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Thursday, March 23, 2017

Question and Answer: Compulsory Insurance Policy For Agency-Hired OFWS


Now you can be secured while working abroad. We have an insurance solution that will  provide protection for overseas migrant workers (OFW) from unjust and immediate termination or dismissal by employers abroad. For public information we have prepared these frequently asked questions for you.       1.What is the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (MWOFA) of 1995, as amended? This is the law that protects the Overseas Filipinos and Migrant Workers. It provides adequate and timely social, economic and legal services to Filipino migrant workers .It affords protection to labor organized and unorganized, and promotes full employment and equal employment opportunities   2. Does the MWOFA of 1995, as amended promote overseas work to sustain Philippine economic growth?          No. The law sees to it that if a Filipino Citizen freely chooses to work overseas, he/she is  assured that his/her dignity, fundamental human rights and freedoms shall not be compromised or violated in the host country.  3. Who is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)?   A Filipino Citizen who is about to engage, presently engaged, or engaged in the past in an activity with compensation:  a) in another country where he/she is not a citizen;  b) on board a vessel navigating foreign seas excluding government ship used for military on non-commercial purposes; or  c) on an installation located offshore or on high seas.      4. What is the difference between an OFW and a migrant worker? They mean the same thing. In the context of MWOFA of 1995, as amended, the terms OFW and migrant worker are used interchangeably.    5. What is the difference between an agency-hired OFW and a direct-hired OFW or a name-hired OFW? An  Ofw is agency-hired if he/she availed services of a recruitment/manning agency duly authorized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).  On the other hand, an OFW is direct-hired or name-hired if he/she was hired directly by foreign employers such as:  international organizations, diplomatic corps; and those who were able to get an employment without the assistance or participation of any recruitment /manning agency.      6. What is the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance (OCI)? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance or the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for  Agency-Hired Migrant Workers, is an insurance        mechanism made available by the law to provide insurance protection for the OFWs.              7.What is the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for Agency-Hired Migrant Workers?        This is also the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance. Refer to frequently asked question no. 6 .          8. Who are covered by the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance is mandatory or agency-hired OFWs.  It is not mandatory for direct-hired,  name-hired,or re-hired OFWs. If interested  they can also avail of this insurance. Source   SEE ALSO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor PASSPORT PROCESSING FOR OFWS: 30 MINUTES, RELEASING SHORTER TIME  Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar announces the printing of new passports starting August 15. The new passports have an improved design that features the regions of the country and an upgraded microchip security feature to capture the personal data of the applicant, invisible UV fluorescent ink and thread, and elaborate design when subject to UV light. The APO Production Unit is tasked to produce the Philippine passports, and is a government owned and controlled corporation under the Presidential Communications Office.The new passport that contains "intaglio printing" most commonly used in printing money or currency so it will not be faked and the "printing of the coat of arms using optical variable illusion ink where color varies at different angle” can now be claimed by applicants for only 5 days.  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW PHILIPPINES PASSPORT AND ONE OF THE SAFEST PASSPORT IN THE WORLD?  "All Philippine passports are now integrated with chips that contain the data of the holder. These new passports are called ePassports. The ePassport is a global standard in travel documents, and as a member of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Philippines is required to adhere to their standards. The proposed 10 years validity of passport is now approved on the 3rd and final reading by the House of Representatives and is now a law with vote result of 216 in favor, 0 against and 0 abstained.    House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.  Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.  It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.  The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.  One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker.  The  extension of passport validity from 5 years to 10 years is one of the promises made by President Rodrigo Duterte to the OFWs to lessen their burden of standing in long queues just for applying and renewing of their passports.  Source: GMA News  RECOMMENDED: ON JAKATIA PAWA'S EXECUTION: "WE DID EVERYTHING.." -DFA  BELLO ASSURES DECISION ON MORATORIUM MAY COME OUT ANYTIME SOON  SEN. JOEL VILLANUEVA  SUPPORTS DEPLOYMENT BAN ON HSWS IN KUWAIT  AT LEAST 71 OFWS ON DEATH ROW ABROAD  DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM, NOW! -OFW GROUPS  BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT YOUR HSWS  PRESIDENT DUTERTE WILL VISIT UAE AND KSA, HERE'S WHY  MANPOWER AGENCIES AND RECRUITMENT COMPANIES TO BE HIT DIRECTLY BY HSW DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM IN KUWAIT  UAE TO START IMPLEMENTING 5%VAT STARTING 2018  REMEMBER THIS 7 THINGS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR HOUSEKEEPING JOB IN JAPAN  KENYA , THE LEAST TOXIC COUNTRY IN THE WORLD; SAUDI ARABIA, MOST TOXIC  "JUNIOR CITIZEN "  BILL TO BENEFIT POOR FAMILIES CONGRESS OKS PASSPORT VALIDITY EXTENSION 10 YEARS PASSPORT VALIDITY NOW APPROVED IN CONGRESS  House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker. Why OFWs Remain in Neck-deep Debts After Years Of Working Abroad? From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed.  To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  From application until they can actually leave the country, they spend big sum of money for it.  But after they were being able to finally work abroad, the story did not just end there. More often than not, the big sum of cash  they used to pay the recruitment agency fees cause them to suffer from indebtedness.  They were being charged and burdened with too much fees, which are not even compliant with the law. Because of their eagerness to work overseas, they immerse themselves to high interest loans for the sake of working abroad. The recruitment agencies play a big role why the OFWs are suffering from neck-deep debts. Even some licensed agencies, they freely exploit the vulnerability of the OFWs. Due to their greed to collect more cash from every OFWs that they deploy, it results to making the life of OFWs more miserable by burying them in debts.  The result of high fees collected by the agencies can even last even the OFWs have been deployed abroad. Some employers deduct it to their salaries for a number of months, leaving the OFWs broke when their much awaited salary comes.  But it doesn't end there. Some of these agencies conspire with their counterpart agencies to urge the foreign employers to cut the salary of the poor OFWs in their favor. That is of course, beyond the expectation of the OFWs.   Even before they leave, the promised salary is already computed and allocated. They have already planned how much they are going to send to their family back home. If the employer would cut the amount of the salary they are expecting to receive, the planned remittance will surely suffer, it includes the loans that they promised to be paid immediately on time when they finally work abroad.  There is such a situation that their family in the Philippines carry the burden of paying for these loans made by the OFW. For example. An OFW father that has found a mistress, which is a fellow OFW, who turned his back  to his family  and to his obligations to pay his loans made for the recruitment fees. The result, the poor family back home, aside from not receiving any remittance, they will be the ones who are obliged to pay the loans made by the OFW, adding weight to the emotional burden they already had aside from their daily needs.      Read: Common Money Mistakes Why Ofws remain Broke After Years Of Working Abroad   Source: Bandera/inquirer.net NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES  NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS  From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed. To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH). If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    How to File Employment Compensation for Private Workers If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission. If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS   Requirements and Fees for Reduced Travel Tax for OFW Dependents What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax. If you will travel anywhere in the world from the Philippines, you must be aware about the travel tax that you need to settle before your flight.  What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax.           For privileged reduce travel tax, the legitimate spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of the OFWs are qualified to avail.   How much can you save if you avail of the reduced travel tax?  A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. Paying it in full can be costly. With the reduced travel tax policy, your travel tax has been cut roughly by 50 percent for the standard reduced rate and further lower  for the privileged reduce rate.  How much is the Reduced Travel Tax?  First Class Economy Standard Reduced Rate P1,350.00 P810.00 Privileged Reduced Rate    P400.00 P300.00  Image from TIEZA  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO

Do you have to take employers insurance? Now you can be secured while working abroad. We have an insurance solution that will  provide protection for overseas migrant workers (OFW) from unjust and immediate termination or dismissal by employers abroad. For public information we have prepared these frequently asked questions for you.



Now you can be secured while working abroad. We have an insurance solution that will  provide protection for overseas migrant workers (OFW) from unjust and immediate termination or dismissal by employers abroad. For public information we have prepared these frequently asked questions for you.       1.What is the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (MWOFA) of 1995, as amended? This is the law that protects the Overseas Filipinos and Migrant Workers. It provides adequate and timely social, economic and legal services to Filipino migrant workers .It affords protection to labor organized and unorganized, and promotes full employment and equal employment opportunities   2. Does the MWOFA of 1995, as amended promote overseas work to sustain Philippine economic growth?          No. The law sees to it that if a Filipino Citizen freely chooses to work overseas, he/she is  assured that his/her dignity, fundamental human rights and freedoms shall not be compromised or violated in the host country.  3. Who is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)?   A Filipino Citizen who is about to engage, presently engaged, or engaged in the past in an activity with compensation:  a) in another country where he/she is not a citizen;  b) on board a vessel navigating foreign seas excluding government ship used for military on non-commercial purposes; or  c) on an installation located offshore or on high seas.      4. What is the difference between an OFW and a migrant worker? They mean the same thing. In the context of MWOFA of 1995, as amended, the terms OFW and migrant worker are used interchangeably.    5. What is the difference between an agency-hired OFW and a direct-hired OFW or a name-hired OFW? An  Ofw is agency-hired if he/she availed services of a recruitment/manning agency duly authorized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).  On the other hand, an OFW is direct-hired or name-hired if he/she was hired directly by foreign employers such as:  international organizations, diplomatic corps; and those who were able to get an employment without the assistance or participation of any recruitment /manning agency.      6. What is the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance (OCI)? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance or the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for  Agency-Hired Migrant Workers, is an insurance        mechanism made available by the law to provide insurance protection for the OFWs.              7.What is the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for Agency-Hired Migrant Workers?        This is also the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance. Refer to frequently asked question no. 6 .          8. Who are covered by the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance is mandatory or agency-hired OFWs.  It is not mandatory for direct-hired,  name-hired,or re-hired OFWs. If interested  they can also avail of this insurance. Source   SEE ALSO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor PASSPORT PROCESSING FOR OFWS: 30 MINUTES, RELEASING SHORTER TIME  Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar announces the printing of new passports starting August 15. The new passports have an improved design that features the regions of the country and an upgraded microchip security feature to capture the personal data of the applicant, invisible UV fluorescent ink and thread, and elaborate design when subject to UV light. The APO Production Unit is tasked to produce the Philippine passports, and is a government owned and controlled corporation under the Presidential Communications Office.The new passport that contains "intaglio printing" most commonly used in printing money or currency so it will not be faked and the "printing of the coat of arms using optical variable illusion ink where color varies at different angle” can now be claimed by applicants for only 5 days.  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW PHILIPPINES PASSPORT AND ONE OF THE SAFEST PASSPORT IN THE WORLD?  "All Philippine passports are now integrated with chips that contain the data of the holder. These new passports are called ePassports. The ePassport is a global standard in travel documents, and as a member of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Philippines is required to adhere to their standards. The proposed 10 years validity of passport is now approved on the 3rd and final reading by the House of Representatives and is now a law with vote result of 216 in favor, 0 against and 0 abstained.    House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.  Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.  It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.  The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.  One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker.  The  extension of passport validity from 5 years to 10 years is one of the promises made by President Rodrigo Duterte to the OFWs to lessen their burden of standing in long queues just for applying and renewing of their passports.  Source: GMA News  RECOMMENDED: ON JAKATIA PAWA'S EXECUTION: "WE DID EVERYTHING.." -DFA  BELLO ASSURES DECISION ON MORATORIUM MAY COME OUT ANYTIME SOON  SEN. JOEL VILLANUEVA  SUPPORTS DEPLOYMENT BAN ON HSWS IN KUWAIT  AT LEAST 71 OFWS ON DEATH ROW ABROAD  DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM, NOW! -OFW GROUPS  BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT YOUR HSWS  PRESIDENT DUTERTE WILL VISIT UAE AND KSA, HERE'S WHY  MANPOWER AGENCIES AND RECRUITMENT COMPANIES TO BE HIT DIRECTLY BY HSW DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM IN KUWAIT  UAE TO START IMPLEMENTING 5%VAT STARTING 2018  REMEMBER THIS 7 THINGS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR HOUSEKEEPING JOB IN JAPAN  KENYA , THE LEAST TOXIC COUNTRY IN THE WORLD; SAUDI ARABIA, MOST TOXIC  "JUNIOR CITIZEN "  BILL TO BENEFIT POOR FAMILIES CONGRESS OKS PASSPORT VALIDITY EXTENSION 10 YEARS PASSPORT VALIDITY NOW APPROVED IN CONGRESS  House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker. Why OFWs Remain in Neck-deep Debts After Years Of Working Abroad? From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed.  To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  From application until they can actually leave the country, they spend big sum of money for it.  But after they were being able to finally work abroad, the story did not just end there. More often than not, the big sum of cash  they used to pay the recruitment agency fees cause them to suffer from indebtedness.  They were being charged and burdened with too much fees, which are not even compliant with the law. Because of their eagerness to work overseas, they immerse themselves to high interest loans for the sake of working abroad. The recruitment agencies play a big role why the OFWs are suffering from neck-deep debts. Even some licensed agencies, they freely exploit the vulnerability of the OFWs. Due to their greed to collect more cash from every OFWs that they deploy, it results to making the life of OFWs more miserable by burying them in debts.  The result of high fees collected by the agencies can even last even the OFWs have been deployed abroad. Some employers deduct it to their salaries for a number of months, leaving the OFWs broke when their much awaited salary comes.  But it doesn't end there. Some of these agencies conspire with their counterpart agencies to urge the foreign employers to cut the salary of the poor OFWs in their favor. That is of course, beyond the expectation of the OFWs.   Even before they leave, the promised salary is already computed and allocated. They have already planned how much they are going to send to their family back home. If the employer would cut the amount of the salary they are expecting to receive, the planned remittance will surely suffer, it includes the loans that they promised to be paid immediately on time when they finally work abroad.  There is such a situation that their family in the Philippines carry the burden of paying for these loans made by the OFW. For example. An OFW father that has found a mistress, which is a fellow OFW, who turned his back  to his family  and to his obligations to pay his loans made for the recruitment fees. The result, the poor family back home, aside from not receiving any remittance, they will be the ones who are obliged to pay the loans made by the OFW, adding weight to the emotional burden they already had aside from their daily needs.      Read: Common Money Mistakes Why Ofws remain Broke After Years Of Working Abroad   Source: Bandera/inquirer.net NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES  NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS  From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed. To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH). If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    How to File Employment Compensation for Private Workers If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission. If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS   Requirements and Fees for Reduced Travel Tax for OFW Dependents What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax. If you will travel anywhere in the world from the Philippines, you must be aware about the travel tax that you need to settle before your flight.  What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax.           For privileged reduce travel tax, the legitimate spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of the OFWs are qualified to avail.   How much can you save if you avail of the reduced travel tax?  A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. Paying it in full can be costly. With the reduced travel tax policy, your travel tax has been cut roughly by 50 percent for the standard reduced rate and further lower  for the privileged reduce rate.  How much is the Reduced Travel Tax?  First Class Economy Standard Reduced Rate P1,350.00 P810.00 Privileged Reduced Rate    P400.00 P300.00  Image from TIEZA  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO


1.What is the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (MWOFA) of 1995, as amended?
This is the law that protects the Overseas Filipinos and Migrant Workers. It provides adequate and timely social, economic and legal services to Filipino migrant workers .It affords protection to labor organized and unorganized, and promotes full employment and equal employment opportunities
Now you can be secured while working abroad. We have an insurance solution that will  provide protection for overseas migrant workers (OFW) from unjust and immediate termination or dismissal by employers abroad. For public information we have prepared these frequently asked questions for you.       1.What is the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (MWOFA) of 1995, as amended? This is the law that protects the Overseas Filipinos and Migrant Workers. It provides adequate and timely social, economic and legal services to Filipino migrant workers .It affords protection to labor organized and unorganized, and promotes full employment and equal employment opportunities   2. Does the MWOFA of 1995, as amended promote overseas work to sustain Philippine economic growth?          No. The law sees to it that if a Filipino Citizen freely chooses to work overseas, he/she is  assured that his/her dignity, fundamental human rights and freedoms shall not be compromised or violated in the host country.  3. Who is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)?   A Filipino Citizen who is about to engage, presently engaged, or engaged in the past in an activity with compensation:  a) in another country where he/she is not a citizen;  b) on board a vessel navigating foreign seas excluding government ship used for military on non-commercial purposes; or  c) on an installation located offshore or on high seas.      4. What is the difference between an OFW and a migrant worker? They mean the same thing. In the context of MWOFA of 1995, as amended, the terms OFW and migrant worker are used interchangeably.    5. What is the difference between an agency-hired OFW and a direct-hired OFW or a name-hired OFW? An  Ofw is agency-hired if he/she availed services of a recruitment/manning agency duly authorized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).  On the other hand, an OFW is direct-hired or name-hired if he/she was hired directly by foreign employers such as:  international organizations, diplomatic corps; and those who were able to get an employment without the assistance or participation of any recruitment /manning agency.      6. What is the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance (OCI)? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance or the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for  Agency-Hired Migrant Workers, is an insurance        mechanism made available by the law to provide insurance protection for the OFWs.              7.What is the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for Agency-Hired Migrant Workers?        This is also the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance. Refer to frequently asked question no. 6 .          8. Who are covered by the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance is mandatory or agency-hired OFWs.  It is not mandatory for direct-hired,  name-hired,or re-hired OFWs. If interested  they can also avail of this insurance. Source   SEE ALSO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor PASSPORT PROCESSING FOR OFWS: 30 MINUTES, RELEASING SHORTER TIME  Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar announces the printing of new passports starting August 15. The new passports have an improved design that features the regions of the country and an upgraded microchip security feature to capture the personal data of the applicant, invisible UV fluorescent ink and thread, and elaborate design when subject to UV light. The APO Production Unit is tasked to produce the Philippine passports, and is a government owned and controlled corporation under the Presidential Communications Office.The new passport that contains "intaglio printing" most commonly used in printing money or currency so it will not be faked and the "printing of the coat of arms using optical variable illusion ink where color varies at different angle” can now be claimed by applicants for only 5 days.  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW PHILIPPINES PASSPORT AND ONE OF THE SAFEST PASSPORT IN THE WORLD?  "All Philippine passports are now integrated with chips that contain the data of the holder. These new passports are called ePassports. The ePassport is a global standard in travel documents, and as a member of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Philippines is required to adhere to their standards. The proposed 10 years validity of passport is now approved on the 3rd and final reading by the House of Representatives and is now a law with vote result of 216 in favor, 0 against and 0 abstained.    House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.  Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.  It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.  The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.  One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker.  The  extension of passport validity from 5 years to 10 years is one of the promises made by President Rodrigo Duterte to the OFWs to lessen their burden of standing in long queues just for applying and renewing of their passports.  Source: GMA News  RECOMMENDED: ON JAKATIA PAWA'S EXECUTION: "WE DID EVERYTHING.." -DFA  BELLO ASSURES DECISION ON MORATORIUM MAY COME OUT ANYTIME SOON  SEN. JOEL VILLANUEVA  SUPPORTS DEPLOYMENT BAN ON HSWS IN KUWAIT  AT LEAST 71 OFWS ON DEATH ROW ABROAD  DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM, NOW! -OFW GROUPS  BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT YOUR HSWS  PRESIDENT DUTERTE WILL VISIT UAE AND KSA, HERE'S WHY  MANPOWER AGENCIES AND RECRUITMENT COMPANIES TO BE HIT DIRECTLY BY HSW DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM IN KUWAIT  UAE TO START IMPLEMENTING 5%VAT STARTING 2018  REMEMBER THIS 7 THINGS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR HOUSEKEEPING JOB IN JAPAN  KENYA , THE LEAST TOXIC COUNTRY IN THE WORLD; SAUDI ARABIA, MOST TOXIC  "JUNIOR CITIZEN "  BILL TO BENEFIT POOR FAMILIES CONGRESS OKS PASSPORT VALIDITY EXTENSION 10 YEARS PASSPORT VALIDITY NOW APPROVED IN CONGRESS  House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker. Why OFWs Remain in Neck-deep Debts After Years Of Working Abroad? From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed.  To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  From application until they can actually leave the country, they spend big sum of money for it.  But after they were being able to finally work abroad, the story did not just end there. More often than not, the big sum of cash  they used to pay the recruitment agency fees cause them to suffer from indebtedness.  They were being charged and burdened with too much fees, which are not even compliant with the law. Because of their eagerness to work overseas, they immerse themselves to high interest loans for the sake of working abroad. The recruitment agencies play a big role why the OFWs are suffering from neck-deep debts. Even some licensed agencies, they freely exploit the vulnerability of the OFWs. Due to their greed to collect more cash from every OFWs that they deploy, it results to making the life of OFWs more miserable by burying them in debts.  The result of high fees collected by the agencies can even last even the OFWs have been deployed abroad. Some employers deduct it to their salaries for a number of months, leaving the OFWs broke when their much awaited salary comes.  But it doesn't end there. Some of these agencies conspire with their counterpart agencies to urge the foreign employers to cut the salary of the poor OFWs in their favor. That is of course, beyond the expectation of the OFWs.   Even before they leave, the promised salary is already computed and allocated. They have already planned how much they are going to send to their family back home. If the employer would cut the amount of the salary they are expecting to receive, the planned remittance will surely suffer, it includes the loans that they promised to be paid immediately on time when they finally work abroad.  There is such a situation that their family in the Philippines carry the burden of paying for these loans made by the OFW. For example. An OFW father that has found a mistress, which is a fellow OFW, who turned his back  to his family  and to his obligations to pay his loans made for the recruitment fees. The result, the poor family back home, aside from not receiving any remittance, they will be the ones who are obliged to pay the loans made by the OFW, adding weight to the emotional burden they already had aside from their daily needs.      Read: Common Money Mistakes Why Ofws remain Broke After Years Of Working Abroad   Source: Bandera/inquirer.net NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES  NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS  From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed. To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH). If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    How to File Employment Compensation for Private Workers If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission. If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS   Requirements and Fees for Reduced Travel Tax for OFW Dependents What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax. If you will travel anywhere in the world from the Philippines, you must be aware about the travel tax that you need to settle before your flight.  What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax.           For privileged reduce travel tax, the legitimate spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of the OFWs are qualified to avail.   How much can you save if you avail of the reduced travel tax?  A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. Paying it in full can be costly. With the reduced travel tax policy, your travel tax has been cut roughly by 50 percent for the standard reduced rate and further lower  for the privileged reduce rate.  How much is the Reduced Travel Tax?  First Class Economy Standard Reduced Rate P1,350.00 P810.00 Privileged Reduced Rate    P400.00 P300.00  Image from TIEZA  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO

2. Does the MWOFA of 1995, as amended promote overseas work to sustain Philippine economic growth? 

       No. The law sees to it that if a Filipino Citizen freely chooses to work overseas, he/she is  assured that his/her dignity, fundamental human rights and freedoms shall not be compromised or violated in the host country. Now you can be secured while working abroad. We have an insurance solution that will  provide protection for overseas migrant workers (OFW) from unjust and immediate termination or dismissal by employers abroad. For public information we have prepared these frequently asked questions for you.       1.What is the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (MWOFA) of 1995, as amended? This is the law that protects the Overseas Filipinos and Migrant Workers. It provides adequate and timely social, economic and legal services to Filipino migrant workers .It affords protection to labor organized and unorganized, and promotes full employment and equal employment opportunities   2. Does the MWOFA of 1995, as amended promote overseas work to sustain Philippine economic growth?          No. The law sees to it that if a Filipino Citizen freely chooses to work overseas, he/she is  assured that his/her dignity, fundamental human rights and freedoms shall not be compromised or violated in the host country.  3. Who is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)?   A Filipino Citizen who is about to engage, presently engaged, or engaged in the past in an activity with compensation:  a) in another country where he/she is not a citizen;  b) on board a vessel navigating foreign seas excluding government ship used for military on non-commercial purposes; or  c) on an installation located offshore or on high seas.      4. What is the difference between an OFW and a migrant worker? They mean the same thing. In the context of MWOFA of 1995, as amended, the terms OFW and migrant worker are used interchangeably.    5. What is the difference between an agency-hired OFW and a direct-hired OFW or a name-hired OFW? An  Ofw is agency-hired if he/she availed services of a recruitment/manning agency duly authorized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).  On the other hand, an OFW is direct-hired or name-hired if he/she was hired directly by foreign employers such as:  international organizations, diplomatic corps; and those who were able to get an employment without the assistance or participation of any recruitment /manning agency.      6. What is the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance (OCI)? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance or the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for  Agency-Hired Migrant Workers, is an insurance        mechanism made available by the law to provide insurance protection for the OFWs.              7.What is the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for Agency-Hired Migrant Workers?        This is also the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance. Refer to frequently asked question no. 6 .          8. Who are covered by the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance is mandatory or agency-hired OFWs.  It is not mandatory for direct-hired,  name-hired,or re-hired OFWs. If interested  they can also avail of this insurance. Source   SEE ALSO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor PASSPORT PROCESSING FOR OFWS: 30 MINUTES, RELEASING SHORTER TIME  Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar announces the printing of new passports starting August 15. The new passports have an improved design that features the regions of the country and an upgraded microchip security feature to capture the personal data of the applicant, invisible UV fluorescent ink and thread, and elaborate design when subject to UV light. The APO Production Unit is tasked to produce the Philippine passports, and is a government owned and controlled corporation under the Presidential Communications Office.The new passport that contains "intaglio printing" most commonly used in printing money or currency so it will not be faked and the "printing of the coat of arms using optical variable illusion ink where color varies at different angle” can now be claimed by applicants for only 5 days.  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW PHILIPPINES PASSPORT AND ONE OF THE SAFEST PASSPORT IN THE WORLD?  "All Philippine passports are now integrated with chips that contain the data of the holder. These new passports are called ePassports. The ePassport is a global standard in travel documents, and as a member of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Philippines is required to adhere to their standards. The proposed 10 years validity of passport is now approved on the 3rd and final reading by the House of Representatives and is now a law with vote result of 216 in favor, 0 against and 0 abstained.    House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.  Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.  It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.  The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.  One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker.  The  extension of passport validity from 5 years to 10 years is one of the promises made by President Rodrigo Duterte to the OFWs to lessen their burden of standing in long queues just for applying and renewing of their passports.  Source: GMA News  RECOMMENDED: ON JAKATIA PAWA'S EXECUTION: "WE DID EVERYTHING.." -DFA  BELLO ASSURES DECISION ON MORATORIUM MAY COME OUT ANYTIME SOON  SEN. JOEL VILLANUEVA  SUPPORTS DEPLOYMENT BAN ON HSWS IN KUWAIT  AT LEAST 71 OFWS ON DEATH ROW ABROAD  DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM, NOW! -OFW GROUPS  BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT YOUR HSWS  PRESIDENT DUTERTE WILL VISIT UAE AND KSA, HERE'S WHY  MANPOWER AGENCIES AND RECRUITMENT COMPANIES TO BE HIT DIRECTLY BY HSW DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM IN KUWAIT  UAE TO START IMPLEMENTING 5%VAT STARTING 2018  REMEMBER THIS 7 THINGS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR HOUSEKEEPING JOB IN JAPAN  KENYA , THE LEAST TOXIC COUNTRY IN THE WORLD; SAUDI ARABIA, MOST TOXIC  "JUNIOR CITIZEN "  BILL TO BENEFIT POOR FAMILIES CONGRESS OKS PASSPORT VALIDITY EXTENSION 10 YEARS PASSPORT VALIDITY NOW APPROVED IN CONGRESS  House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker. Why OFWs Remain in Neck-deep Debts After Years Of Working Abroad? From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed.  To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  From application until they can actually leave the country, they spend big sum of money for it.  But after they were being able to finally work abroad, the story did not just end there. More often than not, the big sum of cash  they used to pay the recruitment agency fees cause them to suffer from indebtedness.  They were being charged and burdened with too much fees, which are not even compliant with the law. Because of their eagerness to work overseas, they immerse themselves to high interest loans for the sake of working abroad. The recruitment agencies play a big role why the OFWs are suffering from neck-deep debts. Even some licensed agencies, they freely exploit the vulnerability of the OFWs. Due to their greed to collect more cash from every OFWs that they deploy, it results to making the life of OFWs more miserable by burying them in debts.  The result of high fees collected by the agencies can even last even the OFWs have been deployed abroad. Some employers deduct it to their salaries for a number of months, leaving the OFWs broke when their much awaited salary comes.  But it doesn't end there. Some of these agencies conspire with their counterpart agencies to urge the foreign employers to cut the salary of the poor OFWs in their favor. That is of course, beyond the expectation of the OFWs.   Even before they leave, the promised salary is already computed and allocated. They have already planned how much they are going to send to their family back home. If the employer would cut the amount of the salary they are expecting to receive, the planned remittance will surely suffer, it includes the loans that they promised to be paid immediately on time when they finally work abroad.  There is such a situation that their family in the Philippines carry the burden of paying for these loans made by the OFW. For example. An OFW father that has found a mistress, which is a fellow OFW, who turned his back  to his family  and to his obligations to pay his loans made for the recruitment fees. The result, the poor family back home, aside from not receiving any remittance, they will be the ones who are obliged to pay the loans made by the OFW, adding weight to the emotional burden they already had aside from their daily needs.      Read: Common Money Mistakes Why Ofws remain Broke After Years Of Working Abroad   Source: Bandera/inquirer.net NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES  NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS  From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed. To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH). If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    How to File Employment Compensation for Private Workers If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission. If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS   Requirements and Fees for Reduced Travel Tax for OFW Dependents What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax. If you will travel anywhere in the world from the Philippines, you must be aware about the travel tax that you need to settle before your flight.  What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax.           For privileged reduce travel tax, the legitimate spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of the OFWs are qualified to avail.   How much can you save if you avail of the reduced travel tax?  A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. Paying it in full can be costly. With the reduced travel tax policy, your travel tax has been cut roughly by 50 percent for the standard reduced rate and further lower  for the privileged reduce rate.  How much is the Reduced Travel Tax?  First Class Economy Standard Reduced Rate P1,350.00 P810.00 Privileged Reduced Rate    P400.00 P300.00  Image from TIEZA  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO
3. Who is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)? 

A Filipino Citizen who is about to engage, presently engaged, or engaged in the past in an activity with compensation:
 a) in another country where he/she is not a citizen; 
b) on board a vessel navigating foreign seas excluding government ship used for military on non-commercial purposes; or 
c) on an installation located offshore or on high seas. 
Now you can be secured while working abroad. We have an insurance solution that will  provide protection for overseas migrant workers (OFW) from unjust and immediate termination or dismissal by employers abroad. For public information we have prepared these frequently asked questions for you.       1.What is the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (MWOFA) of 1995, as amended? This is the law that protects the Overseas Filipinos and Migrant Workers. It provides adequate and timely social, economic and legal services to Filipino migrant workers .It affords protection to labor organized and unorganized, and promotes full employment and equal employment opportunities   2. Does the MWOFA of 1995, as amended promote overseas work to sustain Philippine economic growth?          No. The law sees to it that if a Filipino Citizen freely chooses to work overseas, he/she is  assured that his/her dignity, fundamental human rights and freedoms shall not be compromised or violated in the host country.  3. Who is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)?   A Filipino Citizen who is about to engage, presently engaged, or engaged in the past in an activity with compensation:  a) in another country where he/she is not a citizen;  b) on board a vessel navigating foreign seas excluding government ship used for military on non-commercial purposes; or  c) on an installation located offshore or on high seas.      4. What is the difference between an OFW and a migrant worker? They mean the same thing. In the context of MWOFA of 1995, as amended, the terms OFW and migrant worker are used interchangeably.    5. What is the difference between an agency-hired OFW and a direct-hired OFW or a name-hired OFW? An  Ofw is agency-hired if he/she availed services of a recruitment/manning agency duly authorized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).  On the other hand, an OFW is direct-hired or name-hired if he/she was hired directly by foreign employers such as:  international organizations, diplomatic corps; and those who were able to get an employment without the assistance or participation of any recruitment /manning agency.      6. What is the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance (OCI)? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance or the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for  Agency-Hired Migrant Workers, is an insurance        mechanism made available by the law to provide insurance protection for the OFWs.              7.What is the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for Agency-Hired Migrant Workers?        This is also the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance. Refer to frequently asked question no. 6 .          8. Who are covered by the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance is mandatory or agency-hired OFWs.  It is not mandatory for direct-hired,  name-hired,or re-hired OFWs. If interested  they can also avail of this insurance. Source   SEE ALSO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor PASSPORT PROCESSING FOR OFWS: 30 MINUTES, RELEASING SHORTER TIME  Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar announces the printing of new passports starting August 15. The new passports have an improved design that features the regions of the country and an upgraded microchip security feature to capture the personal data of the applicant, invisible UV fluorescent ink and thread, and elaborate design when subject to UV light. The APO Production Unit is tasked to produce the Philippine passports, and is a government owned and controlled corporation under the Presidential Communications Office.The new passport that contains "intaglio printing" most commonly used in printing money or currency so it will not be faked and the "printing of the coat of arms using optical variable illusion ink where color varies at different angle” can now be claimed by applicants for only 5 days.  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW PHILIPPINES PASSPORT AND ONE OF THE SAFEST PASSPORT IN THE WORLD?  "All Philippine passports are now integrated with chips that contain the data of the holder. These new passports are called ePassports. The ePassport is a global standard in travel documents, and as a member of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Philippines is required to adhere to their standards. The proposed 10 years validity of passport is now approved on the 3rd and final reading by the House of Representatives and is now a law with vote result of 216 in favor, 0 against and 0 abstained.    House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.  Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.  It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.  The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.  One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker.  The  extension of passport validity from 5 years to 10 years is one of the promises made by President Rodrigo Duterte to the OFWs to lessen their burden of standing in long queues just for applying and renewing of their passports.  Source: GMA News  RECOMMENDED: ON JAKATIA PAWA'S EXECUTION: "WE DID EVERYTHING.." -DFA  BELLO ASSURES DECISION ON MORATORIUM MAY COME OUT ANYTIME SOON  SEN. JOEL VILLANUEVA  SUPPORTS DEPLOYMENT BAN ON HSWS IN KUWAIT  AT LEAST 71 OFWS ON DEATH ROW ABROAD  DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM, NOW! -OFW GROUPS  BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT YOUR HSWS  PRESIDENT DUTERTE WILL VISIT UAE AND KSA, HERE'S WHY  MANPOWER AGENCIES AND RECRUITMENT COMPANIES TO BE HIT DIRECTLY BY HSW DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM IN KUWAIT  UAE TO START IMPLEMENTING 5%VAT STARTING 2018  REMEMBER THIS 7 THINGS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR HOUSEKEEPING JOB IN JAPAN  KENYA , THE LEAST TOXIC COUNTRY IN THE WORLD; SAUDI ARABIA, MOST TOXIC  "JUNIOR CITIZEN "  BILL TO BENEFIT POOR FAMILIES CONGRESS OKS PASSPORT VALIDITY EXTENSION 10 YEARS PASSPORT VALIDITY NOW APPROVED IN CONGRESS  House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker. Why OFWs Remain in Neck-deep Debts After Years Of Working Abroad? From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed.  To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  From application until they can actually leave the country, they spend big sum of money for it.  But after they were being able to finally work abroad, the story did not just end there. More often than not, the big sum of cash  they used to pay the recruitment agency fees cause them to suffer from indebtedness.  They were being charged and burdened with too much fees, which are not even compliant with the law. Because of their eagerness to work overseas, they immerse themselves to high interest loans for the sake of working abroad. The recruitment agencies play a big role why the OFWs are suffering from neck-deep debts. Even some licensed agencies, they freely exploit the vulnerability of the OFWs. Due to their greed to collect more cash from every OFWs that they deploy, it results to making the life of OFWs more miserable by burying them in debts.  The result of high fees collected by the agencies can even last even the OFWs have been deployed abroad. Some employers deduct it to their salaries for a number of months, leaving the OFWs broke when their much awaited salary comes.  But it doesn't end there. Some of these agencies conspire with their counterpart agencies to urge the foreign employers to cut the salary of the poor OFWs in their favor. That is of course, beyond the expectation of the OFWs.   Even before they leave, the promised salary is already computed and allocated. They have already planned how much they are going to send to their family back home. If the employer would cut the amount of the salary they are expecting to receive, the planned remittance will surely suffer, it includes the loans that they promised to be paid immediately on time when they finally work abroad.  There is such a situation that their family in the Philippines carry the burden of paying for these loans made by the OFW. For example. An OFW father that has found a mistress, which is a fellow OFW, who turned his back  to his family  and to his obligations to pay his loans made for the recruitment fees. The result, the poor family back home, aside from not receiving any remittance, they will be the ones who are obliged to pay the loans made by the OFW, adding weight to the emotional burden they already had aside from their daily needs.      Read: Common Money Mistakes Why Ofws remain Broke After Years Of Working Abroad   Source: Bandera/inquirer.net NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES  NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS  From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed. To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH). If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    How to File Employment Compensation for Private Workers If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission. If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS   Requirements and Fees for Reduced Travel Tax for OFW Dependents What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax. If you will travel anywhere in the world from the Philippines, you must be aware about the travel tax that you need to settle before your flight.  What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax.           For privileged reduce travel tax, the legitimate spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of the OFWs are qualified to avail.   How much can you save if you avail of the reduced travel tax?  A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. Paying it in full can be costly. With the reduced travel tax policy, your travel tax has been cut roughly by 50 percent for the standard reduced rate and further lower  for the privileged reduce rate.  How much is the Reduced Travel Tax?  First Class Economy Standard Reduced Rate P1,350.00 P810.00 Privileged Reduced Rate    P400.00 P300.00  Image from TIEZA  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO




4. What is the difference between an OFW and a migrant worker?
They mean the same thing. In the context of MWOFA of 1995, as amended, the terms OFW and migrant worker are used interchangeably.
 
Now you can be secured while working abroad. We have an insurance solution that will  provide protection for overseas migrant workers (OFW) from unjust and immediate termination or dismissal by employers abroad. For public information we have prepared these frequently asked questions for you.       1.What is the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (MWOFA) of 1995, as amended? This is the law that protects the Overseas Filipinos and Migrant Workers. It provides adequate and timely social, economic and legal services to Filipino migrant workers .It affords protection to labor organized and unorganized, and promotes full employment and equal employment opportunities   2. Does the MWOFA of 1995, as amended promote overseas work to sustain Philippine economic growth?          No. The law sees to it that if a Filipino Citizen freely chooses to work overseas, he/she is  assured that his/her dignity, fundamental human rights and freedoms shall not be compromised or violated in the host country.  3. Who is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)?   A Filipino Citizen who is about to engage, presently engaged, or engaged in the past in an activity with compensation:  a) in another country where he/she is not a citizen;  b) on board a vessel navigating foreign seas excluding government ship used for military on non-commercial purposes; or  c) on an installation located offshore or on high seas.      4. What is the difference between an OFW and a migrant worker? They mean the same thing. In the context of MWOFA of 1995, as amended, the terms OFW and migrant worker are used interchangeably.    5. What is the difference between an agency-hired OFW and a direct-hired OFW or a name-hired OFW? An  Ofw is agency-hired if he/she availed services of a recruitment/manning agency duly authorized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).  On the other hand, an OFW is direct-hired or name-hired if he/she was hired directly by foreign employers such as:  international organizations, diplomatic corps; and those who were able to get an employment without the assistance or participation of any recruitment /manning agency.      6. What is the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance (OCI)? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance or the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for  Agency-Hired Migrant Workers, is an insurance        mechanism made available by the law to provide insurance protection for the OFWs.              7.What is the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for Agency-Hired Migrant Workers?        This is also the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance. Refer to frequently asked question no. 6 .          8. Who are covered by the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance is mandatory or agency-hired OFWs.  It is not mandatory for direct-hired,  name-hired,or re-hired OFWs. If interested  they can also avail of this insurance. Source   SEE ALSO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor PASSPORT PROCESSING FOR OFWS: 30 MINUTES, RELEASING SHORTER TIME  Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar announces the printing of new passports starting August 15. The new passports have an improved design that features the regions of the country and an upgraded microchip security feature to capture the personal data of the applicant, invisible UV fluorescent ink and thread, and elaborate design when subject to UV light. The APO Production Unit is tasked to produce the Philippine passports, and is a government owned and controlled corporation under the Presidential Communications Office.The new passport that contains "intaglio printing" most commonly used in printing money or currency so it will not be faked and the "printing of the coat of arms using optical variable illusion ink where color varies at different angle” can now be claimed by applicants for only 5 days.  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW PHILIPPINES PASSPORT AND ONE OF THE SAFEST PASSPORT IN THE WORLD?  "All Philippine passports are now integrated with chips that contain the data of the holder. These new passports are called ePassports. The ePassport is a global standard in travel documents, and as a member of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Philippines is required to adhere to their standards. The proposed 10 years validity of passport is now approved on the 3rd and final reading by the House of Representatives and is now a law with vote result of 216 in favor, 0 against and 0 abstained.    House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.  Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.  It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.  The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.  One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker.  The  extension of passport validity from 5 years to 10 years is one of the promises made by President Rodrigo Duterte to the OFWs to lessen their burden of standing in long queues just for applying and renewing of their passports.  Source: GMA News  RECOMMENDED: ON JAKATIA PAWA'S EXECUTION: "WE DID EVERYTHING.." -DFA  BELLO ASSURES DECISION ON MORATORIUM MAY COME OUT ANYTIME SOON  SEN. JOEL VILLANUEVA  SUPPORTS DEPLOYMENT BAN ON HSWS IN KUWAIT  AT LEAST 71 OFWS ON DEATH ROW ABROAD  DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM, NOW! -OFW GROUPS  BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT YOUR HSWS  PRESIDENT DUTERTE WILL VISIT UAE AND KSA, HERE'S WHY  MANPOWER AGENCIES AND RECRUITMENT COMPANIES TO BE HIT DIRECTLY BY HSW DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM IN KUWAIT  UAE TO START IMPLEMENTING 5%VAT STARTING 2018  REMEMBER THIS 7 THINGS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR HOUSEKEEPING JOB IN JAPAN  KENYA , THE LEAST TOXIC COUNTRY IN THE WORLD; SAUDI ARABIA, MOST TOXIC  "JUNIOR CITIZEN "  BILL TO BENEFIT POOR FAMILIES CONGRESS OKS PASSPORT VALIDITY EXTENSION 10 YEARS PASSPORT VALIDITY NOW APPROVED IN CONGRESS  House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker. Why OFWs Remain in Neck-deep Debts After Years Of Working Abroad? From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed.  To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  From application until they can actually leave the country, they spend big sum of money for it.  But after they were being able to finally work abroad, the story did not just end there. More often than not, the big sum of cash  they used to pay the recruitment agency fees cause them to suffer from indebtedness.  They were being charged and burdened with too much fees, which are not even compliant with the law. Because of their eagerness to work overseas, they immerse themselves to high interest loans for the sake of working abroad. The recruitment agencies play a big role why the OFWs are suffering from neck-deep debts. Even some licensed agencies, they freely exploit the vulnerability of the OFWs. Due to their greed to collect more cash from every OFWs that they deploy, it results to making the life of OFWs more miserable by burying them in debts.  The result of high fees collected by the agencies can even last even the OFWs have been deployed abroad. Some employers deduct it to their salaries for a number of months, leaving the OFWs broke when their much awaited salary comes.  But it doesn't end there. Some of these agencies conspire with their counterpart agencies to urge the foreign employers to cut the salary of the poor OFWs in their favor. That is of course, beyond the expectation of the OFWs.   Even before they leave, the promised salary is already computed and allocated. They have already planned how much they are going to send to their family back home. If the employer would cut the amount of the salary they are expecting to receive, the planned remittance will surely suffer, it includes the loans that they promised to be paid immediately on time when they finally work abroad.  There is such a situation that their family in the Philippines carry the burden of paying for these loans made by the OFW. For example. An OFW father that has found a mistress, which is a fellow OFW, who turned his back  to his family  and to his obligations to pay his loans made for the recruitment fees. The result, the poor family back home, aside from not receiving any remittance, they will be the ones who are obliged to pay the loans made by the OFW, adding weight to the emotional burden they already had aside from their daily needs.      Read: Common Money Mistakes Why Ofws remain Broke After Years Of Working Abroad   Source: Bandera/inquirer.net NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES  NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS  From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed. To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH). If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    How to File Employment Compensation for Private Workers If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission. If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS   Requirements and Fees for Reduced Travel Tax for OFW Dependents What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax. If you will travel anywhere in the world from the Philippines, you must be aware about the travel tax that you need to settle before your flight.  What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax.           For privileged reduce travel tax, the legitimate spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of the OFWs are qualified to avail.   How much can you save if you avail of the reduced travel tax?  A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. Paying it in full can be costly. With the reduced travel tax policy, your travel tax has been cut roughly by 50 percent for the standard reduced rate and further lower  for the privileged reduce rate.  How much is the Reduced Travel Tax?  First Class Economy Standard Reduced Rate P1,350.00 P810.00 Privileged Reduced Rate    P400.00 P300.00  Image from TIEZA  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO
5. What is the difference between an agency-hired OFW and a direct-hired OFW or a name-hired OFW?
An  Ofw is agency-hired if he/she availed services of a recruitment/manning agency duly authorized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).
On the other hand, an OFW is direct-hired or name-hired if he/she was hired directly by foreign employers such as:
 international organizations, diplomatic corps; and those who were able to get an employment without the assistance or participation of any recruitment /manning agency.

Now you can be secured while working abroad. We have an insurance solution that will  provide protection for overseas migrant workers (OFW) from unjust and immediate termination or dismissal by employers abroad. For public information we have prepared these frequently asked questions for you.       1.What is the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (MWOFA) of 1995, as amended? This is the law that protects the Overseas Filipinos and Migrant Workers. It provides adequate and timely social, economic and legal services to Filipino migrant workers .It affords protection to labor organized and unorganized, and promotes full employment and equal employment opportunities   2. Does the MWOFA of 1995, as amended promote overseas work to sustain Philippine economic growth?          No. The law sees to it that if a Filipino Citizen freely chooses to work overseas, he/she is  assured that his/her dignity, fundamental human rights and freedoms shall not be compromised or violated in the host country.  3. Who is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)?   A Filipino Citizen who is about to engage, presently engaged, or engaged in the past in an activity with compensation:  a) in another country where he/she is not a citizen;  b) on board a vessel navigating foreign seas excluding government ship used for military on non-commercial purposes; or  c) on an installation located offshore or on high seas.      4. What is the difference between an OFW and a migrant worker? They mean the same thing. In the context of MWOFA of 1995, as amended, the terms OFW and migrant worker are used interchangeably.    5. What is the difference between an agency-hired OFW and a direct-hired OFW or a name-hired OFW? An  Ofw is agency-hired if he/she availed services of a recruitment/manning agency duly authorized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).  On the other hand, an OFW is direct-hired or name-hired if he/she was hired directly by foreign employers such as:  international organizations, diplomatic corps; and those who were able to get an employment without the assistance or participation of any recruitment /manning agency.      6. What is the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance (OCI)? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance or the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for  Agency-Hired Migrant Workers, is an insurance        mechanism made available by the law to provide insurance protection for the OFWs.              7.What is the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for Agency-Hired Migrant Workers?        This is also the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance. Refer to frequently asked question no. 6 .          8. Who are covered by the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance is mandatory or agency-hired OFWs.  It is not mandatory for direct-hired,  name-hired,or re-hired OFWs. If interested  they can also avail of this insurance. Source   SEE ALSO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor PASSPORT PROCESSING FOR OFWS: 30 MINUTES, RELEASING SHORTER TIME  Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar announces the printing of new passports starting August 15. The new passports have an improved design that features the regions of the country and an upgraded microchip security feature to capture the personal data of the applicant, invisible UV fluorescent ink and thread, and elaborate design when subject to UV light. The APO Production Unit is tasked to produce the Philippine passports, and is a government owned and controlled corporation under the Presidential Communications Office.The new passport that contains "intaglio printing" most commonly used in printing money or currency so it will not be faked and the "printing of the coat of arms using optical variable illusion ink where color varies at different angle” can now be claimed by applicants for only 5 days.  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW PHILIPPINES PASSPORT AND ONE OF THE SAFEST PASSPORT IN THE WORLD?  "All Philippine passports are now integrated with chips that contain the data of the holder. These new passports are called ePassports. The ePassport is a global standard in travel documents, and as a member of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Philippines is required to adhere to their standards. The proposed 10 years validity of passport is now approved on the 3rd and final reading by the House of Representatives and is now a law with vote result of 216 in favor, 0 against and 0 abstained.    House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.  Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.  It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.  The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.  One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker.  The  extension of passport validity from 5 years to 10 years is one of the promises made by President Rodrigo Duterte to the OFWs to lessen their burden of standing in long queues just for applying and renewing of their passports.  Source: GMA News  RECOMMENDED: ON JAKATIA PAWA'S EXECUTION: "WE DID EVERYTHING.." -DFA  BELLO ASSURES DECISION ON MORATORIUM MAY COME OUT ANYTIME SOON  SEN. JOEL VILLANUEVA  SUPPORTS DEPLOYMENT BAN ON HSWS IN KUWAIT  AT LEAST 71 OFWS ON DEATH ROW ABROAD  DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM, NOW! -OFW GROUPS  BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT YOUR HSWS  PRESIDENT DUTERTE WILL VISIT UAE AND KSA, HERE'S WHY  MANPOWER AGENCIES AND RECRUITMENT COMPANIES TO BE HIT DIRECTLY BY HSW DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM IN KUWAIT  UAE TO START IMPLEMENTING 5%VAT STARTING 2018  REMEMBER THIS 7 THINGS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR HOUSEKEEPING JOB IN JAPAN  KENYA , THE LEAST TOXIC COUNTRY IN THE WORLD; SAUDI ARABIA, MOST TOXIC  "JUNIOR CITIZEN "  BILL TO BENEFIT POOR FAMILIES CONGRESS OKS PASSPORT VALIDITY EXTENSION 10 YEARS PASSPORT VALIDITY NOW APPROVED IN CONGRESS  House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker. Why OFWs Remain in Neck-deep Debts After Years Of Working Abroad? From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed.  To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  From application until they can actually leave the country, they spend big sum of money for it.  But after they were being able to finally work abroad, the story did not just end there. More often than not, the big sum of cash  they used to pay the recruitment agency fees cause them to suffer from indebtedness.  They were being charged and burdened with too much fees, which are not even compliant with the law. Because of their eagerness to work overseas, they immerse themselves to high interest loans for the sake of working abroad. The recruitment agencies play a big role why the OFWs are suffering from neck-deep debts. Even some licensed agencies, they freely exploit the vulnerability of the OFWs. Due to their greed to collect more cash from every OFWs that they deploy, it results to making the life of OFWs more miserable by burying them in debts.  The result of high fees collected by the agencies can even last even the OFWs have been deployed abroad. Some employers deduct it to their salaries for a number of months, leaving the OFWs broke when their much awaited salary comes.  But it doesn't end there. Some of these agencies conspire with their counterpart agencies to urge the foreign employers to cut the salary of the poor OFWs in their favor. That is of course, beyond the expectation of the OFWs.   Even before they leave, the promised salary is already computed and allocated. They have already planned how much they are going to send to their family back home. If the employer would cut the amount of the salary they are expecting to receive, the planned remittance will surely suffer, it includes the loans that they promised to be paid immediately on time when they finally work abroad.  There is such a situation that their family in the Philippines carry the burden of paying for these loans made by the OFW. For example. An OFW father that has found a mistress, which is a fellow OFW, who turned his back  to his family  and to his obligations to pay his loans made for the recruitment fees. The result, the poor family back home, aside from not receiving any remittance, they will be the ones who are obliged to pay the loans made by the OFW, adding weight to the emotional burden they already had aside from their daily needs.      Read: Common Money Mistakes Why Ofws remain Broke After Years Of Working Abroad   Source: Bandera/inquirer.net NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES  NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS  From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed. To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH). If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    How to File Employment Compensation for Private Workers If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission. If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS   Requirements and Fees for Reduced Travel Tax for OFW Dependents What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax. If you will travel anywhere in the world from the Philippines, you must be aware about the travel tax that you need to settle before your flight.  What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax.           For privileged reduce travel tax, the legitimate spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of the OFWs are qualified to avail.   How much can you save if you avail of the reduced travel tax?  A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. Paying it in full can be costly. With the reduced travel tax policy, your travel tax has been cut roughly by 50 percent for the standard reduced rate and further lower  for the privileged reduce rate.  How much is the Reduced Travel Tax?  First Class Economy Standard Reduced Rate P1,350.00 P810.00 Privileged Reduced Rate    P400.00 P300.00  Image from TIEZA  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO
   6. What is the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance (OCI)?
The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance or the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for
 Agency-Hired Migrant Workers, is an insurance   
    mechanism made available by the law to provide insurance protection for the OFWs. 

Now you can be secured while working abroad. We have an insurance solution that will  provide protection for overseas migrant workers (OFW) from unjust and immediate termination or dismissal by employers abroad. For public information we have prepared these frequently asked questions for you.       1.What is the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (MWOFA) of 1995, as amended? This is the law that protects the Overseas Filipinos and Migrant Workers. It provides adequate and timely social, economic and legal services to Filipino migrant workers .It affords protection to labor organized and unorganized, and promotes full employment and equal employment opportunities   2. Does the MWOFA of 1995, as amended promote overseas work to sustain Philippine economic growth?          No. The law sees to it that if a Filipino Citizen freely chooses to work overseas, he/she is  assured that his/her dignity, fundamental human rights and freedoms shall not be compromised or violated in the host country.  3. Who is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)?   A Filipino Citizen who is about to engage, presently engaged, or engaged in the past in an activity with compensation:  a) in another country where he/she is not a citizen;  b) on board a vessel navigating foreign seas excluding government ship used for military on non-commercial purposes; or  c) on an installation located offshore or on high seas.      4. What is the difference between an OFW and a migrant worker? They mean the same thing. In the context of MWOFA of 1995, as amended, the terms OFW and migrant worker are used interchangeably.    5. What is the difference between an agency-hired OFW and a direct-hired OFW or a name-hired OFW? An  Ofw is agency-hired if he/she availed services of a recruitment/manning agency duly authorized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).  On the other hand, an OFW is direct-hired or name-hired if he/she was hired directly by foreign employers such as:  international organizations, diplomatic corps; and those who were able to get an employment without the assistance or participation of any recruitment /manning agency.      6. What is the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance (OCI)? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance or the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for  Agency-Hired Migrant Workers, is an insurance        mechanism made available by the law to provide insurance protection for the OFWs.              7.What is the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for Agency-Hired Migrant Workers?        This is also the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance. Refer to frequently asked question no. 6 .          8. Who are covered by the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance is mandatory or agency-hired OFWs.  It is not mandatory for direct-hired,  name-hired,or re-hired OFWs. If interested  they can also avail of this insurance. Source   SEE ALSO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor PASSPORT PROCESSING FOR OFWS: 30 MINUTES, RELEASING SHORTER TIME  Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar announces the printing of new passports starting August 15. The new passports have an improved design that features the regions of the country and an upgraded microchip security feature to capture the personal data of the applicant, invisible UV fluorescent ink and thread, and elaborate design when subject to UV light. The APO Production Unit is tasked to produce the Philippine passports, and is a government owned and controlled corporation under the Presidential Communications Office.The new passport that contains "intaglio printing" most commonly used in printing money or currency so it will not be faked and the "printing of the coat of arms using optical variable illusion ink where color varies at different angle” can now be claimed by applicants for only 5 days.  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW PHILIPPINES PASSPORT AND ONE OF THE SAFEST PASSPORT IN THE WORLD?  "All Philippine passports are now integrated with chips that contain the data of the holder. These new passports are called ePassports. The ePassport is a global standard in travel documents, and as a member of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Philippines is required to adhere to their standards. The proposed 10 years validity of passport is now approved on the 3rd and final reading by the House of Representatives and is now a law with vote result of 216 in favor, 0 against and 0 abstained.    House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.  Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.  It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.  The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.  One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker.  The  extension of passport validity from 5 years to 10 years is one of the promises made by President Rodrigo Duterte to the OFWs to lessen their burden of standing in long queues just for applying and renewing of their passports.  Source: GMA News  RECOMMENDED: ON JAKATIA PAWA'S EXECUTION: "WE DID EVERYTHING.." -DFA  BELLO ASSURES DECISION ON MORATORIUM MAY COME OUT ANYTIME SOON  SEN. JOEL VILLANUEVA  SUPPORTS DEPLOYMENT BAN ON HSWS IN KUWAIT  AT LEAST 71 OFWS ON DEATH ROW ABROAD  DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM, NOW! -OFW GROUPS  BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT YOUR HSWS  PRESIDENT DUTERTE WILL VISIT UAE AND KSA, HERE'S WHY  MANPOWER AGENCIES AND RECRUITMENT COMPANIES TO BE HIT DIRECTLY BY HSW DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM IN KUWAIT  UAE TO START IMPLEMENTING 5%VAT STARTING 2018  REMEMBER THIS 7 THINGS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR HOUSEKEEPING JOB IN JAPAN  KENYA , THE LEAST TOXIC COUNTRY IN THE WORLD; SAUDI ARABIA, MOST TOXIC  "JUNIOR CITIZEN "  BILL TO BENEFIT POOR FAMILIES CONGRESS OKS PASSPORT VALIDITY EXTENSION 10 YEARS PASSPORT VALIDITY NOW APPROVED IN CONGRESS  House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker. Why OFWs Remain in Neck-deep Debts After Years Of Working Abroad? From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed.  To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  From application until they can actually leave the country, they spend big sum of money for it.  But after they were being able to finally work abroad, the story did not just end there. More often than not, the big sum of cash  they used to pay the recruitment agency fees cause them to suffer from indebtedness.  They were being charged and burdened with too much fees, which are not even compliant with the law. Because of their eagerness to work overseas, they immerse themselves to high interest loans for the sake of working abroad. The recruitment agencies play a big role why the OFWs are suffering from neck-deep debts. Even some licensed agencies, they freely exploit the vulnerability of the OFWs. Due to their greed to collect more cash from every OFWs that they deploy, it results to making the life of OFWs more miserable by burying them in debts.  The result of high fees collected by the agencies can even last even the OFWs have been deployed abroad. Some employers deduct it to their salaries for a number of months, leaving the OFWs broke when their much awaited salary comes.  But it doesn't end there. Some of these agencies conspire with their counterpart agencies to urge the foreign employers to cut the salary of the poor OFWs in their favor. That is of course, beyond the expectation of the OFWs.   Even before they leave, the promised salary is already computed and allocated. They have already planned how much they are going to send to their family back home. If the employer would cut the amount of the salary they are expecting to receive, the planned remittance will surely suffer, it includes the loans that they promised to be paid immediately on time when they finally work abroad.  There is such a situation that their family in the Philippines carry the burden of paying for these loans made by the OFW. For example. An OFW father that has found a mistress, which is a fellow OFW, who turned his back  to his family  and to his obligations to pay his loans made for the recruitment fees. The result, the poor family back home, aside from not receiving any remittance, they will be the ones who are obliged to pay the loans made by the OFW, adding weight to the emotional burden they already had aside from their daily needs.      Read: Common Money Mistakes Why Ofws remain Broke After Years Of Working Abroad   Source: Bandera/inquirer.net NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES  NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS  From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed. To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH). If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    How to File Employment Compensation for Private Workers If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission. If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS   Requirements and Fees for Reduced Travel Tax for OFW Dependents What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax. If you will travel anywhere in the world from the Philippines, you must be aware about the travel tax that you need to settle before your flight.  What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax.           For privileged reduce travel tax, the legitimate spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of the OFWs are qualified to avail.   How much can you save if you avail of the reduced travel tax?  A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. Paying it in full can be costly. With the reduced travel tax policy, your travel tax has been cut roughly by 50 percent for the standard reduced rate and further lower  for the privileged reduce rate.  How much is the Reduced Travel Tax?  First Class Economy Standard Reduced Rate P1,350.00 P810.00 Privileged Reduced Rate    P400.00 P300.00  Image from TIEZA  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO


         7.What is the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for Agency-Hired Migrant Workers?
 
     This is also the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance. Refer to frequently asked question no. 6
.
Now you can be secured while working abroad. We have an insurance solution that will  provide protection for overseas migrant workers (OFW) from unjust and immediate termination or dismissal by employers abroad. For public information we have prepared these frequently asked questions for you.       1.What is the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (MWOFA) of 1995, as amended? This is the law that protects the Overseas Filipinos and Migrant Workers. It provides adequate and timely social, economic and legal services to Filipino migrant workers .It affords protection to labor organized and unorganized, and promotes full employment and equal employment opportunities   2. Does the MWOFA of 1995, as amended promote overseas work to sustain Philippine economic growth?          No. The law sees to it that if a Filipino Citizen freely chooses to work overseas, he/she is  assured that his/her dignity, fundamental human rights and freedoms shall not be compromised or violated in the host country.  3. Who is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)?   A Filipino Citizen who is about to engage, presently engaged, or engaged in the past in an activity with compensation:  a) in another country where he/she is not a citizen;  b) on board a vessel navigating foreign seas excluding government ship used for military on non-commercial purposes; or  c) on an installation located offshore or on high seas.      4. What is the difference between an OFW and a migrant worker? They mean the same thing. In the context of MWOFA of 1995, as amended, the terms OFW and migrant worker are used interchangeably.    5. What is the difference between an agency-hired OFW and a direct-hired OFW or a name-hired OFW? An  Ofw is agency-hired if he/she availed services of a recruitment/manning agency duly authorized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).  On the other hand, an OFW is direct-hired or name-hired if he/she was hired directly by foreign employers such as:  international organizations, diplomatic corps; and those who were able to get an employment without the assistance or participation of any recruitment /manning agency.      6. What is the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance (OCI)? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance or the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for  Agency-Hired Migrant Workers, is an insurance        mechanism made available by the law to provide insurance protection for the OFWs.              7.What is the Compulsory Insurance Coverage for Agency-Hired Migrant Workers?        This is also the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance. Refer to frequently asked question no. 6 .          8. Who are covered by the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance? The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance is mandatory or agency-hired OFWs.  It is not mandatory for direct-hired,  name-hired,or re-hired OFWs. If interested  they can also avail of this insurance. Source   SEE ALSO: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor PASSPORT PROCESSING FOR OFWS: 30 MINUTES, RELEASING SHORTER TIME  Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar announces the printing of new passports starting August 15. The new passports have an improved design that features the regions of the country and an upgraded microchip security feature to capture the personal data of the applicant, invisible UV fluorescent ink and thread, and elaborate design when subject to UV light. The APO Production Unit is tasked to produce the Philippine passports, and is a government owned and controlled corporation under the Presidential Communications Office.The new passport that contains "intaglio printing" most commonly used in printing money or currency so it will not be faked and the "printing of the coat of arms using optical variable illusion ink where color varies at different angle” can now be claimed by applicants for only 5 days.  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW PHILIPPINES PASSPORT AND ONE OF THE SAFEST PASSPORT IN THE WORLD?  "All Philippine passports are now integrated with chips that contain the data of the holder. These new passports are called ePassports. The ePassport is a global standard in travel documents, and as a member of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Philippines is required to adhere to their standards. The proposed 10 years validity of passport is now approved on the 3rd and final reading by the House of Representatives and is now a law with vote result of 216 in favor, 0 against and 0 abstained.    House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.  Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.  It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.  The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.  One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker.  The  extension of passport validity from 5 years to 10 years is one of the promises made by President Rodrigo Duterte to the OFWs to lessen their burden of standing in long queues just for applying and renewing of their passports.  Source: GMA News  RECOMMENDED: ON JAKATIA PAWA'S EXECUTION: "WE DID EVERYTHING.." -DFA  BELLO ASSURES DECISION ON MORATORIUM MAY COME OUT ANYTIME SOON  SEN. JOEL VILLANUEVA  SUPPORTS DEPLOYMENT BAN ON HSWS IN KUWAIT  AT LEAST 71 OFWS ON DEATH ROW ABROAD  DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM, NOW! -OFW GROUPS  BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT YOUR HSWS  PRESIDENT DUTERTE WILL VISIT UAE AND KSA, HERE'S WHY  MANPOWER AGENCIES AND RECRUITMENT COMPANIES TO BE HIT DIRECTLY BY HSW DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM IN KUWAIT  UAE TO START IMPLEMENTING 5%VAT STARTING 2018  REMEMBER THIS 7 THINGS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR HOUSEKEEPING JOB IN JAPAN  KENYA , THE LEAST TOXIC COUNTRY IN THE WORLD; SAUDI ARABIA, MOST TOXIC  "JUNIOR CITIZEN "  BILL TO BENEFIT POOR FAMILIES CONGRESS OKS PASSPORT VALIDITY EXTENSION 10 YEARS PASSPORT VALIDITY NOW APPROVED IN CONGRESS  House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker. Why OFWs Remain in Neck-deep Debts After Years Of Working Abroad? From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed.  To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  From application until they can actually leave the country, they spend big sum of money for it.  But after they were being able to finally work abroad, the story did not just end there. More often than not, the big sum of cash  they used to pay the recruitment agency fees cause them to suffer from indebtedness.  They were being charged and burdened with too much fees, which are not even compliant with the law. Because of their eagerness to work overseas, they immerse themselves to high interest loans for the sake of working abroad. The recruitment agencies play a big role why the OFWs are suffering from neck-deep debts. Even some licensed agencies, they freely exploit the vulnerability of the OFWs. Due to their greed to collect more cash from every OFWs that they deploy, it results to making the life of OFWs more miserable by burying them in debts.  The result of high fees collected by the agencies can even last even the OFWs have been deployed abroad. Some employers deduct it to their salaries for a number of months, leaving the OFWs broke when their much awaited salary comes.  But it doesn't end there. Some of these agencies conspire with their counterpart agencies to urge the foreign employers to cut the salary of the poor OFWs in their favor. That is of course, beyond the expectation of the OFWs.   Even before they leave, the promised salary is already computed and allocated. They have already planned how much they are going to send to their family back home. If the employer would cut the amount of the salary they are expecting to receive, the planned remittance will surely suffer, it includes the loans that they promised to be paid immediately on time when they finally work abroad.  There is such a situation that their family in the Philippines carry the burden of paying for these loans made by the OFW. For example. An OFW father that has found a mistress, which is a fellow OFW, who turned his back  to his family  and to his obligations to pay his loans made for the recruitment fees. The result, the poor family back home, aside from not receiving any remittance, they will be the ones who are obliged to pay the loans made by the OFW, adding weight to the emotional burden they already had aside from their daily needs.      Read: Common Money Mistakes Why Ofws remain Broke After Years Of Working Abroad   Source: Bandera/inquirer.net NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES  NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS  From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed. To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH). If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    How to File Employment Compensation for Private Workers If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission. If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS   Requirements and Fees for Reduced Travel Tax for OFW Dependents What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax. If you will travel anywhere in the world from the Philippines, you must be aware about the travel tax that you need to settle before your flight.  What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax.           For privileged reduce travel tax, the legitimate spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of the OFWs are qualified to avail.   How much can you save if you avail of the reduced travel tax?  A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. Paying it in full can be costly. With the reduced travel tax policy, your travel tax has been cut roughly by 50 percent for the standard reduced rate and further lower  for the privileged reduce rate.  How much is the Reduced Travel Tax?  First Class Economy Standard Reduced Rate P1,350.00 P810.00 Privileged Reduced Rate    P400.00 P300.00  Image from TIEZA  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO




8. Who are covered by the Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance?
The Agency-Hired OFW Compulsory Insurance is mandatory or agency-hired OFWs.
It is not mandatory for direct-hired,
name-hired,or re-hired OFWs. If interested
they can also avail of this insurance.


Source



SEE ALSO:
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor
PASSPORT PROCESSING FOR OFWS: 30 MINUTES, RELEASING SHORTER TIME 
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar announces the printing of new passports starting August 15. The new passports have an improved design that features the regions of the country and an upgraded microchip security feature to capture the personal data of the applicant, invisible UV fluorescent ink and thread, and elaborate design when subject to UV light. The APO Production Unit is tasked to produce the Philippine passports, and is a government owned and controlled corporation under the Presidential Communications Office.The new passport that contains "intaglio printing" most commonly used in printing money or currency so it will not be faked and the "printing of the coat of arms using optical variable illusion ink where color varies at different angle” can now be claimed by applicants for only 5 days. 
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Personal appearance 2. Confirmed appointment 3. Passport Fee 4. Duly accomplished application form. 5. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. • When entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA 6. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS The following are required for first-time passport applications: 1. Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below) 2. Personal appearance of the minor applicant 3. Personal appearance of either parent 4. Passports of parents 5. Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA Alternatives: • If BC is not yet available: Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. • If entries are blurred/unreadable: Transcribed Birth Certificate from the • If born abroad: Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad 6. Document of identity with photo: • Options: School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal • For minor applicants who never attended school: Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school 7. Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA 8. Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person travelling with the minor

HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW PHILIPPINES PASSPORT AND ONE OF THE SAFEST PASSPORT IN THE WORLD? 
"All Philippine passports are now integrated with chips that contain the data of the holder. These new passports are called ePassports. The ePassport is a global standard in travel documents, and as a member of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Philippines is required to adhere to their standards.
The proposed 10 years validity of passport is now approved on the 3rd and final reading by the House of Representatives and is now a law with vote result of 216 in favor, 0 against and 0 abstained.    House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.  Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.  It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.  The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.  One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker.  The  extension of passport validity from 5 years to 10 years is one of the promises made by President Rodrigo Duterte to the OFWs to lessen their burden of standing in long queues just for applying and renewing of their passports.  Source: GMA News  RECOMMENDED: ON JAKATIA PAWA'S EXECUTION: "WE DID EVERYTHING.." -DFA  BELLO ASSURES DECISION ON MORATORIUM MAY COME OUT ANYTIME SOON  SEN. JOEL VILLANUEVA  SUPPORTS DEPLOYMENT BAN ON HSWS IN KUWAIT  AT LEAST 71 OFWS ON DEATH ROW ABROAD  DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM, NOW! -OFW GROUPS  BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT YOUR HSWS  PRESIDENT DUTERTE WILL VISIT UAE AND KSA, HERE'S WHY  MANPOWER AGENCIES AND RECRUITMENT COMPANIES TO BE HIT DIRECTLY BY HSW DEPLOYMENT MORATORIUM IN KUWAIT  UAE TO START IMPLEMENTING 5%VAT STARTING 2018  REMEMBER THIS 7 THINGS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR HOUSEKEEPING JOB IN JAPAN  KENYA , THE LEAST TOXIC COUNTRY IN THE WORLD; SAUDI ARABIA, MOST TOXIC  "JUNIOR CITIZEN "  BILL TO BENEFIT POOR FAMILIES CONGRESS OKS PASSPORT VALIDITY EXTENSION

10 YEARS PASSPORT VALIDITY NOW APPROVED IN CONGRESS 
House Bill No. 4767, is a measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8239, or the “Philippine Passport Law,” which currently states that a passport is valid for a period of five years, regardless of the age of the applicant.Under the bill, the validity will be extended to 10 years for adults, or those 18 years old and above.It states, however, that the issuing authority "may limit" the period of validity to less than 10 years in the case of minors, or "whenever the national economic interest or political stability of the country" makes it necessary.The bill will be transmitted to Senate for concurrence.One of the principal authors of the new passport bill  is former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who now sits as a deputy speaker.

Why OFWs Remain in Neck-deep Debts After Years Of Working Abroad?
From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed.  To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.  From application until they can actually leave the country, they spend big sum of money for it.  But after they were being able to finally work abroad, the story did not just end there. More often than not, the big sum of cash  they used to pay the recruitment agency fees cause them to suffer from indebtedness.  They were being charged and burdened with too much fees, which are not even compliant with the law. Because of their eagerness to work overseas, they immerse themselves to high interest loans for the sake of working abroad. The recruitment agencies play a big role why the OFWs are suffering from neck-deep debts. Even some licensed agencies, they freely exploit the vulnerability of the OFWs. Due to their greed to collect more cash from every OFWs that they deploy, it results to making the life of OFWs more miserable by burying them in debts.  The result of high fees collected by the agencies can even last even the OFWs have been deployed abroad. Some employers deduct it to their salaries for a number of months, leaving the OFWs broke when their much awaited salary comes.  But it doesn't end there. Some of these agencies conspire with their counterpart agencies to urge the foreign employers to cut the salary of the poor OFWs in their favor. That is of course, beyond the expectation of the OFWs.   Even before they leave, the promised salary is already computed and allocated. They have already planned how much they are going to send to their family back home. If the employer would cut the amount of the salary they are expecting to receive, the planned remittance will surely suffer, it includes the loans that they promised to be paid immediately on time when they finally work abroad.  There is such a situation that their family in the Philippines carry the burden of paying for these loans made by the OFW. For example. An OFW father that has found a mistress, which is a fellow OFW, who turned his back  to his family  and to his obligations to pay his loans made for the recruitment fees. The result, the poor family back home, aside from not receiving any remittance, they will be the ones who are obliged to pay the loans made by the OFW, adding weight to the emotional burden they already had aside from their daily needs.      Read: Common Money Mistakes Why Ofws remain Broke After Years Of Working Abroad   Source: Bandera/inquirer.net NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES  NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS

From beginning to the end, the real life of OFWs are colorful indeed. To work outside the country, they invest too much, spend a lot. They start making loans for the processing of their needed documents to work abroad.


NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES
In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside. 

Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS

NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE
In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).

If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS

How to File Employment Compensation for Private Workers
If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.
If you know someone who is sick, had an accident  or relatives of an employee who died while on duty, you can help them and their families  by sharing them how to claim their benefits from the government through Employment Compensation Commission.  Here are the steps on claiming the Employee Compensation for private employees.        Step 1. Prepare the following documents:  Certificate of Employment- stating  the actual duties and responsibilities of the employee at the time of his sickness or accident.  EC Log Book- certified true copy of the page containing the particular sickness or accident that happened to the employee.  Medical Findings- should come from  the attending doctor the hospital where the employee was admitted.     Step 2. Gather the additional documents if the employee is;  1. Got sick: Request your company to provide  pre-employment medical check -up or  Fit-To-Work certification at the time that you first got hired . Also attach Medical Records from your company.  2. In case of accident: Provide an Accident report if the accident happened within the company or work premises. Police report if it happened outside the company premises (i.e. employee's residence etc.)  3 In case of Death:  Bring the Death Certificate, Medical Records and accident report of the employee. If married, bring the Marriage Certificate and the Birth Certificate of his children below 21 years of age.      FINAL ENTRY HERE, LINKS OTHERS   Step 3.  Gather all the requirements together and submit it to the nearest SSS office. Wait for the SSS decision,if approved, you will receive a notice and a cheque from the SSS. If denied, ask for a written denial letter from SSS and file a motion for reconsideration and submit it to the SSS Main office. In case that the motion is  not approved, write a letter of appeal and send it to ECC and wait for their decision.      Contact ECC Office at ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro ManilaPhone:(02) 899 4251 Recommended: NATIONAL PORTAL AND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO  SPEED UP INTERNET SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES In a Facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country.Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.   Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/president-rodrigo-duterte-approved.html#ixzz4bC6eQr5N Good news to the Filipinos whose business and livelihood rely on good and fast internet connection such as stocks trading and online marketing. President Rodrigo Duterte  has already approved the establishment of  the National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang today. In a facebook post of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, he said that after a presentation made by Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country. Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) "to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed." As a response to the President's SONA statement, Salalima presented the  DICT's national broadband plan that aims to push for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside.  The broadband program has been in the work since former President Gloria Arroyo but due to allegations of corruption and illegality, Mrs. Arroyo cancelled the US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp.just 6 months after she signed it in April 2007.  Fast internet connection benefits not only those who are on internet business and online business but even our over 10 million OFWs around the world and their families in the Philippines. When the era of snail mails, voice tapes and telegram  and the internet age started, communications with their loved one back home can be much easier. But with the Philippines being at #43 on the latest internet speed ranks, something is telling us that improvement has to made.                RECOMMENDED  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS    NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN SIGNED BY PRESIDENT DUTERTE In January, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that President Duterte had asked her to draft the executive order similar to what had been implemented in Davao City when he was a mayor, it is the "100% smoke-free environment in public places."Today, a text message from Sec. Manny Piñol to ABS-CBN News confirmed that President Duterte will sign an Executive Order to ban smoking in public places as drafted by the Department of Health (DOH).  Read more: http://www.jbsolis.com/2017/03/executive-order-for-nationwide-smoking.html#ixzz4bC77ijSR   EMIRATES ID CAN NOW BE USED AS HEALTH INSURANCE CARD  TODAY'S NEWS THAT WILL REVIVE YOUR TRUST TO THE PHIL GOVERNMENT  BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!  RELOCATING NAIA  THE HORROR AND TERROR OF BEING A HOUSEMAID IN SAUDI ARABIA  DUTERTE WARNING  NEW BAGGAGE RULES FOR DUBAI AIRPORT    HUGE FISH SIGHTINGS
Requirements and Fees for Reduced Travel Tax for OFW Dependents

What is a travel tax?
According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183. 

A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.

However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.

Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and 
If you will travel anywhere in the world from the Philippines, you must be aware about the travel tax that you need to settle before your flight.  What is a travel tax? According to TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), it is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the Philippines, as provided for by Presidential Decree (PD) 1183.   A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. For an average Filipino like me, it’s quite pricey. Overseas Filipino Workers, diplomats and airline crew members are exempted from paying travel tax before but now, travel tax for OFWs are included in their air ticket prize and can be refunded later at the refund counter at NAIA.  However, OFW dependents can apply for  standard reduced travel tax. Children or Minors from 2 years and one (1) day to 12th birthday on date of travel.  Accredited Filipino journalist whose travel is in pursuit of journalistic assignment and   those authorized by the President of the Republic of the Philippines for reasons of national interest, are also entitled to avail the reduced travel tax.           For privileged reduce travel tax, the legitimate spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of the OFWs are qualified to avail.   How much can you save if you avail of the reduced travel tax?  A full travel tax for first class passenger is PhP2,700.00 and PhP1,620.00 for economy class. Paying it in full can be costly. With the reduced travel tax policy, your travel tax has been cut roughly by 50 percent for the standard reduced rate and further lower  for the privileged reduce rate.  How much is the Reduced Travel Tax?  First Class Economy Standard Reduced Rate P1,350.00 P810.00 Privileged Reduced Rate    P400.00 P300.00  Image from TIEZA

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