Filipinos are known to be hardworking people. This can be attributed to our strong desire to help out our family and to bring them out of poverty. And as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), sometimes working one job is not enough to realize this goal.
However, we should also not forget that when we enter a contract with an employer, it is our duty to understand and comply with the provisions as stated. This is very important so as not to get into trouble with authorities, especially overseas.
Pinay Domestic Worker Accused of Illegal Hawking in HK
On Tuesday (March 19), a Filipina domestic worker who was facing three charges including hawking in the Central District on her rest day, pleaded not guilty in the Eastern Magistrates’ Court, as shared in a report by Hong Kong News.
The Pinay domestic worker, Mer Angeli GS, was facing three counts of selling and possessing counterfeit items, as well as breach of her conditions of stay.
According to court statements, the Filipina had been caught by undercover customs officer selling jackets with a fake brand at the open area of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Headquarters in Central in February of last year. Fifteen other counterfeit items were found in her possession, as well.
The area wherein the defendant was caught red-handed was a known hangout spot for Filipino domestic workers on their rest days.
As per Hong Kong law, foreign domestic workers are prohibited to take up other employment (full-time or part-time), or any form of profit-generating activities outside of their signed contract.
Violating this clause of the contract serves as legal ground for termination, imprisonment, and even deportation of the accused, as sanctioned by the immigration department.
Judge Peter Law has scheduled the trial for the case on April 12.