List of Requirements for the Renewal of Non e-Passports

If your passport does not have a biometric chip embedded in its cover, it is not an e-Passport.  If that is the type of passport you are to renew this year, there may be some requirements that are different from the list we featured yesterday.  Today’s blog is dedicated to the holders of non-ePassports: those issued in 2009 or earlier, are colored green, brown, or maroon.

These were lifted straight from the website of the DFA:

CORE REQUIREMENTS

1. Confirmed online appointment
2. Accomplished application form
3. Personal appearance
4. Current Passport with a photocopy of the data page
5. Any of the following valid IDs with one photocopy
6. Original PSA authenticated documents that will SUPPORT THE CHANGE OF NAME:
   • Marriage Contract
   • Annotated Birth Certificate
   • Annotated Marriage Contract to show annulment/divorce/court ordered instruction
   • Death Certificate of spouse

If a woman opts to retain her maiden name, a Marriage Contract is not required.

Additional requirements may be required.  Please refer to the section below for additional supporting document requirements for Adult Renewal non-ePassport applications.

LIST OF VALID IDs

1. Social Security System (SSS)/Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card (UMID).
2. Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License. Student Permit may be accepted if in card format.
3. Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID.
4. Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA)/Integrated Department of Labor and Employment (iDOLE) card.
5. Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certification from the Election Officer with Dry Seal.
6. Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms License.
7. Senior Citizen ID
8. Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
9. School ID (if applicable)
10. For applicants based overseas, they may use their host government-issued IDs showing their Philippine citizenship (ex: Residence Card).

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

In addition to the core requirements, the following supporting documents will be further required for the following cases:

1. In case of a LOST VALID NON-Epassport – will be treated as NEW APPLICATION.

•  The online appointment still required.
• If a photocopy of the applicant’s last issued passport is available, the Birth Certificate will not be required.
• Additional requirements may be required. Please refer to the section below for additional requirements for Adult Renewal non-ePassport Applications (Lost Valid Passports).
• Police Report in English (original and photocopy)
• Affidavit of Loss in English (original and photocopy)
• Penalty Fee: Php 350.00
• Additional 15 business days clearing period for Lost Valid Passports.

2. In case of a LOST EXPIRED NON Epassport – Will be treated as NEW APPLICATION.

•  The online appointment still required.
• If a photocopy of the applicant’s issued passport is available, the Birth Certificate will not be required.
• Additional requirements may be required. Please refer to the section below for additional requirements for Adult Renewal non-ePassport Applications (Lost Valid Passports).
• Affidavit of Loss in English
• Penalty fee: Php 350.00

3. In case of RENEWAL of a frequently LOST PASSPORT – will be treated as NEW APPLICATION. 

• The online appointment still required.
• Police Report in English
• Affidavit of Loss in English
• Penalty Fee: Php 350.00

 4. In case applicant used a TRAVEL DOCUMENT to travel back to the Philippines – will be treated as NEW APPLICATION.

•  The online appointment still required.
• Original Travel Document
• Affidavit of Explanation

5. In case applicant LOST THE TRAVEL DOCUMENT used to travel back to the Philippines – will be treated as NEW APPLICATION.

•  The online appointment still required.
• Original Travel Records from the Bureau of Immigration
• Affidavit of Explanation

 6. In case passport has been MUTILATED OR DAMAGED – will be treated as NEW APPLICATION.

•  Online appointment still required.
• Affidavit of Explanation
• Applicant must surrender the mutilated/damaged passport
• Penalty fee: Php 350.00

 7. In case the applicant is a DUAL CITIZEN (in addition to the Renewal Core Requirements).

•  The online appointment still required.
• Government-issued IDs (refer to valid Philippine Government-issued IDs or their secondary citizenship/residence counterparts).
• Report of Birth OR Identification Certificate issued by the Philippine Consulate or the Bureau of Immigration.

 8. In case the applicant is a NATURALIZED CITIZEN (in addition to the Renewal Core Requirements).

•  Identification Certificate of Naturalization from the Bureau of Immigration.

 9. In case the applicant is a Filipino Citizen by Election (in addition to the Renewal Core Requirements).

•  Affidavit of Election of Philippine Citizenship
• Identification Certificate of Election from the Bureau of Immigration.

Tomorrow we shall feature the list of requirements for minor children (below 18 years old) so make sure you drop by again for more helpful information on passport applications and renewals.

Source: www.dfa.gov.ph

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DepEd Order No. 3. s. 2018: Early Registration in Public Schools Starts January 26

Public schools in the Philippines shall open its doors for early registrations from January 26 to February 22, 2019.  The early registration is for incoming Kindergarten, Grades 1, 7, and 11 students and shall be done in compliance with the Department of Education’s Order (no. 3 series of 2018) or the Basic Education Enrollment Policy.  Their primary purpose is to help the DepEd locate out-of-school kids that are interested to enroll and continue with their studies.

While the said public schools shall have designated Early Registration Desks or Registration Centers in the school’s premises, DepEd personnel will also conduct house-to-house campaigns, meetings with local barangay officials and civic organizations, and other activities to help them locate as many children as possible.  Among those they will be targeting are:

• Learners with disabilities;
• Learners living in an off-grid community;
• Those that reside in barangays that do not have schools;
• Those that reside in a geographically isolated area, making it difficult for children to come to school;
• Displaced due to natural disasters;
• Those living in armed conflict areas, or areas with high levels of criminality/drug abuse;
• Learners who are chronically ill, have nutritional problems, victims of child abuse or economic exploitation;
• Stateless or undocumented, in conflict with the law, living on the streets.

On the other hand, incoming Grades 2 to 6, Grades 8 to 10, and Grade 12 learners are considered pre-registered and no longer need to participate in the Early Registration campaign.

The following shall be required of students who shall participate in the early registration campaign:

• PSA birth certificate
• Report cards

This order shall be implemented nationwide.

Source: www.deped.gov.ph

List of Requirements for Renewal of Passport

After the DFA announced that the PSA birth certificate is no longer a requirement when renewing passports, we received a lot of messages from our followers seeking to clarify the new policy.  Some of them who had confirmed appointments for passport renewal proceeded to the DFA branches WITHOUT their PSA birth and marriage certificates, only to be told that they, in fact, need to present these documents.

So to set the record straight, we checked directly with the DFA for the official list of requirements when renewing Philippine passports.  And that while it was officially announced that the PSA birth certificate is no longer required, there will be instances when this may still be asked of you, especially if you had some birth certificate details corrected such as the spelling of your name, your birth date, or if you will be using a different last name in your passport compared to the last name you use in your other IDs.

The following were lifted from the DFA website:

Adult Renewal Application of e-Passport

CORE REQUIREMENTS

1. Confirmed Online Appointment
2. Accomplished Application Form
3. Personal appearance
4. Current ePassport with a photocopy of the data page.
5. Any of the following valid IDs with one photocopy
6. Original PSA authenticated documents that will support the change of name:

• Marriage Contract
• Annotated Birth Certificate
• Annotated Marriage Contract to show annulment/divorce/court ordered instruction.
• Death Certificate of Spouse

If you are a married female applicant yet you wish to retain your maiden name in your passport, your PSA Marriage Certificate is NOT required.

Additional requirements may be required.  Please refer to the section below for additional requirements for Adult Renewal Applications.

LIST OF VALID IDs

1. Social Security System (SSS)/Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Unified Multi-purpose Identification (UMID) card.
2. Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver’s License. Student Permit may be accepted if in card format.
3. Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID.
4. Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA)/Integrated Department of Labor and Employment (iDOLE) card.
5. Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certification from the Election Officer with Dry Seal.
6. Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms License.
7. Senior Citizen ID
8. Airman License (issued August 2016 onwards)
9. School ID (if applicable)
10. Current Valid ePassport (for renewal of ePassport)
11. For applicants based overseas, they may use their host government-issued IDs showing their Philippine citizenship (ex: Residence Card).

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

In addition to the core requirements, the following supporting documents will be further required for the following cases:

1. Lost VALID ePassport will be treated as NEW APPLICATION.
   1. Online appointment is STILL required.
   2. If the photocopy of the applicant’s last issued passport is available, the Birth Certificate will NOT be required.  Otherwise, you have to bring your PSA birth certificate.
   3. Police report in English (original and photocopy)
   4. Affidavit of Loss in English (original and photocopy)
   5. Penalty fee: Php 350.00
   6. Additional 15 days clearing period for LOST, VALID passports.
2. Lost EXPIRED ePassport will be treated as NEW APPLICATION.
   1. Online appointment is STILL required.
   2. If a photocopy of the applicant’s last issue passport is available, the PSA birth certificate will NOT be required.  Otherwise, you have to bring your PSA birth certificate.
   3. Affidavit of Loss in English
   4. Penalty fee: Php 350.00
3. Renewal of FREQUENTLY LOST PASSPORT will be treated as NEW APPLICATION
   1. The online appointment still required.
   2. Police Report in English
   3. Affidavit of Loss in English
   4. Penalty fee: Php 350.00
4. In case of applicant used a Travel Document to travel back to the Philippines – will be treated as NEW APPLICATION
   1. Online appointment is still required.
   2. Original travel document
   3. Affidavit of Explanation
5. In case of applicant lost the Travel Document used to travel back to the Philippines – will be treated as NEW APPLICATION
   1. The online appointment still required.
   2. Original Travel Records from the Bureau of Immigration
   3. Affidavit of Explanation
6. In case passport has been MUTILATED or DAMAGED – will be treated as NEW APPLICATION.
   1. Online appointment is still required.
   2. Affidavit of Explanation
   3. Applicant must surrender the mutilated/damaged passport
   4. Penalty fee: Php 350.00
7. In case the applicant is a Dual Citizen (in addition to the Renewal Core Requirements)
   1. Online appointment is still required.
   2. Government-issued IDs (refer to valid Philippine Government-issued IDs or their secondary citizenship/residence counterparts.)
   3. Report of Birth OR Identification Certificate issued by the Philippine Consulate or the Bureau of Immigration.
8. In case the applicant is a Filipino citizen by Election (in addition to the Renewal Core Requirements).
   1. Affidavit of Election of Philippine Citizenship
   2. Identification Certificate of Election from Bureau of Immigration
9. In case the applicant is a Naturalized Citizen (in addition to the Renewal Core Requirements)
   1. Identification Certificate of Naturalization from the Bureau of Immigration.

Tomorrow we are going to feature the requirements for renewal application of non e-Passports.  These are the green, brown, machine-readable (maroon) passports that were issued in 2009 or earlier.  If you are scheduled to apply for the renewal of your child’s passport, visit us on Wednesday as we will feature the requirements for passport renewal of minor children.

Source: www.dfa.gov.ph

4 Steps to Purchase Pag-IBIG Acquired Properties

Pag-IBIG offers the provision of home financing programs for both new and repossessed (or acquired) housing properties that were developed by Pag-IBIG.  Active members have the option to purchase an acquired Pag-IBIG property at negotiated rates.

Acquired assets are foreclosed properties (house and lot) that are auctioned off by Pag-IBIG to the public at cheaper rates.  These are not “brand new” houses; these are properties that are repossessed due to non-payment of the original owners.  Once auctioned by Pag-IBIG, it becomes a possible alternative for other active members that are unable to take on the costs of a brand new housing unit.

If you are thinking of applying for a Pag-IBIG housing loan, it may be good to weigh your options and see if an acquired asset is something you can consider.

Here are the steps and requirements needed when applying for a Pag-IBIG loan for acquired properties under negotiated sale:

1. Reserve the property and pay the Php 1,000 reservation fee (non-refundable/non-transferrable). Bring one valid ID and choose among the following modes of payment:

• Cash – 30% discount; payment term of 1 month.
• Installment – 20% discount; up tp 12 months only, with 12% interest rate per annum.
• Housing Loan – 10% discount, for qualified members of Pag-IBIG Fund; up to 30 years, provided that borrower’s age shall not exceed 70 years old at date of loan maturity.

2. For purchase through housing loan, submit the complete documentary requirements within 30 calendar days from payment of reservation fee and pay the processing fee of Php 2,000 and Documentary Stamp Tax of Php 100.00.
3. Receive the Notice of Approval of Loan and pay the one (1) year advance insurance premiums within 30 days.
4. Execute and submit the notarized Deed of Conditional Sale and other mortgage documents evidencing the loan in favor of the Fund.

Below are the BASIC REQUIREMENTS for:

SELF-EMPLOYED applicants:

• Accomplished Buyer’s Information Sheet (2 copies) with recent 1×1 ID photo (2 copies).
• One (1) valid ID (photocopy, back to back) of Principal Buyer and Spouse, Co-Buyer and Spouse, if applicable.
• Proof of Income for (any of the following):
  1. Owned Business
     • Income Tax Return (ITR)
     • Audited Financial Statements
     • Official Receipt of Tax Payment from bank supported with DTI Registration and Mayor’s Permit/Business Permit.
  2. Commission Base
     • Commission Vouchers reflecting the issuer’s name and contract details (for the last 12 months).
  3. Drivers
     • Certified True Copy of Transport Franchise issued by an appropriated government agency (LGU for tricycles, LTFRB for other PUVs).
  4. Foreign Remittances and Pensions
     • Bank Statements or passbook for the last 12 months (in case income is sourced from foreign remittances, pensions, etc.
  5. Rental Payments
     • Copy of Lease Contract and Tax Declaration (if income is derived from rental payments).
  6. Sari-sari Store/Mini Groceries, Sub-contractor, On-call Maintenance, Technician
     • Brgy. Certificate/Clearance
     • Properly Accomplished Certificate of Engagement, duly notarized.

Additional Requirements:

• Copy of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with signature.
• Photocopy of Php 1,000 reservation fee receipts.
• Photocopy of 1 valid ID of the signatory in the Certificate of Engagement
• Insurance Coverage (if applicable only)
  • Health Statement form (Medical Questionnaire)
    • For borrowers over 60 years old
    • For borrowers up to 60 years old, if loans are over P2.0M to P6.0M
  • Health Statement Form (Medical Questionnaire) and a copy of the result of a medical examination conducted prior to assignment overseas as required by the employment agency.
  • For OFW borrowers over 60 years old.

Locally Employed

Basic Requirements:

• Accomplished Buyer’s Information Sheet (2 copies) with recent 1×1 ID photo (2 copies)
• One (1) valid ID (photocopy, back to back) of Principal Buyer and Spouse, Co-buyer and Spouse, if applicable.
• Proof of Income (any of the following):
  • Notarized Certificate of Employment and Compensation (CEC) indicating the gross monthly income and monthly allowances or monthly benefits received by the employee.
  • Certified One (1) month payslip, within the last three (3) months prior to date of loan application.
  • Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) for the year immediately preceding the date of loan application, with attached BIR Form No. 2316, stamped received by the BIR.

Note: Government employees must present one-month payslip issued within the last three months prior to the date of loan application and submitted together with CEC or ITR.

Additional Requirements:

• Copy of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with signature.
• Photocopy of Php 1,000 reservation fee receipt.

Insurance Coverage (if applicable only)

• Health Statement Form (Medical Questionnaire)
  • For borrowers over 60 years old
  • For borrowers up to 60 years old, if loans are over P2.0M to P6.0M
• Health Statement Form (Medical Questionnaire) and a copy of the result of the medical examination conducted prior to assignment overseas as required by the employment agency.
  • For OFW borrowers over 60 years old.

If you have more questions about Pag-IBIG’s acquired assets, you may call their hotline at 02-724-4244.  They are available 24×7.

Source: www.pagibigfund.gov.ph

Six Steps When Getting a Pag-IBIG Housing Loan

Active members of the Pag-IBIG Fund are entitled to avail of housing loan privileges; you can choose to build a house, buy one that is up for sale, or choose from among Pag-IBIG’s acquired assets.  It is the most affordable means to own a home through its payment terms and low interest rates.

To help you get started on your housing loan application, we are sharing Pag-IBIG’s six simple steps as published on their website.

1. Get your CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS.

• Housing Loan (HL) application form and other related forms are available at the Servicing Department, 2^nd floor JELP Business Solutions Bldg., #409 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City (for NCR accounts) or at any provincial branch office (for provincial accounts). These forms are also downloadable at pagibigfund.gov.ph.
  • Health Statement Form (Medical Questionnaire)
    • For OFW applicants over 60 years old.
    • Loans over P2M to P6M and for borrowers aged up to 60 years old.
  • Health Statement Form (Medical Questionnaire) and Full Medical Examination
    • All borrowers over 60 years old.

2. Submit your Housing Loan Application to the Pag-IBIG Fund with complete requirements. Pay partial processing fee of Php 1,000 (non-refundable).

• For NCR properties, file at any of the following:
  • JELP Business Solutions Building – Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City.
  • Kamias Branch – #795 Anchor Center EDSA, Quezon City (near GMA Kamuning Station)
  • Imus Branch – Olma Bldg., Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Imus, Cavite
• Provincial Properties – To be filed at the Pag-IBIG office nearest the subject property.

Processing Period: 20 working days (inclusive of Credit Investigation and Property Valuation).

You may also file your housing loan application via www.pagibigfund.gov.ph, click “E-Services”.

3. Receive your Notice of Approval (NOA)/Letter of Guaranty (LOG) and sign your loan documents.

• NOA will be released only to the borrower or to the Attorney-In-Fact for OFW borrowers, provided with SPA.

4. Accomplish your NOA requirements for check release.

You are given 90 calendar days to do the following:

• For purchase of House and Lot/Purchase of Condominium Unit/Purchase of Lot
  • Give LOG to the seller
  • Proceed to the BIR for payment of Capital Gains Tax and Documentary Stamp Tax. The BIR will issue Certificate Authorizing Registration
  • Proceed to the Local Government Unit (LGU) for payment of Transfer Tax.
  • Proceed to the Registry of Deeds (RD) for the transfer of the title and annotation of mortgage.
  • Proceed to the LGU for the transfer of Tax Declaration
  • Submit complete requirements to the Pag-IBIG Fund.
• For purchase of House and Lot Mortgaged with Pag-IBIG Fund
  • Proceed to the BIR for payment of Captial Gains Tax and Documentary Stamp Tax. The BIR will issue Certificate Authorizing Registration.
  • Proceed to the Local Government Unit (LGU) for payment of Transfer Tax.
  • Go to the Pag-IBIG office to schedule a trip to the Registry of Deeds (RD) for transfer of title and annotation of the mortgage.
  • Proceed to the LGU for transfer of Tax Declaration.
  • Submit complete requirements to the Pag-IBIG Fund.
• For the construction of House/Home Improvement
  • Proceed to the BIR for payment of Documentary Stamp Tax
  • Proceed to the Registry of Deeds (RD) for annotation of the mortgage.
  • Submit complete requirements to the Pag-IBIG Fund.
• For refinancing
  • Proceed to the bank/financing institution to give the Letter of Guaranty (LOG) and Loan and Mortgage Agreement (LMA).
  • Proceed to the Registry of Deeds (RD) for annotation of the mortgage.
  • Submit complete requirements to the Pag-IBIG Fund.

5. Receive loan proceeds at the Pag-IBIG Fund

• Payee to bring two (2) valid IDs.
• The payee is either the:
  • Borrower
  • Seller
  • The third party to which the loan proceeds are assigned to be released.
• Borrower to bring 12 PDCs (if payment is not thru salary deduction).
• Loan proceeds will be released to the person/institution assigned by the borrower/buyer.

6. Start paying your monthly amortization.

• One month from DV/Check Date
• For house construction/home improvement, one month from DV check date of the final loan release.

For house construction or home improvement, the loan release shall be staggered based on progress of construction.

For more information on Pag-IBIG Housing Loan or any question you may have regarding your Pag-IBIG membership, you may call their hotline at 02-724-4244.

Have you tried applying for a home loan at the Pag-IBIG? Tell us about your experience!

Source: http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph

 

Birth Certificates No Longer Required for Passport Renewal (and Why You STILL Need to Get a Copy of Your PSA Birth Certificate!)

And just an hour after my previous blog, the DFA announces its brand new directive that birth certificates are no longer required for ALL types of passport renewals.  Yes, even for passports issued in 2009 or earlier and all non-epassport types.

Just to be clear though, the PSA birth certificate is still a documentary requirement when applying for your passport for the first time.  Also, the PSA marriage certificate shall still be required if a female passport applicant wishes to use her married last name in her passport, or are renewing an old passport that is in her maiden name and would now want to use her married last name.

To be sure, always keep an updated copy of your PSA birth certificate and marriage certificate, especially when transacting with government agencies that often require proofs of identification.

For questions about passport application and renewal requirements, send us your messages!

 

Renewing Your Passport? Bring Your PSA Birth Certificate!

So the DFA needs our help in rebuilding their database and we can do so by presenting a copy of our PSA birth certificate when renewing our passports.  Do you have a copy of your birth certificate yet?

I used to keep several copies of my birth certificate in my desk; these were printed on the old yellowish sheet with NSO’s logo on the upper left hand (or was it right?) corner of the document.  When my passport was due for renewal last June 2016, I was advised by my friend to secure a new copy of my birth certificate before going to the DFA for my application.

“Bakit, may expiration ba ang birth certificate? Di ba wala naman?”

Of course, my birth certificate does not have an expiration date!  What my friend was trying to tell me (pala!) was that the PSA (formerly NSO), regularly updates (or maybe, reprints) the copies of our documents on security papers to discourage the circulation of unauthorized and fake copies made elsewhere.  Embassies and other government agencies are duly advised whenever the PSA is set to release certificates printed on new security papers so that these offices would know when the documents being presented to them are updated copies or old files (like my copies of my birth certificate).

So if you think you still have several copies of your birth certificate left in your stash, check them now to make sure these are updated ones.  Foremost, it must bear the new seal of the PSA, and not the former NSO.  If your document is worn out, has some minute tears, or the entries are hardly readable, please get yourself new copies.

I got my latest copies from PSAHelpline.ph.  It’s an online, one-stop birth certificate ordering site for all types of PSA documents you will ever need: birth, marriage, CENOMAR, and death certificates.  They deliver nationwide too so you won’t have to go to a PSA office anymore.

Birth, marriage, and death certificates cost Php 365.00 per copy while the CENOMAR costs Php 465.00 per copy.  Visit their user-friendly website now so you can place your orders ahead of the others!

Word of the wise: As soon as you have confirmed an appointment with the DFA for your passport application or renewal, get new copies of your PSA birth certificate and marriage certificate (for married female applicants who wish to change their last name in their passport).  Don’t wait until the last minute to do this because it’s a primary documentary requirement, especially if your old passport is not an e-passport.

How Soon Will You Be Working From Home?

The President signed the Telecommuting Act a few days before Christmas day last year.  Telecommuting is a work arrangement where employees are allowed to perform their tasks outside of the office, often from home, or a location close to home.  One only needs to have a stable internet connection, a laptop, and a mobile phone – equipment that will help him deliver his assignments as if he were working in an office.  It is called telecommuting because instead of traveling to the office, you now only travel (or commute) via telecommunication links such as phone, email, or video conferencing.

Now some of us may have already done this in the past – I know I have!  That is why I am glad that telecommuting is now an official policy that all private companies and businesses can implement.

The law, now known as Republic Act 11165, provides employers the option to have their workers perform their jobs from home on a voluntary basis.  As mentioned above, this is nothing new to Manila-based employees and maybe to some who work in private establishments based in the provinces.  Unbeknownst to us, telecommuting is a widely accepted work policy in other parts of the world.  Below are some interesting facts we gathered from the GlobalWorkplaceAnalytics.com and FlexJobs.com regarding telecommuting:

• About 4.3 million employees worldwide (3.2% of the workforce) now work from home at least half the time.
• Some Fortune 1000 companies have ‘face-lifted’ their office interiors to consider the fact that most, if not all, employees will be working outside of their building at one point.

Aren’t you glad telecommuting has finally been turned into law in our country this year?

While we wait for the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of this law, we summarized four important things we all need to know and understand the Telecommuting Act:

1. Private business and company employers can offer their employees the telecommuting program on a voluntary basis.
2. The work-from-home arrangement between the employer and his employees must be made based on minimum labor standards.  All work hours (within the work-from-home agreement) must be properly logged, monitored, and compensated.
3. All other wage policies apply to the work rendered in telecommuting such as overtime, rest days, and leave entitlements.  They must also be given night shift differentials, regular holidays, and special non-working holidays.
4. Their workload must still be corresponding to their job description, not more than (or less than) what their contemporaries at the office are assigned with.  They should be provided with proper training and afforded the same career development opportunities.

The telecommuting scheme will be tested by the DOLE through a pilot program for selected industries.  The test will not last more than 3 years.

What are your thoughts on this new labor law?  We’d be glad to hear from you!

Sources:

www.rappler.com

www.usnews.com

www.globalworkplaceanalytics.com

66 Visa-free Countries for Philippine Passport Holders for 2019

Our Philippine passport is now 74^th of the world’s most powerful passports among 199 other countries, according to the 2019 Henley Passport Index.  Below is the list of countries that we can visit without the need to secure a visa and those that have visa-on-arrival and e-Visa policies.

Which one will visit first?

Asia  Non-Visa Countries

• Brunei
• Cambodia
• Hong Kong (SAR China)
• Indonesia
• Laos
• Macao (SAR China)
• Malaysia
• Mongolia
• Myanmar
• Singapore
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Asia Visa-on-arrival and e-Visa Countries

• Kyrgyzstan
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka
• Tajikistan
• Timor-Leste

Africa Visa-free Countries

• Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
• Gambia
• Morocco
• Rwanda

Africa Visa-on-arrival and e-Visa Countries

• Benin
• Cape Verde Islands
• Comores Islands
• Djibouti
• Guinea-Bissau
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Seychelles
• Somalia
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Uganda

Oceania Visa-free Countries

• Cook Islands
• Fiji
• Micronesia
• Niue
• Vanuatu

Oceania Visa-on-arrival and e-Visa Countries

• Marshall Islands
• Palau Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• Tuvalu

Caribbean Visa-free Countries

• Dominica
• Haiti
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Americas
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Ecuador
• Peru
• Suriname

Caribbean Visa-on-arrival and e-Visa Countries

• St. Lucia
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Nicaragua

Middle East Visa-free Countries

• Israel
• Palestinian Territory

Middle East Visa-on-arrival and e-Visa Countries

• Armenia
• Iran

We wish you a vibrant and hassle-free travels and tours this year!

Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news

 

4 Types of Visas Every Pinoy Traveler Needs to Know

Denied US visa… again?  We know it could be truly disappointing to be told you are not permitted to leave for a US state and without telling you why.  But take heart, there are a lot of other countries you can tour that are visa-free or have visa-on-arrival policies.

We have the latest list of Asian countries that you can visit without the need for a visa but have a number of days when a tourist can stay.  During my recent trip to Hong Kong last December, I was given a total of 13 days by the Hong Kong Immigration; I stayed for four.

But before we feature the list, let us first share with you the different types of visas that Pinoys need to secure when traveling abroad.  Actually, it should only be counted as three, as the first entry is ‘visa-free’; but based on my experience in Hong Kong last month, I would like to count the visa-free as well since I was only given a particular number of days to stay in the country.

So here it is:

1. Visa-free

These are countries that do not require a visa but you may only be given a certain number of days to tour the place.  Your ticket must have a return date on it, and you must have a valid booking at a hotel and enough cash to sustain your visit.  Of the three, it is your ticket that the Immigration might scrutinize the most so have it handy all the time.

2. Visa-on-arrival

There are no pre-application (of visa) required to land at these country’s airports.  You will be granted your visa upon appearing before an immigration officer and after you have duly settled any associated visa fees.

3. Visa-required

These countries require that you apply for and are granted a visa in the country’s embassy, consulate, or approved travel partner.  The requirements for visa application may vary and may include your financial records and history, medical records, employment documents, and proofs of your previous travels abroad.

4. e-Visa

Visa applications are done online and should your application be approved, your e-visa shall be linked or electronically associated with your passport number.

In Philippine Star’s latest feature news, the following Asian countries are visa-free for Filipinos, with the corresponding number of days’ stay for tourists:

1. Brunei – 20-day stay
2. Cambodia – 21-day stay
3. Hong Kong – 14-day stay
4. Indonesia – 30-day stay
5. Laos – 30-day stay
6. Macao – 30-day stay
7. Malaysia – 30-day stay
8. Mongolia – 21-day stay
9. Myanmar – 14-day stay
10. Singapore – 30-day stay
11. Taiwan – 14-day stay Taiwan will be visa-free until July 31, 2019)
12. Thailand – 30-day stay
13. Vietnam – 21-day stay

These countries follow a visa-on-arrival policy and or e-Visa for Pinoy tourists

1. Kyrgyzstan – 30-day stay
2. Maldives – 30-day stay
3. Sri Lanka – 30-day stay
4. Timor-Leste – 30-day stay

So where do you plan to travel this year?  Share your stories with us!