Filipino tourist arrivals in HK more than doubled from pre-pandemic levels

 

Secretary Sun, Congen Usudan, Secretary Chan and Senator Cayetano 
offer a toast to further diplomatic and trade ties

A total of 763,778 Filipino tourists came to Hong Kong last year, amounting to a staggering 3,529 times more than the 20,000 recorded in 2022.

That’s according to Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan in a speech she gave at the Diplomatic Reception hosted by the Consulate at the Conrad on Wednesday, to mark the 126^th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

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Filipino tourists have been coming in droves that their number has already reached 114% more than in the days before the pandemic, she added.

Her disclosure prompted Financial Secretary Paul Chan – who was the evening’s special guest - to reply in jest, “Do come more often.”

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Congen Usudan also revealed a significant rise in the number of Hongkongers visiting the Philippines. From a mere 837 Hong Kong tourists who visited the country in 2022, the number spiked to 80,512 last year, or a rise of 8,589 percent.

She added that the mutually beneficial ties between the Philippines and Hong Kong go a long way back.

“Philippine-Hong Kong relations are rooted both in the past and the present – rooted in our mutual goal of progress and success, and rooted in the friendly relations of our people,” she said.

Chan invites more Filipinos to visit Hong Kong

In turn, Secretary Chan said there is still a lot more that can be done to strengthen the ties between the two places.

“We see a vast room for economic and trade cooperation to grow further,” he said. “After all, the Philippines is among Asia’s top performing economies.

He went on to cite the Asian Development Bank’s forecast that the Philippine economy will grow by 6% this year and 6.2% by next year.

He ended his speech by giving thanks to the 220,000-strong Filipino community in Hong Kong, who he said have played a valuable contribution to the city’s vitality.

Another guest at the event, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, likened the relationship between the Philippines and China, and Hong Kong in particular, to that shared by siblings, which he described as “resilient.”

While the two sides have faced issues and problems, he said “we have always found a way to become brothers and sisters (again).”

Mayor Cayetano and DG Wei join the ceremonial cake-cutting

Their speeches were followed by a toast to furthering ties and celebrating Philippine independence, then a symbolic cutting of a bespoke cake, where the three were joined by Secretary for Labour and Manpower Chris Sun, Wei Wenxiu, Director General of the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong, and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano.

Consuls general of various countries, heads of non-government organizations, business and professional leaders of Hong Kong, also joined the 200 or so Filipinos who were invited to the event.

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$1.75M money laundering case goes to trial

 

Talay appeared in Eastern Court yesterday

A Filipina will go on trial in August over a money laundering case in which some $1.75 million that she did not own flowed in and out of her bank account last year.

Analiza Talay, 48 years old, had earlier pleaded not guilty. Principal Magistrate Don So scheduled a pre-trial review at the Eastern Court for Aug7 when she appeared before him yesterday, Jun 12.

Expected to be discussed will be the readiness of both the prosecution and the defense to present their respective evidence.

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Her bail of $5,000 was extended until her trial.

Talay is charged with “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offense,” which is punishable under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

The case arose from the inflow and outflow of money totalling $1,745,610 in her Mox Bank account between March 19 and 28 last year.

The police complaint alleged that Talay did the offense with an unknown person.

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Labour offers online briefing to employers of FDHs

 

The Labour briefing will cover FDH rights and employers' obligation

The Labour Department is holding an online briefing for employers of foreign domestic helpers on Friday, July 12, and has opened enrolment starting today.

The briefing will provide an overview of the employment rights and obligations of employers of FDHs. A representative from the Equal Opportunities Commission will also share the best practices for creating an inclusive workplace for FDHs.

Employers of FDHs, especially first-time employers, are welcome to attend.

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The online briefing will be conducted in Cantonese via Zoom. It is free but the allocated quota will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those interested may register online at Labour’s dedicated FDH Portal (www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/en/home.html), or download the enrolment form and submit it by email (fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.hk) or by fax (3101 0604).

The deadline for enrolment is July 10 (Wednesday). For enquiries, please contact the LD at 3582 8995.

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Filipinos urged to preserve freedom as country marks 126th Independence Day

Consulate officers in photo session with Filcom guests

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. called on all Filipinos to continue protecting their freedoms as the country marked the 126^th anniversary of its independence today,  June 12.

A video recording of his message was read out as the Philippine Consulate officials hosted the traditional breakfast gathering of Filipino community leaders.

“Bilang tagapagmana ng kalayaan na tinatamasa natin ngayon, tungkulin ng bawat isa sa atin na pangalagaan ito, at tiyakin na hindi na tayo kailan man magpapatinag sa anumang banta ng pananakop, pananakot at pang-aapi…” Marcos said.

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(“As those who inherited the freedom that we enjoy today, it is our duty to protect it and ensure that we will never succumb to threats, invasion and oppression).

“Tayo ang mukha ng bagong Pilipinas,” Marcos added. “ Sa sarili nating pamamaraan maari tayong maging bagong bayani ng ating makabagong panahon.”

(We are the face of the new Philippines… “Let us be heroes in our modern times, in our own way).

Officers lead the pledge of patriotism to the Philippines

The breakfast gathering at the Consulate which focused on this year’s theme of “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan (Freedom. Future. History),” was the first, and likely the last, to be hosted by Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan, who is set to end her tour of duty at the end of the year.

Congen Usudan thanked the Filipino community leaders for honouring the simple gathering by their presence, and dressing in their best native attires.

She called on everyone to remember how the country  struggled to attain independence.

“Balikan natin ang nakaraan ng pasasalamat, at tanawin natin ang bukas ng buong tapang at pag-asa,” she said.

(Let us look back on the past with gratitude, and look ahead with full courage and hope).

Congen Usudan graciously welcomes Filcom guests to the event

Messages from other top government officials were also read out during the gathering, including one from Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, who paid special tribute to the country’s overseas Filipino workers, who he said, blazed the trail for building a bright future for their families, communities, and the country.

“As our modern-day heroes, you brave new cultures, overcome challenges and diligently contribute to the economies of your host countries. Through your hard work and resilience, you uplift your families and showcase Philippine excellence on the global stage,” Cacdac said in his message read out by Labor Attache Mel Dizon.

Cacdac pledged the DMW’s commitment to providing OFWs the protection, support and services (they) deserve.

“ We strive to ensure your well-being, protect your rights, and empower you to reach your full potential as equal partners in national economic development,” he said.

Some of the 100-odd Filcom leaders pay homage to the flag and the country

A video message from Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo was also played, in which he called on Filipinos to dwell on this year’s theme for the celebration, and remember the sacrifices made by the country’s forebears to help achieve independence for the country.

Manalo said that while Philippine revolutionaries managed to attain freedom through weapons and an “extraordinary amount of grit,” modern-day Filipinos must continue the task of nation-building through innovation, ingenuity and perseverance.

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DH jailed 10 months for stealing jewelry worth $181K

 

Laguna Verde in Hung Hom, where the theft was committed

A Filipina domestic helper has been jailed for 10 months after admitting that she stole jewelry valued at a total of $180,600 from her employer on two occasions earlier this year.

Ma. Victoria Barela, 32 years old, pleaded guilty on Tuesday (June 11) at Kowloon City Court to charges of theft at her employer’s house at Laguna Verde in Hung Hom on unspecified dates last January and February.

The charges were filed by the Kowloon City Police last April 26.

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The first charge was for the theft of three necklaces and a pendant valued at a total of $49,000 while the second involved a diamond bracelet, two diamond rings and a gold bracelet worth $131,600.

Magistrate Philip Chan sentenced Barela to four months for the first charge and eight months for the second offense, after deducting the one-third discount to which those who plead guilty are entitled.

Magistrate Chan also ordered that two months of the first charge should run at the same time as the second charge, so the final sentence became 10 months in jail.

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Free rides, museum visits to mark Handover anniversary

 

The free rides on trams on July 1 will be for everyone (HK Tramways photo)

A series of freebies are being planned for July 1, as part of celebrations to mark the 27^th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China.

The plan was disclosed by Chief Executive John Lee, during a press briefing earlier today.

He said the treats will include traveling for free on trams, light rail and certain MTR buses in the northwest New Territories, as well as free entry to various indoor and outdoor facilities run by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

These include the permanent exhibitions at the HK Science Museum, HK Space Museum, the HK Museum of Art, History Museum, HK Palace Museum and all exhibitions at the M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Entry to HK Wetland Park will also be free on this day.

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Visitors to Ocean Park will get 30 percent off their tickets between June 29 and July 1, and children as well as the elderly will get discounted tickets when they take the Peak Tram on July 1. Similarly, round-trip tickets to on standard cable cars at Ngong Ping 360 will be offered at 30% discount to children and seniors.

In addition, more than 1,000 restaurants will offer discounts on July 1 while the HK International Airport and some malls will host various activities and provide special offers.

The Chief Executive said more details will be revealed by various government departments and organizations at a later date.

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Filipina convicted in airport theft gets maximum penalty

 

The stolen backpack fell inside the departure area of HK Intl Airport

A Filipina convicted last month of stealing a backpack containing cash and personal documents in the restricted area of the airport, today received the maximum prison term of six months  recommended by the sentencing guidelines.

Ana Labicane, 55, was jaIled for stealing a backpack that fell from a carry-on luggage being pulled by a Hong Kong resident who was catching a flight to Taiwan in the early morning of March 5, 2023 in the Departure Hall of the Hong Kong Airport.

The stolen bag contained cash of HK$630, one Octopus card, two Taiwan prepaid transportation cards, 11,100 Taiwan dollars in cash, one cosmetic bag, two passport holders, one HK passport, one wallet, one HKID card, one WeWu UnionPay credit card, and four ATM cards.

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Labicane wept quietly at the West Kowloon Court as Magistrate Tsang Hing-tung cited his reasons for the stiffest of the three to six months’ imprisonment he was allowed to impose on her.

She had no remorse, Magistrate Tsang said, citing Labicane’s not-guilty plea which wasted the court’s time and resources, her evasive answers during the trial, and her claim that she did not realize that what she did was illegal.

She also breached the trust given her by the Airport Authority, which allowed her to work in the restricted area, not to mention spoiling the holiday of the backpack’s owner, who missed her flight and had to buy a new ticket.

In the trial, Labicane’s defense was to question her identity and her previous cautioned statement to police where she admitted the theft, Tsang said.

But evidence proved her guilt, with CCTV footage showing her picking up the bag, carrying it to the bakery shop where she worked, then hiding it in the storage room. She was later filmed going to two toilets, where some contents of the bag were later found to have been discarded.

Labicane was found to have taken the cash and discarded the personal documents, some if which were not recovered.

“It poses a security risk to the owner if these items went to the wrong hands,” Tsang added.

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Thousands watch drone show to mark Tuen Ng Festival

 

The Dragon Boat image formed by more than 1k drones (photo by Irene Liban)

Thousands of people gathered along the Wan Chai waterfront last night to watch the first ever drone show held to mark Tuen Ng, or the Dragon Boat Festival, in Hong Kong.

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The night sky was lit by more than a thousand drones that created various images, all inspired by the spirit of the traditional Chinese holiday which intertwines praying for good luck and taking respite from the summer heat.

A fierce-looking dragon lights up the sky (photo by Gail Hills)

The festivity is marked by holding dragon boat races and eating sticky rice dumplings called zongzi, which were among the images formed by the drones, leaving spectators gasping and applauding in delight.

Many of them held up smartphones to record the rare visual feast.

Thousands lined up the Wanchai harbourfront for the drone show (Irene Liban)

Before the show, thousands of people were treated to free ice cream by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which also recommended the best viewing spots for the drone show. The refreshing treat lasted until the supply had run out.

The spectacular light and image show started at 8pm amid a nearly cloudless sky, and lasted for 10 minutes.

It was held as part of the HK Tourism Board’s effort to attract more visitors to Hong Kong.

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2 DHs face criminal charges for doing unrelated work

 

Two Filipinas have found themselves answering criminal charges in court after beng arrested for breach of condition of stay by doing work outside their duties as domestic helpers.

Maricel Ocomen, 39 years old, appeared at Shatin Court on Friday (June 7) while Maria Carlota Marquez, 39, was there on Thursday (June 6); both were charged with violation of the Immigration Ordinance and Immigration Regulations.

Ocomen was arrested last Dec. 19 while doing odd jobs in a restaurant on Hoi Pong Road West in Lei Yue Mun.

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She was freed on bail of $1,000 and was told to return for the next hearing in July 19.

Marquez, on the other hand, was caught selling clothes in Central on July 28 last year and was charged with establishing a business while under the condition of stay as a domestic helper.

She was freed on bail of $500 and told to return on July 18.

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Regulation 2 of the Immigration Regulations provides that those covered by the condition of stay, such as domestic helpers, are not allowed to:

·       take any employment, whether paid or unpaid;

·       establish or join in any business; and

·       become a student at a school, university or other educational institution.

Section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance provides: “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine at level 5 ($50,000) and to imprisonment for 2 years.”

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Employers blackmailed into paying fake loans of helpers, says DAB

 

DAB says 20 employers have been victimized (RTHK photo)

Members of the pro-Beijing political party Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) has exposed a scam where employers are blackmailed by debt collectors into repaying money supposedly borrowed by their helpers.

According to DAB lawmaker Edward Leung, around 20 employers have contacted his group since April to complain about debt collectors who tricked their helpers into providing personal information while filling out online forms to inquire about loans.

As part of the inquiry, the helpers were required to provide the employer’s personal details and photos, which the helpers apparently supplied. The helpers were also asked to provide their bank account information.

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Immediately afterwards, the helpers’ accounts were credited with loans they did not ask for, and with interest rates way above what is allowed under the law.

In one such case, $2,000 was transferred to a domestic worker’s bank account, followed by an advice that the debt would rise to $4,800 after 14 days, for an effective interest rate of 140 percent.

When the helpers refused to pay the loans - which ranged from a few thousand dollars to $100,000, -their employers were told that AI-generated pornographic photos of them would be published unless they paid up. In some cases, the employers’ offices were splashed with red paint.

Red paint was splashed on the door of an employer's workplace

Leung said the party has assisted the employers in calling the police.

He called on the government to impose a cap on how much FDHs are allowed to borrow and require debt collectors to apply for a licence, to prevent these cases from recurring.

"If this kind of situation worsens in Hong Kong, I believe that it will force the government to take further steps to set up certain laws to contain this kind of illegal debt collecting," said Leung.

Leung says debt collectors must be licensed, and govt should limit FDH loans

The news comes just days after the Philippine Consulate General warned Filipino domestic workers not to disclose any personal details or share photos of their employers, their houses, and even their cars.

The PCG hinted that some FDHs had shared with the online money lenders not only the personal details of their employers, but also photos. The helpers were also sent a video in which they acknowledged taking out a loan from the company.

The PCG has advised the victims in these cases to take a screenshot of their transactions with the illegal money lenders and report them to the nearest police station – or seek advice and assistance from the Consulate or the Migrant Workers’ Office.

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Filcom celebrates 126th Philippine Independence Day today in Central

 

All roads lead to Central today, Jun 9, as the Filipino community celebrates the 126^th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day with a whole-day event on Chater Road.

The traditional celebration titled “Kapangyawan Friendship Festival” and organized by the Philippine Consulate General, also focuses on promoting closer ties with Hong Kong and its people.

As before, the festivity will feature a cultural parade led by officers of the Consulate, line dances and street performances..

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In the afternoon, this year’s special guests including “Bolanteros Kulturistas” as well as the celebrity trio “Beks Batallion” will delight the crowds.

In line with tradition, the Chater Road celebration follows the Philippine Association of Hong Kong’s Independence Day Ball, which was held this year at Ritz Carlton Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui and titled “Hiraya.”

About 300 people from different sectors joined the charity event organized by the Board of Directors of the 63-year-old organization, led by chairperson Scylla Kwong.

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Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan  was the evening’s guest of honor.

The gala event raised money for four beneficiaries: the Bayanihan Trust, Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, Wimler Foundation and FullPhils. 

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Labour briefing to include anti-money laundering push

 

For the first time, a briefing by the Hong Kong Labour Department on employment rights of foreign domestic helpers will include how one can avoid getting entangled in money laundering.

The free briefing for the Filipino group of participants will be held on Jun 23, Sunday, 2:30pm to 4:15 pm, at 16/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, Mong Kok Road, Kowloon..

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The extra topic reflects the growing number of  FDHs being lured into surrendering control over their bank accounts by scam syndicates who then use them to launder proceeds from crimes.

Often, the FDH is given only a small payment in exchange for turning over their ATM cards to criminals, not realizing that this simple act would land them in jail.

How to? is explained here

In one of the latest cases, a Filipina DH was denied bail after she was charged with laundering a total of $2.3 million which passed through her account with an online bank in just 10 days.

Under Hong Kong laws, a person who deals with property knowing, or have reasonable grounds to believe, to be proceeds from an indictable offence, can be jailed for up to 14 years and fined a maximum of $5 million.

In a statement, the Consulate expressed support for the Labour Department’s effort to disseminate information “to better capacitate Filipino workers in defending their labor rights, and to prevent instances where they are made victims of money laundering syndicates.”

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Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan recently expressed concern about the money laundering cases involving Filipino DHs, after gracing a briefing on the topic by the Hong Kong Police.

Those who would like to join the labour briefing may email the completed enrolment form at f-d-h@enquiry@labour.gov.ph or by fax at 3101 0604. Make sure you email your name, contact number and the word “Group A” to fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.ph

Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for submitting the enrolment form is on June 21, Friday. Confirmed participants will be notified through email or fax.

 

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Filipina overstayer jailed 14 weeks for taking up job in Central

Quirante was among 18 people arrested for illegal work over 4 days last week

A Filipina former domestic worker who was arrested on June 4 while doing an “odd job” in Central was sentenced to a total of 14 weeks at Shatin court on Thursday after she pleaded guilty to overstaying and illegal work.

Kareen Millan Quirante, 36 years old, was sentenced to 10 weeks in jail for overstaying her visa by more than three years. She was supposed to remain in Hong Kong only until Mar 8, 2021, but did not leave.

She was ordered jailed for 14 weeks for breaching her visa condition by working illegally, with the two sentences to run concurrently, resulting in a total of 14 weeks in prison.

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Quirante admitted violating the Immigration Ordinance which prohibited her from taking up work, whether paid or unpaid, after overstaying.

She was among 20 persons arrested by Immigration and police agents in four days of anti-illegal work raids from June 3 to 6, and reported yesterday, June 7.

The suspects included 18 illegal workers and two employers.

The suspected illegal workers comprised 11 men and seven women, aged 29 to 51.  Five of them, three men and two women, held recognizance forms which prohibited them from taking up work. Another woman was found in possession of a fake HKID card.

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The alleged employers were both males, aged 24 and 27.

Both overstaying and illegal work are considered serious offences that often result in the offender being put behind bars.

The maximum penalty for overstaying is two years in jail, and a fine of up to $50,000. The prescribed maximum jail term goes up to three years if the one caught doing illegal work was an overstayer, illegal immigrant or non-refoulement claimants.

Employers of illegal workers and those who possess fake HKID cards can be jailed for up to 10 years. In addition, employers can be fined a maximum of $500,000.

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