HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Page 12

GRIEVING. Family The No.1 Foreign Newspaper Vol.XVII No.374 July 1, 2017 and employers of a domestic worker Excluded from Labour Department’s proposal: who perished in an accident turn emotional as they FDWs slam work pay tribute to him. hours scheme

Page 24 OPENING. David Chen, founder and CEO of global brand Kata, leads the opening ceremony of Kata’s third store in .

Page COLOURS everywhere. Ethnic minorities perform during the “Celebrate Colours” program as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the establishment 28 of the Special Administrative Region (story on page 24). BUZZING. ‘Mulawin By Cheryl M. Arcibal working hours, saying the step affirmed the “nature of work” of the live-in domes- ion of Domestic Workers in Hong Kong vs. Ravena’ is one of Hong Kong’s “total disregard” of their tic workers and its “socio-economic ram- expressed their disappointment and anger MIGRANT domestic workers’ groups slave-like conditions. ifications”. over the proposal. two Filipino shows slammed the Labour Department’s pro- The LD, however, defended the exclu- Leaders of Asian Migrants’ Coordinat- Turn to page 14 topping social media. posal that excluded them from “contract” sion of MDWs from its proposal, citing ing Body and the Progressive Labor Un-

PUBLISHED BY HK PUBLICATIONS LTD. TEL: 2851 1766 2 NEWS July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK FDH steals jewels to pay for kin’s meds

By Cheryl M. Arcibal third to 10 months. magistrate was giving the sentence. The defendant, according to her duty The prosecution alleged that between A Filipino domestic helper was sen- lawyer, incurred a $40,000-debt from a August 2013 and May 31, 2017, the de- tenced to 15 months in prison for stealing financing company after her grandfather fendant stole $300 from a lai see red $162,000-worth of jewels and cash from was diagnosed with cancer in 2016. packet, and jewels namely seven pieces her female employer in their home in Sha- “This is a very serious breach of trust of bracelets, one pair of earrings, seven tin. case,” said Judge To. pieces of necklaces, one ring, two pieces After E.A. Perdido’s guilty plea, how- The 39-year-old Perdido, who has a hus- of wrist chains, and pendants. ever, Acting Principal Magistrate Joseph band who is a farmer in the , The total value of these items was To Ho-shing reduced the sentence by one was seen crying in the dock while the $162,000. The 41-year-old employer of the Fili- pina had put these items inside a locked cabinet in her bedroom, and the key of the Shatin Law Courts Building cabinet was in a box placed on a desk. At 9 a.m. on May 31, the employer Hong Kong, it was learned that some of “Her salary was not enough for medical found that six red packets containing $300 the jewels were pawned between October expenses. She owed a debt of $40,000 to and pieces of jewelry were missing from last year and April this year. a a finance company, and she still had to the cabinet. The employer paid to recover some contribute $1,000 to $1,100 to her family,” Asked by the employer, Perdido then jewels, whose total value were $128,000, the lawyer said. admitted that she stole the case and the but $34,000-worth of other items were not He added that about two-thirds of the jewelry. The defendant also produced four recovered. stolen items were recovered by the de- pawnshop tickets and told her employer Mitigating, the duty lawyer said the de- fendant’s employer. that she pawned the jewels. fendant has two sons, aged 18 and 11, and In giving the sentence Judge To, howev- The employer then called the police and one daughter in the Philippines. er, said he also considered the total value at 10:55 a.m., the defendant was arrested. Monthly, she contributed $2,000 to the of the stolen items, and said he was adopt- Upon search, 12 other pawnshop tickets family, and after the defendant’s grandfa- ing a 15-month starting prison term for the were found. ther was diagnosed with cancer, “the ex- defendant, but reduced it to 10 months. Upon checking in all pawnshops in penses increased”. New mother pleads guilty to drugs case By Ally Constantino Kowloon City Courts Magistrate Ve- when the latter’s case was called for ronica Heung Shuk-han called for a mention. A Filipino woman who recently gave background report and a drug addiction The duty lawyer said the defendant birth has pleaded guilty to a drug charge. treatment center report before sentenc- gave birth on May 8 while in detention. A.D. Bugayong on June 16 admitted ing the defendant. The prosecutor, meanwhile, said the to possessing 5.6 grams of shabu when “I see that she’s carrying a baby,” defendant had a clear record. she was searched by police officer on Judge Heung said in court after seeing Judge Heung adjourned the case for May 4, 2017. defendant with the tiny baby in the dock sentencing on June 30. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 3 4 NEWS July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK 2 Pinoys fined over stunning devices

By Ally Constantino was arrested on June 5 at the HKIA and Philippine authorities have repeatedly knives, and knuckle dusters, are consid- Hong Kong Police vowed strict enforce- was found to be in possession of a stun warned overseas Filipino workers against ered as “arms” under the Firearms and ment of the law prohibiting unlicensed TWO Filipino men were caught with stun gun. The other person, a pastor, was ar- carrying stun guns, bullets, knives, and Ammunition Ordinance of Hong Kong. weapons, even those for personal protec- guns in separate incidents at the Hong rested on June 18. Priscillo G. was also other objects or devices that can be viewed “Their unlicensed possession is, upon tion, in the city. Kong International Airport. found with a stunning device. as ‘threatening’ when visiting or passing conviction, punishable by a fine of Sources from the Philippine Consulate PCG officials said the two Filipinos through Hong Kong. HK$100,000 and/or a maximum sentence General told Hong Kong News, the first were fined by Hong Kong courts and were Stun guns and other devices, such as of 14 years imprisonment,” the PCG re- arrested person was R. Hernandez, 45. He then deported to the Philippines. tear gas, bullets, extendible batons, flick port said. “The Hong Kong authorities are particu- larly strict with the enforcement of said Ordinance. All hand-carried and checked luggage of passengers are subjected to security screening in the terminals,” the report added. In February 2016, a news report said Stun Gun HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 5 6 NEWS July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Pinay cleared of breach of condition

By Ally Constantino Department observed her washing a plate doing odd jobs at the La Piazetta. called his colleagues to the restaurant and of gas in the morning. and helping out in the kitchen of her em- The prosecution charged that Norma two minutes after, his colleagues came to Norma also testified she asked the res- A Filipino domestic worker was tried and ployer’s Italian restaurant in Central in was employed at the restaurant after she the restaurant. taurant’s chef to prepare the food for her acquitted of breach of condition of stay at February. was seen to have washed some plates, and At 12:25 p.m., officers from the Immi- male employer, but the latter was busy so the Shatin Courts on May 23. Deputy Magistrate Tsz-kan Lam said then was also seen holding a frying pan gration Department arrived and checked she waited. Norma B. N. was charged with the of- the prosecution failed to prove beyond and put its contents on a plate. the documents of the people at the scene, While waiting, and seeing that the kitch- fense after an inspector from the Labour reasonable doubt that the defendant was At 12:21 p.m., the Labour inspector and the defendant was arrested. en was busy as it was lunch time, she de- In her evidence, Norma said she was at cided to wash some plates and hand the the restaurant because her employer want- chef the plate. ed to eat a full-course meal. She also said she took some plastic She said she would be preparing the containers to put the food and the special salad, steak, and dessert at the restaurant sauces her employer would be preparing because she was informed their flat ran out for the restaurant. Has POEA restored EA’s license? By Cheryl M. Arcibal

HAS the Philippine Overseas Employ- ment Agency reinstated the cancelled li- cense of a recruitment agency? This question cropped up after it was revealed that Findstaff Replacement Ser- vices Inc. could be searched again on the A June 28 screencap of POEA’s database of the POEA whose status indi- database shows Findstaff’s status. cates it has a “valid license”. Its license is valid from Oct. 3, 2016 to censes were cancelled owing to “unethical Oct. 2, 2020. recruitment practices” and “violations of In 2015, the POEA included Findstaff Philippine recruitment laws and regula- among 55 employment agencies whose li- tions”.

3 Filipinos seek to stay in HK THREE Filipino women have been separately As for Marilyn’s case, the prosecutor said charged with breach of condition of stay at the he was advised that the Legal Aid Department Shatin Magistrates Courts. sought more information from the defendant to These defendants have either sought a non-re- support her bid to have them represent her in her foulement claim with the Immigration Depart- non-refoulement claim. ment or planning to, defense counsels told Sha The prosecution said Marilyn’s initial claim tin Courts Acting Principal Magistrate Joseph To was rejected in April, and she filed an appeal on Ho-Shing. June 7. Judge To adjourned the cases of Gregoria A., Judge To said he expected that by July 19, the Marilyn B., and Jeane G., on Sept. 21; Jul. 19; defendant would have substantiated her claim and Jul. 21, respectively. with the Legal Aid Department. The prosecutor said the date of the adjourn- As for Jeane, the prosecution said the defend- ment of Gregoria’s case would be sufficient time ant also ought the help of the Legal Aid Depart- for the Immigration Department to decide on her ment for her claim. appeal. Ally Constantino HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 7 8 NEWS July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Bill vs erring EAs filed in LegCo

By Cheryl M. Arcibal job-seekers excessive fees could face a employment agencies that overcharge nationality,” FADWU said. maximum fine of $350,000 and imprison- job-seekers. Shiella Grace Estrada, FADWU sec- THE Labour Department has formally ment of three years. A statement from the Hong Kong Fed- retary and also Progressive Labor Union filed with the Legislative Council a bill The bill also seeks to expand the scope eration of Asian Domestic Workers Union chair, said the group will continue to mon- that will provide a basis for stiff fines of application of overcharging offense, hailed the filing of the bill, saying it was itor the progress of legislators’ discussion and jail terms against erring employment and provide for new grounds for the Com- the result of “years of effort of the union”. of the bill, but expect it to be legislated ei- agencies. missioner of Labour to consider refusing “The long fight by domestic workers ther late this year or early next year. to issue or renew or revoking a license to finally achieved their goal of amending “We have a submission, stating that the The bill seeks to amend Part XII of the MDWs punch a photo representing operate an EA. Likewise, the bill will pro- the law. However, the result will not only entire CoP should be legislated and not Employment Ordinance (EO) (Cap 57) to illegal fees (file photo). raise the maximum penalty for the offens- vide a legal basis for the Code of Practice be enjoyed by migrant domestic workers. just several of its clauses or provisions. es of overcharging job-seekers and unli- for EAs. promoting job-seekers’ and employers’ The Employment Agency regulation is From now until December, our group will censed operation of EAs. In January, the LD promulgated the awareness of their rights and obligations equally applicable to employment agen- lobby for the bill’s approval,” said Estra- Hong Kong labor rules allow agencies CoP, which highlights the salient legisla- (including provision of sample wage re- cies for local workers. da. to collect fees equivalent to 10 percent of tive requirements and sets out minimum ceipt to facilitate FDHs and their employ- “In the CoP, the provision asking em- Meanwhile, Eman Villanueva, spokes- the worker’s first monthly wage. The cur- standards for employment agencies. These ers for record-keeping or perusal as when ployment agencies to protect workers man of the Asian Migrants’ Coordinat- rent minimum wage for foreign domestic standards include maintaining transparen- necessary) and avoiding involvement in from ‘false self-employment’ is written ing Body, said they will also monitor the helpers is $4,310. Violation of the rule cy in business operations, drawing up ser- financial affairs of job-seekers. for local workers. In other words, the legislative process to ensure that the pro- could incur a maximum fine of $50,000. vice agreements with job-seekers and with Hong Kong lawmakers vowed sup- campaign achievement of migrant domes- posed higher fines and jail terms would be Under the new bill, those charging employers, providing payment receipts, port for the legislation of stiffer fines on tic workers is enjoyed by all, regardless of approved. Failure to pay for grocery items lands 2 Pinoys in court By Ally Constantino

FOR failing to pay for an item that they took from a supermarket, two Filipino do- mestic helpers were separately charged with theft cases at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts. Emely S. A. was charged with the case after she allegedly took a Dove shower gel from a Park ‘N Shop store in Aberdeen on May 16, 2017. The shower gel’s price tag was $46.70, but Emely had $633.60 with her at the time of her arrest. The prosecution and the defense agreed that a bind over would be the appropriate way to deal with the offense. Eastern Courts’ Deputy Magistrate Ar- thur Lam Hei-wei ordered Emely to be bound over by $2,000 for a period of 12 months. He also ordered her to pay cost of $500, which would be taken from her bail money of the same amount. Menawhile, Juvilyn M. R. was also charged with theft for taking a hair gel also from Park ‘N Shop in Aberdeen on June 1. No plea was taken when the defendant appeared in court on June 20. But Eastern Courts Principal Magistrate Bina Chainrai ordered Juvilyn to pay addi- tional $300 as her bail money. Juvilyn had initially paid $200 as bail. The defendant’s employer was set to pay the additional money that was required of the domestic worker. The case was adjourned to July 4 for mention. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 9 10 NEWS July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK PH, Indonesian execs eye Court OKs bail for Pinay suitable room scheme for FDHs who hid for By Cheryl M. Arcibal tion even before a foreign domestic work- “We need their complaints to address er is hired. the issues,” he said. PHILIPPINE and Indonesian authorities A recent study by concern group Mis- Dela Torre said they implement im- four years are firming up a scheme that would- ad sion for Migrant Domestic Workers found mediate blacklisting of employers once By Ally Constantino dress problems of foreign domestic work- that 42 percent of foreign domestic work- a domestic worker has filed a complaint ers about “suitable accommodations” fol- ers did not have their own room in their against them. A Filipino woman who absconded for four lowing a study of an NGO here that found employers’ home. “Kahit nasa social media lang basta se- years before facing two charges of breach many helpers were made to sleep in toi- In a survey of 3,000 domestic workers rious ang cases,” he said, citing the black- of condition of stay at the Shatin courts lets, store rooms, kitchens, and balconies. from the Philippines and Indonesia, the listing of Gekko Lan Suet-ying, the em- was allowed bail. In an interview, Labor Attache Jalilo Mission also found 70 percent of those ployer of a Filipino domestic worker who In a hearing on June 21, Shatin Acting dela Torre said he had an initial meeting who had no room were made to share a was fined $800 for eating $100 worth of Principal Magistrate Joseph To Ho-Shing, with Indonesian Deputy Consulate Gener- bedroom with children, elderly people or meatballs of her employer. however, required Grace A. to post $3,000 al Rafail Walangitan two weeks ago about other domestic workers. He said employers usually find out they bail to allow her to be released from cus- the initiative, but refused to reveal more One in five of them were made to sleep have been blacklisted when they could no tody. details. in the living room. longer hire a new domestic helper. “I would require her to deposit a huge Walangitan, however, has gone back to Others were in worse conditions, report- “We summon them when they appeal amount, an amount that she would not Jakarta after wrapping up his tour of duty ing that they were made to sleep in a store their watchlisting, otherwise if the em- abandon...as she had absconded for so here in Hong Kong. room, kitchen, basement, cupboard, dress- ployer does not come here, the watchlis- long,” Judge To said. “We are refining it, and we have to meet ing room, balcony and even roof. ting stays,” he said. Grace’s duty lawyer initially told the with the stakeholders first,” he said, add- Meanwhile, Dela Torre also urged Fil- In July 2016, Dela Torre revealed that court the defendant would be able to raise ing the initiative could be implemented in ipino domestic helpers to file their -com the POLO had included nearly 5,000 $1,000 for bail, but eventually said she a month and a half. plaints against abusive agencies and em- Hong Kong employers in its watchlist would be able to post the required amount The initiative, Dela Torre said, would ployers as it’s the only way to enforce after Filipino domestic helpers filed com- of $3,000. Dela Torre address the issue of suitable accommoda- their rights. plaints against them. Besides the higher amount of bail, the defendant was also instructed to report to the Yuen Long Police station and in- form the Immigration Department of any change in her residence 24 hours before such any change takes place. Grace’s case was adjourned to Jul. 19 for mention. Maid denies stealing $500 from employer By Ally Constantino

A Filipino domestic helper will stand trial for allegedly stealing $500 from her former employer. Analiza E.E. on June 16 pleaded not guilty before the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts to the charge of theft. The prosecution said they would be presenting two witnesses, includ- ing the defendant’s former employer, during trial. The case was adjourned for trial on July 19.

Kowloon City Courts HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 11 12 NEWS July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK 7 witnesses in hitting ward case trial Remains of By Ally Constantino one-day trial of Emerolyne M. L., who be cross-examining some of the witnesses was charged with ill-treatment or neglect to raise some issues. SEVEN witnesses will be presented in by those in charge of child or young per- On May 19, Emerolyne pleaded not court by the prosecution in the trial of a son. The trial is scheduled on July 14. guilty to the charge. The prosecution said Filipino domestic helper who was charged Besides the witnesses, the prosecu- the defendant hurt the child on Mar. 6 in FDH in To Kwa with hurting the daughter of her employer. tion will also present a video footage in the flat of her employer in North Point. A prosecutor told an Eastern Magis- court. The defendant’s former ward will The action, the prosecution charged, could trates’ Court on June 20 that seven wit- be among those giving evidence in court. have “likely caused unnecessary suffering nesses will be presented in court for the The defense told the court they would or injury” to the victim. Wan accident flown home By Ally Constantino in Hong Kong “happy”. Flora, one of Villaruel’s employers, said THE remains of Filipino domestic worker losing two people at the same time was Rodolfo Villaruel were set to be repatri- “hard to understand”. ated in the evening of June 28, an official “Rudy worked with our family for more of the Philippine Consulate General said. than 18 years. In the first four years, he Assistance to Nationals Officer Danilo took care of my father and for the rest of Baldon said Villaruel’s body would be his time he took care of our family. flown to the Philippines at 10:30 p.m. and “I think most of you know that Rudy would be brought to the Funeraria Paz in was not just our helper, but he was part of City. The remains would be ac- our family and to our popo he was also a companied by Villaruel’s daughter Cheryl, friend,” Flora said while crying. he said. Reports said a bus with tourists from Villaruel, along with the 85-year-old the mainland hit the woman and the Fil- mother of his employer, died in a traffic ipino while crossing Ma Tau Kok Road at accident in To Kwa Wan on June 15. around 10 a.m on June 15. In a statement Labor Attache Jalilo dela Torre said posted on the government website, the Po- Villaruel’s family would be receiving lice said that at about 9:45 a.m., a 58-year- P200,000 cash assistance from the Over- old man drove a coach to board passengers seas Workers Welfare Administration and at Ma Tau Kok Road. additional P20,000 for burial assistance. The coach reportedly rushed forward At a memorial service held by various suddenly and hit a bus. It subsequently migrant groups on Chater Road on June passed by the pedestrian crossing near 25, Cheryl thanked her father’s employ- Pak Tai Street and knocked down the two ers, and friends who made his 18-year stay victims.

Villaruel’s family, friends, and employers turn emotional during the memorial service held on Chater Road on June 25. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 13 14 NEWS July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Foreign domestic workers... From page 1 ing and opposing setting standard working MDWs,” he said. hours in Hong Kong. Hong Kong, Villanueva said, has repeat- “The [standard] working hours could To address long working hours in the edly taken steps that resulted in the social have been significant advancement to city, the LD proposed that employers in- exclusion of MDWs. address modern-day slavery of migrant clude or state in the contract of low-in- “Noon sa minimum wage, excluded ang domestic workers. But it seems the Hong come workers, or those earning $11,000 or live-in [workers]. Around 98 percent or Kong government is promoting slavery less each month, their contract working more of live-in domestic workers are mi- and slave-like treatment of MDWs instead hours. grants. After na-exclude kami sa Mimni- of resolving it,” said AMCB spokesman According to the 2016 UBS’ annual mum Wage Ordinance, ngayon naman ay Eman Villanueva. “Prices and Earnings” study, workers in excluded ulit kami sa working hours reg- Shiella Grace Estrada, chairperson of Hong Kong spent 50.11 hours a week at ulation dahil excluded kami sa Minimum PLUDW-HK, said they were disappointed the workplace, the longest hours out of the Wage Ordinance. that despite consulting migrant domes- 71 global cities included in the poll. “The discrimination, exclusion, and tic workers about standardizing working Many foreign domestic workers, mean- slavery of MDWs have been made sys- hours, they were still excluded from the while, have been complaining that they tematic and institutionalized here in Hong proposal. work between 12 and 18 hours a day to Kong,” he said. “Sa consultation na ginawa nila sa Hong serve their employers. Hong Kong lawmakers have asked the Kong, lahat halos (ng labor unions) may On December 18 last year, the Interna- LD to withdraw the proposal, he said. representatives and they even accepted tional Migrants Day, a group of migrant In addressing the opposition to the our statement about the need of MDWs to workers turned over to the office of Hong Standard Working Hours Committee have standard working hours. Kong Chief Executive C.Y. Leung a pe- proposal, a LD spokesperson told Hong “Then if they already had in mind to ex- tition asking for standardized working Kong News they will “adopt a legislative clude us, why did they include us in the hours, particularly “11 hours of uninter- approach to mandate employers to enter consultation? That consultation was not rupted rest.” Migrant workers from the into written employment contracts with real then because they know that domestic Philippines, Indonesia, , and Ne- the lower-income grassroots employees, workers suffer the most because of long pal signed the petition. which shall include terms on working working hours,” Estrada said. Villanueva and Estrada lambasted the hours and overtime compensation ar- She added that, ultimately, allowing mi- LD representatives’ statement that “most rangements” grant domestic workers to continue work- of the employers are friendly” as the rea- “And specify that lower-income grass- ing long hours, would be detrimental to son for the exclusion of migrant domes- roots employees should be entitled to employers as insufficient rest could lead tic workers from contract working hours, overtime compensation by way of over- to ill health. saying the need to ensure proper rest be time pay at a rate no less than the rate of “Many employers do not allow their do- given to them should be legislated the agreed wages or the equivalent time- mestic workers to take a sick leave unless Villanueva added that the latest pro- off in lieu.” the (illness) is serious. Some employers, posal from the LD showed the “blatant The spokesperson added that the ex- walang binibiling medical insurance...It’s discrimination” and “unfair treatment” of clusion of live-in domestic workers was a shame as Hong Kong government keeps MDWS. made owing to their “distinct working claiming that Hong Kong is the best place “Kahit na sa contracted working hours, pattern and nature” of their work, and the for domestic workers, but why is there they still excluded MDWs. Officially, sa “potential socio-economic ramifications exclusion from labor protection?” Estrada recommendation excluded daw ang lahat and the long-established policy of FDHs.” said. ng hindi covered sa Employment Ordi- The LD said it would continue to listen The LD’s proposal drew widespread nance or sa Statutory Minimum Wage to the views of the “community in finalis- criticism both from those who are support- ordinance. Nasa second category ang ing the proposals”. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 15 16 July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 17 18 July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 BALITANG PH 19 Maute leader dead

By Maia Lopez Joint Task Force go Duterte had earlier offered a P5 mil- reportedly died on June 7. He said the mil- suspected of channeling more than P30 Marawi spokesman Lt. lion bounty each for Omar and Abdullah itary has a general idea where Mahmud million to the Maute group to acquire AFTER more than a month of fierce Col. Jo-Ar Herrera said Maute. Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. was buried and troops are trying to locate firearms, food and other supplies for the fighting in Marawi City, the military said there was a “strong in- Eduardo Año said a Malaysian financier of the exact spot with the help of civilians to attack. A former Malaysian university Omar Maute, one of the two leaders of an dication” that Omar the siege in Marawi City is also believed recover the remains and validate the intel- professor who later turned jihadi and re- Islamic State-inspired group of terrorists has already been neu- to have been killed. Año said Malaysian ligence received. ceived training in Afghanistan, Mahmud waging war against the government in tralized. Mahmud bin Ahmad was badly wounded Año, citing intelligence shared by for- appeared in a video showing the Maute Mindanao, is dead. Omar Maute President Rodri- in the fighting in Marawi last month and eign counterparts, said Mahmud was brothers and an Abu Sayyaf leader. Court issues fresh warrant vs Leila By Maia Lopez

ANOTHER Muntinlupa City court has issued an arrest warrant for Senator Leila de Lima over allegations that she abetted the proliferation of illegal drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison during her term as Jus- tice secretary. Judge Amelia Fabros-Corpuz issued the arrest warrant against De Lima and her co-accused Jose Adrian Dera alias Jad De Vera. De Lima’s counsel, Alexander Padil- la, said their camp would ask the court to recall the arrest order as he described the case as the “weakest” among the three drug-related cases filed against the senator by the Department of Justice. The senator is also facing illegal drug trading cases before Judge Patria Manal- astas-de Leon of Branch 206 and Judge Juanita Guerrero of Branch 204, who first ordered the senator’s arrest and detention on February 23. De Lima is currently de- tained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center inside Camp Crame in . According to the DoJ, De Lima had conspired with Dera in committing illegal drug trading when the latter “demanded, solicited and extorted” money and vehi- cles from Peter Co, a high profile inmate at the national penitentiary. In his affidavit, Co said that on March 25, 2016, Dera received P2 million out of the P5 million he demanded for the release of Co’s niece Sally, who together with her husband and companions had been de- tained and threatened to be charged with violation of the Comprehensive Danger- ous Drugs Act of 2002. Dera also allegedly seized Co’s four ve- hicles to be used for De Lima’s senatorial campaign. Co further alleged that Dera got from Sally on March 28, 2016 the addi- tional P3 million he demanded for the for- mer justice secretary’s election bid. Padilla, however, noted that Dera has already denied knowing the senator. “There’s clearly no trail of the supposed vehicles and the alleged campaign dona- tion that would have any link to Senator Leila. It’s the weakest case for the prose- cution,” Padilla said. He also questioned why the judge hand- ed down the arrest order despite the pen- dency of their petition before the Supreme Court seeking to nullify the first arrest warrant. 20 BALITANG PH July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Lawmakers oppose ‘Trans-Fat’ tax

By Maia Lopez dietary allowance of 500 milligrams per intake of sodium chloride as prescribed by Panama, Morocco, Kenya, and . also a way for these states to pressure their day for adults is subtracted. Similarly, a the Department of Health.” “Imposing a tax on the production, sale, people to adopt a healthier diet,” he added. LAWMAKERS have raised concerns over can of sardines, which has 610 mg sodium “Clearly, the primary goal of these and consumption of food products that But Zarate argued that taxation should two proposed measures which seek to in- content, will be worth P110. measures is to increase taxes and the poor have salt as an ingredient will not only de- not be the solution if the government crease excise tax on processed products Based on the computation of the Phil- ordinary people will be burdened once ter citizens from consuming more than the wants to make it a health issue. with salt as well as on sugar-sweetened ippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers again. The poor have little or no income prescribed daily intake but will also gener- “For instance, government could ban beverages. Inc., during the last congressional hearing at all and most of the times they have no ate additional funds for the government,” chichiria and noodles in grade school or Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Za- conducted by the House committee on choice but to buy cheap non-nutritious Lanete said. it can mandate for cheap nutritious food rate said House Bill 3719, or the Trans-fat ways and means, chaired by Quirino Rep. food,” Zarate said. “Salt is a silent killer, as its consumption in schools or even place price controls on tax, will result in an increase of prices of Dakila Cua, a P6.85 noodle pack now “This bill is definitely anti-poor and has a correlation with high blood pressure, nutritious food and viands so that they can noodles, sardines and similar food prod- would be around P800 if it is enacted. must be opposed,” he added. which consequently leads to increased be more affordable,” Zarate said. ucts. HB 3179, filed by Masbate Rep. Scott In filing the bill, Lanete, a doctor, said risks of having a heart attack or stroke. At the Upper House, Senator Juan Ed- Once enacted, Zarate said one cup of Davies Lanete, proposes to impose a P1 “sin taxes” on sodium have been imposed Due to the harmful effects of salt, many gardo Angara warned the Philippines may noodles with a 990-milligram sodium con- excise tax for every milligram of sodium in some countries, including Vietnam, countries have imposed a ‘sin tax’ on salt be violating the rules of the World Trade tent will be priced at P490, after the daily “in excess of one-third of allowable daily Uganda, Tanzania, Suriname, Sri Lanka, to deter people from consuming it. It is Organization if it passes the measure. DOT drops contract with ad agency By Maia Lopez Both the Philippines’ and South Afri- ca’s ad videos featured a blind man who THE Department of Tourism has can- experienced the world through their oth- celled its contract with McCann World- er senses. The man’s disability is not re- wide Philippines after its “Experience vealed until the end of both videos when the Philippines” ad campaign became he pulls out a walking cane. the center of plagiarism allegations. Hours after the DoT launched the pro- “After a diligent review of the ad ma- ‘Experience the Philippines’ ad motional video in a new tourism cam- terials in question, the Department of paign, several people on social media Tourism has decided to discontinue its of a new advertising material which will slammed the material, saying it has pla- partnership with McCann Worldgroup be consistent with the current slogan, giarized the 2014 video of South Africa. Philippines,” the department said. “It’s More Fun In The Philippines.” In 2016, Tourism Quebec in “In the midst of this controversy, the “We encourage those with fresh and was also accused of plagiarism after DoT expects a public apology from Mc- original ideas that will showcase our di- it released a tourism video which also Cann over the negative feedback that the versely-rich tourist destinations and the featured a blind man. But unlike South department has been receiving, owing unique Filipino hospitality to join this Africa’s promotional video, the blind to the glaring similarities between Mc- venture,” the department said. man’s disability was revealed early in Cann’s ‘Sights’ ad and South Africa’s ad The DOT added that they are explor- Quebec’s video. released in 2014.” ing all legal remedies that will be dis- This was the second time the Tourism The DoT said it will also reopen the cussed with the professional team of Department was caught up in plagiarism procurement process for the production McCann. allegations. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 21 22 WORLD July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK OFW escapes death row DFA probe urged on By Maia Lopez the news of her acquittal. Pinay’s suicide in Saudi “I am overjoyed. I felt relieved by By Maia Lopez with Saudi authorities “because suicide is A Filipina who was convicted of murder- the decision. I have no fear anymore,” never presumed.” ing her employer and sentenced to death Dalquez’s mother said in a television in- A migrant rights group has urged the De- “The investigation will be extremely has been acquitted by the Court of Ap- terview. partment of Foreign Affairs to conduct thorough especially because of the alle- peals in Al Ain. “Hopefully, she can be given pardon. an investigation into what it believes is gations that she died in her employer’s The Department of Foreign Affairs said While there is life, there is hope,” she a suspicious death of a domestic helper flat, where she is supposed to be safe. The household worker Jennifer Dalquez was added. who allegedly committed suicide in Saudi embassy will continue to monitor the case found innocent “without diyyah or pay- Migrante International, a non-govern- Arabia. and provide updates as soon as available,” ment of blood money” after she argued mental organization for OFWs, hailed the The Blas F. Ople Policy Center said Jen- she said. that she was only defending herself from acquittal of Dalquez. nifer Ross Acuna-Reyes, who had been Cleaners who worked in the same build- her employer’s attempt to rape her. “We stand resolute to continue the fight working in for only two ing claimed foul smell emanating from the “The Philippine embassy in to save all Filipinos on death row,” Mi- Dalquez weeks, fell from the seventh floor flat of employer’s flat prior to the recovery of reported to the DFA that the Court of Ap- grante said. her employer in Jeddah. Susan Ople, who Jenny’s body. Witnesses also supposedly peals in Al Ain acquitted Jennifer Dalquez lawyer and shouldered the expenses for Dalquez’s lawyer moved for her acquit- heads the center, said the DFA must inves- saw very little blood in the area where the from the alleged crime of murder,” the de- her parents’s visit in Al Ain in October tal on April 26 after the sons of her victim tigate Reyes’ “mysterious” death due to body was found, indicating that the body partment said. 2015 and March 2017. skipped hearings they were instructed by conflicting claims by witnesses, the- vic may have been transferred from where she The 30-year-old Dalquez, a mother of Dalquez, however, cannot return to the the Al Ain Judicial Court to attend. tim’s family, and her employer. really died. two, said her employer tried to rape her at Philippines yet as the court sentenced her UAE’s Court of Appeals had wanted the “The family is convinced that their “According to Filipinos living near knife point on Dec. 14, 2014. to five years imprisonment for the theft of two sons to swear 50 times, in the name daughter did not commit suicide. Her em- the building, there was hardly any blood In May 2015, Dalquez was convicted of a mobile phone. of Allah, that “Jennifer is the only person, ployer is claiming otherwise,” Ople said. found on the site where she allegedly fell murder and was sentenced to death but her Since she has already spent two-and- and no other person, [who] killed their fa- DFA’s public diplomacy executive di- from the 7th floor and landed with her face legal counsel filed an appeal. a-half years in jail, she is expected to go ther.” rector Charmaine Aviquivil said embassy down on the grass,” Reyes’ father, Larry The DFA noted that throughout the pro- home in more than two years. Had they done so, the court would have lawyers are now investigating the case Acuna Sr., said. cess, the agency has provided Dalquez a Her mother, Alicia Dalquez confirmed upheld the death sentence. Filipino guilty of $9M fraud By Maia Lopez the credit card numbers were primarily Filipina obtained through computer hacking. A Filipino man was convicted of running The debit card numbers, on the other ‘dead’ in a $9 million stolen credit and debit card hand, were taken through ATM skimming fraud ring in New Jersey. operations. In a news release, the US Attorney’s Of- Meanwhile, a Filipino couple is appeal- Grenfell fice said Angelo Virtucio was slapped with ing a three-month prison sentence and a sentence of 63 months in prison and two deportation order issued by the years of supervised release by the federal Misdemeanors Court for supposedly hav- fire court of Newark. ing sex out of wedlock. The couple were The 31-year-old Virtucio pleaded guilty convicted in April, months after the wom- By Maia Lopez to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in an was rushed to a hospital in December 2016, a year after he was arrested in South for pregnancy-related pains. A Filipino woman who has gone Florida. The 28-year-old Filipina told medical missing after a fire engulfed a resi- He admitted purchasing stolen debit and staff that she and her 27-year-old partner dential high-rise in London is now credit card numbers from computer hack- were engaged and not married when asked presumed dead by the city’s Metro- ers, encoding new cards with the stolen on the whereabouts of her baby’s father. politan Police. data, and making a series of unauthorized Her partner was arrested after the hos- The Philippine Embassy in the purchases and ATM withdrawals with his pital notified police of their situation. Sex said sexagenar- “global network of cashers.” and pregnancy outside marriage are illegal ian Ligaya Moore has not yet been According to the US Attorney’s Office, in the . found and has already been “includ- ed by the MetPolice as among those presumed to have perished in the Grenfell Tower tragedy.” According to Senator Joel Vil- lanueva, Moore had been residing on either the 17th or 21st floor of the building. Villanueva earlier asked for help finding her as she is a member of the Jesus is Lord church, which had been founded by his father, Bro. Eddie Villanueva. The 24-storey residential Grenfell Tower in London went up in flames in the early hours of June 14, killing at least 58 people. The London-based Filipina, the senator said, attended religious ser- vices at a church near her apartment at the Grenfell Tower. The Department of Affairs has confirmed that several Filipinos were injured in the blaze and were brought to hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, no Filipino was hurt in separate blasts that rocked last week, the DFA said. HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 BUHAY OFW 23 Pagsubok naigpawan, tagumpay ay nakamtan! By Vicks Reyes Munar Hindi siya binigo ng kanyang bunso, nagpursige ito ng husto sa pag-aaral at SI Juvy Fortunato, 48 tubong Pangasinan ngayon nga ay isa nang Certified Public , 16 taon na sa Hong Kong ay ‘di masukat Accountant at may magandang trabaho. ang galak nang matunghayan ang latest Lubos ang pasasalamat ni Juvy sa kan- result ng CPA Board Exam sa Pilipinas. yang mga amo na mababait gayundin ang Ang kanyang bunsong anak na si Nimfa, kanyang mga kaibigan na hindi siya ini- na 20 taong gulang lamang, ang isa sa wanan at pinahindian sa mga panahong maswerteng nakapasa sa nasabing exam nangangailangan siya ng tulong para sa at take 1 lang. Si Nimfa ay kasalukuyang mga pangangailangan ng anak. Sham Shui Po market nagtatrabaho na sa PSV Accounting Firm Natupad na ang isa sa kanyang mga pan- sa Intramuros garap na makapagpatapos ng anak, naka- Hindi maiwasan ni Juvy na mapaluha bili na din siya ng sariling lupa at ngayon sa galak dahil ‘di biro ang dinanas niyang katuwang ang kanyang anak ay unti-unti Buking si Ana! pagsubok at hamon sa buhay. Si Juvy ay na nilang ipinapagawa ang kanilang pina- 12 taon nang hiwalay sa kanyang asawa pangarap na bahay. By Vicks Reyes Munar ang mga ibang dapat gawin para sa kan- Nawili siya sa dami ng pamimiliang ku- at mag-isa niyang itinaguyod ang kan- Naging mabunga ang pagsisikap ni Juvy yang grupo na ‘di pwedeng gawin ng iba lay at disenyo sa shop na pinuntahan kaya yang mga anak sa pag-aaral. Ang kanyang sa Hong Kong, kahit na anu pa man ang SI Ana, 48 , walong taon nang naninilbi- dahil sa stay-in ang mga amo. siya ay medyo natagalan. Nagmamadali panganay ay nakatapos lang ng hayskul unos na pinagdaanan niya noon ngayon ay han sa mag-asawang Intsik na may anak Kahit gaano kabait ang kanyang mga siyang umuwi at sa train station sa dami at nagtanan limang buwan pagkatapos sumisilay na ang magandang bukas para na lalaking 10 taong gulang ay masasa- amo si Ana ay ‘di abusado. Hindi niya ba naman ng tao ang amo pa niyang babae nilang maghiwalay na mag-asawa. sa kanya at sa kanyang mga anak. bing isa sa pinakamaswerteng household ugali ang magpunta kung saan-saan para ang kanyang nasalubong. service worker sa Hong Kong. maglamyerda sa oras ng kanyang traba- Litong nagpaliwanag si Ana, napangiti Napakabait ng kanyang mga amo, maliit ho. Sa loob ng walong taon niyang pag- na lang ang kanyang amo. Nangako si Ana lang ang kanilang bahay at nagtratarabaho tratrabaho ‘di siya umaalis ng bahay nang sa kanyang sarili na hindi na niya uulitin ang mag-asawa at nag-aaral naman ang walang paalam. ang kanyang ginawa. Minsan lang niyang kanilang anak kaya madalas na siya lang Isang araw, dahil sa wala siyang mabi- ginawa, ngunit sadyang sutil ang tadhana ang naiiwan sa kanilang bahay. li sa kanilang lugar na gagamitin para sa para sa kanya. Malaya niyang nagagawa ang kanyang kanilang Sunday Event, napilitan si Ana Naging leksyon kay Ana ang pang- gustong gawin pagkatapos ng trabahong na sumaglit sandali sa Shamshuipo upang yayaring iyon, at kung di maiwasan na bahay katulad ng pag crocross stitch at iba bumili nito. Dahil sa hindi siya sanay na kinakailangang may importanteng pun- pa. Aktibo din si Ana sa mga community tumatakas sa oras ng trabaho, ay may kaba tahan sinisigurado na ni Ana na siya ay activities kaya maluwag niyang nagagawa siyang tumuloy. nagpapaalam. Napilitang maningil By Imelda Mae Bustinera niyang pagpapadala para sa pag-aaral ng lahat ang gumastos na talagang nasaid ang mga kapatid. Pero ang ugaling sobrang kanyang ipon at nakahiram pa sa bangko MAHIGIT 20 taon nang nagtatrabaho bi- maawain ay kinakainisan niya sa sarili. kaya higpit sinturon si Norma. lang kasambahay si Norma na hindi na Madalas siyang mautangan at siya pa ang Minsan nakasalubong ni Norma ang isa nag-asawa dahil sa bilang panganay sa li- nahihiya at nag aalangan maningil. Kung sa may utang kaya naglakas loob siyang NIMFA JUVY mang magkakapatid ay siya ang pumasan magkakalakas siya ng loob singilin ang sabihin na gipit siya kaya kung maaari iba- ng naiwang tungkulin ng kanyang ama. mga pautang ay pwede ng pampuhunan sa lik na yung hiniram. Nangako naman kay Gusto ni Norma na makapagtapos lahat negosyo. Norma na sa pagsahod ay magbabayad ang mga kapatid kaya kinalimutan na ang May namatay na ng hindi nakabayad sa kung may sobra. Kahit papano ay umaasa Baliktad yata? sariling pangangailangan. Walang luho o hindi birong halaga at ang iba hindi niya si Norma na makakadagdag sa panggastos By Imelda Mae Bustinera tanungin si Monica ng amo kung kumain bisyo at marunong humawak ng pera kaya alam kung nasaan na. Nang nagkasakit at ang masisingil niya. Si Norma, 40, ay tu- na ang mga anak. may naitatabi pa rin sa kabila ng buwanan namatay ang ina ni Norma ay halos siya bong Masbate. MAY problema ang kompanya sa Ameri- ka ng amo ni Monica kaya nagtungo ang among lalaki doon. Nagkataon din na sa Amerika nagbiyahe ang among babae sa Amerika kaya magkasabay na lumipad ang mga ito at naiwan ang dalawang alaga ni Monica na pawang mga dalagita na. May ugali ang alagang panganay ni Monica na magdala ng mga kai- bigan upang sa bahay kumain. Oras ng tanghalian nagtanong ang panganay kay Monica kung anong ihahanda. Sinabihan ng panganay si Monica na huwag ng ma- gluto at ano raw ang gusto niyang kainin dahil pabibilhin na lang ang kaibigan sa labas. Sa hapunan na lang daw magluto. Nang sumunod na araw ay hindi raw kakain ng hapunan sa bahay kaya ang sarili lang na pagkain ang intindihin. Sa tuwing oras ng kainan ay tinitiyak ng mga alaga na may pagkain si Monica. At sa tu- wing tatawag ang mga amo ay sinasabihan ang mga anak na tiyakin may pagkain si Monica. Nasabi tuloy sa sarili ni Monica, 48, may asawa, at anak tubong Negros, na baliktad yata ang sitwasyon. Sa halip na 24 BARRIO PINOY July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK

Emergency Hotlines Numbers To Remember Kata opens third store in Singapore EMERGENCY GLOBAL brand Kata opened its third to bring innovation into something that is Hong Kong Observatory store in Singapore on June 28. Many more tangible and possible, the company initial- (Weather) 2835 1473 Kata stores will come. ly provided call services to customers. Police, Fire Services, Hospitals 999 Kata Store opened its third shop in the With his innovative visions and goals, city-state at 304 Orchard Road Level B1 Chen then led the company and began Police Report Hotline 2527 7177 Unit 74, Lucky Plaza. building up the Kata brand. Kata has since David Chen, Kata founder and CEO, then expanded its reach across the globe PHILIPPINE CONSULATE led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the by setting up country offices in Canada, For emergency cases, call or text: store opening. It was a momentous occa- Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Bru- Assistance to Nationals 9155 4023 sion for the Kata team as it marked their nei, Korea, and the Philippines. Labor 6080 8323 continued expansion and aggressive push Kata brings original and smart solutions in Singapore. to different markets and industries, in- OWWA 6345 9324 Based in the US, Kata is a designer and cluding consumers, corporate businesses, SSS 2823 8552 manufacturer of cutting-edge mobile de- educational institutions, and government Pag-Ibig 2823 8561 vices. Established in 2009 by Chen, also entities world wide. For more information, Consulate Trunkline 2823 8500 a creative entrepreneur, whose vision is please visit www.katadigital.com. Chen poses as he cuts the ribbon for Kata Store opening ceremony. Office Fax: 2866 9885 Email: [email protected] Website: http://philcongen-hk.com/ Facebook: Philippine Consulate General GALLERY in Hong Kong

Hong Kong GOVERNMENT Chef Jay with Independent Commission Against students of basic baking Saturday Corruption 2526 6366 class of Culinary Arts Central Government 2835 2500 Centre. For enquiries, Complaint Against Police 2866 7700 please call 2850 7724 2200 4460 to 62 / 2850 7408/ 2850 Consumer Rights Hotline 2929 2222 7438/ 2850 7714. Department of Health 2961 8989 Equal Opportunities Commission 2511 8211 Immigration 2824 6111 Labour Department 2717 1771 Legal Aid 2537 7677 Jeanette Benedicto , May Race Relations Unit 2810 3203 winner of Gen-Ex Cargo’s Pack & Win promo together with Social Welfare 2343 2255 Tsuen Wan’s branch manager, Transport 2804 2600 Andrew Moya. Postal Hotline 2921 2222 ‘Celebrate Colours’ in HK NON-GOVERNMENT ETHNIC minorities showed off their talents ORGANIZATIONS and skills in the “Celebrate Colours” multi- Asia-Pacific Mission for Migrants cultural extravaganza held on June 25 at the 2723 7536 Queen Elizabeth Stadium in wan Chai. The event was part of the 20th anniversary Asian Migrant Center 2312 0031 celebration of the establishment of the Hong Christian Action - Shine Center Kong SAR. The event was a collaboration 3188 4555 among the ISS Hong Kong, Philippine Consu- Diocesan Pastoral Center for Filipinos late General, and the Hong Kong government to recognize the contribution of ethnic minor- (and other Asian Migrants and Ethnic ities to the city. Minorities) 2526 4249 “The presence of various ethnic groups in Alliance of Progressive Labor 2770 0411 Hong Kong has positively influenced the daily lives of Hong Kong people on all fronts, from Bayanihan Trust Centre 2817 8928 arts, music, culture and food to education, busi- Filipino Migrant Workers Union ness and social services, making Hong Kong a 9104-1411; 9758-5935 thriving cultural hub,” said Chief Secretary for Hong Kong Christian Service - CHEER Ce Administration Matthew Cheung Kin-chung at the opening ceremony of the event. nter 3755 6811 There were 19 performing groups who International Social Services 2836 3598 danced and sang to the audience’s delight. Per- Mission for Migrant Workers 2522 8264 formers were Filipinos, Chinese, Indonesians, Thais, Indians, Pakistanis, and Sri Lankans. The Bethune House 2721 3119 Enrich Hong Kong 2386 5811 Helpers for Domestic Helpers 2523 4020 United Filipinos in Hong Kong 3156 2447

AIRPORT AND AIRLINES Airport Inquiry 2181 8888 Cathay Pacific Airways 2747 5000 Cebu Pacific Air 2722 0609 Philippine Airlines 2301 9300 Cheung HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 BUHAY OFW 25 Health, Financial talks for OFWs

THE Philippine Consulate General in Enrich Hong Kong gave tips on how to seling. On the other hand, Dr. Romeo Or- Hong Kong SAR in collaboration with start the year financially wise and encour- teza of Noble Life International discussed Enrich Personal Development and Noble aged attendees to save money for invest- how to prevent and cure the common can- Life International organized its regular ment. Morais added that this may enhance cers in women. The Noble Life team also quarterly talks for Filipino migrant work- their financial capability and help them conducted free one-on-one medical con- ers on May 28 to June 4, at PCG HK con- become financially empowered. Enrich sultation, and checking of overall health ference room. also conducted one-on-one financial con- condition through a Quantum Magnetic Ms. Cecile Morais, financial trainer of sultation to provide a more specific coun- Resonance Analyzer. Orteza during his talk (DFA photo). Morais lectures on finances (DFA photo). GMA stars visit PCG-HK JUNE has proved to be a month of cel- ebrations for GMA Pinoy TV, with its participation in the 2017 Tokyo Summer Festival in and a couple of pro- gram-based events in Hong Kong and Sin- gapore featuring the stars of “Magpakail- anman” and “Meant To Be”, respectively. In observance of the Migrant Workers’ Day and 119th celebration of Philippine Independence, Kapuso Comedy Queen Aiai delas Alas and heartthrob Ruru Madrid joined their kababayans at the 2017 Tokyo Summer Festival on June 10 and 11 at Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan. Organized by the Luminaries Joint Group, the event lasted for nine days and features multicultural performances, con- tests, and pageants. Ruru fled in to meet and greet festival attendees on June 10 while Aiai offered her signature show-stopping performance the following day. On June 2, Ms. Mel Tiangco and the rest of team were warmly-received by Pinoys abroad as they roamed the streets of Hong Kong to shoot for episodes that will tell the story of OFWs. These will be about a Filipina working in Disneyland and a homeless Pinay in Hong Kong, to be portrayed by Rochelle Pangilinan and Janice de Belen, respec- tively. In-between their three-day shoot, guest stars Mikee Quintos, Kate Valdez, and Nar Cabico along with the “Magpakailanman” crew paid a courtesy visit to Consul Gen- eral Bernardita L. Catalla at the Philippine Consulate Office in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the cast of top-rating ro- mantic-comedy TV series “Meant To Be” made their fans swoon in Singapore dur- ing a meet-and-greet session held at Ram- ada Hotel on June 2. In their first ever Singapore sojourn, “Meant To Be” heartthrobs Ivan Dorsch- ner, Addy Raj, Jak Roberto, and Ken Chan were present to bring the “kilig” during the event, together with , Keempee de Leon, and Sef Cadayona.

GMA team with ConGen Catalla 26 FORUM July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK Editorial As We See it Beyond Politics PRESIDENT Duterte skipped the Inde- give him for skipping the Independence pendence Day celebrations in Rizal Park Day celebrations after visiting the wake of on June 12 and was not seen in public for Marines killed in Marawi the night before. the next four days. On June 20, he visited But then, he went off the grid again from wounded soldiers in Cagayan de Oro and June 21 to June 26. The Palace claimed Marawi evacuees in Iligan. Afterwards, he that the President was still working even was absent from the public eye until June if he was out of the limelight. 27. Malacanang said the President was That won’t fly. Malacanang should issue tired and needed to rest after spending 23 a medical report that would credibly de- days on the road to oversee the implemen- bunk insinuations that Mr. Duterte had a tation of martial law in Mindanao. medical emergency. Presidential Communications Opera- This is not just a concern of the Presi- tions Office Secretary Martin Andanar dent’s critics. His supporters should also said the public should give Mr. Duterte be concerned since the political opposition some “leeway”. would take over if VP Leni Robredo suc- Of course, the public can understand ceeds Mr. Duterte. the President’s absence after visiting the And it’s not just about politics. Public troops who were killed or wounded in the interest require that the public be informed fighting in Marawi. We could even for- truthfully about the President’s health.

Of Note

HK’s TiP problem Norman Uy Carnay HONG KONG remains among places The report noted that Hong Kong laws Currents whose governments do not fully comply “do not criminalize all forms of traffick- with the Trafficking Victims Protections ing”, resulting in cases of forced labor. Act’s (TVPA) minimum standards, the “The government did not adequately Reporma o Parusa? latest Trafficking in Persons Report of the address its policies creating vulnerabilities KAMAKAILAN lamang ay pumasa na produktong pang-konsumo ay ngayon, magamit ng langis ay tataas din. Ayon sa US State Department said. for foreign domestic workers or conduct sa ikatlong pagbasa sa Kongreso ang bubuwisan na. Magpapataw din ng buwis CPU, aabot naman ang dagdag na gastos The Hong Kong government rejected public awareness campaigns or conduct bagong panukalang batas na HB5636 sa lahat nga ng produktong gumagamit na ito sa P960 kada buwan. Sumatotal, the findings, saying the assessment failed public awareness campaigns targeted at o ang Tax Reform Bill. Layon daw nito ng asukal at langis. Halos lahat na lang lugi ang pamilyang Pilipino dahil nabawi to be fair and objective. preventing sex trafficking,” the report na tuparin ang pangako ni Pangulong ng produkto ay ninanais na buwisan ng ang binawas sa income tax. Maari pang The report identified Hong Kong under said. Duterte noong kanyang kampanya na ib- Department of Finance. magbayad ng kulang-kulang P200 kada “Tier 2 Watch List”. Although these plac- The Hong Kong government said the aba ang binabayarang income tax. Kapag Kung tutuusin pala, ang anumang pa- buwan na dagdag gastos dahil sa mga es do not fully comply with the TVPA’s description was baseless. nagkataon ay magbibigay ng kaluwagan kinabang sa pagbaba ng income tax ay bagong buwis. minimum standards, they are making sig- It added that the government has spared ito sa maraming Pilipino. Pero ito ba’y babawiin naman sa pagtaas ng buwis sa Ganyan ka-tuso ang VAT. Anti-mahi- nificant efforts to bring themselves into no effort to safeguard the rights and bene- magandang reporma? O nakakapangam- mga kinokonsumong mga produkto ng rap talaga ito dahil mas tinatamaan nito compliance with those standards. fits of over 360,000 foreign domestic help- bang parusa? mga kabahayan. ay ang ordinaryong mamamayan tulad Those under this tier is also identified ers in the city. Ayon sa panukala, hindi na magba- Napatunayan ito sa isang pag-aaral na ng mga manggagawa, tsuper, estudyante, as places with “absolute number of vic- “FDHs enjoy the same statutory protec- bayad ng income tax ang mga sumasahod isinagawa ng Computer Professionals guro, at mga OFWs. Dahil lahat tayo ay tims of severe forms of trafficking is very tion under the labour law as local employ- ng mas mababa sa P250,000 kada taon. Union. Sa kanilang komputasyon, to- konsyumer, dadami pa ang mga produk- significant or is significantly increasing”; ees and they are further protected through Maging ang 13th month pay ay hindi na toong makakatipid naman ang mga pa- to at serbisyo na ating binibili na mapapa- “there is failure to provide evidence of the government-prescribed Standard rin bubuwisan. Tataas naman ang baba- milya lalo na yung sumasahod lamang tawan ng buwis. Kahit sabihin pa na lahat increasing efforts to combat severe forms Employment Contract, “ a government yarang income tax ng mga mayayaman. ng minimum wage sa Piipinas. Aabot din naman – mayaman o mahirap – ay pantay of trafficking in persons from the previous spokesman said. Pero ang hindi masyadong binabanggit ito sa mahigit P762 kada buwan. Subalit na mabubuwisan ng VAT, mas mabigat pa year”; or “the determination that a country To address concerns, the government ay ang katotohanan na papalawigin ang dahil nga sa pag-expand pa lalo ng VAT, rin ang tama nito sa mahihirap. is making significant efforts to bring itself has stepped up anti-trafficking in persons implementasyon at koleksyon ng Value tiyak na dadagdag din ang gastos ng ba- Aba’y buwisit pala talaga ang buwis na into compliance with minimum standards measures, which include a new mecha- Added Tax, mga excise taxes sa langis, wat pamilya sa kuryente, tubig, renta. ito! Hindi dapat suportahan ang Tax Re- was based on commitments by the coun- nism for TIP victim screening and identi- at maging asukal at mga sasakyan. Ang Dahil naman sa dagdag na excise tax – form Bill. Parusa ito! try to take additional future steps over the fication by the Police and the Immigration mga dating exempted sa VAT na mga ang lahat ng prduktong may asukal at gu- next year.” Department, the spokesman added.

Dear Editor Dear Editor, hikayat din ang mga biktima ng ganitong klaseng karapatan at responsibilidad naming bilang Foreign Mapagpalang araw sa inyong lahat na bumubuo ng gawain ng mga amo na magreport sa kinauukulan. Domestic Worker. Hong Kong News! Alam kong sa pamamagitan ng aking pagsulat sa Ang mga ito ay napakagagandang balita at kami Isa ako sa medyo matagal nang nagtratrabaho bi- inyong pahayagan, ay makakarating ang pasasala- ay mas umaasa pa na mas lalong mapaigting ang Jeneth P. Julve Managing Editor All rights reserved. No part of this lang Household Service Worker at marami na akong mat sa ating mga opisyales sa Konsulado at maging mga magagandang mga hakbang na ito para sa publication may be reproduced narinig na mga kapwa ko HSW na madalas dinadala sa POLO na ginagawa ang lahat para sa kapakanan aming kapakanan lalo na upang maiwasan ang mga Cheryl M. Arcibal Associate Editor without the written permission of ng kanilang mga amo sa China na kunwari ay magba- naming mga HSWs. pang-aabuso. the publisher. bakasyon ngunit ang totoo ay sapilitang pinagtratra- Nais ko ring papurihan ang HKID na ginagawa din Sa mga opisyales ng ating Konsulado at POLO, ang baho ng husto doon. ang karampatang mga aksyon upang mas mapagtu- HK Immigration Department at Labour Deparment – Belinda Bacani-Canezo Sales & Marketing Mgr Nabasa ko sa inyong FB Page na sa pamamagitan unan ng pansin ang kapakanan ng mga HSWs. Na- Mabuhay po kayo! Published by HK Publications Ltd. Unit 3-9, 10/F, Fook Hong Industrial Building, No.19 ng ating mga opisyales sa Konsulado at POLO ang tutuwa ako na magkakaroon ng Information Kiosk Sa patnugutan ng Hong Kong News maraming sala- Nin Tang Senior Designer Sheung Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon isyung ito ay mas bibigyang pansin ng Hong Kong sa July 9 at August 27 at sa mga susunod na buwan mat at more power! Telephone: 2851 1766 Fax: 2858 8979 E-mail: [email protected] Immigration Department(HKID). Ang HKID ay hini- na naglalayong palaganapin ang pagkamulat sa mga Sumasainyo, Lia G. PO Box # 60185 at Tsat Tsz Mui Post Office

Advertisers are responsible for the content and accuracy of their advertisements. Printed By: Superflag Printing and Communication Limited NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Hong Kong News will not be liable for inaccurate advertising and / or legal disputes involving third parties. 1/F., 8 Chun Ying Street, Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories, Hong Kong HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 ENTERTAINMENT 27 Joy Carbonell launches self-titled album

THE much awaited album of Prime- The very first season of the most popu- her humble desire to win. She received you tell her to do, and she develops the Credit’s Superstar Search grand winner lar and credible singing contest in Hong numerous prizes from PrimeCredit that idea to make it her own style. She’s very Joy Carbonell was launched on June 18, Kong for OFWs was held in 2010. Inter- day, but probably the most unforgettable dedicated to her craft. Joy sings my songs 2017 during the “Kasiyahan sa Kalayaan, estingly, Season 4 grand winner Joy was part was the opportunity to perform with with just the right emotions - not less and Kabayan!” event, a part of the 2017 Inde- Season 1’s first runner-up. After placing the Philippines’ Rock Maestro, Bamboo. not overacting. It is very crucial to put pendence Day celebration. The album, en- 1st runner-up in Season 1, Joy was greatly Bamboo’s first ever concert in Hong Kong the appropriate expression as not doing titled “Joy”, contains three original songs motivated to return to the competition and was held right after the Superstar Search so may lead to the total destruction of the all composed by Superstar Search musical eventually get the title of “Grand Winner”. Grand Finals at West Kowloon Cultural whole musicality. Joy did the right nuanc- director Nobel Gabasan. Six years passed since Season 1 and District. Joy and Bamboo delighted fans es to each piece exactly as what I had in The Superstar Search singing contest is Joy came back to the competition in April with their version of “Man in the Mirror mind when I was writing the songs.” PrimeCredit’s signature event for Over- 2016. Between 2010 and 2016, Joy honed “- their amazing energy bouncing off each For the first time ever, PrimeCredit has seas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Hong her singing pipes by being involved in dif- other during their performance. released Joy’s album digitally at Spotify, Kong. On November 2016, PrimeCredit ferent musical gigs – joining other singing Superstar Search Musical Director No- Apple Music, and iTunes. Proceeds from presented the much-awaited Grand Finals contests, performing with a band in chari- bel Gabasan shares about Joy: “Joy is an the sale of the music from iTunes will be The cover of Joy’s album of Superstar Search Season 4. ty events and concerts across Hong Kong, intelligent singer. She works on whatever for the benefit of Joy’s chosen charity. moving to China for a period of time to work as a band singer, and by becoming a soloist of Unsung Heroes, a communi- ty choir composed of domestic helpers in Hong Kong. This enriching musical journey has pre- pared Joy for her new role as a Singing Superstar. During the grand finals, thousands witnessed as Joy sang her heart out and inspired and impressed everyone with

Joy takes to the stage during the Joy performs with community choir “Unsung Heroes”. launching of her album. 28 ENTERTAINMENT July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK 2 GMA shows top social media posts

TWO of GMA Network’s biggest prime- WorldScreen.com released their Social comments during their premiere across the #KudosForTheFlashbacks.” pines that made it to the list, topping over time series this 2017, “Mulawin vs. Rave- Wit List for May 2017 where the sequel globe. According to the site, Mulawin Vs. On the other hand, My Love From the popular global productions which includ- na” and “My Love From The Star”, earned Mulawin Vs. Ravena ranked third and the Ravena’s premiere “drew around 104,000 Star garnered around 50,000 comments ed ones from the U.S. and . spots in the top 10 most-buzzed-about network’s local adaptation of the Kore- comments, and there was much buzz about and was speckled with the hashtags #Ku- Meanwhile, the other programs includ- shows worldwide according to a New anovela My Love From The Star ranked the #GreatCast and #Cinematography that dosToJennylynMercado, #FunPlot, and ed in the list are U.S.A.’s Dirty Dancing, York-based international media business fifth in the list of top ten new shows with had many viewers honoring the #Nostal- #GoodDirection. The two GMA-produced Twin Peaks, Beat Shazam, and Michael website. the most number of Facebook and Twitter gia and #GoodMemories it brought about: series are the only dramas from the Philip- Jackson: Searching for Neverland.

‘Mulawin vs. Ravena’ cast Angel nag-abot ng tulong sa Marawi City By Cristy Kasilag mga lugar pa din nakikita na pagtutulun- gan at nagbibigay ng libreng pagkain sa TILA isang anghel ang aktres na si Angel mga tao. Locsin na dumating sa Iligan City, Lanao Talagang pinapakita ni Angel, na kahit del Norte kamakailan para magbigay tu- wala siyang superpowers at hindi siya si long sa mga nawalan ng tahanan at napil- Darna, ay may magagawa siya. itan lumikas sa Marawi City. Lihim sa karamihan, dahil hindi naman Sa gitna ng gulo na nangyayari sa ito pinagyayabang ni Angel, ay mayroon Marawi City, kung saan libo na ang mga siyang dugong bughaw dahil parte siya nagsilikas sa mga iba’t-ibang evacuation ng isang royal family na tubong Mara- centers, ay nagtungo ang aktres. wi City. Ang kanyang lolo ay isa sa 15 Isa ang 32-taong gulang na si Angel, sultanates ng Marawi City. Sa katunayan na ang tunay na pangalan ay Angelica mayroon pa siyang mga kamag -anak na Locsin Colmenares, sa mga volunteer naninirahan sa Marawi. ng Rural Missionaries of the Philippines Pero kahit na maganda ang ginawa kung saan bumisita siya sa mga evacua- niya ay hindi pa din maiiwasan na may tion centers at nag bigay ng mga relief bumatikos siya o yung mga tinatawag na goods. Mayroon din siyang ID na vol- “bashers” na sinasabing publicity stunt unteer ng Joint Task Group Emergency lang daw iyon ng aktres. Preparedness Response sa Marawi. Hindi ito ang unang pagkakataon na Kung sisilipin ang mga post ni Angel nakita si Angel na nagbibigay tulong sa sa kanyang Instagram account ay na- mga nangangailangan. Sa katunayan ay karating si Angel sa Marawi City na pat- aktibo siya sa pagbibigay ng dugo sa uloy pa din binobomba ng militar dahil Philippine Red Cross (PRC). Pagkat- doon nagkukuta ang terroristang grupo apos ng Supertyphoon Yolanda nuong na Maute. taong 2013, isa si Angel sa mga arti- Nagpakita pa siya ng post airstrike na stang nagtungo sa Concepcion, Iloilo litrato sa kanyang Instagram account. kung saan mayroong 10,000 pamilya ang Pinakita din niya na kahit na mahirap naapektuhan. Nagabot sila ng mga relief ang buhay ngayon sa Lanao del Sur, may goods sa mga tao duon.

Buntis si Pokwang LABIS ang kaligayahan ng komedyanteng si Japan. Pokwang sa mga araw na ito dahil mag-dadala- Ayon kay O’Brian, na isa ding aktor, ay so- wang buwan na siyang buntis. bra silang masaya ni Pokwang na buntis siya Ipinagbubuntis ng 44-ayos na komedyante muli. Pinagdasal daw nila na mabuntis siya ang magiging anak nila ng kanyang Ameri- muli.Unang nagbuntis si Pokwang sa anak nila kanong live-in partner na si Lee O’Brian at labis ni O’Brian nuong taong 2015 ngunit siya ay daw ang pagkagalak nilang dalawa pati ang ka- nakunan. Ang abiso daw ng doktor sa aktres ay nilang mga pamilya sa biyaya na ipinagkaloob magpahinga, bed rest talaga dahil maselan ang sa kanila. Magiging unang apo sa pamilya ni kanyang pagbubuntis. Kaya naman iniwan muna O’Brian ang batang pinagbubuntis ni Pokwang. ni Pokwang ang kanyang mga commitments sa Nagkakilala sila Pokwang, na ang tunay na showbiz kahit na ang pagsali niya sa cast ng pangalan ay Marietta Subong, at si O’Brian long-running na palabas na “Ang Probinsyano”. noong taong 2015 sa set ng “Edsa Woolworth” Ang bilang nila ay sa Pebrero ng susunod na na pinalabas sa TFC (). taon pa manganganak ang aktres. Hindi pa nila Hindi ito ang unang anak ni Pokwang. May- alam kung ano ang magiging kasarian ng bata roon siyang anak na babae na si Ria Mae Subong pero kung lalaki daw ito ay isa sa magiging pan- sa dati niyang partner na ngayon ay nakabase sa galan nito ay “William”. Cristy Kasilag HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 29 30 ATBP July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK

Horoscope What’s Cooking? Those looking for easy and simple dish that spring onions Capricorn December 22 to January 19 combines both seafood and pasta, try this and season to Mas mabuti ang maraming utak na nag-iisip kaysa isa lang. Huwag ka Squid Balls in Pasta Soup. It’s savory and taste. Serve with sanang kontra nang kontra para naka-kontra lang. delicious too! Happy cooking! garlic bread.

Ingredients: 1 pack squid balls between 12-16 balls 1 pack twisted pasta, al dente and drain Aquarius January 20 to February 18 1 pack mixed vegetables Humanap ka ng bagong mapapakinabangan nang mabawasan ang 1 seafood broth stress sa buhay. Maari din namang balikan mo ang dati mong libangan Salt and pepper to taste kung iyon ang nakakakalma sa iyo noong araw. Procedure: For more Recipes, enroll at Culinary Arts 1. In a separate pot of boiling water cook Centre Pisces February 19 to March 20 pasta, al dente and drain. Kausapin mo ang pamilya, importante ang komunikasyon. Sa iyong sarili 2. In another pot boil seafood broth and M/F Cockloft, Wing Tat Commercial naman, magpahinga ka rin at ienjoy ang bunga ng iyong pinaghirapan. add squid balls and cook until they float Building, #97 Bonham Strand East, Sheung to the surface. Wan, Hong Kong 3. Divide pasta to serving bowls and ladle For more enquiries please call us at By Chef Jay cooked squid balls and soup stock over. 2850 7724 / 2850 7408 / 28507438 / Dator 4. Garnish with mixed vegetable, chopped 28507714 March 21 to April 19 Aries May nagagawa ang magandang panahon sa iyo. Mas marami ang Juan: Anong first name ni Janno? Juan: Anong apelyido ni Denzel? Pedro: Ano? nakakapansin na mabuti kang makisama at gusto ka nilang kaibigan o Pedro: Ano? Juan: Eh di, Eduman Janno ( Edu Manzano) kasama sa trabaho. Juan: Eh di, Denzel Weta ( Dawn Zulueta) Juan: Anong first name ni Squall? Juan: Anong apelyido ni Curly? Pedro: Ano? Pedro: Ano? Juan: Eh di, Piolopa Squall ( Piolo Pascual) Taurus April 20 to May 20 Juan: Eh di Curly Gazpi ( Kier Legazpi) Juan: Ano ang first name ni Basilio? Buwenas ang trabaho sa panahong ito. Gamitin mo itong oportunidad Juan: Anong last name ni Anchor? Pedro: Ano? upang makilala ng mga importanteng tao na makapagbibigay sa iyo ng Pedro: Ano? Juan: Eh di, Lacto Basilio ( Lactobacillus) negosyo o projects. Juan: Eh di Anchor Tis ( Anne Curtis) Juan: Ano ang first name ni Kenny G? Juan: Ano ang last name ni Jewel? Pedro: Ano? Juan: Anong apelyido ni Sisa? Pedro: Ano? Juan: Eh di Johnep Kenny G. ( John F. Kennedy) Pedro: Ano? Juan: Eh di, Jewel Torre (Joel Torre) Gemini May 21 to June 20 Juan: eh di Sisa Mistrit (Sesame Street) Juan: Ano ang first name ni Volta? Mag- break ka muna. Huwag mong papalampasin ang tag-araw na Juan: Anong last name ni Kula? Pedro: Ano? Juan: Anong apelyido ni Cedie? Pedro: Ano? Juan: Eh di, Johntra Volta ( John Travolta) nakatago ka sa iyong bahay o sa iyong trabaho. Pedro: Ano? Juan: Eh di Kula Desma ( Kuh Ledesma) Juan: : Cedie Player (CD Player) Juan: Anong first name ni Diether? Juan: Anong apelyido ni Christopher? Pedro: Ano? Juan: Anong apelyido ni Beast? Pedro: Ano? Juan: Eh di,Tirso Cruz Diether (Tirso Cruz the Pedro: Ano? Juan: Christopher Minute ( Cristy Per Minute) Third) Juan: Eh di Beast Kwit ( Biscuit) Cancer June 21 to July 22 Juan: Anong first name ni Keno? Juan: Ano sa Chinese ang “Mommy tignan mo Pag-aralan mong mabuti kung ano ang direksyon na tatahakin mo at Juan: Ano ang first name ni Nemo? Pedro: Ano? yong buwan? nang ang mga umaasa sa iyo ay hindi nakabitin sa balag ng alanganin. Pedro: Ano? Juan: Eh di, Krisa Keno ( Kris Aquino) Pedro: Ano? Juan: Sarahgero Nemo (Sarah Geronimo) Mas makapagplano kung hindi magulo ang isip. Juan: Eh di, MaMonLuk (Chinese Restaurant)

Leo July 23 to August 22 Kung single ka, may napupusuan kang mas bata sa iyo.Baka sa kanya ka Crossword Puzzle na maging maligaya.

PAHALANG 38 Hindi swerte 1 Maruming insekto 39 Bulong Virgo August 23 to September 22 5 Kiss; Tagalog Huwag kang matakot sabihin ang nasa loob mo. Mas mabuti ang 10 Hanga nagsasabi ng tapat sa umpisa. 11 Pagsasamantala PABABA 12 Palayaw ni 1 Itapon Dominador 2 Partner ni Dida 13 Talima 3 Nose: Tagalog Libra September 23 to October 22 14 Yunit ng timbang 4 Tawag sa guro Magtanong ka. Hindi ka magiging maligaya kung sususundin mo ang gusto nila kahit sa palagay mo ay taliwas sa gusto mo. 15 Tatay 5 Klase ng isda 17 Tula 6 ___ Sayyaf 18 Tauhan ni King 7 Pagkamatay sa tubig Arthur 8 Usog Answer to last puzzle Scorpio October 23 to November 21 21 Youth Assembly 9 Tatak ng camera Kung may pera kang pwedeng gawing puhunan, pag-aralan mo ang 22 Pangatnig 15 Bayan sa Pangasinan detalye. Mahirap nang mabawi ang pera kapag nakapirma ka na. 24 Manipis na panloob 16 Martial Arts 28 Barkilyos 19 ___ Medel 30 Nanay 20 Mr. Agustin 31 Una sa takdang oras 23 Parte ng baboy 27 Yakap Sagittarius November 22 to December 21 33 Gamit panligo 24 Kabisera ng 29 Hita Mukhang tuloy na tuloy na ang plano mong bumiyahe sa malayong lugar. Siguraduhin mong malusog ka at ang mga kasama mo. 35 Sitaw Afghanistan 32 Sigla 36 Isuplong 25 Hindi out 34 ___ Engkantada 37 Upuan ng hari 26 Baryo 35 ___ Mina HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK July 1, 2017 31 32 July 1, 2017 HONGKONGNEWS.COM.HK