Final hearing of OVR-related applications to be held Oct 21

 

The notice of the hearing on Oct 21

The Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong will hold its final hearing of applications relating to overseas voting registration on Oct. 21 at 4:30pm.

A total of 4,095 applications for registration, certification, transfer and reactivation of their voter’s record received by the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) in Hong Kong between  July 1 this year and the end of the registration period on Sept. 30, will be vetted during the hearing, which is normally uncontested. 

The RERB, chaired by Vice Consul Jose Angelo Manuel, previously conducted hearings on applications made from the start of the OV registration on Jan 12, 2022 and June 30 this year were heard in batches earlier.

Pindutin para sa detalye

The total number of applications received in Hong Kong from those who intend to vote in next year’s mid-term election in the Philippines has yet to be disclosed, but Manuel says he expects a final registration tally of between 90,000 and 95,000, which is slightly higher than in the previous overseas vote.

In the final batch of election registrants, the biggest number came from the age group of between 30 to 39 years old with 1,452 applicants, followed closely by those aged 40 to 49 years old, with 1,021.

Surprisingly, there were four applicants aged 80 years old and above, two of them males and two females.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Here is the full list of applicants for the period covered: 

https://hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph/images/PR/Announcements/2024/LIST_OF_APPLICANTS-01July-30Sept2024.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawFuVi1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXrp3t87exhmHrnRn5O2NUALlW8FCUlN2Bw8echskWiyuTz2zME31gb8FA_aem_TqkmGfGbKNFk9TVq8-AsJA

Those who wish to oppose any of the applications have until 5pm of Oct 15, 2024 to file their oppositions.

Basahin ang detalye!

The hearing of the applications is open to the public, but prior confirmation of attendance is required, by calling 2823 8535 or by signing up with the link provided in the Consulate’s post.

All those who make it to the final list of overseas voters will have the chance to take part in the first-ever overseas internet voting system, which will allow them to cast their vote anywhere in the world, as long as they have internet connection.

Election officials hope this would encourage more Filipinos abroad to vote,  allowing them greater participation in choosing the country’s next officials.

Call us!

 

Warning after portable fan’s lithium battery causes fire

 

The lithium battery from a portable fan like this one fell and burst into flames inside an MTR train

The Consumer Council is warning the public to be careful when using gadgets powered by lithium or lithium-ion batteries, following last week’s fire inside an MTR train.

According to reports,  a portable fan’s lithium battery fell out of a passenger’s bag and caught fire, injuring a 26-year-old man sitting next to him.

Photos from the incident showed a man being escorted out of the train at Yau Tong MTR station on Wednesday morning, with the side of his shirt blackened.

Pindutin para sa detalye

The police said the victim sustained minor injuries to his body and was treated at United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong.

Firemen were called at about 9am, a few minutes after the incident, but the fire was already out when they arrived.

But part of the carriage was said to have blackened by the fire. The burnt battery was found on the floor nearby.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

With portable fans becoming increasingly popular, especially with record high temperatures in Hong Kong and many parts of the world, experts are urging caution.

People are urged to only buy products that are government approved, and not the cheap ones sold on sidewalks or online platforms with dubious origins, as they usually come with low-quality lithium batteries that could cause fire from overheating or overcharging.

But even with better quality fans, people are advised not to use them for extended periods of time as they could overheat.

Basahin ang detalye!

The Consumer Council advises users to stop using any product, including mobile phones, when the lithium batteries inside become deformed or damaged, and cause the product to overheat. They should immediately unplug the charger and throw out the batteries.

Other signs that the battery could cause fire or damage the product are when they emit an unusual odor, start leaking or smoking, or fail to charge properly.

The Consumer Council also advises users not to place mobile phones or tablets under pillows or blankets, as this could cause overheating.

All electronic products should always be placed in a cool and dry place, and away from direct sunlight.

Call us!

Exodus Kings tops OFDA HK’s one-day basketball league

 

The 'Kings' show what it takes to be champions

Exodus Kings trounced El Oragon, 90-76, to take the championship in the one-day basketball league organized by the Overseas Filipino Drivers and Aspirants Hong Kong last Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Kam Shing Road playground in Kowloon Tong.

In third place was Ace City, while Utol Central took fourth.

Pindutin para sa detalye

All the winners took home trophies courtesy of OFDA HK President Elmer Orilla while the “Mythical Five” composed of the star players in each team received medals.

Orilla (2nd from right) with the 'Mythical Five' and OFDA's 2 lady founders

Orilla said the basketball tournament is part of his group’s advocacy to unite all drivers in Hong Kong.

But the group’s Facebook page adds, “We welcome everyone to join our group. Let us always have a great time together and make OFDAHK our comfort zone.”

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

As its name suggests OFDA HK welcomes not just licensed drivers, but also other domestic workers aspiring to pass the tough Hong Kong driving test.

That also means its membership is not limited to males, but also females. In fact, two women are credited by the group as having founded OFDAHK, Shine Sun and and Susan :

Basahin ang detalye!

An all-female volleyball team is also taking part in a tournament on Oct. 11, in hopes of bringing more glory to the group.

OFDAHK's volleyball team is set to play in tournament Sunday

Those who wish to join OFDAHK and take part in its activities aimed at promoting camaraderie and good health through sports may send a message to Orilla through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/942682887245777

Call us!

 

CHP renews call to be wary of dengue fever

 

Dengue is spread by the aedes mosquito.

The Hong Kong government has renewed its calls for people to be wary of dengue fever (DF) as new cases continued to increase, with the number for the last nine months exceeding the total for the whole of 2024.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health that with seven cases reported from the week of Sept. 27 to Oct. 3, there are now 77 reported in the past 10 months, compared with 62 for the whole of last year. Of the new cases, 73 are imported and only four are local.

At the same time, DF is raging in countries from where cases originated.

Pindutin para sa detalye

“The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) compared to the same period last year,” CHP said.

In Indonesia, the top source of this year’s cases at 17 so far, reported 454,576 cases as of last July 15 against 114,720 last year, according to Indonesian Ministry of Health figures cited by a CHP report.

The biggest number of DF cases worldwide is Brazil, with 6,533,585 cases reported by is Ministry of Health as of Oct 1.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

CHP thus singles out travelers from these countries in its advisory.

"Apart from general measures, travelers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to a doctor," the CHP said.

The CHP also said it has issued a letter to doctors to enhance their alertness for DF cases.

As to the public, it issued the following advice on the control of mosquitos, which spread the disease:

Basahin ang detalye!

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-colored long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service (https://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup_dengue.html) , the latest Travel Health News (https://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/outbreaknews/outbreaknews.html), tips for using insect repellents (https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/38927.html), and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel).

Call us!

$5,000 bail set for 2 jobless asylum seekers

 

The area where the arrests took place.

Two unemployed Filipinas holding recognizance forms that identify them as applicants for asylum, were each made to post $5,000 bail when they appeared at West Kowloon Court today, each charged with two offences. 

The two were jointly charged by police in a case filed on Sept. 26, just two days after they were arrested by police during a routine patrol on the corner of Po On Road and Heung Fat St. in Cheung Sha Wan on Sept. 24.

Pindutin para sa detalye

Arlene Managtag, 36 years old, faces two theft charges – one for allegedly stealing one recognizance form in the name of Phakdee Jatupat, and another for allegedly stealing a mobile phone – in violation of the Theft Ordinance.

Conifer Akinchang, aged 44, was accused of failing to produce her proof of identity for inspection and possession of a dangerous drug.

 

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Akinchang's charge of failing to produce proof of identity when asked to do so by a police officer is said to be in violation of the Public Order Ordinance.

She was also charged with violation of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance after the policeman allegedly found a dangerous drug in her possession. The police complaint did not specify the kind of drug found on her, pending a laboratory analysis.

Basahin ang detalye!

Principal Magistrate Ivy Chui adjourned their case to Nov. 21.

Call us!

Latest anti-illegal work raids net 26 arrests

 

This is one of  the biggest number of arrests made by Immigration in recent months

A total of 26 people were arrested in the latest series of anti-illegal operations across the city conducted by the Immigration Department on Sept 30, Oct 2 and Oct 3.

Those arrested comprised 21 suspected illegal workers and five employers.

Operatives raided 50 locations across several districts, including a food factory, massage parlors, premises under renovation, restaurants and even residential buildings.

Pindutin para sa detalye

The suspected illegal workers arrested comprised 14 men and  seven women, aged 24 to 62. Among them, three men were found to hold recognizance forms.

Two men and three women, aged 49 to 60, were arrested on suspicion of hiring the workers.

Immigration again warned in a statement that anyone found to have worked in violation of their visa condition, whether paid or unpaid, shall be guilty of an offence.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

This prohibition applies to visitors or foreign domestic helpers found to have worked with another employer, or for doing non-domestic work.

If found guilty of committing illegal work they can be imprisoned for up to two years and fined a maximum of $50,000.

Basahin ang detalye!

If the violator is an overstayer, illegal immigrant or recognizance paper holder, the maximum penalty is three years’ imprisonment and a fine of $50,000.

Employers could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined a maximum of $500,000. In addition, the High Court has laid out a sentencing guideline prescribing immediate custodial sentence for employers found guilty of hiring illegal workers. 

Call us!

First OFW Center set to open in Hong Kong

Congen Usudan says the Centre is a 'gift' to OFWs for their hard work

 Preparations are underway for the opening of the Filipino Workers Development and Social Centre (FWDSC) in Hong Kong, the first such facility to be set up abroad.

The news was announced during a ‘Leaders Forum” held on Sunday, Sept 29, at the Migrant Workers Office of the Consulate, and hosted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Consul General Germinia Aguilar-Usudan spoke at the meeting, along with Labour Attache Mel Dizon. About 70 Filipino community leaders attended.

Pindutin para sa detalye

According to OWWA welfare  officer Marilou Sumalinog, the FWDSC which measures 20,000 square feet, will occupy the entire 18^th floor of United Centre building in Admiralty, and will cost the government HK$611,000 (or Php4.43 million at current exchange rates) a month in rent.

 “Kasing laki ng Konsulado,” (It’s as big as the Consulate), Sumalinog said, in reference to the 14^th floor office in the same building, occupied and owned by the Philippine Consulate General.

WelOf Sumalinog assures Filcom leaders the Centre will not be funded from their OWWA fees

But she was quick to say in response to a question about the huge amount being spent on the place, that the money will be paid out of the General Appropriations Act, which sets out the budget for various government agencies, and not from members’ contribution.

She also assured the leaders that OWWA is committed to funding the center for five years, so they should not worry about it shutting down after just one or two years.

Basahin ang detalye!

 “Kung tataas man ang renta, hindi tataas ang singil ng membership,” she said (Even if the rent goes up, the membership fee will remain the same).

Consul General Usudan put it another way: “Ang center na ito ay regalo ng gobyerno sa inyo (this center is a gift by the government to you), in recognition of your hard work.

“Hindi mayaman ang gobyerno, (the government is not rich), but we want to give you something that is commensurate to what you have done for the country.”

One of  the rooms in the 18th floor unit which will soon be transformed into the OFW Centre

Sumalinog says no definite date has been set for the opening of the centre as it is still being refurbished. Luckily, she said the previous tenants (a law firm), designed the area so well using quality materials that all that needs to be done is to re-design the interiors to fit OWWA’s specifications.

When completed, the FWDSC will have a recreational area that can accommodate as many as 500 OFWs who can use the space to lounge around in while partaking of free coffee and sandwiches, singing, or playing games.

Sumalinog said this space will be similar to the OFW lounges that have been set up at Terminals 1 and 2 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which have been furnished to a high standard.

But in addition, the FWDSC will also have training and conference rooms, a computer hub, a clinic, gym, psycho-social unit, trading center, and a space that should be big enough where beauty pageants can be staged.

A separate holding area will also be set up for OFWs who want to rest and sleep amid soft music and the smell of scented candles.

But one of the top draws are the five offices that will be assigned to Filcom organizations. Sumalinog did not immediately name the lucky groups that will get to occupy these offices, saying guidelines are still being drawn up.

Prior bookings are necessary for the use of most facilities like the training rooms, but admission to the recreational area will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Call us!

$100K bail set for DH facing $8.83M money laundering case

The accused allegedly laundered the money in three bank accounts

A domestic helper facing charges after her three bank accounts ended up being used in laundering $8.83 million in crime proceeds, was able to convince the Eastern Court today to allow her to post bail because her employer needs her badly.

Principal Magistrate Don So acceded to her appeal, but increased the cash needed from the $5,000 police bail to $100,000.

As a result, 39-year-old Lynie Acosta had to be detained in jail until her employer could raise the amount for her temporary freedom.

Pindutin para sa detalye

Magistrate So also set the next hearing on Nov. 21 to check if the prosecution’s case is ready to be transferred to the District Court, since the amount involved exceeds the limit for cases that a magistrate court can handle.

Acosta’s lawyer had earlier appealed to So to allow her to post bail, citing her employer’s difficulty in taking care of her son and sick mother while keeping her own job.

The lawyer also said Acosta’s husband died recently, and she was desperate to continue working to pay off the hospital and burial bills, as well as supporting her children in the Philippines.

Basahin ang detalye!

Acosta is charged with three counts of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offense, in violation of section 25(1) and 25(3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

The police complaint alleged that Acosta’s Mox Bank account received the biggest chunk of the funds, amounting to $8,597,833.36, between March 25 and May 19, 2023. She was accused of dealing with the property with the help of two persons, one named Jane Corpuz and another unknown.

The same persons were also cited as helping Acosta in dealing with $192,940.08 in her account with the Standard Chartered Bank, and with $45,100.78 in her account with with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, both on March 31, 2023.

Call us!

DH caught waitressing cleared in Immigration case

 

Place where Filipina was arrested (Google Maps photo).

A domestic helper who was arrested after serving food to undercover government officers in a restaurant, taking their payment, and giving their receipt and change, was acquitted today at Shatin Court after the prosecution failed to convince the magistrate that she violated the Immigration Ordinance.

Instead, Deputy Magistrate Tai Kwan-hang advised Jennifer Natal, 48 years old, to avoid doing what may cause people to suspect that she was doing illegal work.

With the ruling, Magistrate Tai cleared Natal of the breach of condition of stay charge filed last July 20 by the Immigration Department.

Pindutin para sa detalye

Under section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance, any person who contravenes a condition of stay is punishable by a fine of up to level 5 ($50,000) and imprisonment for two years. Among such conditions is working only for the employer approved by the Immigration Commissioner.

The case arose after a Department of Labor inspector and two police officers in civilian clothes dropped by a Filipino restaurant near Jordan Road in Kowloon last July 16, ordered food and were served by Natal.

Magistrate Tai said he gave full weight to the testimonies of the three prosecution witnesses who said they observed that she was familiar with the operations, such as operating the cash machine without supervision.

Basahin ang detalye!

After they paid and received their receipt and change from Natal, they arrested her.

While she clearly did work that was directly connected to the restaurant’s operation, Tai said, the prosecution failed to give evidence that Natal -- who had been working for the restaurant’s owner as a domestic helper for 10 years -- had a working relationship with the restaurant.

He noted, for example, that there was no direct evidence to show that duties were assigned to her.

Tai also noted that they observed her during the 39 minutes that they stayed in the restaurant. “If the observation was longer, the conclusion may have been different,” he added.

Call us!

Overseas Filipino voters in HK to get digital ID soon

 

Prototype of the digital voter's ID which will be sent to overseas voters via email

At long last, all Filipinos who have registered to vote overseas will be getting their identification card, which will now be issued to them in digital form.

The Commission on Elections in the Philippines stopped issuing the overseas voter’s ID in 2018, after legislators approved a bill establishing a National Identification System, which proposes only one ID for all government transactions.

However, due to the slow implementation of the National ID system and the introduction of internet voting by most Filipinos abroad for next year’s mid-term election, Comelec decided to resume the issuance of voter’s IDs, but this time in digital form.

Pindutin para sa detalye

Voters will be sent a copy of their digital ID through email, which they must download and print by themselves.

Comelec said overseas voters may use the modern ID as an alternative proof of identification when they enroll for internet voting, in case their Philippine passport of seafarer’s identification record book is not available.

While the digital ID has been made available to many Filipino voters abroad since the start of the year, those who are in Hong Kong will have to wait awhile.

Basahin ang detalye!

Vice Consul Angelo Manuel, who is tasked with overseas voting here for the 2025 senatorial elections in the Philippines, said they are still awaiting further guidance from Comelec on the distribution, but said they hope to be able to do this soon.

Manuel said the final batch of IDs has yet to be sent by Comelec, which could be due to the sheer number of registered voters here.

After the two-year overseas voting registration ended on Monday, Manuel said they expect the final tally of registered voters to be between 90,000 to 95,000 - still the biggest for any single post abroad.

He said the Consulate will need help, even with just sending out the digital IDs to registered voters.

Manuel admits knowing about the great interest attached by Filipino voters to the ID since it is one of the perennial questions being asked of Consulate officers whenever they attend community events.

He advised voters to make sure they have easy access to the email address they will furnish Comelec as that is where their digital IDs will be sent.

The digital ID will come in handy when overseas voters are asked to take part in a pre-enrolment for internet voting. This would require the submission of personal identification and government-issued identification documents.

Comelec will use the Online Voting and Counting System for the first time in overseas voting, which will run from April 13 to May 12, 2025. Filipinos abroad will be able to vote for up to 12 senators and one party-list, whose representatives will sit at the House of Representatives if they get enough vote.

Call us!