok airport, may not have to serve a day of his sentence if he does not reoffend. 

However, he had already stayed in jail for two weeks, after pleading guilty in an earlier hearing to the charge of violating the Common Law, which is punishable under section 159C(6) of the Crimes Ordinance.

Ong admitted that he “conspired together with a person unknown… by dishonestly falsely representing to the staff of the Transport Department” that he was eligible for the direct issue of a full Hong Kong driving license without test.

DETAILS HERE

A complaint filed by the Independent Commission against Corruption accused Ong of “inducing the staff of the Transport Department to act contrary to their public duty, namely, to approve, and grant a full Hong Kong driving licence...” when he applied for it between Oct. 21, 2022 and Aug. 9, 2023.

“This is a serious case” and a financial penalty is not enough, Magistrate Minnie Wat said, explaining that the licensing system for drivers is there to protect road users.

In mitigation, Ong’s lawyer said that the offense took place after he was laid off at the airport during the Covid-19 pandemic, and he was desperate to find a job.

Basahin ang detalye!

He thought having a driving license would help improve his chances of finding a new job, so he applied for a license but failed the driving test.

It was then that a friend told him that he knew someone who could get him a Pakistani driving license, which is convertible to a Hong Kong one.

Despite this, Ong's lawyer said, "He never used the license. He admitted he was frightened to go on the road with it."

The lawyer said Ong is remorseful for what happened and that the offense was out of character.

 “When he was arrested, he made a full admission to ICAC, assisted the ICAC and will help in the future,” although the person who sold him the Pakistani license has since left Hong Kong, the lawyer added.

An ICAC representative in the courtroom confirmed that Ong wwas helping the investigation, which is still ongoing.

Migrants call on HK to ensure full support for FDWs in Tai Po fire

 

AMCB co-organized the special mass on Chater Road for the Tai Po fire victims

A group of migrant domestic workers has called on the Hong Kong Labour Department to adequately protect all foreign domestic workers affected by the Tai Po fire by ensuring they get all financial and social support due them, and allowing them to remain in the city until they are hired by a new employer should their contract be terminated.

In a letter sent to Labour Secretary Chris Sun on Friday, the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body through spokesperson Shiela Bonifacio said it welcomes the government’s swift moves to support FDWs affected by the fire, such as providing them with a $20,000 one-off subsidy and dedicated hotline.

“However, we must highlight that MDWs face some often overlooked unique challenges related to their employment and visa status, as well as language barriers, which require the government’s integrated consideration for both the short-term and long-term impacts on MDWs affected by this fire,” said the AMCB.

DETAILS HERE

Among the steps proposed by the AMCB is for the government to set up a multi-lingual information platform that will provide affected FDWs with simple and up-to-date information on how they can access financial aid, relief supplies and other support services.

As it is, all the publicity materials regarding these important information are published only in English or Cantonese, which may not be easily understood by the affected FDWs, said AMCB.

Another measure suggested is to assign social workers who are ideally well experienced in dealing with migrant worker issues to help look into the special needs of the affected FDWs so they can be better assessed and addressed.

Basahin ang detalye!

A third proposal is for the Immigration Department to come up with a special arrangement for FDWs who may be laid off due to the fire so they can remain in Hong Kong beyond the 14-day limit provided by law under normal circumstances.

“This will ensure they have adequate time to find new employers while recovering from the trauma of the blaze, granting an exception to the standard "2-week rule."

The fourth proposal is for the creation of a mechanism that will fast-track the monetary claims of FDWs who are terminated, such as wages in arrears, travel fare, employee compensation, long service or severance pay and other entitlements.

In relation to this, the AMCB cited the long list of documents that the Indonesian Consulate General is reportedly requiring affected FDWs to submit, such as a letter of reference from their agencies, photocopies of their passports, HKIDs and other papers, just so they could obtain replacement passports.

The group said it hopes Hong Kong could come up with a more comprehensive response "to address migrant workers’ systemic vulnerabilities" in consultation with consulates, migrant organizations, and other affected parties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Eagles’ does beach clean-up

 

The Eagles show off their haul at the end of their clean-up drive on Repulse Bay

Several ‘eagles’ groups led by their president Alann C. Mas gathered together on November 23 to conduct a clean-up of the beach from Deep Water Bay to Repulse Bay, as part of their commitment to protecting Hong Kong’s natural environment.

Taking part in the community undertaking were the Grand Hong Kong Eagles Club, Grand Hong Kong Lady Eagles Club, Solid Grand Alab Hong Kong Lady Eagles Club and the Solid Grand Kabatak Hong Kong Lady Eagles Club.

DETAILS HERE

Enthusiastic members gathered at Deep Water Bay Beach, armed with gloves and trash bags, where they started collecting trash along the coastline, before gradually making their way to Repulse Bay.

Mas said they focused on removing plastic bottles, Styrofoam containers and various other plastic waste materials that threaten marine life and pollute Hong Kong’s beautiful beaches.

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“The cleanup not only aimed to beautify our local environment but also served as a powerful reminder of the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans,” said Mas.

“Through this initiative, we hope to inspire others to join the fight against environmental degradation and to promote sustainable practices within our communities.”

Group members led by Mas (center) gather at Deep Water Bay at the start of the clean-up 

He added the activity made the members realize even more the value of community involvement in environmental conservation, and of contributing to having a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations.

"Nakakataba ng puso yung habang nagpupulot kami ng mga basura ay pinapasalamatan kami nung mga residenteng nakakasalubong namin," Mas said. (It warmed the heart to hear residents thanking us as we picked up trash).

They committed to carrying out more clean-up drives in future.

Pinay with 14 names appear in DC on theft charges along with another

 

Photo is for illustration only

Two Filipinas accused of being pickpockets before the District Court were returned to jail today after their lawyer asked for an adjournment so discussions could be made with the Department of Justice for charges against one of them to be dropped.

The lawyer did not specify who he was referring to between Jay-ann Benlot, 31 years old, and Rebecca Quirante, 68 years old, but in the three charges filed against them, Benlot is in only one of the three charges naming Quirante, who is also known by 13 other names.

Chief District Judge Justin Ko King-sau scheduled the next hearing for Feb. 26 next year.

DETAILS HERE

As they had no bail application, he remanded them in jail custody.

For the first charge, Benlot and Quirante are accused of stealing one wallet, cash of $2,000, cash of ¥80 Renminbi, one Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau, one Mainland identity card and four bank cards owned by Tian Xiaona on Nov. 10, 2024, at "Brandy & Melville", Ground Floor, Emperor Watch and Jewellery Centre, No. 8 Russell Street, Causeway Bay.

In the second charge, Quirante is accused of stealing, “together with other person(s) unknown,” one mobile phone owned by Tsang Siu-mei on Nov. 14, 2024 at Shop Nos. 263B, Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon.

Basahin ang detalye!

On Nov. 15, 2024 Quirante was also found to be the subject of a deportation order dated May 26, 1987, so was in violation of section 43(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, which prescribes a penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment.

This would also explain why Quirante was described in court documents to be also known as May P. Topacio, May R. Topacio, Rosalie S. Baltazar, Bessie A. Valle, Isabel A. Castro, Malon P. Gonzales, Malou P. Gonzales, Malous P. Gorizhles, Malon P. Gorizhles, Malou P. Gorizhles, Jacqueune Moristo Dayandante, Nelrie A Monte aud Annabelle Paqueros Sucgang.

Holiday rush for OEC prompts MWO to open daily

 

The OEC rush keeps MWO staff busy until late in the afternnon

Long queues have again formed at the Migrant Workers Office on the 29^th floor of United Centre building, as thousands of Filipino domestic workers slated to go home for the holiday season rush to secure the overseas employment certificate which they need to exit the country.

The lines are particularly long on Sundays, when most FDWs are on their days off, that applicants end up waiting for several hours to complete the process.

DETAILS HERE

In a bid to ease the congestion, the  MWO announced today, Wednesday, that it will open on Fridays and Saturdays in the next two weeks, to process applications for OEC or OFW Travel Pass, verification of employment contracts and renewal of membership to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The office will offer the special services on Dec 5, 6, 12 and 13, from 9am to 4pm, effectively opening all days of the week for the next two weeks.

According to MWO Officer-in-charge Tony Villafuerte, the foot traffic has been unusually heavy because it is peak season for securing the OEC.

MWO will open Friday & Saturday for next two weeks

Although many overseas Filipino workers already have the OFW Travel Pass, which is supposed to integrate both the OEC and the eTravel (required of all Filipinos departing from the Philippines), they still prefer to get the OEC, said Villafuerte.

This, he said, was because of a post on Facebook that said the OEC is required to be shown when claiming the Php950 terminal fee from airlines at Philippine airports.

Some OFWs who have recently gone on vacation also reported being asked for their OEC on top of the OFW Travel Pass by Philippine immigration officers, before clearing them for boarding.

Basahin ang detalye!

Apart from this, securing the OFW Travel Pass in lieu of both the OEC and the e-Travel under a new system that is still on its pilot run is said to have proved challenging to many that they opt to just revert to securing the two documents separately.

Villafuerte says many OFWs still secure the OEC even if they already have the OFW Travel Pass

But this should not be so much of a problem, said Filipino community leader Marites Nuval, if volunteers were again asked to help OFWs download the OECs or the OFW Travel Pass on their mobile phones, like in the past.

“Kung i-allow kami we are willing to help para makuha nila yung OEC nila kung returning to the same employer. Kahit sa cellphone lang nila kaya naming gawin,” said Nuval, who used to volunteer her services regularly during the time of former Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre. (If they would allow us, we are willing to help those who need the OEC, especially if they are returning to the same employer. We can help them secure it using their own cell phones).

The only time OFWs would need to ask the MWO directly for help is when they have moved to a new employer, which would require a staff member to change the particulars in their employment records.

Leona Blundell, who operates a Filipino shop at United Centre, agreed that the queues on the 29^th floor could be greatly reduced if more people were trained to help home-bound OFWs who are not so tech-savvy.

“It takes only a few minutes to secure the OEC even if the OFW has forgotten her email address or password,” said Blundell, who is often asked for help by those who want to skip the long queues at the MWO.

Doing it this way could be the wisest move at this time.

Last Sunday, Nov. 30, several FDWs who were still a few meters away from the service counters at about 4pm told The SUN that they had been in line since 11:30am and had to skip lunch.

“Sana naman huwag na kaming pahirapan nang ganito,” they lamented. (How we wish we would be spared of this burden).

Lines formed even outside the MWO 

Only last month, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac announced during a visit to Hong Kong that the OEC had already been integrated into the eTravel pass, easing the burden of OFWs who are required to present two separate documents before they could return to their workplace.

“Red carpet, not red tape,” said Cacdac, alluding to a promise to provide OFWs with red-carpet treatment when they go home, instead of being bogged down by bureaucratic red tape.

 

Additional charges filed against Owtel, 2 managers

Owtel's shop in WorldWide Plaza was roped in during last year's raid

Owtel Limited and two of its managers who were issued with summons for allegedly doing business as a money lender without a license, faced more summonses and criminal charges in a hearing today at Eastern Court.

Prosecutors filed 17 new summonses against Owtel Limited,  five new criminal charges against its manager Jace Denzell Picones, 26 years old; and 15 new criminal charges against Razil Rubia, 53, all in addition to one summons each.

Their defense lawyer asked Principal Magistrate David Cheung to hear the cases as one, and adjourn to Feb. 11 next year for legal advice. 

DETAILS HERE

Magistrate Cheung granted set bail at $2,500 for the two managers, with conditions such as not contacting the witnesses and not leaving Hong Kong while the case is pending.

The original summons accused Owtel Limited  of “carrying on business as a money lender without a licence” between Sept. 8, 2024 and Nov. 24, 2024 in Hong Kong,, contrary to Section 29(1)(a) and 32(1)(a) of the Money Lenders Ordinance, which prescribes a fine at level 6 ($100,000) and imprisonment for two years.

Picones, who was “the manager or similar officer of Owtel Limited at the time”, was originally accused of conniving  with Owtel Limited to carry on such business between Sept. 8, 2024 and Nov. 18, 2024 in Shop No.119, of World-Wide Plaza in Central.

Basahin ang detalye!

Rubia also allegedly connived with Owtel to carry on business as a money lender without a license in World-Wide Plaza between Sept. 8, 2024 and Nov. 24, 2024.

No details of the new charges were released.

What is known, however, is that they arose from police raids on Nov. 24-25 last year on Owtel's shops in WorldWide Plaza and seven other locations , in which 46 people were arrested.

A police statement released to The SUN said its anti-illegal loan operations codenamed “DarkCurrent” involved two phone shops with multiple branches and a licensed money lender. No names were mentioned, but subsequent social media posts by affected Filipino domestic workers named the money lender as RichRen Finance Limited, which has an office in Mong Kok.

“During the operation, officers arrested nine local men, one local woman, eight foreign men and 28 foreign women aged between 20 and 76, including the mastermind and core members of the syndicate suspected of loaning without a licence,” said the statement.

Seized during the raids were more than HK$1million in cash, loan documents,  passports and employment contracts. Nearly HK$2 million in different accounts were frozen.

The annual interest rate charged by the group was as high as 400 percent, said the statement. Hong Kong laws only allow annual interest rates of up to 48 percent for loans.

Read previous story here: https://www.sunwebhk.com/2024/11/owtel-shops-raided-for-alleged-illegal.html

Family of each FDW who died in Tai Po fire to get $800K

 By Daisy CL Mandap

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac and HK Labour Secretary Chris Sun at the presser

Hong Kong Labour Secretary Chris Sun said in a joint press conference with Philippine Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac this afternoon that the family of each foreign domestic worker who died in the Tai Po fire will get around $800,000 (Php6 million) in total.

The bulk of the money will come from statutory or employee compensation, which stands at least $514,510 (Php3.85 million) for death that resulted from work-related accidents or injuries.

Another one-off financial assistance of $200,000 (Php 1.5 million) will come from the government as a “token of solidarity,” plus $50,000 (Php 375,000) in funeral grant.

DETAILS HERE

“So all together, for foreign domestic helpers who died in the fire, they will be receiving roughly $800,000. That’s roughly equivalent to US$100,000” Secretary Sun said.

The financial support will not be used for funeral and repatriation expenses, as this should be covered by the insurance that each employer is obliged to take when they hire a FDH.

Sun also assured that the Labour Department will assist the family in securing the payout, and will ensure that only the rightful beneficiary will get the money.

Basahin ang detalye!

For FDHs who were injured, Sun said they will each get $100,000 or $50,000 depending on how long they had to be confined in the hospital. The bigger amount will be given to those who had to be hospitalized for at least a week.

All other FDHs who worked in the estate will be compensated as well.  

“For those who survived, we will be providing them with $20,000,” he added.

In addition, they willl be provided with $2,000 in Octopus card credit which they can use for transportation or to make emergency purchases from most shops. 

Maryan Esteban was the lone Filipina fatality in the Tai Po fire

The financial aid will be provided to more than 200 FDHs who are on record as having lived and worked in the affected estate, more than half of them Indonesians and the rest, Filipinos.

“According to the information available to us, there will be a total of 235 foreign domestic helpers working in Wang Fuk Court,” said Sun.

“Among them, according to our record, 10 died in the fire, three are injured, 192 – they are safe, and there are still 30 who are missing.”

Nine of the 10 who died were Indonesians, with the sole Filipina being identified by the Philippine Consulate as Maryan Pascual Esteban. Two of the three who were injured are also Indonesians, with the lone Filipina being identified as Rhodora Alcaraz Tonacao.

Secretary Cacdac for his part relayed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s utmost sympathy for the loss of life and injury to Hong Kong residents, and gratitude for all the assistance provided to all Filipino domestic workers.

In particular, he thanked the Hong Kong Labour Department for helping contact employment agencies to track down the Filipino migrant workers listed as working in the area, providing access to shelters so they could look for missing FDWs, helping the Philippine Consulate set up a help desk in the affected area, and linking them up with the Immigration Department so the work documents of the workers could be restored.

Cacdac also thanked the Hong Kong government for looking after Tonacao, who was initially listed as critical due to smoke inhalation, but is now recovering after a successful medical procedure which he described as innovative.

“We’ve also been cooperating in terms of ensuring protection and provision of services to survivors, as well as the family of the deceased,” he said.

Cacdac said the Philippine government is also extending financial assistance to the victims, apart from providing counseling to the survivors who are suffering from trauma because of the incident.

The help to the victims will be extended to provide for the schooling of the children of Tonacao, and Esteban’s only child.

According to the latest bulletin posted by the Philippine Consulate, apart from one death and one injured worker, all 92 other Filipino domestic workers listed as working, or had worked in Wang Fuk estate, are safe and accounted for.

A total of 156 people are now known to have died in the fire which broke out last Wednesday and consumed seven out of eight residential buildings in the estate, where some 5,000 people  lived.

HK govt to give cash aid to Tai Po fire victims, including FDHs

 

Affected residents bundle up in a shelter - all will get cash aid (Facebook photo)

The Hong Kong government has begun handing out cash assistance to victims of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, including tokens of solidarity of $200,000 and funeral grants of $50,000 to families of each individual who died.

The government is also “gradually providing a living allowance of $50,000 to each of the 20 cases in the first batch of recipients. These are all on top of the emergency cash subsidy of $10,000 given to each affected household.

In addition, cash handouts will be given to those injured, students who need to buy replacement school supplies, and those who lost or could potentially lose part of their income because of the fire, including foreign domestic helpers.

DETAILS HERE

Separately, the government also said that all individuals injured in the fire and admitted to public hospitals will receive full fee waivers for all necessary healthcare services (including drugs and medical devices) for the entire duration of their treatment and rehabilitation. The fee waiver will continue until Dec 31, 2026.

For those injured, $100,000 will be granted to those who stay in the hospital for seven days or more, and $50,000 for those who are hospitalized for six days or less. The money will be disbursed through the Social Welfare Department.

All students living at Wang Fuk Court will receive a special subsidy of $20,000 each so they can repurchase textbooks, stationery, computers and other learning tools, or for transportation expenses. The subsidy will be given to all those in day schools in secondary, primary and special schools and kindergartens, as well as those studying full-time in locally accredited courses at post-secondary institutions.

Basahin ang detalye!

A special subsidy of $20,000 will be given to construction workers, cleaning workers, security guards and FDHs working at Wang Fuk Court to cover loss of income or need to repurchase business equipment. FDHs will be subsidized for the loss of their personal belongings or possible unemployment due to their employers’ demise or inability to continue hiring them. The subsidy will be administered through the Labour Department.

Filipina Maryan Esteban (below photo) and her 5-year-old ward both died in the fire

Separately, the LD reminded employers of their obligation to pay compensation to their employee who sustains an injury or dies at work, under the Employees Compensation Ordinance. This covers the  five construction workers who were at work when the fire broke out, or FDHs who were doing domestic work at the time.

The LD said it has been proactively reaching out to the employers concerned, injured employees, family members of the deceased employees and others to provide appropriate assistance, and is closely following up on the cases.

The LD said it will assist the family members in applying for relevant emergency relief funds, and refer them to the Social Welfare Department for support services. For enquiries on employees' compensation, please call the LD's hotlines 2150 6364 (for injury cases) or 2852 3994 (for fatal cases).

The government has also set up a Support Fund to help affected residents rebuild their homes and provide long-term and sustained support to them. The Fund had a start-up capital of $300 million from the government, but with private donations pouring in, the total fund has reached $1.6 billion.

Many residents lost all their belongings in the fire, as this photo shows

In addition, special services have been started by the Immigration Department after office hours to help residents affected by the Tai Po fire to have their personal documents replaced, including HK identity cards, HK passports, birth and marriage certificates, etc. Visa extension services are also included.

Special services will be offered at the Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O from 6pm to 10pm from December 1-5 (Monday to Friday) and 1pm to 10 pm on Saturday, December 6.

At present, residents affected by the fire can go to any Immigration office to apply for personal documents without having to make an appointment.

Immigration will also deploy officers to the two temporary shelters still in operation (Tung Cheong Street Community Hall and Tai Po Community Centre) to pick up affected residents and transport them to the Tseung Kwan O headquarters for processing relevant applications.

All applications will be fast-tracked, so the newly reproduced documents could be ready in two days.

For enquiries, please contact the ImmD by email (enquiry@immd.gov.hk) or by the enquiry hotline (2824 6111).