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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

How Much Money Can You Benefit From SSS During Sickness, Maternity, Disability, Death And Retirement?




Are you a member of SSS?  We gathered these information to give you the idea on how much benefit you can get by being a member.  Sickness Benefit Computation The amount of a member's sickness benefit per day is equivalent to ninety percent (90%) of the member's average daily salary credit. Benefit Computation:  Exclude the semester of sickness.  -A semester refers to two consecutive quarters ending in the quarter of sickness. -A quarter refers to three consecutive months ending March, June, September or December.  -Count 12 months backwards starting from the month immediately before the semester of sickness.  -Identify the six highest monthly salary credits within the 12-month period.  -Monthly salary credit salary credit means the compensation base for contributions and benefits related to the total earnings for the month.  -Add the six highest monthly salary credits to get the total monthly salary credit. -Divide the total monthly salary credits by 180 days to get the average daily salary credit. -Multiply the average daily salary credit by 90 percent to get the daily sickness allowance. -Multiply the daily sickness allowance by approved number of days to arrive at the amount of benefit due.  For example, let us say that an SSS member gets sick or injured in October 2013 for 20 days: The semester of sickness would be from July 2013 to December 2013. The 12-month period would be from July 2012 to June 2013 within which the six highest monthly salary credits will be chosen. Let us assume that the six highest monthly salary credits are P15, 000 each. The total monthly credit would be P90, 000 (P15, 000 x 6). The total monthly salary credit would be divided by 180 to get the average daily salary credit of P500 (P90,000/180). The daily sickness allowance is 90 percent of the of the average daily salary credit or P450 (P500 x 90%). The sickness benefit due is P9,000 (P450 x 20 days). IMPORTANT!  The payment of the daily sickness allowance is advanced by the employer every regular payday. The SSS will then reimburse the employer of the amount legally advanced upon receipt of satisfactory proof of such payment and legality thereof. For unemployed, self-employed or voluntary members, the sickness benefit will be paid directly by the SSS to the member. The SSS will reimburse the employer only for confinements within the one year period immediately preceding and the date the claim for benefit or reimbursement is received by the SSS, except for confinements in hospital. For example, SSS receives the employer's reimbursement claim on Oct. 3, 2016 for the sickness period September 23 to Oct. 14, 2015. The employer will be reimbursed for the period Oct. 4 to 14,2015 only as Sept. 23 to Oct. 3, 2016 falls outside the prescribed one-year period for reimbursement claim. For hospital confinement, the claim for benefit must be filed within one (1) year from the last day of confinement from the hospital. For home confinement, the claim for reimbursement by the employer must be filed within one (1) year from the start of illness. Failure to file the claim within the prescribed period will result to denial of the claim. A member can be granted sickness benefit for a maximum of 120 days in one calendar year. Any unused portion of the allowable 120 days sickness benefit cannot be carried forward and added to the total number of allowed compensable days for the following year. The sickness benefit shall not be paid for more than 240 days on account of the same illness. If the sickness or injury still persists after 240 days, his claim will be considered a disability claim.   MATERNITY MATERNITY BENEFIT   What is the Maternity Benefit?  The maternity benefit is a daily cash allowance granted to a female member who was unable to work due to childbirth or miscarriage. What are the qualifications for entitlement to the maternity benefit?  1. She has paid at least three (3) monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage.  2. She has given the required notification of her pregnancy through her ER if employed, or directly to the SSS, if a SE or VM or Member Separated from Employment. Is the SE or VM also entitled to the maternity benefit? Yes. An SE or VM is entitled to the maternity benefit provided that she meets the qualifying conditions. How much is the maternity benefit? The maternity benefit is equivalent to 100 percent of the member’s average daily salary credit (ADSC) multiplied by 60 days for normal delivery/miscarriage/ectopic pregnancy without operation/hydatidiform mole (H-mole) and 78 days for caesarean section delivery/ectopic pregnancy with operation.   How is the maternity benefit computed?  1. Exclude the semester of contingency (delivery/miscarriage/procedure). A semester refers to two (2) consecutive quarters ending in the quarter of contingency. A quarter refers to three (3) consecutive months ending March, June, September or December.   2. Count twelve (12) months backwards starting from the month immediately before the semester of contingency.   3. Identify the six (6) highest MSC within the 12-month period. Monthly salary credit (MSC) means the compensation base for contributions and benefits related to the total earnings for the month. The maximum covered earnings or compensation is P16,000, effective January 1, 2014.   Please refer to the following table:   4. Add the six (6) highest MSC to get the total MSC.   5. Divide the total MSC by 180 days to get the ADSC. This is equivalent to the daily maternity allowance.  6. Multiply the daily maternity allowance either by 60 or 78 days, as the case may be, to get the total amount of maternity benefit.  For example, an SSS member gave birth in December 2015.  a) The semester of contingency would be from July 2015 to December 2015.  b) The 12-month period before the semester of contingency would be from July 2014 to June 2015.  c) Let us assume that the six (6) highest MSC are P15,000 each.  Thus, the total MSC would be P90,000 (P15,000 x 6).  d) The daily maternity allowance would be P500 (P90,000 ÷ 180). e) Depending on her maternity case, the total maternity benefit due would either be:  P30,000 (P500 x 60 days) for normal delivery/miscarriage/ectopic pregnancy without operation/H-mole, or P39,000 (P500 x 78 days) for caesarean delivery/ectopic pregnancy with operation.   What is new with the Disability Benefit?  Still adopting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of disability as any “restriction or lack (resulting from impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being,” the SSS redesigned the granting of disability benefit to its members. The aim is to improve the delivery of services without compromising the need to ensure that the appropriate disability benefit is paid to deserving members.   What are the salient features of the redesigned disability program?  1. Use of the new Manual on Medical Benefits (Disability, Sickness and Maternity), which is a compilation of the three (3) medical benefits granted by SSS to its members. It adopts the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problem codes (ICD-10) and includes the most recent medical management of illnesses/injuries and their corresponding ratings. It has been validated internationally and locally by the different Medical societies.  2. The evaluation guidelines of illnesses/injuries also consider the current physical state of the member, thus, allowing several claims to be evaluated first based on supporting documents. Who is qualified for disability benefit under the new program? A member who suffers partial or total permanent disability, with at least one (1) monthly contribution paid to the SSS prior to the semester of contingency, is qualified.   What are some of the partial permanent disabilities?  A complete and permanent loss or use of any of the following body parts:  One thumb, one big toe, one index finger, one hand, one middle finger, one arm, one ring finger, one foot, one little finger' one leg, hearing of one ear, one ear hearing of both ears, both ears, sight of one eye.   What are some of the total permanent disabilities?  The following fall under total permanent disability:  1. complete loss of sight of both eyes;   2. loss of two limbs at or above the ankles or wrists;   3. permanent complete paralysis of two limbs  4. brain injury resulting to incurable imbecility or insanity; and  5. such cases as determined and approved by the SSS.   What are the types of disability benefits?  1. Monthly pension – a cash benefit paid to a disabled member who has paid at least 36 monthly contributions to the SSS prior to the semester of disability.  2. Lump sum amount – granted to those who have not met the required 36 monthly contributions. If the approved disability period is payable for less than twelve (12) months, it is also given in lump sum.   How much is the monthly pension?  The amount of monthly pension will be based on the member’s number of paid contributions and the years of membership prior to the semester of contingency.   The minimum monthly pension is P1,000 for members with less than ten (10) credited years of service (CYS);  P1,200 with at least ten (10) CYS and  P2,400 with at least twenty (20) CYS.   Is the monthly pension for life?  The member who suffers from permanent total disability shall receive monthly pension for life. However, the pension shall be suspended if the member recovers from the permanent total disability, or resumes employment, or fails to report for the annual physical examination upon notice by SSS. If the pensioner is unable to report for medical examination due to the disability, then domiciliary service by an SSS physician may be requested at any branch office.  The member who suffers from permanent partial disability shall receive a monthly pension based on the equivalent number of months of the degree of disability. If the member’s condition due to same illness/injury deteriorates, resulting in progression of his/her disabling manifestations, he/she is entitled to claim additional disability benefit. This is calculated based on the remaining percentage of disability after deducting from the percentage of disability in the current claim, the percentage of disability granted in the previous claim.   How is the monthly pension paid?  The monthly pension is paid thru the bank account that the member chose under the “SSS Pensioner’s Remittance thru Bank” Program. This became mandatory effective September 1, 1993.  A member must open a single savings account (or use an existing one, if any) and submit to SSS a photocopy of any of the following:  a) the savings account passbook;  b) the ATM card bearing the member’s name and account number;  c) a validated initial deposit slip; or  d) Visa Cash Card Enrollment Form, upon filing of benefit application.  The original passbook/ATM card must be presented for authentication purposes. 60 For members without an existing single savings account, the SSS shall issue an LOI form to be presented to his/her chosen SSS-accredited bank for the purpose of opening a single savings account.  Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice-voucher to the member with the information when to withdraw the benefit from the bank. How much is the lump sum amount?   There are two (2) basic formulas for calculating the lump sum amount. For permanent total disability, the lump sum benefit is equivalent to the monthly pension multiplied by the number of monthly contributions paid to the SSS, or twelve (12) times the monthly pension. Whichever result is higher of the two will be the member’s lump sum benefit. For permanent partial disability, the lump sum is equivalent to the monthly pension multiplied by the number of monthly contributions, multiplied by the percentage of disability in relation to the whole body; or the monthly pension twelve (12) times the percentage of disability, whichever is higher.  For example, the Member’s degree of disability is determined to be twenty percent (20%) and the number of contributions paid by the Member is equivalent to 24 months only:   a. P1,000 (monthly pension) x 24 (monthly contributions) x 20% (percentage of disability) = P4,800; or   b. P1,000 (monthly pension) x 12 x 20% (percentage of disability) = P2,400 The lump sum benefit to be given to the Member would be P4,800, which is the higher amount based on the two (2) computations.   Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice voucher to the member informing him/her when to withdraw the benefit from the bank.   How is the lump sum amount paid?  Effective May 2016, the member may opt to receive the lump sum benefits for SS and EC Disability, SS Death and Retirement directly through his/her bank account, instead of receiving the check through the mail. The Payment thru-the-Bank Program shall become mandatory upon implementation of the Benefits Workflow System.  The member will be asked to open a single savings account (or use an existing one, if any) and submit to SSS a photocopy of any of the following:  a) the savings account passbook;  b) the ATM card bearing the member’s name and account number;  c) a validated initial deposit slip;  d) bank statement or certification; or  e) Visa Cash Card Enrollment Form, upon filing of benefit application. The original passbook/ATM card must be presented for authentication purposes.    For members without an existing single savings account, the SSS shall issue an LOI form to be presented to his/her chosen SSS-accredited bank for the purpose of opening a single savings account.   Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice voucher to the member informing him/her when to withdraw the benefit from the bank. Aside from disability benefit, what else can a disability pensioner receive?  In addition to the monthly pension, a supplemental allowance of P500 is paid to the total or partial disability pensioner to provide additional financial assistance to meet the extra needs arising from his disability.  A total disability pensioner is also entitled to a 13th month pension payable every December. For a partial disability pensioner, 13th month pension shall be paid provided that the pension duration is at least twelve (12) months. Total disability pensioners and their legal dependents prior to the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 are entitled to the hospitalization benefits under PhilHealth.   A copy of Death Disability-Retirement (DDR) print-out indicating the type of claim is disability in nature and the effectivity date of pension or a Copy of Disability Pensioner Certification, must be submitted.  Total disability pensioners upon the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 and thereafter, are no longer covered except when they have accumulated 120 Medicare monthly contributions and have reached age 60.  They need to register with PhilHealth for the issuance of their PhilHealth ID card for Non-Paying Members. Those who wish to avail of PhilHealth benefits may enroll in the Individually-Paying Program (for SE/VM) or the Sponsored Program of PhilHealth.  Death Benefit  What is Death Benefit?  The death benefit is a cash benefit paid either in monthly pension or lump sum to the beneficiaries of a deceased member.   What are the types of death benefits?  1. Monthly pension – granted to the primary beneficiaries of a deceased member who had paid 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death.  2. Lump sum amount – granted to the primary beneficiaries of a deceased member who had paid less than 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death. In case of secondary beneficiaries, they are paid a lump sum benefit only.   Which beneficiaries of a deceased member are eligible to receive the death benefit? The death benefit goes to the primary beneficiaries of the deceased member. These are the legitimate dependent spouse, until he/she remarries, and the dependent legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted, and illegitimate children of the member who are not yet 21 years old or over 21 years old, provided they are incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to physical or mental disability which is congenital in nature or acquired during minority. In the absence of primary beneficiaries, the dependent parents are considered the secondary beneficiaries. In their absence, any other person designated by the member in his/her SSS records are considered as the beneficiary. If there is no designated beneficiary, the benefit shall be paid to the deceased member’s legal heirs in accordance with the law of succession under the Family Code of the Philippines.   How much is the monthly pension?  The monthly pension depends on the member’s paid contributions, including the CYS and the number of dependent minor children, which should not exceed five (5).  The monthly pension is paid for not less than 60 months.  The amount of monthly pension will be the highest of:  1. the sum of P300 plus twenty percent (20%) of the average monthly salary credit (AMSC) plus two percent (2%) of the AMSC for each CYS in excess of ten (10) years; or   2. forty percent (40%) of the AMSC; or   3. P1,000 if the member had less than ten (10) CYS; P1,200 if with at least ten (10) CYS; or P2,400 if with at least twenty (20) CYS.   Retirement Benefit  What is the Retirement Benefit?  The retirement benefit is a cash benefit paid either in monthly pension or as lump sum to a member who can no longer work due to old age.   What are the types of retirement benefits?  1. Monthly pension – a lifetime cash benefit paid to a retiree on a regular monthly basis.  2. Lump sum amount – one-time payment granted to a retiree.  The amount is equal to the total contributions paid by the member and/or by his/her ERs, including interest earned.   Who may qualify for a retirement pension?   1. Member must have paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement and is any of the following, whichever is applicable:  a) at least 60 years old and separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE/ OFW/Household Helper (optional retirement);  b) at least 65 years old whether still employed/SE, working as OFW/Household Helper or not (technical retirement);  c) at least 55 years old and separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE, if an “underground mineworker” (optional retirement);  d) at least 60 years old whether still employed/SE or not, if an “underground mineworker” (technical retirement); or  e) a total disability pensioner who has recovered from disability and is at least 60 years old (or at least 55 years old, if an underground mineworker).   2. A former retiree-pensioner whose monthly pension was suspended due to reemployment/self-employment and is now separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE.   3. A member who is 60 years old and above, but not yet 65, with 120 contributions or more may continue paying as VM up to 65 years old to avail of the higher amount of benefit.   What are the other terms and conditions for retirement of Underground Mineworkers?  An Underground Mineworker is any person employed to extract mineral deposits underground or whose workplace is beneath the ground performing and coordinating activities for the purpose of searching for and extracting mineral deposits, which includes the muckers, 67 miners, bull-gang workers, etc. and any other person working underground regardless of positions such as geologist, security guards, mechanics or sampler.  An Underground Mineworker must have been employed as such for at least five (5) years (either continuous or accumulated) prior to the semester of retirement as certified by his/her ER/s, regardless if employment as underground mineworker is his/her last or not. The actual date of retirement should not be earlier than March 13, 1998 and the ER/s must be duly registered with the Bureau of Mines as a mining company.   Who may qualify for a lump sum retirement amount? Member is at least 60 years old (or 55 years old, if an underground mineworker) for optional retirement, or 65 years old (or 60 years old, if an underground mineworker) for technical retirement, and has paid less than 120 monthly contributions A member filing for retirement benefit and has paid less than 120 monthly contributions shall be given the option to continue paying the contributions as a VM to complete the 120 months to avail the full benefits thru monthly pension.   How is the monthly pension computed? The monthly pension shall be the highest of:   a) 300 + (20% x AMSC*) + (2% x AMSC) x (CYS** – 10); or   b) 40% x AMSC; or   c) The minimum pension of P1,200, if with at least 10 CYS; or P2,400, if with at least 20 CYS, whichever is applicable.   *AMSC (Average Monthly Salary Credit)  ** CYS (Credited Years of Service)   The monthly pension of a member who retires after age 60 and who has contributed the required 120 monthly contributions shall be the higher of the following:  a) monthly pension computed at the earliest time the member could have retired had he/she been separated from employment or ceased to be SE, plus all adjustments thereto; or  b) monthly pension computed at the time when the member actually retires.   What is the 18-months advance pension?  A retiree has the option to receive the first eighteen (18) months pension in lump sum, discounted at a preferential rate of interest to be determined by the SSS. This option can be exercised only upon filing of the first retirement claim, and only advance payments shall be discounted on the date of payment.   The Dependent’s Pension and 13th Month Pension are excluded from the advanced 18 months pension. Should there be an increase in the monthly pension within the 18-month period, the same shall also be subjected to interest. The retiree will receive the regular pension on the 19th month and every month thereafter. Source: SSS  RECOMMENDED:    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. Whether you are planning to start a small business, purchase a new car or raising funds to  buy a new house or do a major house renovation, it may not take forever to raise it just from the savings you get from your salary. Many people resort to availing  loans from banks, financing companies or even a close friend.  To avail a loan, you can always apply anywhere but there will be no guarantee that your loan application will be approved instantly. Why do loan applications are declined?  There are various reasons  why loan applications are being disapproved.   Here are the 10 main reasons that might cause your loan application  to be declined:     Failure to submit pre-qualifying requirements. In applying for any loans, you need to provide the needed requirements. Failure to do so can surely compromise the transaction and may lead to disapproval of your loan application.    Not resolving bad credit.  Bad credits reflects bad paying habits. Nobody will ever lend any amount without the assurance that you will be able to pay it on time.    Not doing enough research.   Doing a research about the company background and some information about people who already had their loan approved in a certain financing companies may help you get a positive result.    Error in credit report. Not declaring or not disclosing about your credit history may lead to denial of loan. The finance companies has a wide network and they are using every bit of information to check if you are really worth they trust. If you fail to provide the information they needed, your loan application could be declined.    Thinness of credit file. Good credit records can be useful in dealing with loan applications. The more good credit transactions you have, the  better. It will speak for you and get the loan you wish if you have enough good transactions from various credit or loan company.    Having too much debt. One thing lenders look at when they’re reviewing loan applications is your debt-to-income ratio. If your monthly salary could not balance well with your debts, you are most likely to be declined of your loan application.  OFWs who are availing loans can be disapproved due to the following reasons:         In order to have a successful loan application, you need to consider the above-mentioned points to make sure that you would get the approval for your loan. Sources: Smart Asset, Loan Solutions  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. The Department of Health expressed concern  over possible mental illness among the young people due to the alarming amount of time they spend on social media.  According to DOH spokesman, Eric Tayag, while social media is a way to connect to other people, it also has adverse effects.  Tayag also said that most juveniles that are fond of social media are also involved in bullying, angst and depression.  Bullying and depression can start with issues about love, relationship with the same sex, unplanned pregnancy, problems at school, at home and health problems.  Common symptoms that a person is experiencing depression is that  they do not do daily activities normally like taking a bath, skipping meals, always sad and not engaging in conversations.   {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPHS HERE} {INSERT ANOTHER 5 {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPH   The severe depression that burdened the young people through social media results to bullying. even social media creates a connection, people with mental health issues perceive it differently.  DOH step is a response to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that from 2005 to 2015, the number of people who suffer depression that leads to committing suicide has increased to 18%.  WHO celebrated  World health Day that focused on how to cure depression problems. It can be cured by means of counselling.  In 2005, 280 million people suffered from depression and has increased to 332 Million in 2015. This is a serious threat to all the young people around the world including the Filipino youth.  In the records of the DOH HOPE Line, they have received 3,479 depression  related phone calls in 2016. Most number of calls are recorded on November and December last year and on February this year.  Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial said that the DOH has allocated P100 million funds to address the said problem in mental illness . Source: Philstar Recommended: Facebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.    A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.   The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLISFacebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS

Are you a member of SSS? 
We gathered this information to give you the idea of how much benefit you can get by being a member.

Sickness Benefit Computation
The amount of a member's sickness benefit per day is equivalent to ninety percent (90%) of the member's average daily salary credit.

    Benefit Computation:

    Exclude the semester of sickness.

    -A semester refers to two consecutive quarters ending in the quarter of sickness.
    -A quarter refers to three consecutive months ending March, June, September or December.

    -Count 12 months backward starting from the month immediately before the semester of sickness.

    -Identify the six highest monthly salary credits within the 12-month period.

    -Monthly salary credit means the compensation base for contributions and benefits related to the total earnings for the month.

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    Are you a member of SSS?  We gathered these information to give you the idea on how much benefit you can get by being a member.  Sickness Benefit Computation The amount of a member's sickness benefit per day is equivalent to ninety percent (90%) of the member's average daily salary credit. Benefit Computation:  Exclude the semester of sickness.  -A semester refers to two consecutive quarters ending in the quarter of sickness. -A quarter refers to three consecutive months ending March, June, September or December.  -Count 12 months backwards starting from the month immediately before the semester of sickness.  -Identify the six highest monthly salary credits within the 12-month period.  -Monthly salary credit salary credit means the compensation base for contributions and benefits related to the total earnings for the month.  -Add the six highest monthly salary credits to get the total monthly salary credit. -Divide the total monthly salary credits by 180 days to get the average daily salary credit. -Multiply the average daily salary credit by 90 percent to get the daily sickness allowance. -Multiply the daily sickness allowance by approved number of days to arrive at the amount of benefit due.  For example, let us say that an SSS member gets sick or injured in October 2013 for 20 days: The semester of sickness would be from July 2013 to December 2013. The 12-month period would be from July 2012 to June 2013 within which the six highest monthly salary credits will be chosen. Let us assume that the six highest monthly salary credits are P15, 000 each. The total monthly credit would be P90, 000 (P15, 000 x 6). The total monthly salary credit would be divided by 180 to get the average daily salary credit of P500 (P90,000/180). The daily sickness allowance is 90 percent of the of the average daily salary credit or P450 (P500 x 90%). The sickness benefit due is P9,000 (P450 x 20 days). IMPORTANT!  The payment of the daily sickness allowance is advanced by the employer every regular payday. The SSS will then reimburse the employer of the amount legally advanced upon receipt of satisfactory proof of such payment and legality thereof. For unemployed, self-employed or voluntary members, the sickness benefit will be paid directly by the SSS to the member. The SSS will reimburse the employer only for confinements within the one year period immediately preceding and the date the claim for benefit or reimbursement is received by the SSS, except for confinements in hospital. For example, SSS receives the employer's reimbursement claim on Oct. 3, 2016 for the sickness period September 23 to Oct. 14, 2015. The employer will be reimbursed for the period Oct. 4 to 14,2015 only as Sept. 23 to Oct. 3, 2016 falls outside the prescribed one-year period for reimbursement claim. For hospital confinement, the claim for benefit must be filed within one (1) year from the last day of confinement from the hospital. For home confinement, the claim for reimbursement by the employer must be filed within one (1) year from the start of illness. Failure to file the claim within the prescribed period will result to denial of the claim. A member can be granted sickness benefit for a maximum of 120 days in one calendar year. Any unused portion of the allowable 120 days sickness benefit cannot be carried forward and added to the total number of allowed compensable days for the following year. The sickness benefit shall not be paid for more than 240 days on account of the same illness. If the sickness or injury still persists after 240 days, his claim will be considered a disability claim.   MATERNITY MATERNITY BENEFIT   What is the Maternity Benefit?  The maternity benefit is a daily cash allowance granted to a female member who was unable to work due to childbirth or miscarriage. What are the qualifications for entitlement to the maternity benefit?  1. She has paid at least three (3) monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage.  2. She has given the required notification of her pregnancy through her ER if employed, or directly to the SSS, if a SE or VM or Member Separated from Employment. Is the SE or VM also entitled to the maternity benefit? Yes. An SE or VM is entitled to the maternity benefit provided that she meets the qualifying conditions. How much is the maternity benefit? The maternity benefit is equivalent to 100 percent of the member’s average daily salary credit (ADSC) multiplied by 60 days for normal delivery/miscarriage/ectopic pregnancy without operation/hydatidiform mole (H-mole) and 78 days for caesarean section delivery/ectopic pregnancy with operation.   How is the maternity benefit computed?  1. Exclude the semester of contingency (delivery/miscarriage/procedure). A semester refers to two (2) consecutive quarters ending in the quarter of contingency. A quarter refers to three (3) consecutive months ending March, June, September or December.   2. Count twelve (12) months backwards starting from the month immediately before the semester of contingency.   3. Identify the six (6) highest MSC within the 12-month period. Monthly salary credit (MSC) means the compensation base for contributions and benefits related to the total earnings for the month. The maximum covered earnings or compensation is P16,000, effective January 1, 2014.   Please refer to the following table:   4. Add the six (6) highest MSC to get the total MSC.   5. Divide the total MSC by 180 days to get the ADSC. This is equivalent to the daily maternity allowance.  6. Multiply the daily maternity allowance either by 60 or 78 days, as the case may be, to get the total amount of maternity benefit.  For example, an SSS member gave birth in December 2015.  a) The semester of contingency would be from July 2015 to December 2015.  b) The 12-month period before the semester of contingency would be from July 2014 to June 2015.  c) Let us assume that the six (6) highest MSC are P15,000 each.  Thus, the total MSC would be P90,000 (P15,000 x 6).  d) The daily maternity allowance would be P500 (P90,000 ÷ 180). e) Depending on her maternity case, the total maternity benefit due would either be:  P30,000 (P500 x 60 days) for normal delivery/miscarriage/ectopic pregnancy without operation/H-mole, or P39,000 (P500 x 78 days) for caesarean delivery/ectopic pregnancy with operation.   What is new with the Disability Benefit?  Still adopting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of disability as any “restriction or lack (resulting from impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being,” the SSS redesigned the granting of disability benefit to its members. The aim is to improve the delivery of services without compromising the need to ensure that the appropriate disability benefit is paid to deserving members.   What are the salient features of the redesigned disability program?  1. Use of the new Manual on Medical Benefits (Disability, Sickness and Maternity), which is a compilation of the three (3) medical benefits granted by SSS to its members. It adopts the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problem codes (ICD-10) and includes the most recent medical management of illnesses/injuries and their corresponding ratings. It has been validated internationally and locally by the different Medical societies.  2. The evaluation guidelines of illnesses/injuries also consider the current physical state of the member, thus, allowing several claims to be evaluated first based on supporting documents. Who is qualified for disability benefit under the new program? A member who suffers partial or total permanent disability, with at least one (1) monthly contribution paid to the SSS prior to the semester of contingency, is qualified.   What are some of the partial permanent disabilities?  A complete and permanent loss or use of any of the following body parts:  One thumb, one big toe, one index finger, one hand, one middle finger, one arm, one ring finger, one foot, one little finger' one leg, hearing of one ear, one ear hearing of both ears, both ears, sight of one eye.   What are some of the total permanent disabilities?  The following fall under total permanent disability:  1. complete loss of sight of both eyes;   2. loss of two limbs at or above the ankles or wrists;   3. permanent complete paralysis of two limbs  4. brain injury resulting to incurable imbecility or insanity; and  5. such cases as determined and approved by the SSS.   What are the types of disability benefits?  1. Monthly pension – a cash benefit paid to a disabled member who has paid at least 36 monthly contributions to the SSS prior to the semester of disability.  2. Lump sum amount – granted to those who have not met the required 36 monthly contributions. If the approved disability period is payable for less than twelve (12) months, it is also given in lump sum.   How much is the monthly pension?  The amount of monthly pension will be based on the member’s number of paid contributions and the years of membership prior to the semester of contingency.   The minimum monthly pension is P1,000 for members with less than ten (10) credited years of service (CYS);  P1,200 with at least ten (10) CYS and  P2,400 with at least twenty (20) CYS.   Is the monthly pension for life?  The member who suffers from permanent total disability shall receive monthly pension for life. However, the pension shall be suspended if the member recovers from the permanent total disability, or resumes employment, or fails to report for the annual physical examination upon notice by SSS. If the pensioner is unable to report for medical examination due to the disability, then domiciliary service by an SSS physician may be requested at any branch office.  The member who suffers from permanent partial disability shall receive a monthly pension based on the equivalent number of months of the degree of disability. If the member’s condition due to same illness/injury deteriorates, resulting in progression of his/her disabling manifestations, he/she is entitled to claim additional disability benefit. This is calculated based on the remaining percentage of disability after deducting from the percentage of disability in the current claim, the percentage of disability granted in the previous claim.   How is the monthly pension paid?  The monthly pension is paid thru the bank account that the member chose under the “SSS Pensioner’s Remittance thru Bank” Program. This became mandatory effective September 1, 1993.  A member must open a single savings account (or use an existing one, if any) and submit to SSS a photocopy of any of the following:  a) the savings account passbook;  b) the ATM card bearing the member’s name and account number;  c) a validated initial deposit slip; or  d) Visa Cash Card Enrollment Form, upon filing of benefit application.  The original passbook/ATM card must be presented for authentication purposes. 60 For members without an existing single savings account, the SSS shall issue an LOI form to be presented to his/her chosen SSS-accredited bank for the purpose of opening a single savings account.  Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice-voucher to the member with the information when to withdraw the benefit from the bank. How much is the lump sum amount?   There are two (2) basic formulas for calculating the lump sum amount. For permanent total disability, the lump sum benefit is equivalent to the monthly pension multiplied by the number of monthly contributions paid to the SSS, or twelve (12) times the monthly pension. Whichever result is higher of the two will be the member’s lump sum benefit. For permanent partial disability, the lump sum is equivalent to the monthly pension multiplied by the number of monthly contributions, multiplied by the percentage of disability in relation to the whole body; or the monthly pension twelve (12) times the percentage of disability, whichever is higher.  For example, the Member’s degree of disability is determined to be twenty percent (20%) and the number of contributions paid by the Member is equivalent to 24 months only:   a. P1,000 (monthly pension) x 24 (monthly contributions) x 20% (percentage of disability) = P4,800; or   b. P1,000 (monthly pension) x 12 x 20% (percentage of disability) = P2,400 The lump sum benefit to be given to the Member would be P4,800, which is the higher amount based on the two (2) computations.   Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice voucher to the member informing him/her when to withdraw the benefit from the bank.   How is the lump sum amount paid?  Effective May 2016, the member may opt to receive the lump sum benefits for SS and EC Disability, SS Death and Retirement directly through his/her bank account, instead of receiving the check through the mail. The Payment thru-the-Bank Program shall become mandatory upon implementation of the Benefits Workflow System.  The member will be asked to open a single savings account (or use an existing one, if any) and submit to SSS a photocopy of any of the following:  a) the savings account passbook;  b) the ATM card bearing the member’s name and account number;  c) a validated initial deposit slip;  d) bank statement or certification; or  e) Visa Cash Card Enrollment Form, upon filing of benefit application. The original passbook/ATM card must be presented for authentication purposes.    For members without an existing single savings account, the SSS shall issue an LOI form to be presented to his/her chosen SSS-accredited bank for the purpose of opening a single savings account.   Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice voucher to the member informing him/her when to withdraw the benefit from the bank. Aside from disability benefit, what else can a disability pensioner receive?  In addition to the monthly pension, a supplemental allowance of P500 is paid to the total or partial disability pensioner to provide additional financial assistance to meet the extra needs arising from his disability.  A total disability pensioner is also entitled to a 13th month pension payable every December. For a partial disability pensioner, 13th month pension shall be paid provided that the pension duration is at least twelve (12) months. Total disability pensioners and their legal dependents prior to the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 are entitled to the hospitalization benefits under PhilHealth.   A copy of Death Disability-Retirement (DDR) print-out indicating the type of claim is disability in nature and the effectivity date of pension or a Copy of Disability Pensioner Certification, must be submitted.  Total disability pensioners upon the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 and thereafter, are no longer covered except when they have accumulated 120 Medicare monthly contributions and have reached age 60.  They need to register with PhilHealth for the issuance of their PhilHealth ID card for Non-Paying Members. Those who wish to avail of PhilHealth benefits may enroll in the Individually-Paying Program (for SE/VM) or the Sponsored Program of PhilHealth.  Death Benefit  What is Death Benefit?  The death benefit is a cash benefit paid either in monthly pension or lump sum to the beneficiaries of a deceased member.   What are the types of death benefits?  1. Monthly pension – granted to the primary beneficiaries of a deceased member who had paid 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death.  2. Lump sum amount – granted to the primary beneficiaries of a deceased member who had paid less than 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death. In case of secondary beneficiaries, they are paid a lump sum benefit only.   Which beneficiaries of a deceased member are eligible to receive the death benefit? The death benefit goes to the primary beneficiaries of the deceased member. These are the legitimate dependent spouse, until he/she remarries, and the dependent legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted, and illegitimate children of the member who are not yet 21 years old or over 21 years old, provided they are incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to physical or mental disability which is congenital in nature or acquired during minority. In the absence of primary beneficiaries, the dependent parents are considered the secondary beneficiaries. In their absence, any other person designated by the member in his/her SSS records are considered as the beneficiary. If there is no designated beneficiary, the benefit shall be paid to the deceased member’s legal heirs in accordance with the law of succession under the Family Code of the Philippines.   How much is the monthly pension?  The monthly pension depends on the member’s paid contributions, including the CYS and the number of dependent minor children, which should not exceed five (5).  The monthly pension is paid for not less than 60 months.  The amount of monthly pension will be the highest of:  1. the sum of P300 plus twenty percent (20%) of the average monthly salary credit (AMSC) plus two percent (2%) of the AMSC for each CYS in excess of ten (10) years; or   2. forty percent (40%) of the AMSC; or   3. P1,000 if the member had less than ten (10) CYS; P1,200 if with at least ten (10) CYS; or P2,400 if with at least twenty (20) CYS.   Retirement Benefit  What is the Retirement Benefit?  The retirement benefit is a cash benefit paid either in monthly pension or as lump sum to a member who can no longer work due to old age.   What are the types of retirement benefits?  1. Monthly pension – a lifetime cash benefit paid to a retiree on a regular monthly basis.  2. Lump sum amount – one-time payment granted to a retiree.  The amount is equal to the total contributions paid by the member and/or by his/her ERs, including interest earned.   Who may qualify for a retirement pension?   1. Member must have paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement and is any of the following, whichever is applicable:  a) at least 60 years old and separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE/ OFW/Household Helper (optional retirement);  b) at least 65 years old whether still employed/SE, working as OFW/Household Helper or not (technical retirement);  c) at least 55 years old and separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE, if an “underground mineworker” (optional retirement);  d) at least 60 years old whether still employed/SE or not, if an “underground mineworker” (technical retirement); or  e) a total disability pensioner who has recovered from disability and is at least 60 years old (or at least 55 years old, if an underground mineworker).   2. A former retiree-pensioner whose monthly pension was suspended due to reemployment/self-employment and is now separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE.   3. A member who is 60 years old and above, but not yet 65, with 120 contributions or more may continue paying as VM up to 65 years old to avail of the higher amount of benefit.   What are the other terms and conditions for retirement of Underground Mineworkers?  An Underground Mineworker is any person employed to extract mineral deposits underground or whose workplace is beneath the ground performing and coordinating activities for the purpose of searching for and extracting mineral deposits, which includes the muckers, 67 miners, bull-gang workers, etc. and any other person working underground regardless of positions such as geologist, security guards, mechanics or sampler.  An Underground Mineworker must have been employed as such for at least five (5) years (either continuous or accumulated) prior to the semester of retirement as certified by his/her ER/s, regardless if employment as underground mineworker is his/her last or not. The actual date of retirement should not be earlier than March 13, 1998 and the ER/s must be duly registered with the Bureau of Mines as a mining company.   Who may qualify for a lump sum retirement amount? Member is at least 60 years old (or 55 years old, if an underground mineworker) for optional retirement, or 65 years old (or 60 years old, if an underground mineworker) for technical retirement, and has paid less than 120 monthly contributions A member filing for retirement benefit and has paid less than 120 monthly contributions shall be given the option to continue paying the contributions as a VM to complete the 120 months to avail the full benefits thru monthly pension.   How is the monthly pension computed? The monthly pension shall be the highest of:   a) 300 + (20% x AMSC*) + (2% x AMSC) x (CYS** – 10); or   b) 40% x AMSC; or   c) The minimum pension of P1,200, if with at least 10 CYS; or P2,400, if with at least 20 CYS, whichever is applicable.   *AMSC (Average Monthly Salary Credit)  ** CYS (Credited Years of Service)   The monthly pension of a member who retires after age 60 and who has contributed the required 120 monthly contributions shall be the higher of the following:  a) monthly pension computed at the earliest time the member could have retired had he/she been separated from employment or ceased to be SE, plus all adjustments thereto; or  b) monthly pension computed at the time when the member actually retires.   What is the 18-months advance pension?  A retiree has the option to receive the first eighteen (18) months pension in lump sum, discounted at a preferential rate of interest to be determined by the SSS. This option can be exercised only upon filing of the first retirement claim, and only advance payments shall be discounted on the date of payment.   The Dependent’s Pension and 13th Month Pension are excluded from the advanced 18 months pension. Should there be an increase in the monthly pension within the 18-month period, the same shall also be subjected to interest. The retiree will receive the regular pension on the 19th month and every month thereafter. Source: SSS  RECOMMENDED:    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. Whether you are planning to start a small business, purchase a new car or raising funds to  buy a new house or do a major house renovation, it may not take forever to raise it just from the savings you get from your salary. Many people resort to availing  loans from banks, financing companies or even a close friend.  To avail a loan, you can always apply anywhere but there will be no guarantee that your loan application will be approved instantly. Why do loan applications are declined?  There are various reasons  why loan applications are being disapproved.   Here are the 10 main reasons that might cause your loan application  to be declined:     Failure to submit pre-qualifying requirements. In applying for any loans, you need to provide the needed requirements. Failure to do so can surely compromise the transaction and may lead to disapproval of your loan application.    Not resolving bad credit.  Bad credits reflects bad paying habits. Nobody will ever lend any amount without the assurance that you will be able to pay it on time.    Not doing enough research.   Doing a research about the company background and some information about people who already had their loan approved in a certain financing companies may help you get a positive result.    Error in credit report. Not declaring or not disclosing about your credit history may lead to denial of loan. The finance companies has a wide network and they are using every bit of information to check if you are really worth they trust. If you fail to provide the information they needed, your loan application could be declined.    Thinness of credit file. Good credit records can be useful in dealing with loan applications. The more good credit transactions you have, the  better. It will speak for you and get the loan you wish if you have enough good transactions from various credit or loan company.    Having too much debt. One thing lenders look at when they’re reviewing loan applications is your debt-to-income ratio. If your monthly salary could not balance well with your debts, you are most likely to be declined of your loan application.  OFWs who are availing loans can be disapproved due to the following reasons:         In order to have a successful loan application, you need to consider the above-mentioned points to make sure that you would get the approval for your loan. Sources: Smart Asset, Loan Solutions  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. The Department of Health expressed concern  over possible mental illness among the young people due to the alarming amount of time they spend on social media.  According to DOH spokesman, Eric Tayag, while social media is a way to connect to other people, it also has adverse effects.  Tayag also said that most juveniles that are fond of social media are also involved in bullying, angst and depression.  Bullying and depression can start with issues about love, relationship with the same sex, unplanned pregnancy, problems at school, at home and health problems.  Common symptoms that a person is experiencing depression is that  they do not do daily activities normally like taking a bath, skipping meals, always sad and not engaging in conversations.   {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPHS HERE} {INSERT ANOTHER 5 {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPH   The severe depression that burdened the young people through social media results to bullying. even social media creates a connection, people with mental health issues perceive it differently.  DOH step is a response to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that from 2005 to 2015, the number of people who suffer depression that leads to committing suicide has increased to 18%.  WHO celebrated  World health Day that focused on how to cure depression problems. It can be cured by means of counselling.  In 2005, 280 million people suffered from depression and has increased to 332 Million in 2015. This is a serious threat to all the young people around the world including the Filipino youth.  In the records of the DOH HOPE Line, they have received 3,479 depression  related phone calls in 2016. Most number of calls are recorded on November and December last year and on February this year.  Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial said that the DOH has allocated P100 million funds to address the said problem in mental illness . Source: Philstar Recommended: Facebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.    A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.   The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLISFacebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS
      -Add the six highest monthly salary credits to get the total monthly salary credit. -Divide the total monthly salary credits by 180 days to get the average daily salary credit. -Multiply the average daily salary credit by 90 percent to get the daily sickness allowance. -Multiply the daily sickness allowance by the approved number of days to arrive at the amount of benefit due. For example, let us say that an SSS member gets sick or injured in October 2013 for 20 days: The semester of sickness would be from July 2013 to December 2013. The 12-month period would be from July 2012 to June 2013 within which the six highest monthly salary credits will be chosen. Let us assume that the six highest monthly salary credits are P15, 000 each. The total monthly credit would be P90, 000 (P15, 000 x 6). The total monthly salary credit would be divided by 180 to get the average daily salary credit of P500 (P90,000/180). The daily sickness allowance is 90 percent of the average daily salary credit or P450 (P500 x 90%). The sickness benefit due is P9,000 (P450 x 20 days).

    IMPORTANT!

    • The payment of the daily sickness allowance is advanced by the employer every regular payday. The SSS will then reimburse the employer of the amount legally advanced upon receipt of satisfactory proof of such payment and legality thereof. For unemployed, self-employed or voluntary members, the sickness benefit will be paid directly by the SSS to the member.
    • The SSS will reimburse the employer only for confinements within the one year period immediately preceding and the date the claim for benefit or reimbursement is received by the SSS, except for confinements in hospital.
    For example, SSS receives the employer's reimbursement claim on Oct. 3, 2016 for the sickness period September 23 to Oct. 14, 2015. The employer will be reimbursed for the period Oct. 4 to 14,2015 only as Sept. 23 to Oct. 3, 2016 falls outside the prescribed one-year period for reimbursement claim.

    • For hospital confinement, the claim for benefit must be filed within one (1) year from the last day of confinement from the hospital. For home confinement, the claim for reimbursement by the employer must be filed within one (1) year from the start of an illness. Failure to file the claim within the prescribed period will result in denial of the claim.
    • A member can be granted sickness benefits for a maximum of 120 days in one calendar year. Any unused portion of the allowable 120 days sickness benefit cannot be carried forward and added to the total number of allowed compensable days for the following year.
    • The sickness benefit shall not be paid for more than 240 days on account of the same illness. If the sickness or injury still persists after 240 days, his claim will be considered a disability claim.

      MATERNITY MATERNITY BENEFIT 

      What is the Maternity Benefit? 
      The maternity benefit is a daily cash allowance granted to a female member who was unable to work due to childbirth or miscarriage. What are the qualifications for entitlement to maternity benefit?

      1. She has paid at least three (3) monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage. 
      2. She has given the required notification of her pregnancy through her ER if employed, or directly to the SSS, if an SE or VM or Member Separated from Employment. Is the SE or VM also entitled to the maternity benefit? Yes. An SE or VM is entitled to the maternity benefit provided that she meets the qualifying conditions. How much is the maternity benefit? The maternity benefit is equivalent to 100 percent of the member’s average daily salary credit (ADSC) multiplied by 60 days for normal delivery/miscarriage/ectopic pregnancy without operation/hydatidiform mole (H-mole) and 78 days for caesarean section delivery/ectopic pregnancy with operation. 

      How is the maternity benefit computed?
       1. Exclude the semester of contingency (delivery/miscarriage/procedure). A semester refers to two (2) consecutive quarters ending in the quarter of contingency. A quarter refers to three (3) consecutive months ending March, June, September or December. 

      2. Count twelve (12) months backwards starting from the month immediately before the semester of contingency. 

      3. Identify the six (6) highest MSC within the 12-month period. Monthly salary credit (MSC) means the compensation base for contributions and benefits related to the total earnings for the month. The maximum covered earnings or compensation is P16,000, effective January 1, 2014.

       Please refer to the following table:
      Are you a member of SSS?  We gathered these information to give you the idea on how much benefit you can get by being a member.  Sickness Benefit Computation The amount of a member's sickness benefit per day is equivalent to ninety percent (90%) of the member's average daily salary credit. Benefit Computation:  Exclude the semester of sickness.  -A semester refers to two consecutive quarters ending in the quarter of sickness. -A quarter refers to three consecutive months ending March, June, September or December.  -Count 12 months backwards starting from the month immediately before the semester of sickness.  -Identify the six highest monthly salary credits within the 12-month period.  -Monthly salary credit salary credit means the compensation base for contributions and benefits related to the total earnings for the month.  -Add the six highest monthly salary credits to get the total monthly salary credit. -Divide the total monthly salary credits by 180 days to get the average daily salary credit. -Multiply the average daily salary credit by 90 percent to get the daily sickness allowance. -Multiply the daily sickness allowance by approved number of days to arrive at the amount of benefit due.  For example, let us say that an SSS member gets sick or injured in October 2013 for 20 days: The semester of sickness would be from July 2013 to December 2013. The 12-month period would be from July 2012 to June 2013 within which the six highest monthly salary credits will be chosen. Let us assume that the six highest monthly salary credits are P15, 000 each. The total monthly credit would be P90, 000 (P15, 000 x 6). The total monthly salary credit would be divided by 180 to get the average daily salary credit of P500 (P90,000/180). The daily sickness allowance is 90 percent of the of the average daily salary credit or P450 (P500 x 90%). The sickness benefit due is P9,000 (P450 x 20 days). IMPORTANT!  The payment of the daily sickness allowance is advanced by the employer every regular payday. The SSS will then reimburse the employer of the amount legally advanced upon receipt of satisfactory proof of such payment and legality thereof. For unemployed, self-employed or voluntary members, the sickness benefit will be paid directly by the SSS to the member. The SSS will reimburse the employer only for confinements within the one year period immediately preceding and the date the claim for benefit or reimbursement is received by the SSS, except for confinements in hospital. For example, SSS receives the employer's reimbursement claim on Oct. 3, 2016 for the sickness period September 23 to Oct. 14, 2015. The employer will be reimbursed for the period Oct. 4 to 14,2015 only as Sept. 23 to Oct. 3, 2016 falls outside the prescribed one-year period for reimbursement claim. For hospital confinement, the claim for benefit must be filed within one (1) year from the last day of confinement from the hospital. For home confinement, the claim for reimbursement by the employer must be filed within one (1) year from the start of illness. Failure to file the claim within the prescribed period will result to denial of the claim. A member can be granted sickness benefit for a maximum of 120 days in one calendar year. Any unused portion of the allowable 120 days sickness benefit cannot be carried forward and added to the total number of allowed compensable days for the following year. The sickness benefit shall not be paid for more than 240 days on account of the same illness. If the sickness or injury still persists after 240 days, his claim will be considered a disability claim.   MATERNITY MATERNITY BENEFIT   What is the Maternity Benefit?  The maternity benefit is a daily cash allowance granted to a female member who was unable to work due to childbirth or miscarriage. What are the qualifications for entitlement to the maternity benefit?  1. She has paid at least three (3) monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage.  2. She has given the required notification of her pregnancy through her ER if employed, or directly to the SSS, if a SE or VM or Member Separated from Employment. Is the SE or VM also entitled to the maternity benefit? Yes. An SE or VM is entitled to the maternity benefit provided that she meets the qualifying conditions. How much is the maternity benefit? The maternity benefit is equivalent to 100 percent of the member’s average daily salary credit (ADSC) multiplied by 60 days for normal delivery/miscarriage/ectopic pregnancy without operation/hydatidiform mole (H-mole) and 78 days for caesarean section delivery/ectopic pregnancy with operation.   How is the maternity benefit computed?  1. Exclude the semester of contingency (delivery/miscarriage/procedure). A semester refers to two (2) consecutive quarters ending in the quarter of contingency. A quarter refers to three (3) consecutive months ending March, June, September or December.   2. Count twelve (12) months backwards starting from the month immediately before the semester of contingency.   3. Identify the six (6) highest MSC within the 12-month period. Monthly salary credit (MSC) means the compensation base for contributions and benefits related to the total earnings for the month. The maximum covered earnings or compensation is P16,000, effective January 1, 2014.   Please refer to the following table:   4. Add the six (6) highest MSC to get the total MSC.   5. Divide the total MSC by 180 days to get the ADSC. This is equivalent to the daily maternity allowance.  6. Multiply the daily maternity allowance either by 60 or 78 days, as the case may be, to get the total amount of maternity benefit.  For example, an SSS member gave birth in December 2015.  a) The semester of contingency would be from July 2015 to December 2015.  b) The 12-month period before the semester of contingency would be from July 2014 to June 2015.  c) Let us assume that the six (6) highest MSC are P15,000 each.  Thus, the total MSC would be P90,000 (P15,000 x 6).  d) The daily maternity allowance would be P500 (P90,000 ÷ 180). e) Depending on her maternity case, the total maternity benefit due would either be:  P30,000 (P500 x 60 days) for normal delivery/miscarriage/ectopic pregnancy without operation/H-mole, or P39,000 (P500 x 78 days) for caesarean delivery/ectopic pregnancy with operation.   What is new with the Disability Benefit?  Still adopting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of disability as any “restriction or lack (resulting from impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being,” the SSS redesigned the granting of disability benefit to its members. The aim is to improve the delivery of services without compromising the need to ensure that the appropriate disability benefit is paid to deserving members.   What are the salient features of the redesigned disability program?  1. Use of the new Manual on Medical Benefits (Disability, Sickness and Maternity), which is a compilation of the three (3) medical benefits granted by SSS to its members. It adopts the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problem codes (ICD-10) and includes the most recent medical management of illnesses/injuries and their corresponding ratings. It has been validated internationally and locally by the different Medical societies.  2. The evaluation guidelines of illnesses/injuries also consider the current physical state of the member, thus, allowing several claims to be evaluated first based on supporting documents. Who is qualified for disability benefit under the new program? A member who suffers partial or total permanent disability, with at least one (1) monthly contribution paid to the SSS prior to the semester of contingency, is qualified.   What are some of the partial permanent disabilities?  A complete and permanent loss or use of any of the following body parts:  One thumb, one big toe, one index finger, one hand, one middle finger, one arm, one ring finger, one foot, one little finger' one leg, hearing of one ear, one ear hearing of both ears, both ears, sight of one eye.   What are some of the total permanent disabilities?  The following fall under total permanent disability:  1. complete loss of sight of both eyes;   2. loss of two limbs at or above the ankles or wrists;   3. permanent complete paralysis of two limbs  4. brain injury resulting to incurable imbecility or insanity; and  5. such cases as determined and approved by the SSS.   What are the types of disability benefits?  1. Monthly pension – a cash benefit paid to a disabled member who has paid at least 36 monthly contributions to the SSS prior to the semester of disability.  2. Lump sum amount – granted to those who have not met the required 36 monthly contributions. If the approved disability period is payable for less than twelve (12) months, it is also given in lump sum.   How much is the monthly pension?  The amount of monthly pension will be based on the member’s number of paid contributions and the years of membership prior to the semester of contingency.   The minimum monthly pension is P1,000 for members with less than ten (10) credited years of service (CYS);  P1,200 with at least ten (10) CYS and  P2,400 with at least twenty (20) CYS.   Is the monthly pension for life?  The member who suffers from permanent total disability shall receive monthly pension for life. However, the pension shall be suspended if the member recovers from the permanent total disability, or resumes employment, or fails to report for the annual physical examination upon notice by SSS. If the pensioner is unable to report for medical examination due to the disability, then domiciliary service by an SSS physician may be requested at any branch office.  The member who suffers from permanent partial disability shall receive a monthly pension based on the equivalent number of months of the degree of disability. If the member’s condition due to same illness/injury deteriorates, resulting in progression of his/her disabling manifestations, he/she is entitled to claim additional disability benefit. This is calculated based on the remaining percentage of disability after deducting from the percentage of disability in the current claim, the percentage of disability granted in the previous claim.   How is the monthly pension paid?  The monthly pension is paid thru the bank account that the member chose under the “SSS Pensioner’s Remittance thru Bank” Program. This became mandatory effective September 1, 1993.  A member must open a single savings account (or use an existing one, if any) and submit to SSS a photocopy of any of the following:  a) the savings account passbook;  b) the ATM card bearing the member’s name and account number;  c) a validated initial deposit slip; or  d) Visa Cash Card Enrollment Form, upon filing of benefit application.  The original passbook/ATM card must be presented for authentication purposes. 60 For members without an existing single savings account, the SSS shall issue an LOI form to be presented to his/her chosen SSS-accredited bank for the purpose of opening a single savings account.  Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice-voucher to the member with the information when to withdraw the benefit from the bank. How much is the lump sum amount?   There are two (2) basic formulas for calculating the lump sum amount. For permanent total disability, the lump sum benefit is equivalent to the monthly pension multiplied by the number of monthly contributions paid to the SSS, or twelve (12) times the monthly pension. Whichever result is higher of the two will be the member’s lump sum benefit. For permanent partial disability, the lump sum is equivalent to the monthly pension multiplied by the number of monthly contributions, multiplied by the percentage of disability in relation to the whole body; or the monthly pension twelve (12) times the percentage of disability, whichever is higher.  For example, the Member’s degree of disability is determined to be twenty percent (20%) and the number of contributions paid by the Member is equivalent to 24 months only:   a. P1,000 (monthly pension) x 24 (monthly contributions) x 20% (percentage of disability) = P4,800; or   b. P1,000 (monthly pension) x 12 x 20% (percentage of disability) = P2,400 The lump sum benefit to be given to the Member would be P4,800, which is the higher amount based on the two (2) computations.   Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice voucher to the member informing him/her when to withdraw the benefit from the bank.   How is the lump sum amount paid?  Effective May 2016, the member may opt to receive the lump sum benefits for SS and EC Disability, SS Death and Retirement directly through his/her bank account, instead of receiving the check through the mail. The Payment thru-the-Bank Program shall become mandatory upon implementation of the Benefits Workflow System.  The member will be asked to open a single savings account (or use an existing one, if any) and submit to SSS a photocopy of any of the following:  a) the savings account passbook;  b) the ATM card bearing the member’s name and account number;  c) a validated initial deposit slip;  d) bank statement or certification; or  e) Visa Cash Card Enrollment Form, upon filing of benefit application. The original passbook/ATM card must be presented for authentication purposes.    For members without an existing single savings account, the SSS shall issue an LOI form to be presented to his/her chosen SSS-accredited bank for the purpose of opening a single savings account.   Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice voucher to the member informing him/her when to withdraw the benefit from the bank. Aside from disability benefit, what else can a disability pensioner receive?  In addition to the monthly pension, a supplemental allowance of P500 is paid to the total or partial disability pensioner to provide additional financial assistance to meet the extra needs arising from his disability.  A total disability pensioner is also entitled to a 13th month pension payable every December. For a partial disability pensioner, 13th month pension shall be paid provided that the pension duration is at least twelve (12) months. Total disability pensioners and their legal dependents prior to the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 are entitled to the hospitalization benefits under PhilHealth.   A copy of Death Disability-Retirement (DDR) print-out indicating the type of claim is disability in nature and the effectivity date of pension or a Copy of Disability Pensioner Certification, must be submitted.  Total disability pensioners upon the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 and thereafter, are no longer covered except when they have accumulated 120 Medicare monthly contributions and have reached age 60.  They need to register with PhilHealth for the issuance of their PhilHealth ID card for Non-Paying Members. Those who wish to avail of PhilHealth benefits may enroll in the Individually-Paying Program (for SE/VM) or the Sponsored Program of PhilHealth.  Death Benefit  What is Death Benefit?  The death benefit is a cash benefit paid either in monthly pension or lump sum to the beneficiaries of a deceased member.   What are the types of death benefits?  1. Monthly pension – granted to the primary beneficiaries of a deceased member who had paid 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death.  2. Lump sum amount – granted to the primary beneficiaries of a deceased member who had paid less than 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death. In case of secondary beneficiaries, they are paid a lump sum benefit only.   Which beneficiaries of a deceased member are eligible to receive the death benefit? The death benefit goes to the primary beneficiaries of the deceased member. These are the legitimate dependent spouse, until he/she remarries, and the dependent legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted, and illegitimate children of the member who are not yet 21 years old or over 21 years old, provided they are incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to physical or mental disability which is congenital in nature or acquired during minority. In the absence of primary beneficiaries, the dependent parents are considered the secondary beneficiaries. In their absence, any other person designated by the member in his/her SSS records are considered as the beneficiary. If there is no designated beneficiary, the benefit shall be paid to the deceased member’s legal heirs in accordance with the law of succession under the Family Code of the Philippines.   How much is the monthly pension?  The monthly pension depends on the member’s paid contributions, including the CYS and the number of dependent minor children, which should not exceed five (5).  The monthly pension is paid for not less than 60 months.  The amount of monthly pension will be the highest of:  1. the sum of P300 plus twenty percent (20%) of the average monthly salary credit (AMSC) plus two percent (2%) of the AMSC for each CYS in excess of ten (10) years; or   2. forty percent (40%) of the AMSC; or   3. P1,000 if the member had less than ten (10) CYS; P1,200 if with at least ten (10) CYS; or P2,400 if with at least twenty (20) CYS.   Retirement Benefit  What is the Retirement Benefit?  The retirement benefit is a cash benefit paid either in monthly pension or as lump sum to a member who can no longer work due to old age.   What are the types of retirement benefits?  1. Monthly pension – a lifetime cash benefit paid to a retiree on a regular monthly basis.  2. Lump sum amount – one-time payment granted to a retiree.  The amount is equal to the total contributions paid by the member and/or by his/her ERs, including interest earned.   Who may qualify for a retirement pension?   1. Member must have paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement and is any of the following, whichever is applicable:  a) at least 60 years old and separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE/ OFW/Household Helper (optional retirement);  b) at least 65 years old whether still employed/SE, working as OFW/Household Helper or not (technical retirement);  c) at least 55 years old and separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE, if an “underground mineworker” (optional retirement);  d) at least 60 years old whether still employed/SE or not, if an “underground mineworker” (technical retirement); or  e) a total disability pensioner who has recovered from disability and is at least 60 years old (or at least 55 years old, if an underground mineworker).   2. A former retiree-pensioner whose monthly pension was suspended due to reemployment/self-employment and is now separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE.   3. A member who is 60 years old and above, but not yet 65, with 120 contributions or more may continue paying as VM up to 65 years old to avail of the higher amount of benefit.   What are the other terms and conditions for retirement of Underground Mineworkers?  An Underground Mineworker is any person employed to extract mineral deposits underground or whose workplace is beneath the ground performing and coordinating activities for the purpose of searching for and extracting mineral deposits, which includes the muckers, 67 miners, bull-gang workers, etc. and any other person working underground regardless of positions such as geologist, security guards, mechanics or sampler.  An Underground Mineworker must have been employed as such for at least five (5) years (either continuous or accumulated) prior to the semester of retirement as certified by his/her ER/s, regardless if employment as underground mineworker is his/her last or not. The actual date of retirement should not be earlier than March 13, 1998 and the ER/s must be duly registered with the Bureau of Mines as a mining company.   Who may qualify for a lump sum retirement amount? Member is at least 60 years old (or 55 years old, if an underground mineworker) for optional retirement, or 65 years old (or 60 years old, if an underground mineworker) for technical retirement, and has paid less than 120 monthly contributions A member filing for retirement benefit and has paid less than 120 monthly contributions shall be given the option to continue paying the contributions as a VM to complete the 120 months to avail the full benefits thru monthly pension.   How is the monthly pension computed? The monthly pension shall be the highest of:   a) 300 + (20% x AMSC*) + (2% x AMSC) x (CYS** – 10); or   b) 40% x AMSC; or   c) The minimum pension of P1,200, if with at least 10 CYS; or P2,400, if with at least 20 CYS, whichever is applicable.   *AMSC (Average Monthly Salary Credit)  ** CYS (Credited Years of Service)   The monthly pension of a member who retires after age 60 and who has contributed the required 120 monthly contributions shall be the higher of the following:  a) monthly pension computed at the earliest time the member could have retired had he/she been separated from employment or ceased to be SE, plus all adjustments thereto; or  b) monthly pension computed at the time when the member actually retires.   What is the 18-months advance pension?  A retiree has the option to receive the first eighteen (18) months pension in lump sum, discounted at a preferential rate of interest to be determined by the SSS. This option can be exercised only upon filing of the first retirement claim, and only advance payments shall be discounted on the date of payment.   The Dependent’s Pension and 13th Month Pension are excluded from the advanced 18 months pension. Should there be an increase in the monthly pension within the 18-month period, the same shall also be subjected to interest. The retiree will receive the regular pension on the 19th month and every month thereafter. Source: SSS  RECOMMENDED:    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. Whether you are planning to start a small business, purchase a new car or raising funds to  buy a new house or do a major house renovation, it may not take forever to raise it just from the savings you get from your salary. Many people resort to availing  loans from banks, financing companies or even a close friend.  To avail a loan, you can always apply anywhere but there will be no guarantee that your loan application will be approved instantly. Why do loan applications are declined?  There are various reasons  why loan applications are being disapproved.   Here are the 10 main reasons that might cause your loan application  to be declined:     Failure to submit pre-qualifying requirements. In applying for any loans, you need to provide the needed requirements. Failure to do so can surely compromise the transaction and may lead to disapproval of your loan application.    Not resolving bad credit.  Bad credits reflects bad paying habits. Nobody will ever lend any amount without the assurance that you will be able to pay it on time.    Not doing enough research.   Doing a research about the company background and some information about people who already had their loan approved in a certain financing companies may help you get a positive result.    Error in credit report. Not declaring or not disclosing about your credit history may lead to denial of loan. The finance companies has a wide network and they are using every bit of information to check if you are really worth they trust. If you fail to provide the information they needed, your loan application could be declined.    Thinness of credit file. Good credit records can be useful in dealing with loan applications. The more good credit transactions you have, the  better. It will speak for you and get the loan you wish if you have enough good transactions from various credit or loan company.    Having too much debt. One thing lenders look at when they’re reviewing loan applications is your debt-to-income ratio. If your monthly salary could not balance well with your debts, you are most likely to be declined of your loan application.  OFWs who are availing loans can be disapproved due to the following reasons:         In order to have a successful loan application, you need to consider the above-mentioned points to make sure that you would get the approval for your loan. Sources: Smart Asset, Loan Solutions  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  OFWs, contrary to the common notions, are not rich and they do not have a lot of money. Some OFWs even return home broke after several years of working overseas.  Financial literacy seminar and entrepreneurship trainings are being conducted for the OFWs to be aware of their financial status and  to do something to improve their lives by means of generating other sources of income aside from the salary they are getting from the job they currently have while working abroad. Some OFWs plan of putting up a business or venture out in investment opportunities like real estate, stocks, and any other possible means to get them ready for their return in the Philippines for good.  A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA    ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses.As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic. The Department of Health expressed concern  over possible mental illness among the young people due to the alarming amount of time they spend on social media.  According to DOH spokesman, Eric Tayag, while social media is a way to connect to other people, it also has adverse effects.  Tayag also said that most juveniles that are fond of social media are also involved in bullying, angst and depression.  Bullying and depression can start with issues about love, relationship with the same sex, unplanned pregnancy, problems at school, at home and health problems.  Common symptoms that a person is experiencing depression is that  they do not do daily activities normally like taking a bath, skipping meals, always sad and not engaging in conversations.   {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPHS HERE} {INSERT ANOTHER 5 {INSERT 2-3 PARAGRAPH   The severe depression that burdened the young people through social media results to bullying. even social media creates a connection, people with mental health issues perceive it differently.  DOH step is a response to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that from 2005 to 2015, the number of people who suffer depression that leads to committing suicide has increased to 18%.  WHO celebrated  World health Day that focused on how to cure depression problems. It can be cured by means of counselling.  In 2005, 280 million people suffered from depression and has increased to 332 Million in 2015. This is a serious threat to all the young people around the world including the Filipino youth.  In the records of the DOH HOPE Line, they have received 3,479 depression  related phone calls in 2016. Most number of calls are recorded on November and December last year and on February this year.  Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial said that the DOH has allocated P100 million funds to address the said problem in mental illness . Source: Philstar Recommended: Facebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.    A wife of an OFW asked OWWA about what sort of  business she can start as a spouse of an OFW who is an active member. Samantha Natividad  said that her husband is an OFW for a long time and she wants to start a business to help her husband as their children are growing up as well as their expenses. As a helpful information for other OFW spouses  who also want to help  their OFW partners, we made this info graphics regarding this topic.  Does OWWA have an existing program for OFWs who want to start their own business? Yes. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has  two existing programs under the reintegration program  for those who want to start their own business.  What are those? In the first program, OWWA can give a 'grant' for OFW spouses who want to start even a small scale business. How much is the amount of funds OWWA can provide under this program? The fund that can be granted under this program depends on what kind of business they want to start. However, the maximum amount is only P20,000.   What is the other program? The other program is called a 'special loan program'. this loan program is through partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines.  How much can an OFW spouse can avail on this program? OFWs and their spouses can avail a loan amounting from P300,000 up to P2,000,000.  How much should be the net income of an OFW to avail of this loan? For an OFW to avail of this loan, he/she must be earning a net monthly income of at least P10,000 to avail the loan amount of P3,000 up to P2 Million.    How much will be the interest rate? The loan will have an interest rate of 7.5% annually.  What will be the mode/frequency of payment? Depending on project's cash flow, the OFW can pay it on monthly, quarterly or annual basis.  Where  should the OFW wife/husband apply to avail these programs? They can apply at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (ORW) nearest to them.  What are the eligibility requirements  for the  OFW to be qualified to avail? 1. The OFW must be an active OWWA member.  2. OFW husband/wife who want to avail must have completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT) conducted by NRCO and OWWA ORWsin cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry/Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)/ Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED).  3. They must provide 20% equity.  4. The project or business must generate a net income of at least P10,000 for the OFW.  For details and information regarding these program, you can contact OWWA Regional Offices in your area.  *These information is based on the answer provided by OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres. Source: BanderaInquirer.net   Recommended:     2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.    The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS  2017 Top 10 IDEAS for OFWs to Invest  A Filipina based in Waikato, New Zealand has now been sentenced to 11 months and  2 weeks of house arrest after she was convicted for 284 immigration fraud charges involving her visa scam back in October 2015. A 180 hour community service also comes with the sentence. Loraine Anne Jayme, 35, a resident of Te Aroha, Waikato has a dual citizenship. For every OFW who wish to come to New Zealand, she charges $2,250 each. It took some time for the scam to be uncovered because Immigration New Zealand (INZ) didn't initially realise a large portion of the workers were processing their application through the alleged ringleader.   However, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that more than a thousand Filipinos who might have entered the country illegally  using fake visas could stay.  Mr. Woodland said that they could stay to avoid potential damage to the dairy industry and the rebuilding of Christchurch. There are 38,000  OFWs working on dairy farms in New Zealand and they are living with pretty good reputation with regards to their work ethics and they are worried about what it could mean to them.  "We're law abiding people. We like to see the law of our land upheld and proper process done," Mr Lewis said.   "So yeah, I have to give credit to Immigration New Zealand for doing it and hopefully they'll be back on deck next week processing them within their required rules," he added. The authorities are now auditing farms around the Waikato, Canterbury and Southland. Source: TVNZ, NewsHub, Inquirer RECOMMENDED:  The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.     The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.     ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The mother of a 12-year old girl who mysteriously died while on her father's care in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia sought the help of the Philippine government, particularly on the Presidential Action Center to help her forward the case to the DFA to allow the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah  to transmit the autopsy report conducted on her daughter.Bliss Mendoza, an OFW in Canada was working in Jeddah as a nurse together with her husband and daughter "Tipay" before she worked in Canada and left her daughter with her husband's care in Jeddah.   The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices. He said that as he visit the countries where there are OFWs, he has heard sad stories about them: sexually abused Filipinas,domestic helpers being forced to work on a number of employers. "I have been to many places. I have been to the Middle East. You know, the husband is working in one place, the wife in another country. The so many sad stories I hear about our women being raped, abused sexually," The President said. About Filipino domestic helpers, he said:  "If you are working on a family and the employer's sibling doesn't have a helper, you will also work for them. And if in a compound,the son-in-law of the employer is also living in there, you will also work for him.So, they would finish their work on sunrise." He even refer to the OFWs being similar to the African slaves because of the situation that they have been into for the sake of their families back home. Citing instances that some of them, out of deep despair, resorted to ending their own lives.  The President also said that he finds it heartbreaking to know that after all the sacrifices of the OFWs working abroad for the future of their families they would come home just to learn that their children has been into illegal drugs. "I made no bones about my hatred. I said, 'If you do drugs in my city, if you destroy our daughters and sons, I'll just have to kill you.' I repeated the same warning when i became president," he said.   Critics of the so-called violent war on drugs under President Duterte's administration includes local and international human rights groups, linking the campaign on thousands of drug-related killings.  Police figures show that legitimate police operations have led to over 2,600 deaths of individuals involved in drugs since the war on drugs began. However, the war on drugs has been evident that the extent of drug menace should be taken seriously. The drug personalities includes high ranking officials and they thrive in the expense of our own children,if not being into drugs, being victimized by drug related crimes. The campaign on illegal drugs has somehow made a statement among the drug pushers and addicts. If the common citizen fear walking on the streets at night worrying about the drug addicts lurking in the dark, now they can walk peacefully while the drug addicts hide in fear that the police authorities might get them. Source:GMA {INSERT ALL PARAGRAPHS HERE {EMBED 3 FB PAGES POST FROM JBSOLIS/THOUGHTSKOTO/PEBA HERE OR INSERT 3 LINKS}   ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS The OFWs are the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing through with the campaign on illegal drugs, acknowledging their hardships and sacrifices.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLISFacebook has been a part of everyday life for many. From here they can be aware of what's currently happening around them, get in touch with old friends, some even sell things and make a living. Social media platforms like facebook provides useful informations from simple shoutouts and statuses to relevant news and current events. But lately, a lot of false news has invaded the social media spreading false and malicious posts. A lot of them is just a click bait which redirects you to a site full of ads. Some money-making maniacs are taking advantage of the popularity of social media sites making it difficult for the netizens to spot a legitimate posts from a fake one.  ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS

      4. Add the six (6) highest MSC to get the total MSC. 

      5. Divide the total MSC by 180 days to get the ADSC. This is equivalent to the daily maternity allowance.
       6. Multiply the daily maternity allowance either by 60 or 78 days, as the case may be, to get the total amount of maternity benefit.
       For example, an SSS member gave birth in December 2015. 
      a) The semester of contingency would be from July 2015 to December 2015. 
      b) The 12-month period before the semester of contingency would be from July 2014 to June 2015. 
      c) Let us assume that the six (6) highest MSC are P15,000 each.

      Thus, the total MSC would be P90,000 (P15,000 x 6). 
      d) The daily maternity allowance would be P500 (P90,000 ÷ 180). e) Depending on her maternity case, the total maternity benefit due would either be:  P30,000 (P500 x 60 days) for normal delivery/miscarriage/ectopic pregnancy without operation/H-mole, or P39,000 (P500 x 78 days) for cesarean delivery/ectopic pregnancy with the operation.


      What is new with the Disability Benefit? 
      Still adopting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of disability as any “restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being,” the SSS redesigned the granting of disability benefit to its members. The aim is to improve the delivery of services without compromising the need to ensure that the appropriate disability benefit is paid to deserving members. 

      What are the salient features of the redesigned disability program? 
      1. Use of the new Manual on Medical Benefits (Disability, Sickness and Maternity), which is a compilation of the three (3) medical benefits granted by SSS to its members. It adopts the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problem codes (ICD-10) and includes the most recent medical management of illnesses/injuries and their corresponding ratings. It has been validated internationally and locally by different Medical societies.
       2. The evaluation guidelines of illnesses/injuries also consider the current physical state of the member, thus, allowing several claims to be evaluated first based on supporting documents. Who is qualified for a disability benefits under the new program? A member who suffers partial or total permanent disability, with at least one (1) monthly contribution paid to the SSS prior to the semester of contingency, is qualified. 

      What are some of the partial permanent disabilities? 
      A complete and permanent loss or use of any of the following body parts:
       One thumb, one big toe, one index finger, one hand, one middle finger, one arm, one ring finger, one foot, one little finger' one leg, hearing of one ear, one ear hearing of both ears, both ears, the sight of one eye.

       What are some of the total permanent disabilities? 
      The following fall under total permanent disability: 
      1. complete loss of sight of both eyes; 

      2. loss of two limbs at or above the ankles or wrists; 

      3. permanent complete paralysis of two limbs

      4. brain injury resulting in incurable imbecility or insanity; and

      5. such cases as determined and approved by the SSS.

       What are the types of disability benefits?
       1. Monthly pension – a cash benefit paid to a disabled member who has paid at least 36 monthly contributions to the SSS prior to the semester of disability. 
      2. Lump sum amount – granted to those who have not met the required 36 monthly contributions. If the approved disability period is payable for less than twelve (12) months, it is also given in lump sum. 

      How much is the monthly pension? 
      The amount of monthly pension will be based on the member’s number of paid contributions and the years of membership prior to the semester of contingency. 

      The minimum monthly pension is P1,000 for members with less than ten (10) credited years of service (CYS); 
      P1,200 with at least ten (10) CYS and
       P2,400 with at least twenty (20) CYS.

       Is the monthly pension for life? 
      The member who suffers from permanent total disability shall receive a monthly pension for life. However, the pension shall be suspended if the member recovers from the permanent total disability, or resumes employment, or fails to report for the annual physical examination upon notice by SSS. If the pensioner is unable to report for medical examination due to the disability, then domiciliary service by an SSS physician may be requested at any branch office. 
      The member who suffers from permanent partial disability shall receive a monthly pension based on the equivalent number of months of the degree of disability. If the member’s condition due to the same illness/injury deteriorates, resulting in the progression of his/her disabling manifestations, he/she is entitled to claim additional disability benefit. This is calculated based on the remaining percentage of disability after deducting from the percentage of disability in the current claim, the percentage of disability granted in the previous claim.

       How is the monthly pension paid? 
      The monthly pension is paid thru the bank account that the member chose under the “SSS Pensioner’s Remittance thru Bank” Program. This became mandatory effective September 1, 1993.
       A member must open a single savings account (or use an existing one, if any) and submit to SSS a photocopy of any of the following:
       a) the savings account passbook; 
      b) the ATM card bearing the member’s name and account number; 
      c) a validated initial deposit slip; or 
      d) Visa Cash Card Enrollment Form, upon the filing of benefits application. 
      The original passbook/ATM card must be presented for authentication purposes. 60 For members without an existing single savings account, the SSS shall issue an LOI form to be presented to his/her chosen SSS-accredited bank for the purpose of opening a single savings account. 
      Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice-voucher to the member with the information when to withdraw the benefit from the bank. How much is the lump sum amount? 

      There are two (2) basic formulas for calculating the lump sum amount. For permanent total disability, the lump sum benefit is equivalent to the monthly pension multiplied by the number of monthly contributions paid to the SSS, or twelve (12) times the monthly pension. Whichever result is higher of the two will be the member’s lump sum benefit. For permanent partial disability, the lump sum is equivalent to the monthly pension multiplied by the number of monthly contributions, multiplied by the percentage of disability in relation to the whole body; or the monthly pension twelve (12) times the percentage of disability, whichever is higher.

      For example, the Member’s degree of disability is determined to be twenty percent (20%) and the number of contributions paid by the Member is equivalent to 24 months only:

       a. P1,000 (monthly pension) x 24 (monthly contributions) x 20% (percentage of disability) = P4,800; or

       b. P1,000 (monthly pension) x 12 x 20% (percentage of disability) = P2,400 The lump sum benefit to be given to the Member would be P4,800, which is the higher amount based on the two (2) computations. 

      Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice voucher to the member informing him/her when to withdraw the benefit from the bank. 

      How is the lump sum amount paid? 
      Effective May 2016, the member may opt to receive the lump sum benefits for SS and EC Disability, SS Death and Retirement directly through his/her bank account, instead of receiving the check through the mail. The Payment thru-the-Bank Program shall become mandatory upon implementation of the Benefits Workflow System. 
      The member will be asked to open a single savings account (or use an existing one, if any) and submit to SSS a photocopy of any of the following:
       a) the savings account passbook;
       b) the ATM card bearing the member’s name and account number; 
      c) a validated initial deposit slip; 
      d) bank statement or certification; or 
      e) Visa Cash Card Enrollment Form, upon the filing of benefits application. The original passbook/ATM card must be presented for authentication purposes. 

       For members without an existing single savings account, the SSS shall issue an LOI form to be presented to his/her chosen SSS-accredited bank for the purpose of opening a single savings account. 

      Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice voucher to the member informing him/her when to withdraw the benefit from the bank. Aside from disability benefit, what else can a disability pensioner receive? 
      In addition to the monthly pension, a supplemental allowance of P500 is paid to the total or partial disability pensioner to provide additional financial assistance to meet the extra needs arising from his disability. 
      A total disability pensioner is also entitled to a 13th-month pension payable every December. For a partial disability pensioner, 13th-month pension shall be paid provided that the pension duration is at least twelve (12) months. Total disability pensioners and their legal dependents prior to the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 are entitled to the hospitalization benefits under PhilHealth. 

      A copy of Death Disability-Retirement (DDR) print-out indicating the type of claim is a disability in nature and the effectivity date of pension or a Copy of Disability Pensioner Certification must be submitted. 
      Total disability pensioners upon the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 and thereafter, are no longer covered except when they have accumulated 120 Medicare monthly contributions and have reached age 60. 
      They need to register with PhilHealth for the issuance of their PhilHealth ID card for Non-Paying Members. Those who wish to avail of PhilHealth benefits may enroll in the Individually-Paying Program (for SE/VM) or the Sponsored Program of PhilHealth. 
      Death Benefit

      What is the Death Benefit? 
      The death benefit is a cash benefit paid either in a monthly pension or a lump sum to the beneficiaries of a deceased member. 

      What are the types of death benefits? 
      1. Monthly pension – granted to the primary beneficiaries of a deceased member who had paid 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death. 
      2. Lump-sum amount – granted to the primary beneficiaries of a deceased member who had paid less than 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death. In the case of secondary beneficiaries, they are paid a lump sum benefit only. 

      Which beneficiaries of a deceased member are eligible to receive the death benefit?
      The death benefit goes to the primary beneficiaries of the deceased member. These are the legitimate dependent spouse, until he/she remarries, and the dependent legitimate, legitimated or legally adopted, and illegitimate children of the member who are not yet 21 years old or over 21 years old, provided they are incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to physical or mental disability which is congenital in nature or acquired during minority. In the absence of primary beneficiaries, the dependent parents are considered the secondary beneficiaries. In their absence, any other person designated by the member in his/her SSS records is considered as the beneficiary. If there is no designated beneficiary, the benefit shall be paid to the deceased member’s legal heirs in accordance with the law of succession under the Family Code of the Philippines. 

      How much is the monthly pension? 
      The monthly pension depends on the member’s paid contributions, including the CYS and the number of dependent minor children, which should not exceed five (5). 
      The monthly pension is paid for not less than 60 months. 
      The amount of monthly pension will be the highest of: 
      1. the sum of P300 plus twenty percent (20%) of the average monthly salary credit (AMSC) plus two percent (2%) of the AMSC for each CYS in excess of ten (10) years; or 

      2. forty percent (40%) of the AMSC; or 

      3. P1,000 if the member had less than ten (10) CYS; P1,200 if with at least ten (10) CYS; or P2,400 if with at least twenty (20) CYS. 

      Retirement Benefit

      What is the Retirement Benefit? 
      The retirement benefit is a cash benefit paid either in a monthly pension or a lump sum to a member who can no longer work due to old age. 

      What are the types of retirement benefits? 
      1. Monthly pension – a lifetime cash benefit paid to a retiree on a regular monthly basis.
       2. Lump-sum amount – one-time payment granted to a retiree.
       The amount is equal to the total contributions paid by the member and/or by his/her ERs, including interest earned. 

      Who may qualify for a retirement pension? 

      1. Member must have paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement and is any of the following, whichever is applicable: 
      a) at least 60 years old and separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE/ OFW/Household Helper (optional retirement);
       b) at least 65 years old whether still employed/SE, working as OFW/Household Helper or not (technical retirement); 
      c) at least 55 years old and separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE, if an “underground mineworker” (optional retirement); 
      d) at least 60 years old whether still employed/SE or not, if an “underground mineworker” (technical retirement); or 
      e) a total disability pensioner who has recovered from disability and is at least 60 years old (or at least 55 years old, if an underground mineworker). 

      2. A former retiree-pensioner whose monthly pension was suspended due to reemployment/self-employment and is now separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE. 

      3. A member who is 60 years old and above, but not yet 65, with 120 contributions or more may continue paying as VM up to 65 years old to avail of the higher amount of benefit. 

      What are the other terms and conditions for the retirement of Underground Mineworkers? 
      An Underground Mineworker is any person employed to extract mineral deposits underground or whose work is beneath the ground performing and coordinating activities for the purpose of searching for and extracting mineral deposits, which includes the muckers, 67 miners, bull-gang workers, etc. and any other person working underground regardless of positions such as geologist, security guards, mechanics or sampler. 
      An Underground Mineworker must have been employed as such for at least five (5) years (either continuous or accumulated) prior to the semester of retirement as certified by his/her ER/s, regardless of employment as an underground mineworker is his/her last or not. The actual date of retirement should not be earlier than March 13, 1998, and the ER/s must be duly registered with the Bureau of Mines as a mining company. 

      Who may qualify for a lump sum retirement amount?
      Member is at least 60 years old (or 55 years old, if an underground mineworker) for optional retirement, or 65 years old (or 60 years old, if an underground mineworker) for technical retirement, and has paid less than 120 monthly contributions A member filing for retirement benefit and has paid less than 120 monthly contributions shall be given the option to continue paying the contributions as a VM to complete the 120 months to avail the full benefits thru monthly pension. 

      How is the monthly pension computed?
      The monthly pension shall be the highest of: 

      a) 300 + (20% x AMSC*) + (2% x AMSC) x (CYS** – 10); or 

      b) 40% x AMSC; or

       c) The minimum pension of P1,200, if with at least 10 CYS; or P2,400, if with at least 20 CYS, whichever is applicable. 

      *AMSC (Average Monthly Salary Credit) 
      ** CYS (Credited Years of Service) 

      The monthly pension of a member who retires after age 60 and who has contributed the required 120 monthly contributions shall be the higher of the following: 
      a) monthly pension computed at the earliest time the member could have retired had he/she been separated from employment or ceased to be SE, plus all adjustments thereto, or 
      b) monthly pension computed at the time when the member actually retires. 

      What is the 18-months advance pension?
       A retiree has the option to receive the first eighteen (18) months pension in a lump sum, discounted at a preferential rate of interest to be determined by the SSS. This option can be exercised only upon the filing of the first retirement claim, and only advance payments shall be discounted on the date of payment. 

      The Dependent’s Pension and 13th Month Pension are excluded from the advanced 18 months pension. Should there be an increase in the monthly pension within the 18-month period, the same shall also be subjected to interest. The retiree will receive the regular pension on the 19th month and every month thereafter.
      Source: SSS

      This article is filed under: SSS Email, SSS Main Office, SSS Check Status, SSS Program, SSS Membership




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