May 7, 2025
Breaking News, Trending Topic, Sports and Pop Culture
The news for all OFWs
Commission on Election (COMELEC) just extended the enrolment period for internet voting until May 10th, this is to encourage registered Filipinos voters abroad to vote this coming election. Once enrolled, you can start voting until 7:00 PM of May 12th (Ph Time).
To enroll;, please visit: https://ov.comelec.gov.ph/enroll.
An SUV crashed into the entrance of NAIA Terminal 1 Departure area on Sunday morning May 4th. According to the police, two died and three injured because of the incident.
You can watch CCTV footage of the incident as posted by @ABC-CBN News.
WATCH: CCTV footage shows how an SUV crashed into the departure entrance of NAIA Terminal 1 on Sunday morning, May 4.
The incident left two people dead and three injured, according to police.
(Video courtesy of Raoul Esperas)
Read more: https://t.co/IAqYVQQc6g pic.twitter.com/7PHqoWN6i8
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) May 4, 2025
In a follow-up report, LTO ordered the 90-day suspension of the license of the driver involved in the NAIA Terminal 1 accident and NAIA Infra Corp. will “provide immediate aid to the victims of the car crash.”
Not a good way to start the week! 🙁
Following President Marcos Jr.’s order to safeguard overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from illegal recruitment, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted an entrapment operation on April 28, 2025, leading to the closure of a church in Baras, Rizal.
Migrant Workers Secretary Cacdac directed the shutdown of Faithful Promise Foundation Philippines Inc., also known as Faithful Promise of Jesus Christ the Greatest Master Phil. Inc. and Faithful Promise Church in the Philippines, located in Santo Niño Compound, Sitio Paenaan, Baras, Rizal. The church was found to be illegally recruiting individuals for jobs in Japan, Korea, and Papua New Guinea.
Undersecretary Olalia explained that the operation followed surveillance and the arrest of Pastora Esclarmonde Estrada Basalio, who was recruiting without DMW authorization. He stated that initial victims were fellow parishioners who reported the illegal activities, which were subsequently validated. Olalia noted instances of offloaded workers, ongoing illegal fee collection, and the recruitment of both departed and prospective OFWs. He emphasized that undocumented or improperly documented departures put lives at risk, underscoring the DMW’s concern for the well-being of OFWs and their families.
NBI Cavite North District Office Chief Nuqui revealed that the recruiter charged victims Php50,000 for processing and documents under the pretense of community work. He also reported receiving information about victims who arrived in other countries without the promised jobs.
Assistant Secretary Alcantara indicated that most victims were destined for construction and basic elementary occupations in Japan. The recruiter allegedly promised various jobs, including factory workers, tea pickers, clerks, accountants, mechanical engineers, and construction workers in Japan, Korea, and Papua New Guinea, with salaries ranging from Php36,000 to Php120,000.
Victims were reportedly issued tourist visas under the guise of missionary work and instructed to misrepresent their purpose to Immigration. Some were prevented from leaving, others were already deployed, and some were awaiting departure.
The closure operation was a joint effort by the DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) and the NBI. The DMW encourages individuals victimized by this religious group to report their cases to the MWPB via the hotline +63 2 8721-0619, email mwpb@dmw.gov.ph, or Facebook page (@dmwairtip.
Source: @dmw.gov.ph
Here’s some bad news for the frequent flyer, sincce the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), through Memorandum Circular 019-2025, has announced that they will be increasing Passenger Service Charges (PSC) or terminal fees for the first time in about 20 years.
The adjustment will take effect for tickets purchased on or after April 21, 2025. Previous rates will apply for tickets bought before April 21st. CAAP explained that the increased fees will be use to fund necessary upgrades and improve passenger experience at CAAP-managed airports nationwide.
Below are the updated PSC/Terminal fees;
CAAP said that the adjustment, driven by inflation and rising costs, will enable them to maintain safety standards and enhance airport facilities, especially in regional areas crucial for tourism and economic growth. Childen under 2 years old, OFW, Transite passenger and those who are denied entry are excempted from paying terminal fees.
Source: @caaphilippines
Tesla is about to open its first shop in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The launch event will be at the Bujairi Terrace on April 10. There the company will showcase their “global bestselling lineup and step into a world powered by solar energy, sustained by batteries, and driven by electric vehicles.”
Tesla also plans to show their newest product/service the Cybercab a.k.a. the Robotaxi, an upcoming two-passenger battery-electric self-driving car and Optimus, “a general purpose, bi-pedal, autonomous humanoid robot capable of performing unsafe, repetitive or boring tasks.”
If you are interested in attending the Tesla launch event, you can sign up here.
This article was originally published on allthingsev.net as Tesla opening its first store in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo will travel to Munich, Germany, and London, UK, from February 14-19, 2025. His trip focuses on discussions with international partners regarding regional issues and strengthening bilateral ties, particularly concerning the rules-based international order and the rule of law.
In Munich (February 14-16), Secretary Manalo will participate in the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC), a leading international security forum. He will lead a roundtable discussion on “Making Waves: Maritime Tensions in the Indo-Pacific” on February 15th. He also plans to meet with several counterparts on the sidelines of the MSC, including the US Secretary of State and the European Commission’s Vice-President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Following the MSC, Secretary Manalo will travel to London for bilateral meetings with UK officials. He will also engage with Asia House, a think tank connecting businesses and governments, and participate in a dialogue with Chatham House, a prominent international affairs think tank.
These visits are significant, occurring after the Philippines’ 70th anniversary of relations with Germany in 2024 and preceding the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties with the UK in 2026.
On 14-19 February 2025, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo will embark on visits to Munich, Germany and London, United Kingdom.
Read full story 👉🏻 https://t.co/hRKNs4tq6b#DFAForgingAhead pic.twitter.com/yGJ4uvPZvD— DFA Philippines 🇵🇭 (@DFAPHL) February 13, 2025
Riyadh Public Transport (RPT) has announced that the Riyadh Metro Orange Line has officially open today, January 5, 2025. The announcement was made on their social media accounts and on Saudi Press Agency, more than a month after King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated the Riyadh Metro.
Effective tomorrow, Sunday , January 5,2025 #RiyadhMetro expands it’s journey with the introduction of the orange line , connecting the city like never before through five new stations
Welcome aboard the orange line 🤝#GETTINGTHEREISCLOSER pic.twitter.com/i1ExggpmNX
— النقل العام لمدينة الرياض (@RiyadhTransport) January 4, 2025
Out of the 22 stations 5 stations will initially be operations; Jeddah Road (11), Tuwaiq (Station 12), Ad Douh (Station 13), Harun Al Rashid Road (Station 29), Al Naseem (Station 30) which connects to the Purple Line Station 21.
Together with the opening of Riyadh Metro Orange Line, RPT also announced the opening of three new stations on the Blue line: Al Murooj (Station 14), Bank Albilad (Station 21) and King Fahad Library (Station 22).
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced that starting December 30th, all flights in Riyadh will depart and arrive at Terminal 3 of King Khalid International Airport. PAL currently uses Terminal 2 for its arriving and departing flights, and the reassignment may be the result of the ongoing renovations and developments happening at the airport.
King Khalid International Airport is undergoing a major expansion and modernization program, which includes the redevelopment of several terminals. As part of this project, some airlines have been relocated to different terminals to accommodate the construction and improve passenger flow.
‘EVERY FILIPINO LIFE IS WORTH SAVING’
Former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras reveals how the late former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III went to extraordinary lengths to save Mary Jane Velos just hours before her scheduled execution in 2015. #AtTheForefront
Just in case people forget or have amensia, this is where the foundation was formed that made it possible for Mary Jane Veloso to return home to the Philippines.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has launched its e-Visa system for Indian nationals. Indian nationals may apply for e-Visas remotely by visiting the official website (evisa.gov.ph) and paying e-Visa fees online via direct bank transfer in a secure manner. This follows a successful trial period and aims to improve user experience. The soft launching and beta testing was done in August 2023.
Over 7,000 Indians have already used the system with positive feedback. The applicants were able to navigate the e-Visa system with general ease and reported positive feedback for its convenience, user-friendliness, and reliability.
Philippine e-Visa System is part of the Philippines’ digital transformation plan mentioned during the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 22 July 2024.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated the Riyadh Metro, a major public transport project in Saudi Arabia. The metro network spans 176 kilometers across 6 lines and 85 stations. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud expressed gratitude to the King for his support and visionary leadership.
Riyadh Metro will initially open 3 lines by December 1st, then another 2 line on the 15th of December and the remaining line on the first week of January.
December 1, 2024
December 15, 2024
January 5, 2024
The project was launched following comprehensive studies on Riyadh’s public transport needs and is designed to meet the city’s current and future mobility requirements. The Riyadh Metro is expected to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced that “a total of 290 overseas Filipinos from Lebanon have returned home safely via Philippine-government chartered flight landed today, October 26, 2024 at 3:03pm at NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City.”
This is the largest batch of repatriates that is composed of 233 OFW with 13 dependents, and 21 Filipinos with 23 dependents. The returning Filipinos were accompanied by MWO Attaché to Alkhobar, Hector B. Cruz, Jr. from Beirut to Manila.
The repatriation of this batch brings to a total of 903 OFWs and 47 dependents from Lebanon who have been repatriated through the Government’s voluntary repatriation program, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
DMW – Ten Filipino crew members from the M/V Minoan Courage safely returned to the Philippines on October 23, 2024. They were the last group of 21 Filipino seafarers aboard the Greek bulker that was attacked in the Red Sea on October 1. The previous groups of 11 seafarers returned on October 9 and October 13.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) worked together with the manning agency and the shipowner to bring the seafarers home. The agency provided hotel accommodations for the repatriates while they await psychiatric evaluations.
DMW and OWWA will provide assistance to the seafarers, including through the DMW AKSYON Fund. DMW Seabased Accreditation Bureau Director Augusto San Diego III, OWWA Director Falconi Millar, and manning agency representatives welcomed the seafarers upon their arrival.
via @dmw.gov.ph
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announce that seventy-six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with two dependents from Lebanon arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Sunday, October 20, 2024, aboard Emirates EK 334.
This batch of repatriation brings the total number of 636 OFWs and 32 dependents from Lebanon who have been repatriated under the government’s voluntary repatriation program.
Department of Foreign Affairs’ Level 3 travel advisory for Lebanon still stands even though the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has escalated after “Hezbollah confirmed that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had been killed in an Israeli air strike on residential buildings in Beirut.”
DFA’s Level 3 travel advisory means repatriation is still voluntary for all OFW in the country.
Source: @dmw.gov.ph
Situated in the central region of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh serves as the nation’s legislative, financial, administrative, diplomatic and commercial hub, home to over seven million inhabitants.
Covering an area of around 1550 sq km, the city sits at approximately 600 m above sea level on the eastern part of the Najd plateau in the Arabian Peninsula. Like much of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has a desert climate with extreme summer temperatures that can reach up to 50°C.
The image prominently features the city’s grid-like street system, which consists of square blocks measuring around two km one each side, forming an extensive network across the urban landscape.
It’s hard to get lost when you know that you will always end up on same road if you keep turning right. Also, as beautiful as this picture, the photo of Riyadh at night that NASA released in 2012 is much dramatic and detailed.
In a facebook post, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said that “another batch 45 OFWs with two children from Lebanon have safely returned home, bringing to a total of 525 OFWs and 30 dependents who have been repatriated through the government’s voluntary repatriation program.”
DMW added that “the batch arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City this afternoon, October 17, 2024, via Kuwait Airways 417.”
OFW in Lebanon have been affected by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which started with Israel’s war on Gaza last October 2023. The conflict only escalated when “Hezbollah confirmed that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had been killed in an Israeli air strike on residential buildings in Beirut, which Israel claimed were above Hezbollah’s headquarters, on the night of Friday, September 27.” as reported by Aljazeera.
Anna Felicia Bajo, GMA Integrated News;
Over a hundred Filipinos have been pardoned in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced Tuesday, following his phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
A welcoming news after an OFW was executed in Saudi, specially if you take in consideration that a total of 143 have been pardoned by the UAE government.
In a special ceremony, Aster Sanad has announce that they are opening a specialized Philippine OB/GYN clinic in Riyadh. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held last Wednesday, October 10th with their special guest Ms. Lucille Gayaman, Assistant Labor Attaché of the Embassy of the Philippines in Riyadh with Aster Sanad CEO, Dr. Essam Algamdi and OB/GYN Doctor Allyn Abuy.
We are pleased to announce the opening of our specialized Philippine OB/GYN clinic in Riyadh, dedicated to serving Filipino women!
A special thanks to Ms. Lucille T. Gayaman for attending the opening ceremony with our CEO, Dr. Essam Algamdi.
We also offer special discounts and exclusive packages on all hospital services to ensure high-quality, affordable care.
Because we always care about you at #Aster_Sanad_Hospital, you can now #book your #appointment by contacting us at 📞 920004417
Sherylin Untalan, GMA Integrated News;
A total of 192 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Lebanon are set to be repatriated until the end of the month, according to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Thursday.
At a Palace briefing, Cacdac said the Filipinos are being booked in different commercial flights starting Friday, October 11, while 11 are set to arrive this weekend.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), posted on their official facebook page that the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon “has received 1,721 applications for repatriation, with 511 Filipinos successfully returned home.”
And in a press briefing with DMW and OWWA, an additional 400 Filipinos, today.
Jojo Dass, writing for GMA News;
An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) here, who used to work as gym receptionist, now runs a bakeshop selling “binatog.” And it has been such a big hit that he was able to buy a house and lot plus a car in the Philippines from sales.
An inspiring story for all OFW, including me, who left our home country to find a living in a foreign land.
I also someone who works as a tea boy/cleaner here in Saudi Arabia but building his dream house in the Philippines… paycheck after paycheck!
I encourage you to read the whole story from GMA News Pinoy Abroad.
Michelle Abad with reports from Bea Cupin, reporting for Rappler;
A Filipino on death row in Saudi Arabia has been executed, the Philippine government said on Tuesday, October 8.
“We regret to confirm the news that a Filipino has been executed in Saudi Arabia for murder,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
The Philippine government provided legal assistance and exhausted remedies to save the Filipino’s life, including sending a presidential letter of appeal to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. But the victim’s family refused to accept blood money in return for forgiveness of the Filipino, and so the death penalty was meted, the DFA said.
According to Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, the overseas Filipino worker pleaded guilty to the crime. The victim was the OFW’s Saudi Arabian business partner, and the incident happened in 2020.
Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia release the following statement;
A very sad moment for all OFW in Saudi Arabia.
The Rappler also reports that according to DFA there are still “nine Filipinos remain on death row in Saudi Arabia.”
Riyadh Season is coming back, bigger and better than ever! 🎉 But this time, there's a more fun way to experience it with webook… Stay tuned for more! 👀 #riyadhseason #RiyadhSeason2024 #riyadh_season #webook
— webook.com | We're All About Fun (@webook) September 30, 2024
What is Riyadh Season?
Riyadh Season is one of the world’s largest winter entertainment event. Variety of food from around the world, courtesy of exclusive restaurants — plus countless exciting surprises. The festivities capture the essence of Saudi, from its Najdi heritage to its present-day dynamism.
When will it start?
Riyadh Season will kick-off this October 12th.
Where to get more information?
To know more about Riyadh Season and the events, you can go to https://riyadhseason.com/en-US or the Riyadh Season section of https://webook.com/.
Dave LLavanes Jr., writing for GMA News;
All Philippine consulates in the United States will implement online voting for the upcoming midterm elections in May of next year.
New York Consul General Senen Mangalile said this is part of Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 11061 which directs Philippine embassies and consulates in the US to implement internet-based online voting.
Hopefully they also implement online voting in other embassies and consulates, so other OFW can place their votes.
Michelle Abad, writing for Rappler;
As of Saturday, September 7, the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate general in Dubai said they have assisted at least 2,053 Filipinos looking to avail of the amnesty. The program, which began on September 1 and will end on October 30, seeks to help visa or residency violators legally stay in the UAE, or return to the Philippines without legal repercussions.
Here the the official announcement of Philippine Embassy in UAE;
Simula nang ilunsad ang Programang Amnestiya ng UAE noong ika-1 ng Setyembre, ang Pasuguan ng Pilipinas sa Abu Dhabi at ang Konsuladong Pangkalahatan ng Pilipinas sa Dubai ay nagbigay tulong sa kabuuang bilang na 2,053 Pilipinong nagnanais makinabang mula sa programa ng UAE na nag-aalis ng mga multa sa overstaying at absconding. Ang programang ito ay nagbibigay-daan sa mga nais magpatuloy sa kanilang pagtatrabaho sa UAE o bumalik sa Pilipinas nang walang legal na kaparusahan.
Isang malaking bilang ng mga aplikante sa Pasuguan at Konsulado ang nagpa-renew o nag-apply ng kapalit ng kanilang nawawalang pasaporte bilang unang hakbang upang ayusin ang kanilang pananatili sa UAE. Ang ilan, na matagal nang nahiwalay sa kanilang pamilya, ay nag-apply ng travel document upang makakuha ng mga exit pass at humingi ng tulong sa repatriation mula sa Migrant Workers Office (MWO) at OWWA. Bukod dito, may ilang pamilya ang humingi ng tulong sa pagkuha ng mga dokumento para sa kanilang mga menor-de-edad na anak upang maayos ang kanilang immigration status. Ang Programang Amnestiya ngayong taon ay nagbibigay ng pag-asa sa mga pamilyang Pilipino, partikular sa mga bata, na makikinabang rin sa pagkakataong ito.
For OFW who wants to apply for the UAE amnesty, you can follow the UAE Amnesty Program Guidelines released by the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor Gulf News;
Saudi Arabia has announced a four-day holiday to celebrate its 94th National Day, which falls on September 23, 2024. This year, National Day falls on Monday, extending the weekend from Friday through Monday.
Another long weekend for OFW in Saudi Arabia.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv, Israel just issue an advisory regarding the “State of War alert” issued by Israel.
𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞: “𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭” 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐥
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW, the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv, Israel (PE-Tel-Aviv) and the Migrant Workers Office – Israel (MWO) are closely monitoring the situation of Filipinos in affected areas in the wake of the “State of War alert” issued by Israel’s Home Front Command.Filipino community (FilCom) leaders are in touch with their members. They report that they remain calm and are accounted for. FilCom leaders remain in contact with the Philippine Embassy and MWO.
Filipinos in Israel are advised to take specific precautionary safety measures and follow the instructions provided by the Israeli Homefront Command.
The DMW and OWWA has set up a 24/7 Task Force Israel Desk for OFWs in Israel and their families. Please call Hotline +63 2 1348 or the following WhatsApp and Viber nos: +63 9083268344 | +63 9271478186 | +63 9205171059.One OFW family has sought assistance from the DMW. We have contacted the concerned OFW. She is safe and sound.
Please standby for further announcements as the situation develops in Israel.
###
𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞: “𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭” 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐥 pic.twitter.com/ZUTAYInlR2
— Department of Migrant Workers – Philippines (@DMWPHL) October 7, 2023