Hong Kong employer banned from hiring Pinoy helpers

MANILA, Philippines — After receiving a suspended jail sentence for assaulting a Filipina domestic helper, a retired teacher and her family in Hong Kong are now barred from hiring Filipino household service workers.

“I have instructed Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, who is in charge of adjudication, to ban Chow Ching Yee and her entire household from hiring a Filipino domestic helper for life,” Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople said.

Ople said she just spoke with Filipina worker Ruby Caman and learned that she now has a new employer and is doing well.

According to Ople, Caman will receive a subsistence allowance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and school financial assistance for her 10-year-old daughter.

Last Monday, a Hong Kong court sentenced Chow to four weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, after she pleaded guilty to the charge of common assault for attacking Caman when the latter refused to massage her hands.

The court suspended the sentence after finding she had no previous record of physical abuse.

The DMW commended Caman for standing up for her rights.Ople said the DMW will continue advocating against all forms of violence and harassment in the workplace.