Pinay helper seeks HK$250,000 in damages over alleged job dismissal because of cancer

A Filipino domestic helper is seeking more than HK$250,000 in damages, alleging that she was dismissed by her employer after learning she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

As reported by Hong Kong outlet The Standard, Mary Ann Allas Pereira is continuing the case of her sister, Baby Jane Teodoro Allas, as her estate administrator following her death in 2021.

The Equal Opportunities Commission filed a claim in the District Court on behalf of Allas. According to them, the OFW was unlawfully dismissed after her diagnosis. 

At an assessment hearing on June 25, Pereira testified that Allas received a dismissal notice only days after the latter's then-employer was informed about her battle with cervical cancer. She said that the termination letter listed it as among the reasons for ending her employment.

Pereira said her sister was left emotionally devastated by the dismissal, claiming she often cried, stopped eating regularly, and isolated herself while continuing cancer treatment. She added that Allas remained in Hong Kong on a visitor visa to pursue labor claims while continuing to provide for her five children in the Philippines.

Another witness, Jessica Cutera, who housed Allas after her dismissal, testified that she assisted with food and other expenses while the late domestic worker struggled emotionally and financially.

The compensation being sought in the lawsuit amounts to P1.9 million for lost income, emotional suffering, and medical costs.

During the hearing, the court viewed a documentary produced by the Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions to help with the decision. 

Per The Standard, defendant Jamil Bushra failed to appear throughout the proceedings and did not comply with a previous HK$30,000 (over P235,000) award issued by the Labor Tribunal.

The court is expected to issue its decision on the case by Sept. 25.