HK Lawmaker Sought A Ban On Filipino Domestic Helpers

The dream of our Filipino maids in Hongkong and those planning to work in Hongkong can possibly be shattered any time soon.

Albert Chan, a Hongkong lawmaker, is seeking for Filipino maids to be banned in entering and working in the country if President Aquino won't apologize for the August 23, 2010 hostage crisis that took the lives of 8 Hongkong tourists following the failed rescue attempt by the authorities. The lawmaker is also looking to ban all Filipinos in HK eventually.

Chan's proposal however is getting a not so positive reactions from the security minister, legislators and even the family of one of the victims of the unfortunate event three years ago. They are very much concerned about its effects, with most HK residents labeling the proposal as racist.

A few days ago, HK journalists were barred in entering any forum during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Bali, Indonesia after shouting to the Philippine President and demanding for an apology.

The president offered his condolences but was firm in telling that the incident was an act  of one man and not the country as a whole.

Malacañang described the proposal made by Chan as "unfortunate". However, if the ban pushes through, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has a contingency plan, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said