Though it’s not an encouraged practice, many of our kababayan still apply for loan overseas. And while this is typically done out of dire need or for intentions that would benefit their families above all, sometimes people use means that would either put them or others at a difficult situation.
Generally speaking, getting a loan is not as ideal as saving up for something that you need to buy out of your own pocket because the only risk you’re putting upon yourself is your choice of purchase or spending, without becoming tied to anybody, especially by pawning a travel document such as your passport.
Filipina Visiting Macau Arrested for Alleged Loan Fraud
A Filipina domestic helper who had gone to Macau for a visit had been arrested over allegations of taking out a loan worth HKD 20,000 from a lending firm back in 2016 using a terminated contract, as shared in a report by the Sun.
The Filipina, Melessa Francisco, 27, was denied bail by Magistrate Peter Law when she appeared on court last February 8, a day after she had been arrested at the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan while attempting to return to the SAR.
According to police reports, no plea was taken from the accused as per prosecution, which rejected the Filipina’s bail application for absconding in 2017 while on police bail.
The case originated from the Filipina’s alleged dishonesty when she took out a loan from Prime Credit on July 16, 2016 using an expired contract.
Later on, Francisco found a new employer, but did not attempt to repay the loan. By then, the loan company had discovered the deception and brought up the case to the police.
Magistrate Law’s decision to reject the accused’s application for bail of HKD 500 was based on the Filipina’s history of absconding in 2017. Furthermore, the judge cited the seriousness of the case and the defendant’s lack of local ties for upholding his decision.
However Magistrate Law also informed Francisco that she could try applying for bail in High Court until the case is reviewed once again on March 8.