How to Order for your PSA Certificates Online

Our family will be traveling to Japan later this year and we are currently in the process of completing all our documentary requirements for our visa application.  I was tasked to take care of everyone’s copies of PSA birth and marriage certificates, and make sure these are ready for submission by the end of the month.

Back in the ‘90s, this would have been a herculean task – traveling all the way to an NSO branch (PSA used to be called NSO), lining up for my turn, and waiting until they are able to release my requested documents.  With the 15 names and 4 marriages in my list that needed PSA certificates, it would have taken me the whole day to get the errand done.  I would have had to take a leave from work and spend extra on gas, parking, and food.

Good thing I can do all these online now, through PSAHelpline.ph.  The moment I got my assignment from my Tita during our Sunday family lunch, I immediately borrowed by cousin’s laptop and began submitting my orders online.  The process is really easy and simple:

1. Log on to www.psahelpline.ph and click on the type of certificate you need (in my case, 15 birth certificates and 4 marriage certificates).  Take note that you will be placing one order for each person’s certificate (I had to be patient, but only for 30 minutes, not an entire day!).
2. Choose the reason for ordering the certificate.  I chose the first one: Passport/Travel; I also had to select the country we were traveling to.
3. You will be taken to a page where you’ll have to type the certificate owner’s information.  If you are applying for a different person (other than yourself), it’s best to have their complete information handy so you don’t waste your time going back and forth, asking for their personal details.  This is why I endeavored to finish the task while the entire family was literally, “under the same roof”.
4. After submitting all your information, you will be asked if you had any procedure done on your certificate such as: Correction of Entries, Legitimation, Adoption, Court Hearings, and Supplemental.  If you’ve never had any, just click on “None”.
5. The next page will ask who is requesting for the document.  Anybody can request for a person’s birth certificate PROVIDED he is of legal age and has a valid ID that matches the name on the application form.  The ID will be presented to the courier upon delivery.  On the same page, you will also be asked for authorized representatives who can receive the documents on your behalf in case you are not around when the courier arrives.  Again, these representatives must have valid IDs that they can present upon documents’ delivery.  As the requesting party, you must also provide the representatives with a Letter of Authorization and one of your valid IDs.
6. On the Checkout page, you have a chance to double check all the information you provided.  Before submitting your request, you will be asked to provide your contact information, the complete delivery address, and the number of copies you need delivered.  One copy costs P350, this already includes processing and delivery.
7. Upon hitting the “Submit” button, you will be taken to the confirmation page.  You will then receive an email from PSAHelpline with your order number and the different modes of payments.
8. Pay and wait for your orders to be delivered.

And now, the easier part: paying for my orders!  I was delighted to see that PSAHelpline now has various payment center partners that we could choose from.  Normally, I would simply whip out my credit card and pay online but since the transactions involved a lot of other people, I opted not to offer my card (hehe!).

Visit my blog again tomorrow for details on the different payment options of PSAHelpline.  Meantime, let me go online to shop for preloved winter clothes to prepare for our Japan trip!

Arigatou gozaimasu!

 

 

All You Need to Know About Your SSS Benefits

The SSS Calamity Loan is a special privilege offered by the SSS to members who reside, work, or have properties in areas declared by the government to be under a state of calamity.  This type of loan is not open to all and not readily available unless the government and SSS come to an agreement during emergency situations.  What SSS members can truly count on are the following benefits that are automatically available to members with updated contributions and loans.

For your ready reference, below is a summary of SSS benefits that every member can enjoy:

TYPE OF BENEFIT	QUALIFYING CONDITIONS	AMOUNT OF BENEFIT
SICKNESS A daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member is unable to work due to sickness or injury.	The member is unable to work due to sickness or injury and is confined either in a hospital or at home for at least four days. He/she has paid at least three months of contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of sickness or injury. He/she has used up all company sick leaves with pay for the current year and has duly notified his/her employer; or He/she must notify the SSS directly by filing a sickness benefit application if he/she is separated from employment, a self-employed or voluntary member, including overseas Filipino worker OFW) members.	The amount of the member’s daily Sickness Benefit allowance is equivalent to 90% of his/her average daily salary credit (ADSC). The Sickness Benefit is granted up to a maximum of 120 days in one calendar year.
Maternity A daily cash allowance granted to a female member who is unable to work due to childbirth or miscarriage.	The member has paid at least three months of contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage. If employed, she must have given notification of her pregnancy through her employer, or She must directly notify the SSS if she is separated from employment, a self-employed or voluntary member, including OFW-member.	The amount of the daily Maternity Benefit allowance is equivalent to 100% of her ADSC, multiplied by 60 days in case of normal delivery/miscarriage/ ectopic pregnancy without operation/H-mole, or by 78 days for caesarean section delivery/ ectopic pregnancy with operation. The Maternity Benefit is granted up to the first four deliveries or miscarriages only.
Disability A cash benefit granted – either as a monthly pension or a lump sum amount – to a member who becomes permanently disabled, either partially or totally.	The member has paid at least one month contribution before the semester of disability. To qualify for a monthly disability pension, he/she must have paid at least 36 monthly contributions prior to the semester of disability. If with less than 36 monthly contributions, he/she is granted a lump sum amount.	If qualified, the member is granted a monthly Disability Pension, plus a P500 monthly Supplemental Allowance. The lowest monthly Disability Pension is P1,000 if the member has less than ten credited years of service (CYS); P1,200 if with at least ten CYS, and P2,400 if with at least 20 CYS.
Retirement A cash benefit granted either as a monthly pension or a lump sum amount to member who can no longer work due to old age.	The member is at least 60 years old (optional retirement), separated from employment or has ceased to be self-employed; and has paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement; or The member is 65 years old (mandatory retirement), whether employed or not; and has paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement. To qualify for a monthly retirement pension, the member must have paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement. If with less than 120 monthly contributions, he/she may be granted a lump sum amount, but will also be given the option to continue paying contributions to complete the 120 months to become eligible for monthly pension.	If qualified, the member is granted a monthly Retirement Pension, plus a 13th month pension payable every December. The retiree has the option to receive the first 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 the Dependent’s Pension and the 13th month pension are excluded from the advanced 18 months pension. If the member has dependent minor children, they are given a Dependent’s Pension equivalent to 10% of the member’s monthly pension or P250, whichever is higher.  Only 5 minor children, beginning from the youngest, are entitled a Dependent’s Pension. No substitution is allowed. The lowest monthly Retirement Pension is P1,200 if the member has 120 monthly contributions or at least 10 CYS; or P2,400 if with at least 20 CYS.
Death A cash benefit granted – either as a monthly pension or a lump sum amount – to the beneficiaries of a deceased member.	A monthly death pension is granted to primary beneficiary (legitimate spouse until he/she remarries, and dependent legitimate, legitimated or legally adopted, and illegitimate children)of the deceased member who had paid at least 36 monthly contributions prior to the semester of death. A lump sum amount is granted to the primary beneficiary if the deceased member had less than 36 monthly contributions. If there are no primary beneficiaries, the member’s secondary beneficiaries (dependent parents) shall be given a lump sum amount.	If qualified, the member’s primary beneficiary is granted a monthly Death Pension, plus a 13th month pension payable every December. If the member has dependent minor children, they are given a Dependent’s Pension equivalent to 10% of the member’s monthly pension or P250, whichever is higher. Only 5 minor children, beginning from the youngest are entitled to Dependent’s Pension.  No substitution is allowed. The lowest monthly Death Pension is P1,000 if the member had less than 10 CYS; P1,200 if with at least 10 CYS; and P2,400 if with at least 20 CYS.
Funeral A cash benefit given to whoever paid for the burial expenses of the deceased member.	The employee-member was reported for coverage by his/her employer; A self-employed member/OFW/non-working spouse who had at least 1 contributor payment; A voluntary member who was previously covered either as employed/self-employed/OFW and had at least one contribution/payment.	The Funeral Benefit is a variable amount ranging from a minimum of P20,000 to a maximum of P40,000, depending on the member’s paid contributions and CYS.
Employees’ Compensation Program (EC)	Cash benefit for temporary sickness or disability, permanent partial or total disability, and death. Medical services, appliances, and supplies Rehabilitation Services	The EC Program aims to assist those who suffer from work-connected sickness or injury resulting in disability or death. Starting June 1984, the benefits under the EC Program may be enjoyed simultaneously with benefits under the Social Security Program, thus, allowing double compensation for covered members who suffer work-related contingencies.  All SSS-registered employers and their employees are compulsorily covered under the EC Program and need not register again under the EC.
Salary Loan A cash loan granted to an employed, currently-paying self-employed or voluntary member.  It is intended to meet the member’s short-term credit needs.	An employed, currently-paying self-employed or voluntary member who has six posted monthly contributions within the last 12 months prior to the month of filing of loan application. For one-month loan, the member must have 36 posted monthly contributions prior to the month of filing of application. For two-month loan, the member must have 72 posted monthly contributions prior to the month of filing of loan application. If employed, the member’s employer must be updated in the payment of contribution and loan remittances.  The member must also be updated in the payment of other loans with SSS.	A one-month loan is equivalent to the average of member’s last 12 monthly salary credits (MSCs), or the amount applied for, whichever is lower. A two-month loan is equivalent to twice the average of the member’s last 12 MSCs posted, rounded to the next higher MSC, or the amount applied for, whichever is lower. The loan shall be charged an interest rate of 10% per annum until fully paid, based on diminishing principal balance, and shall be amortized over a period of 24 months. If the loan is not fully paid at the end of the term, interest shall continue to be charged on the outstanding principal balance until fully paid. In case of default, the arrearages/unpaid loan shall be deducted from the member’s short-term benefit claims (e.g. sickness/maternity), if any, or from his/her final benefit claim (e.g. death, retirement, total disability). The loan can be renewed after payment of at least 50% of the original loan amount and at least 50% of the loan term has lapsed.

Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph

How to Apply for a Calamity Loan with SSS

Now that the rainy season is upon us, a lot of areas in Metro Manila as well as in the provinces are once again on guard for the anticipated onslaught of typhoons and flash floods.  Sadly, no matter how well a community, city, or province prepare for the worst, a lot of families still get adversely affected by the wrath of these typhoons and thunderstorms.  Houses, vehicles, and businesses are destroyed mercilessly by nature, leaving its helpless owners wondering how they can rebuild their hard-earned investments.

The Social Security System responds to such emergency needs by offering its Calamity Loan privileges to SSS members in calamity-stricken areas, as declared by the government.

What is the SSS Calamity Loan?

This is a new and separate loan window from the regular salary loan offered to members who live or work in areas declared to be under the State of Calamity by the government.

The salary loan amount is determined by the SSS and is payable in two years in 24 equal monthly installments, with an annual interest rate of 10% and 1% monthly penalty for late payments.

How does a member qualify for the SSS Calamity Loan?

Members should have a home address or property in the covered areas and a minimum of 36 monthly contributions, six of which should be paid within the 12-month period preceding the date of application.

SSS will announce when they will start accepting calamity loan applications over the counter at their branches and only then will members’ applications be entertained.

Are OFWs and Seafarer members qualified to apply?

Yes they are, as long as they can show proof that their property is covered by the calamity.  They can apply through their designated representatives who should present an authorization letter to the SSS.

What are the requirements when applying for a calamity loan?

Apart from their SSS ID, a member must submit a Barangay Certification that will attest to their residence in the declared calamity area or to their current status as an OFW or seafarer.  Any previous calamity loans must be fully paid before the member can avail of another calamity loan.

My property is covered by the calamity area, how come my application for an SSS calamity loan was denied?

Those who availed of the SSS Loan Restructuring Program and those with final benefit claims such as for total permanent disability and retirement, are excluded from the program.

Take note that calamities are not restricted to natural disasters such as storms, earthquakes, drought, and the like.  SSS members in war-torn Marawi have been declared qualified to avail of the said calamity loan.

For more information on the SSS calamity loan, you may visit their website at www.sss.gov.ph or visit the nearest SSS office in your area.

 

Source:

www.sss.gov.ph

Who Are Qualified to Avail of the Government’s Free College Tuition Fee Program?

The bill granting free tuition fees for students of state universities and colleges was signed into law and announced to the public last Friday, August 4, 2017.  It is now known as Republic Act 10931 or the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act”.

To help the public better appreciate this good news, we are sharing the following summary to identify who are eligible for free tuition and other fees of` state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and technical-vocational institutions (TVIs).

Who are qualified?

1. Students in SUCs and LUCs who passed the entrance examination and other admission and retention requirements.
2. Students in state-run technical-vocational institutions (TVIs) under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).  TVIs provide non-degree programs aimed at preparing technicians, paraprofessionals, and other categories of middle-level workers.

Who are not qualified?

1. In SUCs and LUCs:
   • Students who have already attained a bachelor’s degree or comparable undergraduate degree from any higher education institution whether public or private.
   • Students who fail to comply with the admission and retention policies of the SUC or LUC.
   • Students who fail to complete their bachelor’s degree or comparable undergraduate degree within a year after the period prescribed in their program.
2. In state-run TVIs:
   • Students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree as well as those who have received a certificate or diploma for a technical-vocational course equivalent to at least National Certificate III and above.
   • Students who fail in any course enrolled in during the course of the program.

Can private school enrollees avail of the free tuition fee program?

Yes, they can.

Section 7 of the RA states that a tertiary education subsidy shall be established for Filipino students enrolled or intend to enroll in an undergraduate post-secondary program of an SUC, LUC, private higher education institution, and private and state-run technical-vocational institution.

What are covered by the subsidy?

1. Tuition and other school fees in private HEIs and private or LGU-operated TVIs which shall be equivalent to the tuition and other school fees of the nearest SUC or state-run TVI in their respective areas.
2. Allowance for books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses, including a reasonable allowance for documented rental or purchase of personal computer or laptop and other education-related expenses.
3. Allowance for room and board costs incurred by the student.  Allowance for expenses related to the disability of a disabled student.
4. One-time cost of obtaining the first professional credentials or qualifications.

If you have questions about this brand new law, send us a message and we will do our best to find the answers for you.

Source:

http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph

http://news.abs-cbn.com

Philippine Passports Now Valid for 10 Years!

Good news to Pinoy travelers and OFWs!  Philippine passports are now valid for 10 years from date of issuance, following the enactment of RA 10928, an act extending the passport validity and amending Section 10 of RA 8239 or the Passport Act of 1996.

The government acquiesced to the public’s clamor to lengthen passport’s validity in order to save time, effort, and money when applying for or renewing an expired passport.  Longer validity would also allow Filipinos to enjoy their visas to the US without the need to visit the DFA every five years.  The US Embassy grants 10-year multiple entry visas.

Driver’s license validity is also extended to five years, from the original 3-year validity period.  This can still be extended to 10 years upon renewal if the license holder has “not committed any violation of RA 4136 and other traffic laws, rules, and regulations.”

What do you think of these new laws on two of the most important government-issued IDs?  Comment your thoughts and questions below!

Source: www.gov.ph

How to Withdraw your Pag-IBIG Fund Contributions

Like your savings deposits in your bank, you also have the option to withdraw your contributions from the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG.  Each member has the right to refund their total accumulated savings or TAV, which includes their monthly savings, employer share, and total annual dividend earnings.

There are, however, certain criteria that a Pag-IBIG member needs to satisfy before he is deemed eligible to withdraw his contributions.

Find out how a member can qualify for Pag-IBIG fund withdrawal and the requirements when requesting for a refund.  Read on!

What are the criteria for membership termination and refunding of Pag-IBIG contributions?

A. Membership Maturity

• Member must have at least 240 monthly membership contribution.
• Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP) members should have accumulated 4, 10, 15, or 20 years contributions depending on the option chosen upon membership registration.

B. Retirement

• Member must be at least 65 years old – the mandatory retiring age.
• Optional retirement may be availed due to the following circumstances:
  • Actual retirement from the SSS, the GSIS, or a separate employer provident/ retirement plan, provided the member has at least reached age 45.

C. Permanent Total Disability or Insanity

• Temporary total disability lasting continuously for more than 120 days;
• Complete loss of sight of both eyes;
• Loss of two limbs at or over the ankle or wrist;
• Permanent complete paralysis of two limbs;
• Brain injury resulting in incurable imbecility or insanity; and
• Such other cases which are adjudged to be total and permanent disability by a duly licensed physician and approved by the Board of Trustees.

D. Termination from service by reason of health.

E. Permanent departure from the country.

F. Death

The benefits will be divided among the member’s legal heirs in accordance with the New Civil Code as amended by the New Family Code.

Requirements when claiming your Pag-IBIG Fund Refund

1. Application for Provident Benefits Claim
2. Pag-IBIG Transaction Card and one (1) valid ID card with photo and signature of claimant.
   • If the Pag-IBIG Transaction Card is not available, two (2) valid ID cards with photo and signature of claimant.
3. Service Records (for government employees only).
4. Statement of Service (for AFP)

Additional Requirements depending on reason for claim:

Death

1. PSA Certified True Copy of Member’s Death Certificate 
2. Notarized Proof of Surviving Legal Heirs
3. PSA Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate of all children or Baptismal / Confirmation Certificate (if with children).
4. Notarized Affidavit of Guardianship (if with children below 18 years old, or if child/children is/are physically or mentally incompetent).
5. To establish kinship with the deceased member, the claimant shall submit any one of the following:
   • PSA Certified Tru Copy of Member’s/Claimant’s Birth Certificate
   • PSA Certified True Copy of Non-availability of Birth Record and Notarized Joint Affidavit of Two (2) Disinterested Persons.
   • Certified True Copy of Member’s / Claimant’s Baptismal / Confirmation Certificate.
   • If member is single, Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR).
   • If member is married, PSA Certified True Copy of Member’s Marriage Contract and Advisory on Marriage.

Retirement

1. PSA Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate
2. PSA Certified True Copy of Non-availability of Birth Record and Notarized Joint Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons.
3. Notarized Certificate of Early Retirement (for private employees only, at least 45 years old).
4. GSIS Retirement Voucher (for government employees).
5. Order of Retirement (for AFP).

Permanent Total Disability or Insanity / Termination from the Service by Reason of Health

Physician’s Certificate / Statement (with clinical or medical abstract).

Permanent Departure from the Country

1. Photocopy of Passport with Immigrant Visa / Residence Visa / Settlement Visa or its equivalent.
2. Notarized Sworn Declaration of Intention to Depart from the Philippines Permanently (no need to submit if already based abroad).

Procedure on how to claim refund:

1. Visit the nearest Pag-IBIG Fund office in your area.
2. Present your ID to a Pag-IBIG staff and inquire about fund withdrawal.
3. Your Pag-IBIG account will be verified for any applied or outstanding housing loan or short-term loan.
4. You will be advised to secure your application for Provident Benefits Claim after verification.
5. Submit your application form and get your claim stub with the date when refund check is ready for pick-up.

You may request for your TAV print out by visiting the nearest Pag-IBIG office or by sending them an email at contactus@pagibigfund.gov.ph.

Source: www.pagibigfund.gov.ph

 

Claiming Your SSS and Philhealth Benefits: A Right and A Responsibility

Matagal na akong hindi nakapag hulog sa aking SSS / Philhealth account; ngayon, may sakit ako at maco-confine.  Pwede ko bang habulin ang mga nalibanan kong buwan para makapag claim pa din ako ng benefits?

This is a common question we receive from followers.  Apparently, a lot of Filipinos think that paying their monthly contributions for government-mandated insurances is optional.

It isn’t.  We all need to activate our SSS and Philhealth memberships and diligently remit our monthly contributions to ensure that we are protected and covered by benefits.

We summarized SSS and Philhealth’s requirements and needed premium payments before a member can claim his benefits from these government agencies.  We aim to encourage everyone to update and maintain their monthly contributions to ensure hassle-free benefits claim anytime emergency strikes.

Read on.

Philhealth

• Member must have paid at least three months’ premium contributions within the immediate six-month period prior to the first day of confinement to avail of benefits.
• Philhealth does not accept retroactive payments for unpaid months.
• Contributions made on admission date, during the confinement period, or after the member or dependent is discharged from the health care institution will not be counted as qualifying contributions.

What are the requirements for eligibility and when is a member eligible to claim?

Sponsored Members	Date of hospitalization/availment must be within the effectivity period indicated in the member’s ID and MDR.
Individually Paying Members	1. There are certain confinement cases wherein three months worth of premium within the last sixmonths (3/6) prior to confinement is acceptable. 2. For pregnancy-related cases, dialysis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other selected surgical procedures, the member must have paid nine months worth of premium within the last twelve months.
Lifetime Member	The member just has to show their Lifetime ID Card; no need to pay premiums anymore.  This now includes Senior Citizens; in which case, all they need to show is their SC IDs.
Employed Members	Three months worth of premium within the last six months (3/6) prior to hospitalization.
Overseas Workers	Date of hospitalization/availment must be within the coverage period specified in the member’s MDR.

 

SSS

A. Maternity Benefits

The maternity benefit is offered only to female SSS members.  A member is qualified to avail of this benefit if:

1. She has paid at least three 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 to SSS through her employer if employed; or submitted the maternity notification directly to the SSS if separated from employment, a voluntary or self-employed member.
3. SSS does not accept retroactive payments for unpaid months.

The maternity benefit shall be paid only for the first four (4) deliveries or miscarriages.

B. Sickness Benefits

The sickness benefit is a daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member is unable to work due to sickness or injury.

A member is qualified to avail of this benefit if:

1. He is unable to work due to sickness or injury and confined either in a hospital or at home for at least four days;
2. He has paid at least three months of contributions within the 12-month period immediately before the semester of sickness or injury;
3. He has used up all current company sick leaves with pay; and
4. He has notified the ER, or directly the SSS, if separated from employment, VM or SE regarding his sickness or injury.

C. Retirement

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.

A member is qualified to avail of this benefit if:

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:
   • At least 60 years old and separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE/OFW/Household Helper (optional retirement);
   • At least 65 years old whether still employed/SE, working as OFW/Household Helper or not (technical retirement);
   • At least 55 years old and separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE, if an “underground mineworker” (optional retirement);
   • At least 60 years old whether still employed/SE or not, if an “underground mineworker” (technical retirement); or
   • 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 re-employment / 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.

If you have questions regarding benefit claims from Philhealth and SSS, send us a message and we will do our best to find the answers for you.

 

Sources:

www.sss.gov.ph

www.philhealth.gov.ph

Senior Citizens, PWDs, and Indigent Households: First Recipients of the National ID

It has been more than a year since we featured House Bill No. 5060 or the Philippine Identification System Act.  This is the bill that will require all Filipinos to be issued a national identification card that will serve as their main identification for all government transactions, claims, use of government-mandated benefits, and applying for clearances from the NBI and PNP.   At that time, the said bill has just been signed and approved by the House of Representatives and was passed on to the Senate for deliberation.

While the country is eagerly awaiting the finality the National ID System Act, the Department of Finance (DOF) came up with an additional proposal to tap the ID as a means to determine an individual’s privilege to certain subsidies, discounts, and tax exemptions under the law.

How do these additional parameters affect the National ID System’s initial purpose?

Apart from the National ID being an all-in-one valid ID (except as a Driver’s License and Passport), the DOF is proposing that it contain biometrics data to determine a citizen’s entitlement to certain subsidies and benefits provided by the government.

For example, if a PWD is entitled to discounts on medicines, fare, and education, his (national) ID alone should be enough to determine his eligibility for such discounts.  Another possibility that the DOF is looking at is to activate an EMV (Europay-Mastercard-Visa) chip in the card.  Through this chip, the card can double as an ATM card where the owner may receive cash subsidies from the government, if he or she is legally entitled to such benefits.  It simplifies the identification and benefits disbursement process, both for the government and the recipient.

Do these new proposals affect the anticipated release and distribution of the IDs?

It does.

The issuance of the IDs will be done in batches.  Since the DOF has expressed its intention of tapping the National ID to address the long process of applying and claiming benefits for individuals with special needs, senior citizens and persons with disabilities are seen to be the first recipients of these IDs.  Soon after, members of the 5.2 million poor households that are not yet covered by the conditional cash transfer program of the DSWD will follow.

All in all, the government plans to provide IDs to the more than 100 million Filipinos in two years’ time, after the bill is enacted into law.

Who will issue the IDs?

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shall be responsible for the proper issuance of the ID cards.

We will keep this thread updated on the progress of the proposed National ID System.  If you have any questions or related information you would like to share, please feel free to send us a message.  We will do our best to find the answers for you.

Sources:

www.psa.gov.ph

www.dof.gov.ph

www.philstar.com

 

Nationwide Smoking Ban in the Philippines: Approved!

Executive Order 26, or the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places has been in effect since midnight of July 23, 2017.  The Philippines is now a No Smoking Country!

Below is a quick summary of the places and conveyances covered by this law and what awaits those that will be caught violating this much-anticipated and badly-needed ordinance:

You can no longer smoke in:

• Schools, Colleges, and Universities (yes, even and especially in State Universities!)
• Playgrounds
• Restaurants and food preparation areas
• Elevators
• Basketball courts
• Stairwells
• Fire hazard risk areas such as gas stations, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals.
• Hotels
• Malls
• Jeepneys, taxis, trains, tricycles, buses, and planes.

Adults should no longer send minors to buy cigarettes for them; more importantly, minors should not be made to “light” cigarettes for their elders, sell cigarettes, distribute, or promote tobacco products in any way.

Sari-sari stores and other retail establishments are no longer allowed to showcase tobacco advertisements at points-of-sale.

How will violators be penalized?

Violators will be fined for breaking the law.  Penalties range from Php500 to Php10,000 and possible imprisonment.  Establishment owners, building managers, and other individuals authorized in managing specific places, offices, and businesses shall be held liable for violations done within their premises.  The public is encouraged to report violations to the DOH hotline (02) 711 1002.

Where then can smokers smoke?

Smoking is allowed only in designated smoking areas (DSA).  These areas should be properly marked and identified in an area or a building.  These could be open spaces within an area or a separate room with proper ventilation, with ample visual warnings on the effects of smoking, and has passed the provisions of non-smoking buffer zones.

The Executive Order does not cover vapes and e-cigarettes.

Sources:

www.doh.gov.ph

www.news.abs-cbn.com

LTO Fines and Penalties for Traffic Violations Part 4: Traffic Violations for Private and Public Utility Vehicles

A leading cause of traffic jams and road mishaps are drivers who deliberately disobey traffic rules.  It could be as uncomplicated as tailgating another vehicle, to overtaking on single or double white lines, to beating red lights especially when there are no traffic enforcers around.

If drivers knew how much they would have to pay, apart from the damages they could cause others because of their negligence, they would probably be a lot more careful on the road.

Our fourth installment in this series will focus on fines and penalties for Frauds and Falsities, and Traffic Violations.  Read on!

1. Frauds and Falsities

Violation	Fines and Penalties (Php)
1. Use of fake plates / sticklers / pursuant documents	2,000 to 4,000 to be imposed upon the owner and / or driver of the subject MV.
2. Misrepresenting a copy of a document pertinent to a motor vehicle before the Traffic Adjudication Services	1,500 to be imposed upon the driver or owner.

2. Traffic Violations

Violation	Fines and Penalties (Php)
1. Parking a. Within an intersection b. Within 5 meters of the intersection c. 4 meters from the driveway entrance d. Within 4 meters from a fire hydrant e. In front of a private driveway f. On the roadway side of any unmoving or parked MV at the curb edge of the highway. g. At any place where signs of prohibitions have been installed.	200
2. Reckless Driving Such as but not limited to the following: a. Disregarding Traffic Signs –  Failure to yield right-of-way; – Failure to yield right-of-way to ambulance police or fire department vehicles; – Failure to yield right-of-way at a “through highway” or a “stop intersection” – Failure to give proper signal – Illegal turn – Failure to stop motor vehicle and notch handbrake of motor vehicle when unattended – Unsafe towing. b. Allowing passenger on top or cover of a motor vehicle except in a truck helper. c. Failure to provide canvass cover to cargos or freight of trucks requiring the same. d. Permitting passenger to ride on running board stepboard or mudguard of MV while in motion. e. Driving for hire motor vehicles in slippers. f. Driving in a place not intended for traffic or into place not allowed for parking. g. Hitching or permitting a person or a bicycle, tricycle or skate roller to hitch a motor vehicle. h. Driving against traffic. i. Illegal overtaking. j. Overtaking at unsafe distance. k. Cutting an overtaking vehicle. l. Failure to give way to an overtaking vehicle. m. Increasing speed when being overtaken. n. Overtaking when left side is not visible or clear of oncoming traffic. o. Overtaking upon a crest of a grade. p. Overtaking upon a curve. q. Overtaking at any railway grade crossing. r. Overtaking at any intersection. s. Overtaking between “men working” or “caution” signs. t. Overtaking at no overtaking zone. u. Failure to yield the right-of-way. v. Failure to stop traversing a “through a highway or railroad” crossing.	1,000 – 1st offense 1,500 – 2nd offense and suspension of DL for two months. 2,000 – 3rd offense and suspension of DL for six months 5,000 – succeeding offense and revocation of DL
3. Obstruction Obstructing the free passage of other vehicles on the highway while discharging or taking passengers or loading and unloading freight, or driving a motor vehicle is such a manner as to obstruct or impede the passage of any vehicle.	200

In our final article, we will feature the violations involving taxi units and other non-traffic violations that can still be fined and penalized by LTO and MMDA.

If you have questions about the LTO, traffic rules, fines and penalties, send us a short message and we will do our best to find the answers for you.

Source: www.lto.gov.ph