Sad, certainly, but would you have it any other way? The reality is that he wouldn't be able to meet the financial requirements - certainly not in the immediate future - so he should be treated the same as any other British husband wishing to bring his family to the UK. UKBA are most unlikely to treat his as a "special case" because that would open the flood gates to many more claiming their's is a "special case".
But had they not spent so long in prison on remand, it could be possible they might have moved to the UK under the old rules but now that chance has been robbed from them. That all said, I hope if they do want to come to the UK then they can use the EEA route to get the family here. Given Kevin's health problems I wouldn't expect him to want to stick around in the Philippines much longer after release. I'm also guessing the Philippine authorities won't pay out any compensation for keeping them in prison for so long?
This was taken from the recent newspaper article. It does give some additional hope. The UK government always has discretional powers with immigration. I guess that whether or not they use any when the time comes would depend on how they viewed the Taylors involvement in any illegal activity.
Parents have no cash left to bail son out of Filipino jail A father-of-three who has spent nearly four years in a Filipino jail may have to stay behind bars if he is granted bail – because his parents cannot raise the cash. Kevin Taylor and his wife Charlene, who are accused of running an illegal employment racket, have been held on remand while prosecutors drag out their case. The Adver told yesterday how the couple are being held in squalid conditions at San Mateo jail in Rizal, east of the country’s capital Manila. They face two out of 25 original charges, and could be released on bail next month. But Kevin’s parents, Gerald and Marie Taylor, of Stratton, have already spent their life savings on the case, and would have to come up with £3,500 for their son’s bail alone North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson MP, who is supporting the family, said: “A few weeks ago I held a further meeting with Kevin’s father. “It’s clear that the continued delays in Kevin’s case are causing his parents considerable stress, not to mention how Kevin himself must be coping. As a result of our meeting, I made further high-level representations to the Foreign Office. “We now know that all the charges against Kevin have been dropped, apart from two. “Court dates have been set for March 7 and 11 and the hope is that either the remaining cases will be dropped, or Kevin will be granted bail. “If that is the case, a considerable amount of money needs to be raised for the bond, and I know that will cause difficulties.” Kevin and Charlene, who have three daughters, ran a visa and travel consultancy in Manila. They deny breaking laws in the Southeast Asian country which make it illegal to charge a fee to send workers abroad, but have not been able to challenge the allegations because complainants frequently fail to turn up in court Mr Tomlinson said: “If the cases are delayed yet again, I am pleased that the Foreign Office has now agreed with me that an official note should go from London to Manila asking the Philippines government to have the cases dealt with as soon as possible. “I will continue to support Mr and Mrs Taylor because this is an extremely difficult situation for them, but I am glad that we are now seeing some significant moves forward.” Kevin’s parents have paid for legal fees along with food and medicine. His father, Gerald, said: “The sum of money we would have to pay would be about £3,500, and with Charlene as well that would total about £5,000. “We have spent our life savings already and being pensioners we are really struggling. We just won’t be able to get the cash.” Kevin, 47, is suffering from severe depression, skin problems and back pain. He told in a letter to the Adver how he and his wife have been reduced to praying for help from the outside world to end their prison nightmare. Source:- http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/10244864._/
I hate to sound like the prophet of doom here but I will be very (pleasantly) surprised if Foreign Office/Embassy representations on the Taylors' behalf has a beneficial effect on their case; I fear that quite the opposite may be the result. I think it's a fair bet that someone connected with OFW recruitment and who has money and therefore influence is pulling the Judge's strings and very likely the Prosecutor's also. Furthermore, the Justice system here does not take kindly to foreign intervention.
Ive heard it said that imprisonment ordered by the Philippine justice department offers absolutely no excuse for the incarcerated foreigner not keeping his visa or 13a annual report up to date. Can you or anybody else on this thread please clarify these so called facts with a link to a Philippine Government website pointing us to this information? Thanks.
All the information you need is on the Bureau of Immigration's web site and is also available at any of its offices around the country. This includes the lists of requirements to accompany applications for each type of visa, the applicable fees and also the duties and responsibilities imposed on foreigners whilst they are in country. There is no "wiggle-room" provided: BoI officials interpret the regulations to the letter. Two examples: In December 2006, the 21 year-old American serviceman, Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, was jailed for the alleged rape of a 23 year-old Filipina known only as "Nicole". He was released on Appeal in April 2009 when "Nicole" recanted her original Affidavit and admitted that no rape had taken place. Smith was only able to leave the country upon payment to the BoI of fines and fees for being an overstayer. Similarly the Norwegian accused of the kidnap and murder of Ella Joy Pique and released after a month in custody, had to pay fines and fees before he was permitted to leave the country.
I remember both cases very well BUT I dont remember the Norwegian being held for very long.. He was extremely lucky that the NBI was ordered to investigate the case and eventually confirm their alibi largely because of security camera evidence found inside the Waterfront hotel.. I cant find any official document or news that states he was an over stayer and had to pay B.I fines etc after being released with his wife.. Not saying they dont exist,just that I`d like to see them. Smith was transferred early on to the US Embassy (after being found guilty)due to a Fil/US military agreement.. He stayed there(from memory) until his eventual release and repatriation at the expence of the U.S military.. I have not been able to find any information in regards him having to pay any B.I fines for "overstaying" at the behest of the R.P justice system. Please clarify with official info and links if you can find any.. I have looked and found nothing so far. Cant find anything on the B.I website either!! Not much good at internet searches am I!! lol. I have heard in the past that foreigners usually take the option of voluntary deportation after being locked up here.. Again..I cant clarify..
Not entirely true! read this case, http://www.religiouswatch.com/thread00171_adultery.htm they were rescued by Home Office on humanitarian grounds. I myself feel safer being British which is the reason I am not taking dual citizenship. If I do? British government will not get involve on rescuing me if I get into trouble in my own country! I am sorry to say but this is how I feel. There are pros and cons when it comes to having a dual nationality. I never feel that safe with our own government! just see how bad it is in the news! Filipinos abroad are taken for granted by our Embassy here in Saudi Arabia http://international.sueddeutsche.d...-workers-in-middle-east-accuse-own-embassy-of and also Kuwait.http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/189742/reftab/96/Default.aspx Do you guys happen to know where they detained this couple? I can ask my friend from Camp Crame to check this out for me.
Already posted on my FB so my friends can spread it! Also contacted former Mayor Lim from Manila. I wouldn't know about this if Aromulus didn't share me the link!
This is what we,as a yahoo group managed to gather up until a couple of years ago.. We still have members that visit them when they can in San Mateo Prison. Kevin and Charlene Taylor Chronology Preamble: This document has been compiled in an attempt to gain some clarity and answer some questions which have been raised across the expatriate groups showing current interest in this case. No inference is intended in this document. It attempts to set out a chronology of events surrounding the business operation of the Taylor’s, their arrest and subsequent detention. It has been compiled from a number of publicly available sources (listed at the end) and in general paraphrases the information found at these sources for ease of reading. Sometimes where a more detailed account for clarity was required, tracts have been reproduced in there entirety. In the main this information has come from the Taylor’s or their family. No documents have been found which give an alternative accounts and searches on the names of the principle accusers only appear to bring up the sources already used as their names appear in them. Other accounts may be available and if provided with the source shown, whether they agree or conflict with the comments and statements made here, they will be included in any update. Sept 2008 Taylor's Visa and Travel Consultancy was established in September 2008. The sole proprietor is Charlene Caballes. Aka Charlene Tambago (I believe this is her maiden name). Aka Charlene Taylor. Charlene was the live in partner of Kevin Taylor a Briton who lived in the Philippines with Charlene with whom he had three children November 2008 Ms. Rosemarie Jimenez (40yo) a friend of Charlene’s from a former job, was hired as a Documentation Manager. Her role included documentation, processing and interviewing clients. After three months, Marie asked if Charlene would hire her sister Helen Damasco as a receptionist. She was duly hired and her duties included assessing client needs and explaining Taylor’s services to clients. March 2009 new staff were hired after financial irregularities were found. Mary Garce was hired as a Finance Officer in charge of checking the money, cashier, paying taxes, SSS and other financial transactions at the office The alleged irregularities included: 1. Not paying the rental fees on time of the endorsement of the money to her. She uses the money first for couple of weeks before paying it back or returning. 2. Manipulating payroll. 3. Asking money to so called applicants entitled for change, but does not exist. 4. Asking monetary donations from clients. 5. Asking clients to buy foods such as sack of rice, vegetables, pansit, pizza, etc for her. 6. Calling clients to pay their processing fee by sending her the money through LBC and Western Union. Some of those fees were not remitted to TAYLORS. May 2009 an email was sent to Helen prohibiting her from handling company money. On that letter it was stated that as Marie is her sister, she would not be allowed to do financial transactions either and that the allegation on Financial discrepancy was still being investigated. On May 4, both Marie and Helen did not come to work. Taylor’s received their resignation by email Following this, threatening texts were received at the office saying that it would be closed, that the Taylor’s would be jailed, etc. Additionally current clients, received messages from the same phone numbers saying that they needed to file a complaint against the office for illegal recruitment. And that if they did not complain, they would also be involved in the case. May 15, 2009. A former client who FAILED the TOEIC TEST in April, went to the office and insisted on paying for a retake. (Having failed the qualifying test the process is stopped and a letter stating that they have failed the second screening is sent top the student. They must then decide whether to take a refund of their payments under the money back guarantee or take a retest). However, not everyone who failed can get a retake as Charlene had to evaluate the score first. Without her evaluation, clients cannot just pay for a retake and have a schedule. Due to this, the client’s payment for the retake was not allowed nor accepted by the staff at the office. However tye former client went to Ms. Graces' table and dropped the money on to it. Ms. Grace picked it and tried to return to him. As Grace was still holding the money, A CIDG Special Task Force Illegal Recruitment officer shouted that the staff were under arrest. Charlene then asked is if there was a warrant of arrest. She was shouted at and ignored. But one of the arresting officers asked where Kevin Taylor was. Charlene asked why they are looking for Kevin when she was the owner and it is a sole Proprietorship. Kevin, Charlene and the staff were taken to Camp Crame. Once there, no one from the CIDG talked to Charlene or read her or her staff their rights The students that she was teaching were interrogated by CIDG Officers and told to file a complain against the Taylor’s as illegal recruiters. But they refused to do so. Charlene was then told that there were 7 complaints against them from former clients who had all received refunds. At some point the 7 became 18 and negotiations about money started to take place with the lawyers. It was apparently stated that the figure should be high as a foreigner is involved. However the Taylor’s took the stance that they did not believe in bribery and would fight the charges. Because Charlene was heavily pregnant she was sent home. Kevin and the two staff members were detained 4 June 2009 Using a mobile phone smuggled into the jail Kevin was able to talk to the Swindon Advertiser. He reported appalling conditions and deteriorating health. Some time after, the former client who came to the office and handed money to the cashier contacted Charlene and made a confession. Richard Quizon’s Testimony: (Signed in front of a lawyer and was notarized) [complete tract included] 1. At around 2:00 in the afternoon May 15th he got a texted from Ms. Rosemarie Jimenez (my former employee) that she want to meet him near my office to discuss a very important matter. When he arrived he was told to that we are illegal recruiters and he must file a complaint against us for him to get money as she said Kevin and I have 3 million pesos. A part of it will be given to him as his share if he will be filing a complaint. On his confussion he asked her what should he do? He knows that he cannot continue his processing with my company as he failed the TOEIC test (upon failing the such exam, I automatically send them letter about the option of getting a refund from the processing fee that he paid to avail our services that is the P8,000 plus a 12% VAT/tax, if the client opted to refund he will get 80% of his payment; if he preferred to continue he must be re-evaluated without any cost and will be subjected for a retake. But this said retake is upon approval depending on the evaluation of the score). Rosemarie encourange him just to file a complaint so he can get a better share with the money that she told him we got. He was introduced to one of the CIDG officer and instructed him to pay his retake at the office. He was handed a P200 bill and instructed that soon as he arrives at the office he needs to hand the money to my cashier. But then because he hasnt been evaluated yet. When he arrived at the office his payment was refused by Mary Grace. He was so afraid at the moment as he knew our policy. Several times he wanted to just leave but then the arresting officer who was with him kept on looking at him waiting for him to give the money to my cashier. Because he was so scared instead on handling the money he dropped it on my cashier’s table. Mary Garce picked it up and returned to him. As soon as she picked the money, then the officer shouted already that we are arrested! Richard even ran outside the office after that. On the affidavits that the CIDG provided to the fiscal during the inquest, its was said that Richard made his complaint May 13th, which Richard denied and told us that after we had been arrested and was brought to the detention that night thats the only time he signed a file in the blank form affidavit. He didnt even noticed the date. Same as the other complainants, they were just texted by Rosemarie that evening after the arrest..stating the same promise to Richard as if they will complain they will get money there and then… 19 June 2009 Kevin and the staff were moved to San Mateo Municipal Jail, Nursery Compound, Guitnang Bayan I, San Mateo, Rizal Philippines. Here Kevin and the staff have had to pay protection money; for visitors; even to use a toilet; He sleeps on cardboard in disgusting and degrading conditions. He is at risk of theft of any meagre possessions including food which he may receive and assault. His health has deteriorated significantly since he was arrested and has a heart condition (ischemia) which led to a mild heart attack in 2009, Liver problems, T.B. and a UTI. Charlene continued to blog for weeks after her temporary release, posting heart rending letters from Kevin and of her feelings and experience. Her account of 3 July 2009 also included information that one of the staff (Ms. Rowena) had given birth and needed things for the baby as well as medication for Hep. B. 25 June 2010 the Swindon Advertiser ran a story about Kevin which gave this information: Kevin’s father Gerald Taylor, 68, and mother Marie, 65, said the couple have still not been formally charged and court hearings are often delayed because complainants fail to turn up. Mr and Mrs Taylor, said they are struggling to afford the spiralling costs after spending around £5,000 on legal costs and food and medical supplies…’I have sent the lawyer about £2,000. I don’t get any paperwork back from him saying what he has done. All we get is a phone call saying ‘hey, I need more money’.” The Taylors have been in contact with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and also with Prisoners Abroad, a charity which helps Brits in prison overseas throughout their ordeal. But Mrs Taylor said: “We just don’t seem to be getting any help from anybody. “I feel quite let down by our government. We had every confidence in the system in this country and we thought by following the rules it would work.” … All we keep getting is ‘we cannot intervene in another country’s business’. ‘Prisoners Abroad can only do so much. They have given him books, money and toiletries.” Charlene, who has two [sic] This should be three children by Kevin, was imprisoned as soon as she had given birth last year. The children are being looked after by members of her family. A few days later a further story appeared which added: Kevin spoke to the Advertiser from his jail cell. “I’m sleeping on a hardboard sheet – it’s about five feet by ten feet and seven of us sleep on it,” His family have now hired a new lawyer in the Philippines, who has informed them that there has been a miscarriage of justice and the case could be dropped within a month. “It’s never ending and the only help we have had is from my father. I’m quite worried about my parents and their health. “ “My trust has been absolutely destroyed and the only person I trust here is my wife.” “My trust in friends, trust in the authorities and the Department of Justice – there is none there at all.” At a court hearing last Friday only one of the 18 complainants against the couple appeared. This had been common throughout their ordeal and they faced at least two hearings every month because the Department of Justice had filed five separate cases against them. “We have been told the complainants are withdrawing their claims but the prosecutor won’t allow them to, before the case will be dismissed they must swear in front of the prosecutor and if he will not allow them to, the case will go on.” A new hearing has been scheduled for September 11 2010. August 13 2009 she wrote that she had been informed that her Warrant of Arrest would be served anytime that week and as far as I can see that was her last entry. 19 Jan 2011 Whilst I’m sure communication between Kevin, his parents and Charlene and her family was ongoing, nothing new had been heard in general until a member of Philippinedreams1 posted one (Can anyone remember?) it was this post by Zeffa06 which sparked of the hive of activity and debate which has ensued and hopefully will lead to justice for Kevin, Charlene and the staff 01 Feb 2011 Swindon Advertiser ran a new story after contact from one of the expatriates who now resides in the UK. And new bits of information came from that article. UK MP’s have been contacted and advised of concerns and actions and whilst ‘can’t comment’ is their general reply, I bet things will be moving behind closed doors ‘Kevin asked “Has anyone from the UK asked about me? Do they worry or bother about me? I told him that "baby, you are not forgotten!” Charlene Taylor Aug 2009 Sources: http://taylorstravel.webs.com/ http://taylorsqualifiedworkers.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html http://charlenetaylor.webs.com/ http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/ http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=1111111200 http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=1064865711
Thanks for the detailed information. I have emailed DOJ and former Mayor Lim regarding this matter. Dear Sirs, I should like to bring it to your attention, the case against Kevin and Charlene Taylor. I am born Filipino and is now British Citizen. I am very ashamed that this case had come to the British government attention that their fellow country man and his Filipina wife has been held and detained for almost 4 years without charges. I wonder if you could possibly take a look at this case before it brings more embarrassment to our country. Below is their story; Kevin and Charlene Taylor Parents have no cash left to bail son out of Filipino jail A father-of-three who has spent nearly four years in a Filipino jail may have to stay behind bars if he is granted bail – because his parents cannot raise the cash. Kevin Taylor and his wife Charlene, who are accused of running an illegal employment racket, have been held on remand while prosecutors drag out their case. The Adver told yesterday how the couple are being held in squalid conditions at San Mateo jail in Rizal, east of the country’s capital Manila. They face two out of 25 original charges, and could be released on bail next month. But Kevin’s parents, Gerald and Marie Taylor, of Stratton, have already spent their life savings on the case, and would have to come up with £3,500 for their son’s bail alone North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson MP, who is supporting the family, said: “A few weeks ago I held a further meeting with Kevin’s father. “It’s clear that the continued delays in Kevin’s case are causing his parents considerable stress, not to mention how Kevin himself must be coping. As a result of our meeting, I made further high-level representations to the Foreign Office. “We now know that all the charges against Kevin have been dropped, apart from two. “Court dates have been set for March 7 and 11 and the hope is that either the remaining cases will be dropped, or Kevin will be granted bail. “If that is the case, a considerable amount of money needs to be raised for the bond, and I know that will cause difficulties.” Kevin and Charlene, who have three daughters, ran a visa and travel consultancy in Manila. They deny breaking laws in the Southeast Asian country which make it illegal to charge a fee to send workers abroad, but have not been able to challenge the allegations because complainants frequently fail to turn up in court Mr Tomlinson said: “If the cases are delayed yet again, I am pleased that the Foreign Office has now agreed with me that an official note should go from London to Manila asking the Philippines government to have the cases dealt with as soon as possible. “I will continue to support Mr and Mrs Taylor because this is an extremely difficult situation for them, but I am glad that we are now seeing some significant moves forward.” Kevin’s parents have paid for legal fees along with food and medicine. His father, Gerald, said: “The sum of money we would have to pay would be about £3,500, and with Charlene as well that would total about £5,000. “We have spent our life savings already and being pensioners we are really struggling. We just won’t be able to get the cash.” Kevin, 47, is suffering from severe depression, skin problems and back pain. He told in a letter to the Adver how he and his wife have been reduced to praying for help from the outside world to end their prison nightmare. Source:- http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/10244864._/ I also emailed Jerome (my friend) who work at Camp Crame. Will find more people in the morning who I can forward this Case. My friends has spread the link on their Facebook. I am quite surprise Charlene is not using any connection. Kept them for almost 4 years without charges? That is insane! I doubt their lawyer is that good!
Charlene was jailed immediately after her baby was born, she was able to raise awareness on UK Filipino during the time that she was pregnant that was four years ago. Charlene originally had some money of her own, that was how they started the business in the first place, however all of that was gone trying to defend both of them before Charlene herself was jailed, she has no connections or influence, like many of your Kababayan. I visited Kevin at Marikina Jail a couple of years ago and I regret I have not been able to return again, I find it incredible that he and Charlene are still incarcerated this many months later
****! I wasn't aware of this! I was a member since last year! OSS do me one thing, 1. I need the name of the arresting officers 2. Name of the judge 3. The exact date and year Kevin and Charlene was sent to prison 4. the exact prison where both are held 5. Charlene & David's exact address 6. The exact date and year each of them were arrested. I need all of these details before I can contact my friends back in the Philippines. I'll do my best in my end. It would be better if I am in the country but better to do something than nothing. Please send it to me in my inbox not here! Thanks!
Sorry I don't have any of those details, there are a lot of people on a yahoo support group that have been working behind the scenes on this for a long time, indeed Januarius (in his other persona on the other site) is the one responsible for rekindling awareness of their case in 2011 and for getting the yahoo group formed.
Okay whoever can get me those details please send it to my inbox. I would appreciate it. Thanks! Another thing, do they have relatives that are processing their case in San Mateo? I need someone who I can be in touch so I can send him/her which office I need to send them. I am not charging any penny to this people, I am only concern about these couple. I am in the other side of the country and in order to process this, I need someone physically to help me do the process that end. And I will do my best to find connection for them who are willing to help them. There are always Good Samaritan out there, we just need to make an effort to find them. Thank you!
