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Thursday, September 13, 2018

How To Register Your Small Business Using DTI Online

As a move to urge Filipinos and foreign businessmen to engage in doing business in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act into law in May 2018. This new law sets a deadline for the government to quickly act on business applications, about three to five days for simple processes and seven to 10 days for complex ones. Even before the effectivity of this new law, the government had already been doing its part to make business registration for prospective entrepreneurs easier by making some application processes online. 

As a move to urge Filipinos and foreign businessmen to engage in doing business in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act into law in May 2018. This new law sets a deadline for the government to quickly act on business applications, about three to five days for simple processes and seven to 10 days for complex ones. Even before the effectivity of this new law, the government had already been doing its part to make business registration for prospective entrepreneurs easier by making some application processes online.   As a move to urge Filipinos and foreign businessmen to engage in doing business in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act into law in May 2018. This new law sets a deadline for the government to quickly act on business applications, about three to five days for simple processes and seven to 10 days for complex ones. Even before the effectivity of this new law, the government had already been doing its part to make business registration for prospective entrepreneurs easier by making some application processes online.      Ads      Sponsored Links      The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s business name registration for single proprietors is among the first processes to become digitized.  The Philippine Business Registry (PBR), DTI’s business name registration system, has been made more accessible for single business owners since 2012.    A prospective entrepreneur is not anymore required to visit DTI offices to secure a Certificate of Business Registration. With the PBR website, the certificate can even be printed in the comfort of their own home.     Here are the steps you have to take to secure that certificate.    Check the availability of a business name  Before starting the registration process, it helps to check if the business name you have in mind is still available to use. At the PBR, one can easily type in the prospective business name and it will check the database if there are enterprises already using that trade name.    A word of advice: don’t just try to check the business name you are aiming for once. Try to modify your search to save time later on. For example, if you are thinking of putting up a business called “Juan dela Cruz Services,” modify your search and break down every part of the business name from just “Juan dela” to “Cruz Services.” Some business names just differ in spacing or spelling.    The DTI also reminds applicants to ensure that the business name isn’t similar to an existing trade name or trademark, such as “Anne Dok’s Lechon,” “Jolibee” and "Starbax Café.” On the other hand, names that are too generic, such as “The Coffee Shop” for your café, aren’t permissible, too.    Business owners also can’t use the abbreviation of a government agency or international organization.    Business name registration  Once you’ve verified that your prospective business name is still available for use, you can proceed to the business name application.    Once in the page, you will be required to choose the geographic scope of the enterprise: national, regional, city or town, and barangay. If you are keen on operating a business that will reach clients in different parts of the country—for example, an online shop—then it’s best to register your scope as nationwide. The fees will vary depending on the scope, ranging from Php200 to Php2,000.    Afterward, the business owner’s personal info will be required. You will only have to submit some basic details such as tax identification number, residence address and mobile number.    By this time, you’re done with the most tedious part of the online registration process. You may now choose whether to pay cash through either a local DTI office or Go Negosyo Center, or via an online payments system.    The PBR only accepts two kinds of online payments: Bancnet and GCash. If you have an online account with any bank, then paying through Bancnet is advisable. Otherwise, a GCash account may be needed to complete the transaction.    You also have the option whether to pick up your business certificate from a local DTI office or have it printed yourself.    Once the payment is complete, a message will be sent to your e-mail on how you will retrieve the certificate based on the method you selected. Most likely, the whole process will only require 15 to 30 minutes of your time.      Filed under the category of Filipinos, foreign businessmen, President Rodrigo Duterte, Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, business registration, entrepreneurs,  application processes online   Ads      Sponsored Links      The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s business name registration for single proprietors is among the first processes to become digitized.  The Philippine Business Registry (PBR), DTI’s business name registration system, has been made more accessible for single business owners since 2012.    A prospective entrepreneur is not anymore required to visit DTI offices to secure a Certificate of Business Registration. With the PBR website, the certificate can even be printed in the comfort of their own home.     Here are the steps you have to take to secure that certificate.    Check the availability of a business name  Before starting the registration process, it helps to check if the business name you have in mind is still available to use. At the PBR, one can easily type in the prospective business name and it will check the database if there are enterprises already using that trade name.    A word of advice: don’t just try to check the business name you are aiming for once. Try to modify your search to save time later on. For example, if you are thinking of putting up a business called “Juan dela Cruz Services,” modify your search and break down every part of the business name from just “Juan dela” to “Cruz Services.” Some business names just differ in spacing or spelling.    The DTI also reminds applicants to ensure that the business name isn’t similar to an existing trade name or trademark, such as “Anne Dok’s Lechon,” “Jolibee” and "Starbax Café.” On the other hand, names that are too generic, such as “The Coffee Shop” for your café, aren’t permissible, too.    Business owners also can’t use the abbreviation of a government agency or international organization.    Business name registration  Once you’ve verified that your prospective business name is still available for use, you can proceed to the business name application.    Once in the page, you will be required to choose the geographic scope of the enterprise: national, regional, city or town, and barangay. If you are keen on operating a business that will reach clients in different parts of the country—for example, an online shop—then it’s best to register your scope as nationwide. The fees will vary depending on the scope, ranging from Php200 to Php2,000.    Afterward, the business owner’s personal info will be required. You will only have to submit some basic details such as tax identification number, residence address and mobile number.    By this time, you’re done with the most tedious part of the online registration process. You may now choose whether to pay cash through either a local DTI office or Go Negosyo Center, or via an online payments system.    The PBR only accepts two kinds of online payments: Bancnet and GCash. If you have an online account with any bank, then paying through Bancnet is advisable. Otherwise, a GCash account may be needed to complete the transaction.    You also have the option whether to pick up your business certificate from a local DTI office or have it printed yourself.    Once the payment is complete, a message will be sent to your e-mail on how you will retrieve the certificate based on the method you selected. Most likely, the whole process will only require 15 to 30 minutes of your time.      Filed under the category of Filipinos, foreign businessmen, President Rodrigo Duterte, Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, business registration, entrepreneurs,  application processes online  Ads    Update: The DTI online business registration is temporarily suspended due to systems upgrade and will notify the public when it is ready. The business owners are advised to proceed to the nearest DTI offices near your area. To download the application form for business registration, you may visit the DTI official website.
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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s business name registration for single proprietors is among the first processes to become digitized.

The Philippine Business Registry (PBR), DTI’s business name registration system, has been made more accessible for single business owners since 2012.

A prospective entrepreneur is not anymore required to visit DTI offices to secure a Certificate of Business Registration. With the PBR website, the certificate can even be printed in the comfort of their own home. 

Here are the steps you have to take to secure that certificate.

Check the availability of a business name
Before starting the registration process, it helps to check if the business name you have in mind is still available to use. At the PBR, one can easily type in the prospective business name and it will check the database if there are enterprises already using that trade name.

A word of advice: don’t just try to check the business name you are aiming for once. Try to modify your search to save time later on. For example, if you are thinking of putting up a business called “Juan dela Cruz Services,” modify your search and break down every part of the business name from just “Juan dela” to “Cruz Services.” Some business names just differ in spacing or spelling.

The DTI also reminds applicants to ensure that the business name isn’t similar to an existing trade name or trademark, such as “Anne Dok’s Lechon,” “Jolibee” and "Starbax Café.” On the other hand, names that are too generic, such as “The Coffee Shop” for your café, aren’t permissible, too.

Business owners also can’t use the abbreviation of a government agency or international organization.

Business name registration
Once you’ve verified that your prospective business name is still available for use, you can proceed to the business name application.

Once in the page, you will be required to choose the geographic scope of the enterprise: national, regional, city or town, and barangay. If you are keen on operating a business that will reach clients in different parts of the country—for example, an online shop—then it’s best to register your scope as nationwide. The fees will vary depending on the scope, ranging from Php200 to Php2,000.

Afterward, the business owner’s personal info will be required. You will only have to submit some basic details such as tax identification number, residence address and mobile number.

By this time, you’re done with the most tedious part of the online registration process. You may now choose whether to pay cash through either a local DTI office or Go Negosyo Center, or via an online payments system.

The PBR only accepts two kinds of online payments: Bancnet and GCash. If you have an online account with any bank, then paying through Bancnet is advisable. Otherwise, a GCash account may be needed to complete the transaction.

You also have the option whether to pick up your business certificate from a local DTI office or have it printed yourself.

Once the payment is complete, a message will be sent to your e-mail on how you will retrieve the certificate based on the method you selected. Most likely, the whole process will only require 15 to 30 minutes of your time.


Filed under the category of Filipinos, foreign businessmen, President Rodrigo Duterte, Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, business registration, entrepreneurs,  application processes online
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As a move to urge Filipinos and foreign businessmen to engage in doing business in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act into law in May 2018. This new law sets a deadline for the government to quickly act on business applications, about three to five days for simple processes and seven to 10 days for complex ones. Even before the effectivity of this new law, the government had already been doing its part to make business registration for prospective entrepreneurs easier by making some application processes online.   As a move to urge Filipinos and foreign businessmen to engage in doing business in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act into law in May 2018. This new law sets a deadline for the government to quickly act on business applications, about three to five days for simple processes and seven to 10 days for complex ones. Even before the effectivity of this new law, the government had already been doing its part to make business registration for prospective entrepreneurs easier by making some application processes online.      Ads      Sponsored Links      The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s business name registration for single proprietors is among the first processes to become digitized.  The Philippine Business Registry (PBR), DTI’s business name registration system, has been made more accessible for single business owners since 2012.    A prospective entrepreneur is not anymore required to visit DTI offices to secure a Certificate of Business Registration. With the PBR website, the certificate can even be printed in the comfort of their own home.     Here are the steps you have to take to secure that certificate.    Check the availability of a business name  Before starting the registration process, it helps to check if the business name you have in mind is still available to use. At the PBR, one can easily type in the prospective business name and it will check the database if there are enterprises already using that trade name.    A word of advice: don’t just try to check the business name you are aiming for once. Try to modify your search to save time later on. For example, if you are thinking of putting up a business called “Juan dela Cruz Services,” modify your search and break down every part of the business name from just “Juan dela” to “Cruz Services.” Some business names just differ in spacing or spelling.    The DTI also reminds applicants to ensure that the business name isn’t similar to an existing trade name or trademark, such as “Anne Dok’s Lechon,” “Jolibee” and "Starbax Café.” On the other hand, names that are too generic, such as “The Coffee Shop” for your café, aren’t permissible, too.    Business owners also can’t use the abbreviation of a government agency or international organization.    Business name registration  Once you’ve verified that your prospective business name is still available for use, you can proceed to the business name application.    Once in the page, you will be required to choose the geographic scope of the enterprise: national, regional, city or town, and barangay. If you are keen on operating a business that will reach clients in different parts of the country—for example, an online shop—then it’s best to register your scope as nationwide. The fees will vary depending on the scope, ranging from Php200 to Php2,000.    Afterward, the business owner’s personal info will be required. You will only have to submit some basic details such as tax identification number, residence address and mobile number.    By this time, you’re done with the most tedious part of the online registration process. You may now choose whether to pay cash through either a local DTI office or Go Negosyo Center, or via an online payments system.    The PBR only accepts two kinds of online payments: Bancnet and GCash. If you have an online account with any bank, then paying through Bancnet is advisable. Otherwise, a GCash account may be needed to complete the transaction.    You also have the option whether to pick up your business certificate from a local DTI office or have it printed yourself.    Once the payment is complete, a message will be sent to your e-mail on how you will retrieve the certificate based on the method you selected. Most likely, the whole process will only require 15 to 30 minutes of your time.      Filed under the category of Filipinos, foreign businessmen, President Rodrigo Duterte, Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, business registration, entrepreneurs,  application processes online   Ads      Sponsored Links      The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s business name registration for single proprietors is among the first processes to become digitized.  The Philippine Business Registry (PBR), DTI’s business name registration system, has been made more accessible for single business owners since 2012.    A prospective entrepreneur is not anymore required to visit DTI offices to secure a Certificate of Business Registration. With the PBR website, the certificate can even be printed in the comfort of their own home.     Here are the steps you have to take to secure that certificate.    Check the availability of a business name  Before starting the registration process, it helps to check if the business name you have in mind is still available to use. At the PBR, one can easily type in the prospective business name and it will check the database if there are enterprises already using that trade name.    A word of advice: don’t just try to check the business name you are aiming for once. Try to modify your search to save time later on. For example, if you are thinking of putting up a business called “Juan dela Cruz Services,” modify your search and break down every part of the business name from just “Juan dela” to “Cruz Services.” Some business names just differ in spacing or spelling.    The DTI also reminds applicants to ensure that the business name isn’t similar to an existing trade name or trademark, such as “Anne Dok’s Lechon,” “Jolibee” and "Starbax Café.” On the other hand, names that are too generic, such as “The Coffee Shop” for your café, aren’t permissible, too.    Business owners also can’t use the abbreviation of a government agency or international organization.    Business name registration  Once you’ve verified that your prospective business name is still available for use, you can proceed to the business name application.    Once in the page, you will be required to choose the geographic scope of the enterprise: national, regional, city or town, and barangay. If you are keen on operating a business that will reach clients in different parts of the country—for example, an online shop—then it’s best to register your scope as nationwide. The fees will vary depending on the scope, ranging from Php200 to Php2,000.    Afterward, the business owner’s personal info will be required. You will only have to submit some basic details such as tax identification number, residence address and mobile number.    By this time, you’re done with the most tedious part of the online registration process. You may now choose whether to pay cash through either a local DTI office or Go Negosyo Center, or via an online payments system.    The PBR only accepts two kinds of online payments: Bancnet and GCash. If you have an online account with any bank, then paying through Bancnet is advisable. Otherwise, a GCash account may be needed to complete the transaction.    You also have the option whether to pick up your business certificate from a local DTI office or have it printed yourself.    Once the payment is complete, a message will be sent to your e-mail on how you will retrieve the certificate based on the method you selected. Most likely, the whole process will only require 15 to 30 minutes of your time.      Filed under the category of Filipinos, foreign businessmen, President Rodrigo Duterte, Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, business registration, entrepreneurs,  application processes online  Ads    Update: The DTI online business registration is temporarily suspended due to systems upgrade and will notify the public when it is ready. The business owners are advised to proceed to the nearest DTI offices near your area. To download the application form for business registration, you may visit the DTI official website.
Update: The DTI online business registration is temporarily suspended due to systems upgrade and will notify the public when it is ready. The business owners are advised to proceed to the nearest DTI offices near your area. To download the application form for business registration, you may visit the DTI official website.
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The Social Security System (SSS) has announced the new batch of loan condonation program or the loan restructuring program (LRP) whereas the members with delinquent status in paying their previous loan in a period of more than 6 months will be allowed to settle their accounts without paying any penalty. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)who currently has current unpaid loans are urged to apply for the LRP until October 1.     Ads      Sponsored Links   SSS continues to encourage its members, including OFWs, to apply for loan restructuring program with penalty condonation especially OFWs who have short-term member loans including calamity, salary, educational, and emergency loans.  Under the program, members will no longer pay the additional penalties for the unsettled loans. Members only need to pay for the annual interest alongside the principal loan.  Payments can be done in whole or on a monthly basis as long as the payment terms will not exceed 5 years.  OFWs can apply for LRP in two ways: 1. If you are currently in the UAE, you can visit the SSS office located at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi.  2. OFWs can also delegate their application to their authorized representative. Give them an authorization letter to process the application through the SSS office in the Philippines.    You can download the application form at the SSS official website.              Ads     Filed under the category of Social Security System , SSS, loan restructuring program, loan condonation program, Overseas Filipino workers, United Arab Emirates , loans
Being considered as modern-day heroes, government offices, as well as some private establishment, give different perks and privileges to overseas Filipino workers (OFW). Aside from the sacrifices they had to go through just to earn better by working abroad, OFWs are the breadwinners of their families back home and the major contributor to keep the Philippine economy afloat by sending their remittances. they deserve to be rewarded by these kinds of privileges.     Ads      Sponsored Links  Exemption on Fees It’s all because of the Overseas Employment Certificate or OEC. Being an OFW, specifically, a legitimate one means you will be exempted from various fees like airport terminal fee, travel tax, and documentary stamp tax.  Tax-Free Shopping at Duty-Free If you want to do some additional shopping before heading home, then the Duty-Free Philippines can be your partner. You can enjoy tax-free shopping within 15 days from the time you arrived so you can give pasalubong to your family, relatives, and friends.   Housing Loan from SSS or PAG-IBIG Are you thinking of buying a house or giving your existing home a much-needed renovation? SSS or PAG-IBIG can help you on this since they offer housing facilities at lower rates compared to banks and other lending institutions.  SSS offers Direct Housing Facility Loan for OFWs where you can loan for as much as P2 million and payable up to 15 years maximum. On the other hand, PAG-IBIG also offers a housing loan facility for OFWs where you can borrow as much as P6 million.   Free Language Courses at TESDA Yes, you read that right. TESDA Language Skills Institute offers free language training for Spanish, English, Japanese, Mandarin, and Arabic to help Filipinos become more equipped in terms of language. This will come in handy when you are headed to any of the countries that speak any of these languages as well as an advantage on your part as OFW.  If you plan to enroll, then make sure you register early because slots are limited. Nonetheless, OFWs are given priority, but it’s best to reserve your slot early. You can check TESDA website for further details about this program.    OWWA Benefits  The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or OWWA is the agency that protects and promotes the welfare of OFWs and their dependents. In line with this, several benefits are being offered by the agency such as onsite assistance, livelihood trainings, education assistance for dependents, counseling, and legal assistance among others.   DFA Courtesy Lanes With the recent opening of passport renewal slots (86,889 New Slots in September!), you can now apply for your passport related concern without hassle. OFWs are given access to DFA Courtesy Lanes. You don’t need to even schedule an appointment online.   No OFWs will miss a job just because of delays in Passport Application. How good is that?   Low interest loans  There are loan programs from the banks that are tailored for OFWs and they are giving it for very low-interest rates and flexible tenures.   Flexible Investment scheme from SSS  SSS provides a program they called SSS Flexi-fund where OFWs can invest their excess contributions to earn dividends and they can withdraw it anytime they wish or when they finally decided to stay home for good.         Ads     Filed under the category of modern-day heroes, overseas Filipino workers, working abroad, OFW remittances
Food, shelter, and clothing are the basic necessities of human lives.  We can choose our lifestyle whatever we want like living in a simple yet safe home and wearing modest low-end clothing to save but the rising cost of food is a serious matter and we need to do something about it.  Imagine that you are earning just enough to pay your bills, mortgages and other household expenses and your company seldom give you a raise in your salary. Even the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) are finding it difficult to budget the remittances they receive due to inflation. Everything has increased its prices and you need to catch up.      Ads     Sponsored Links  Here are some practical tips to save money on food items.      Make A Shopping List And Stick to It  Planning your meals for the week and carefully selecting specific ingredients to buy can save a lot out of your food budget. With the list on hand, purchase only the items  you need to buy and avoid impulse buys.      Eat Before You Shop  When you are hungry and you walk into a building full of food, it is more likely that you are going to grab unnecessary and expensive items that appeal more to your palate than your pocket. It is highly advised that you eat first and shop.     Avoid Fastfoods   Ready-made meals are easy to buy but come with a cost. Instead of eating in fast food or restaurant, buy the ingredients and do it at home preparing the meal yourself. It could save you a lot and still keep the leftovers for the next meal.    Do Not bring Your Kids While Shopping  Every extra minute that you spend in the store increases the chances of you buying more and this includes toys and snacks meant to keep the kids behave while you try to focus on your hunt for a good bargain. Do not bring your kids with you while shopping to save time and money.      Buy in Bulk  Buying in bigger packaging can save you a lot. You can usually find great deals in buying a larger packaging. However, pay attention to your spending habits and consider your storage capacity.        Use Store Reward Cards And Coupons  Coupons provide an easy way to save money. There is no harm in clipping them and using them in purchasing foods, helping you save on your food shopping cost.       Buy locally produced foods  Locally grown or produced food is cheaper because you don't pay for long transportation costs. You also help local farmers and food producers meet their daily needs as well.   Compare Store Prices; Grab the cheapest  Have an assessment of which stores offers lower prices for particular food items and buy it from them. Some grocery stores have special prices for a specific item and they are not often applicable to other stores. Be aware of the price tags and grab it where it cost the lowest.   Look Down at the lower shelf  Most expensive items are usually displayed at eye-level. To find less expensive items, look down.     Avoid the Checkout Temptations  Beware of the displays placed at the end of each aisle. They often feature premium brands and they are placed there for a purpose.    Shop for Sales  Pay attention to sales on necessity items and stock up on non-perishables and freezer goods. Be mindful of the expiration date because most of the sale items are often near expiration dates.  Ads    Shop Infrequently  Reducing the number of trips that you make to the store each week or month reduces the chances of unnecessary purchases and minimizes the amount of transportation cost spent getting there.    Pay in Cash  Avoid using your credit card in purchasing food. If you don't pay off the card in full each month, you pay interest on the purchase. To avoid paying the extra cost, use cash when you shop.    Check Your Bill  Electronic scanners make the shopping experience faster and more convenient, however, scanners aren't foolproof. Take a look at the receipt to make sure your coupons and discounts were accurate.    In addition to this, try planting edible plants and vegetables and use it to save on your next food purchase. Having an organic vegetable garden in your yard lets you eat your favorite veggise for free.
One of the many problems encountered by overseas Filipino workers (OFW) prior to their deployment is the high placement fees collected by recruitment agencies aside from processing and medical fees and other expenses in securing various documents in applying for overseas jobs. For that reason, they are forced to sell their properties or to avail loans even on a high interest rate. But for the OFW caregivers who are applying for deployment to Israel, the placement fees will become lower as a new bilateral agreement is being forged between the two countries.     Ads  EMBED VIDEO HERE  Sponsored Links  Filipinos wanting to work as caregivers in Israel would no longer have to pay high placement fees as the governments of Israel and the Philippines are expected to forge a bilateral labor agreement during President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s state visit on September 2-5.  Philippine Ambassador to the State of Israel Nathaniel Imperial said the labor cooperation agreement will “hopefully ensure that the exploitative placement fees that are being charged to our workers would be substantially reduced, if not, eliminated.”    “It will be a government to government agreement. So private recruitment agencies will no longer be involved in the recruitment process,” Imperial said in an interview with Radio Television Malacañang at the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel on August 30.  Aside from the labor and business agreements, Imperial said the Philippine Embassy has identified several areas of cooperation that will be pursued during the President’s visit.  “One is in science and technology. Israel, as you know, is known as the start-up nation. It is known for its innovation and its very advanced software and technology. And this is something that we can learn from and that we can partner with Israel,” he said.  Over the last few years, he said, the Philippines has broadened the areas of labor cooperation with Israel, which is home to 29,000 Filipino workers and residents.  “Around 24,000 of them are caregivers taking care of the elderly in Israel and disabled children. And so in a way, you can say that we are helping Israel cope with an aging population,” he said.  Imperial also took pride in saying that labor conditions in Israel are some of the best in the Middle East.  “Workers here receive the highest minimum wage in all of the Middle East. And they have days off, they have the right to worship and practice their faith,” he added. “And as you know this is the Holy Land. It’s a special place for Filipino Christians and they’re having a very good time here and enjoying their work even though it’s a very difficult and demanding type of work, caregiving.”     Ads  The President, who departed Manila Sunday afternoon for Israel, is expected to meet with the Filipino community (Filcom) at Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem at around 9:30 p.m. (Manila time).  Imperial said Filipinos are looking forward to the meeting because it is a fulfillment of the President’s promise.  “He was supposed to come in May of last year. But because of the Marawi incident, he had to postpone his overseas travel,” he said.  Because of the limitations of space though, only around 1,400 Filipinos will be able to meet with President Duterte at the Filcom event venue.  Imperial said Filipinos in Israel are fortunate because President Duterte’s visit is the first by a sitting Philippine president since the formal establishment of diplomatic ties 61 years ago.  He said the enduring friendship between Israelis and Filipinos actually started in the late 1930s.  “In 2009, the Philippine embassy together with the Israeli government dedicated a monument in the city of Rishon Lezion called the Open Doors monument to commemorate the humanitarian assistance provided by the Philippines to Jewish refugees escaping the Holocaust in the late 1930s,” he said.    He added that then President Manuel Quezon allowed the entry of around 1,300 Jewish refugees and that monument has attracted a lot of attention from Israeli and Filipino tourists.
In this era where everyone has their own smartphone and ready internet access through free wifi hotspots everywhere, we can all have access to important pieces of information. However, we are also vulnerable to things like stalking and cyberbullying. Like physical or verbal bullying which happens face to face, cyberbullying leaves ill feeling to the victim which oftentimes leads to low self-esteem and depression.  Can we do something about it? Can we file charges to these social media bashers?      Ads    Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like smartphones, computers, and tablets. It can occur through text, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate or share content. It includes sending, posting, or sharing a negative, harmful, or false comment about someone which includes sharing personal or private information about the victim which causes embarrassment or humiliation. It can even cross the line into an unlawful or criminal act.   Can anyone be jailed for bullying?  Although there are existing laws on bullying in schools which protects the elementary and secondary students from physical verbal or electronic bullying, there are still no existing laws against cyberbullying outside schools and among adults.    RA10627 or the anti-bullying act of 2013 only covers bullying which happens within the school premises and the discretion of penalties depends on the policy of the school and they are merely administrative actions at the school administrations end.  Although there is an existing law against cyber libel or crimes committed using the internet or computer systems but bullying is not among them.   Social media is known to be a breeding ground for cyber bullies. They become more ferocious online due to anonymity and they can change everything about them providing them shield from their victims.   Cyberbullying is dangerous. It can cause depression among the victims. In some cases, bullying using social media or the internet could cause the victims to commit suicide.    Can you do anything about it?  If you think that a post or comment on social media is affecting you like bullying, you can always hit the report button. You can also take a screenshot of the post and show it to the principal of the school and let them do the necessary reprimand against the offender.   If the act can be proved as cyber libel, it can be punishable by 12years imprisonment, but it has to be proven accordingly.   As parents, especially overseas Filipino workers who are not physically present with your children, you must be aware of the forms of cyberbullying that might already be affecting your kids.  Even miles away, you should make sure that you monitor your kids' activities online just by talking to them and asking them.  Filed under the category of depression, free wifi hotspots, information, internet access, low self-esteem, social media bashers