Looking for Work Abroad? 4 Ways to Find Legitimate OFW Recruiters
- By Adji Hendrawan
- August 30, 2018
Despite laws protecting the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), many of them still fall prey to illegal recruiters and end up exhausting their savings without landing an overseas job. Trying to find work abroad? Are you sure you’re dealing with a legitimate recruitment agency? Apply only through a recruiter licensed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Here are four ways to find legitimate OFW agencies and recruiters that can help you secure a job abroad. 1. Use the POEA Verification System The POEA is the government agency in charge of licensing agencies that recruit and deploy Filipinos for working abroad. It has a verification system that allows prospective OFWs to check a recruitment agency’s current status—whether it has a valid license or is marked as one of the following: delisted, canceled, forever banned, or ceased operations. The system also provides the websites and contact information of licensed recruiters. 3 Ways to Check Legitimate OFW Recruiters with POEA POEA website: To access the verification system, click the Status of Recruitment Agencies[1] link on the POEA website’s homepage. POEA mobile app: You can download POEA’s mobile app via the App Store or Google Play Store. The app works like the recruiter verification system on the POEA website. POEA hotlines: If you don’t have internet access, you may call the POEA via 722-1144 or 722-1155. 2. Check Out Websites with Job Listings of Licensed Recruiters Aside from the POEA website, you can find legitimate overseas work opportunities at online job portals. These websites feature job listings of POEA-licensed recruiters. Here are…
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National ID System in the Philippines: The Good and the Bad
- By Adji Hendrawan
- August 21, 2018
Are you in favor of the national ID law? The latest SWS survey results show that majority of Filipinos (73%) support the national ID system. However, there are fears about the system’s implications, particularly in terms of data security and privacy. How will the new law affect Filipinos? Should you be worried? MoneyMax.ph explores the pros and cons of the new national ID system in the Philippines. What is the National ID System? On August 6, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the Philippine Identification System Act (Republic Act 11055) that creates a national ID system, which is a centralized database for all personal information of citizens and foreign residents in the Philippines. The Philippine Identification System or PhilSys will provide each registered person a unique and permanent PhilSys number and a physical ID card called the PhilID for use in transactions that require proof of identity. Most countries worldwide issue national identity cards to their own citizens, such as Singapore, Thailand, China, South Korea, France, Italy, and Spain, among many others. Before the signing of the new law, the Philippines was one of only nine countries in the world without a national ID system. Read more: PhilSys National ID Application Steps, Requirements, and Benefits Why the National ID is Good for Us One ID for All Transactions Isn’t it frustrating when your transaction can’t be processed just because you lack the required IDs? That will be a thing of the past, as the national ID will be honored in all transactions that require verification of identity. With a PhilID card, you no longer…
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Know Your Rights as a Motorist at a Police Checkpoint
- By Adji Hendrawan
- August 6, 2018
Ever been stopped at a police checkpoint? Do you know how to respond and protect your human rights in such a situation? Keep reading to know the dos and don’ts during a police checkpoint inspection. Why the PNP Conducts Checkpoints Police checkpoints in the Philippines aren’t something to be scared of—they aren’t a bunch of men in uniform ganging up on innocent motorists. Instead, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is expected to give a real sense of security through these checkpoints. Police checkpoints are meant to maintain public safety through spot checks that deter criminals on the streets. The PNP sets up checkpoints during election season and other times that call for an increased police presence, such as when President Rodrigo Duterte placed the Philippines under a state of lawlessness[1] following the Davao City bombing in 2016. The PNP Checkpoint Guidelines Police officers in the Philippines observe strict protocols based on the PNP Operations Manual so that they won’t abuse their powers and cause so much inconvenience to motorists and commuters. Also, the PNP released guidelines[2] on what motorists should do and expect during checkpoint inspections. Your Rights at a Police Checkpoint Police checkpoints are not without abuses and illegal conduct[3]. Assert your rights when you’re flagged down at a police checkpoint, whether you’re driving a four-wheeled vehicle or a motorcycle. You Must be Treated with Courtesy and Respect Uniformed officers manning checkpoints should be courteous and respectful at all times when dealing with motorists. They should greet you, apologize for the inconvenience, ask for understanding, explain the checkpoint’s purpose, and…
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SSS Disability Pension in the Philippines Explained
- By Adji Hendrawan
- August 3, 2018
It’s tough to suffer from a lasting disability due to an injury or illness. Aside from physical limitations, you can’t come back to work and earn a living. If you or a loved one is caught in such a situation, know that you may get financial support by claiming a disability pension in the Philippines. Qualified government employees are entitled to GSIS disability benefits, while war veterans receive a disability pension from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office. Private workers may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security System (SSS). Planning to apply for a disability pension from SSS? Read on to understand this lesser-known yet useful SSS benefit. What is SSS Disability Benefit? SSS provides a cash benefit to members with a total or partial permanent disability. The benefit is paid either as a monthly disability pension or a one-time lump sum benefit, depending on a member’s number of monthly SSS contribution payments. Types of Cash Benefits for Disabled SSS Members Monthly disability pension – For members who have paid a minimum of 36 monthly SSS contributions before the semester of disability Lump-sum payment – For members who have paid less than 36 monthly contributions before the semester of disability and those whose approved disability period is payable for less than a year Other SSS Disability Benefits In addition to the monthly pension, a disability pensioner can receive the following benefits: PHP 500 monthly supplemental allowance PHP 1,150 additional benefit (granted by Executive Order 54[1] effective January 2017) 13th-month pension paid every December PhilHealth hospitalization benefits for the ff:…
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Build Build Build: 9 New Roads to Solve Traffic Problems in the Philippines
- By Adji Hendrawan
- July 9, 2018
What could be more frustrating than traffic slowing to a crawl due to road constructions? But think of it this way: the short-term pains will eventually lead to long-term gains. That’s the “Build Build Build” program in action. The government is currently building new roads that will solve the traffic in the country’s most congested roads. What is the Build Build Build Program? Poor infrastructure in the Philippines, which leads to traffic congestion, may cost the country up to PHP 6 billion daily by 2030, based on a JICA report. This is why the government is now spending more on projects such as new roads, bridges, railways, and airports, among others. Build Build Build[1] is the priority infrastructure program of Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. The program is part of Dutertenomics, the government’s economic policies to achieve the “golden age of infrastructure” in the Philippines. It seeks to reduce poverty by attracting foreign investments, making transport of people and goods more efficient, and generating jobs. To date, the infrastructure program has created 100,000 jobs, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar. Part of the infrastructure program’s funding comes from the revenues generated from the TRAIN law implementation. Read more: Autosweep RFID Guide: Hassle-Free, Quicker Travel for Motorists What New Roads Can We Expect in the Coming Years? Here are some of the roads that will open in 2018 and beyond, meant to decongest major roads in the Philippines. This list includes new roads in Metro Manila and nearby provinces under the Build Build Build program, as well as…
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Vehicle Coding Exemptions in the Philippines That Motorists Should Know
- By Adji Hendrawan
- July 5, 2018
The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), more popularly known as the number coding scheme, is the government’s traffic-decongestion system meant to make our lives easier by reducing the number of vehicles on the road. On weekdays, the vehicle coding scheme bans both private and public utility vehicles (PUVs) whose license plates end with certain numbers (1 and 2 on Mondays, 3 and 4 on Tuesdays, and so on) from plying major roads in Metro Manila from 7 am to 8 pm. But for the skeptic Pinoy motorists, the number coding scheme is more of a hassle than a solution. On days when you can’t drive your car due to coding, you have no choice but to use public transportation. Others buy a second vehicle, which makes the UVVRP less effective in solving the traffic problem. Frustrated with the number coding scheme? Know that there are days and conditions when it isn’t implemented. The UVVRP doesn’t take effect on weekends, holidays, and special cases such as transport strikes and elections. Also, the coding scheme doesn’t affect certain vehicles. MMDA traffic enforcers can’t apprehend you if your car is exempted from the coding scheme. You can earn the vehicle coding exemption either automatically or by applying for it and getting an approval from the MMDA. Automatic Coding Exemptions Automatically exempted from the number coding scheme are vehicles used for emergencies and government functions. If you’re driving a vehicle under one of the following conditions, you don’t need to apply for a coding exemption. Motorcycles Vehicles transporting people who need urgent medical…
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Government Social Media Accounts Filipinos Need to Follow
- By Moneymax
- June 2, 2018
Do you spend most of your time on social media? Are you keen on following accounts that educate and inform? If you answered two yesses then you should not skip following these government social media accounts. Other than being up-to-date, these accounts (which are managed by appointed officials) share relevant information that can help modern Filipinos like you. We covered agencies that focus on road safety, healthcare, and even the arts so better check out our list below! Department of Tourism Facebook | Twitter | YouTube[1] Do you plan to explore more of the Philippines? Start by following the Department of Tourism’s social media accounts. Other than sharing photos and videos of the country’s top (and undiscovered) destinations, the DOT also post updates on tourism partnerships and new appointments. Follow their Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts to quench your thirst for wanderlust and to stay updated on local tourism. MMDA Facebook | Twitter[2] Following the MMDA online will not solve the country’s traffic problem but it can make everyday city navigation much easier. The Official MMDA Twitter is a must-follow for motorists and commuters as the agency regularly posts traffic updates, including coding schemes and vehicular accidents. The MMDA is also keen on answering tweets so expect a reply (or a joke if you’re lucky) from the account. Official Gazette Facebook | Twitter[3] Up for some history and national news? Follow the Official Gazette’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Managed by the Office of the President (not Mocha), the Official Gazette shares executive orders, speeches, official events, and trivia on Philippine…
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When is the Best Time to Claim Your SSS Pension?
- By Adji Hendrawan
- April 25, 2018
The road leading to your retirement will be smooth if you plan ahead. Starting your retirement planning already? You’re on the right track. One of the things you need to plan for is the SSS pension. It’s never too early to think about the optimal time to file for retirement and claim your pension. Why bother planning the best time to claim SSS pension? With proper timing, you can get the most of your Social Security System (SSS) retirement benefit. But first, you need to know when you’re qualified to file for retirement with SSS and how the monthly pensions are computed. Who are Qualified to Avail of SSS Pension? Are you a 30-something who wants to retire by 40? You can retire at any age you want. But to claim your SSS pension, you’ll have to wait for 21 to 30 years, depending on your current age. Monthly Pension SSS provides monthly pension only to members who paid at least 120 monthly SSS contributions before the semester of retirement and meet one of the following criteria: Optional retirement: At least 60 years old and unemployed At least 55 years old, unemployed, and was an underground mineworker for at least five years before the semester of retirement Technical retirement: At least 65 years old, whether employed or not At least 60 years old, employed or not, and an underground mineworker Lump Sum Amount If you’ve paid less than 120 monthly contributions when you retire, you can still receive your payment equal to your total SSS contributions (both employee and employer…
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Looking for Jobs Abroad? 6 Legitimate Websites for Your Overseas Job Search
- By Adji Hendrawan
- March 10, 2018
So, you’ve decided to start finding an overseas job. You want to support your family as a breadwinner, take a leap of faith in your career, or just experience how it is to live and work abroad. Looking for jobs abroad is the first bold step to achieving your goal as a would-be Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). But where to start? Good thing, the internet has made overseas job search a lot easier and even safer for Filipinos. You can search and apply for OFW jobs on different online job portals. These websites have job listings from recruitment agencies licensed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), so you won’t have to tediously check if you’re dealing with a legal recruiter. Their services are free of charge, too. For your overseas job search, visit these online job sites for aspiring OFWs. POEA Website You may be surprised to see the POEA website here, but the government agency does post overseas job opportunities online. It just isn’t obvious when you browse through the site. Find POEA job listings[1]. Don’t expect much, though. Job posts are limited only to a few countries (currently, the available jobs are only from Taiwan.) Some are already outdated or can’t be viewed. Still, it’s worth checking from time to time to find the latest overseas hirings. If you’re lucky, you can find work abroad through the POEA’s Government Placement Branch that recruits OFWs mostly for foreign governments and a few non-government employers. Applying for an overseas job at POEA assures you that the job offer is legal and…
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Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC): A Complete Guide for OFWs
- By Adji Hendrawan
- February 17, 2018
The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) has been figuring in the news lately. As of this writing, processing OECs is suspended for all Kuwait-bound overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), amid the ongoing investigation of the death of seven Filipino household workers in Kuwait. Also recently, the Department of Labor and Employment lifted its temporary suspension order that halted OEC processing from November to early December 2017 to allow the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to investigate reported illegal recruitment practices within its ranks. And for the past few years, OFW rights groups have been calling for scrapping the OEC[1] to “free OFWs from the burden of paying excessive fees.” Nonetheless, the OEC is still one of the required documents for most OFWs before they’re allowed to work abroad. Whether you’re a newly hired or a returning OFW, you need to get an OEC from the POEA. Securing this document ensures your protection from the government should anything unfortunate happen in your host country. What is an OEC? Also called the POEA travel exit clearance, an OEC is a proof of being a documented OFW, meaning you’re allowed to leave the country and work overseas. You present it at the airport prior to your departure. It is valid for 60 days from the issuance date. This important document has several uses: Exemption from paying the travel tax and terminal fee when presented to the respective counters at the airport OFW’s exit pass or clearance at the airport Proof of legal status as an OFW, which ensures government benefits, protection, and assistance Supporting document for…
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An Aspiring OFW’s Guide to the POEA and Its Services
Seeking greener pastures abroad? Looking for jobs and working abroad come with certain risks. If you’re not careful enough, you might wipe out several years’ worth of savings or be buried in debt when you fall prey to an illegal recruiter. Also, if you leave the country as an undocumented worker[1] and without going through the legal process (locally known as TNT or tago ng tago), you’ll be prone to being exploited by abusive employers. You won’t also enjoy the government protection and benefits for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This is where government agencies, such as the POEA, play a crucial and active role. The POEA is tasked to protect aspiring OFWs even before they get hired and start working abroad. All applicants for overseas jobs go through the POEA for processing their documents. Know what the POEA can do for you and its services available to Filipinos who are seeking employment abroad. What is POEA? The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), manages the country’s overseas employment program. The agency helps secure the best employment terms for Filipino migrant workers and protects their rights to fair and ethical recruitment practices. It is also mainly responsible for regulating all recruitment agencies in the Philippines. The POEA works closely with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), its sister agency, to promote the welfare of OFWs. While they share the same goals and are both supervised by DOLE, these two agencies differ in their roles. The POEA provides services to help aspiring…
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How the Proposed SSS Contribution Hike Will Affect You
- By Adji Hendrawan
- February 14, 2018
The Social Security System has recently proposed an increase in the SSS contribution rate to 14% from the current 11%. SSS also plans to raise the minimum monthly salary credit (MSC) to PHP 4,000 from PHP 1,000, and the maximum MSC to PHP 20,000 from PHP 16,000. This will raise the minimum contribution to PHP 560 from PHP 110 and the maximum contribution to PHP 2,800 from PHP 1,760. As of this writing, President Rodrigo Duterte is still studying the proposal and has yet to decide on it. If the president approves the SSS contribution hike, expect to see an adjustment in your payroll deductions starting in April. Is the impending SSS contribution hike something to worry about? Once it’s implemented, it will certainly have an impact on the state-run agency’s over 36 million registered members. Minimal Impact on Your Take-Home Pay Although the 3% contribution hike will lead to higher salary deductions, employees won’t feel the effect that much. According to former Social Security Commission Chairman Amado Valdez[1], employers will pay two-thirds of the total contribution, while employees will shoulder only one-third of it. Specifically, the proposed 14% contribution rate will be shared by employers at 8.87% and employees at 5.13%. Presently, the employer share is 7.37%, and the employee share is 3.63%. In short, your employer will pay the bigger share of your higher monthly SSS contributions[2]. Consider also the effect of the tax reform or TRAIN law, specifically the lower income tax, on your take-home pay. It will offset your higher payroll deductions due to the higher SSS…
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What to Do if Your Employer Fails to Pay Your SSS Contributions
- By Adji Hendrawan
- February 10, 2018
You’ve applied for an SSS salary loan to meet an urgent cash need. But then, your application got declined just when you need to borrow money badly. It’s frustrating and heartbreaking. You wonder why it happened—you were sure you’re qualified for that loan. You’ve had more than 36 monthly SSS contributions deducted from your salary. You’ve also submitted all the loan requirements. What could have gone wrong? Have you verified if your employer has remitted all your SSS contributions? Even though all these contributions are deducted from your monthly pay, it’s likely that your company has failed to remit them to SSS for several months (or even years.) Two lessons learned: check your posted SSS contributions regularly and hold your employer accountable for non-remittance of your SSS payments. Know Your Rights As an SSS member, you’re protected by law against negligence or non-compliance of your employer when it comes to paying SSS contributions. The Social Security Act of 1997 (Republic Act 8282) requires all employers in the Philippines to deduct the monthly SSS contributions from their employees’ salaries, pay their share of contributions, and remit these contributions to the SSS on time. Employers must also submit the monthly report of their employees’ contributions to the nearest SSS office. Employers who violate the Social Security Law will be fined PHP 5,000 to PHP 20,000 or jailed for at least six years. They must also remit all unpaid SSS contributions in addition to a 3% penalty each month, and pay the benefits of employees who die, become disabled, get sick, or reach retirement…
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What SSS Benefits are Exclusive to OFWs?
- By Adji Hendrawan
- February 7, 2018
Even if they’re based abroad, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can still avail of benefits from the Social Security System (SSS) that Philippine-based members enjoy. On top of that, OFWs are entitled to two exclusive SSS benefits and privileges: the Flexi Fund Program and the Overseas Filipino Workers SSS Coverage Program. 1. SSS Flexi Fund Program As an OFW, building your retirement fund may be the least of your priorities now because of your family obligations and debt repayments. Relying solely on the SSS pension is a bad idea, as it isn’t enough to cover all your living expenses in your retirement years. As early as possible and while you’re earning from your overseas job, look for ways to supplement your SSS pensions. One of the great options is the SSS Flexi Fund Program. Launched in 2001, this program is a voluntary savings-investment plan for OFWs who want to save and earn additional income. How does Flexi Fund work? Under this program, SSS invests the members’ funds in low-risk, stable fixed-income securities that guarantee earnings for OFW-members. Interest rates are based on 91-day Treasury bill rates[1] or SSS’ short-term peso placements, whichever is higher. Are you an enrolled member? You can add a minimum of PHP 200 to your regular SSS contributions. The amount gets credited to your own Flexi Fund account. SSS doesn’t require a maximum amount and maintaining balance for Flexi Fund contributions. You can also opt to pay when you have sufficient funds for your savings. What benefits can OFWs gain from it? Accumulated funds are tax-free benefits that can…
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SSS Salary Loan and Housing Loan: A Guide for OFWs
- By Adji Hendrawan
- February 5, 2018
About 1.3 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are registered members of the Social Security System (SSS), according to SSS data. If you’re one of them, know that you can apply for an SSS salary loan, an SSS housing loan, or both.Check out this comprehensive guide on the SSS loans for OFWs. 1. SSS Salary Loan for OFWs Just like other regular SSS members, OFWs also can avail of a salary loan to meet their immediate cash needs. How much can OFWs borrow from SSS? Two types of loanable amounts are available to prospective borrowers: a one-month salary loan and a two-month salary loan. The one-month loan is the average of the borrower’s latest 12 posted monthly salary credits (MSCs) that are rounded to the next higher MSC or the desired loan amount, whichever is lower. The two-month loan is twice the average of the borrower’s latest posted MSCs that are rounded to the next higher MSC or the desired loan amount, whichever is lower. SSS defines MSC as “the compensation base for contributions and benefits related to the total earnings for the month.” OFW-members can choose to receive their loan proceeds through check delivered by the post office or a prepaid cash card from an SSS partner-bank. How long is the loan repayment period? The SSS salary loan is payable in 24 monthly installments within two years. Repayment begins in the second month after the loan date. The repayment deadline for OFWs is on the 10th day of the month following the applicable month or quarter. How much are the…
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5 Reasons Why the Tax Reform Law is Good for Us
- By Adji Hendrawan
- January 13, 2018
Starting in the first payday of 2018, some six million Filipino workers should see an income tax reduction in their payslip, thanks to the newly implemented Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act. The TRAIN law or Republic Act 10963[1], which took effect on January 1, 2018, is the first of five tax reform packages for a simpler, fair, and efficient tax system. Essentially, TRAIN lowers personal income tax, simplifies the estate and donor’s tax, and expands the value-added tax (VAT) range. On the other hand, it increases excise taxes on fuel, mineral products, vehicles, and cigarettes. It also imposes new taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and cosmetic procedures. Revenues collected from TRAIN will fund the government’s infrastructure and socio-economic programs. What does this mean to an ordinary employee like you? Is it good or bad news? According to the government, the benefits of tax reform will outweigh the effect of price hikes[2] resulting from the higher excise taxes. That remains to be seen. For now, be hopeful and look at the good effects of this new law on your personal finance. 1. Higher Take-Home Pay Since the time you received your first-ever salary, you’ve been dreading to check your payslips. It really hurts to see huge taxes being deducted from your hard-earned money. Now, you can heave a sigh of relief because if your gross monthly salary is PHP 21,000 or less, you will no longer be taxed. Under the TRAIN law, those with an annual taxable income of PHP 250,000 are exempted from income tax payment. Around 83% of taxpayers…
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9 Pag-IBIG Benefits You Probably Didn’t Know Yet
- By Adji Hendrawan
- November 24, 2017
The Pag-IBIG fund is known for its affordable housing loans. It allows members to get their dream house without having to pay hefty interest rates. However, did you know that there are other Pag-IBIG benefits you can claim? Keep on reading to learn about these benefits and how you can avail them. What is Pag-IBIG Fund? Established in 1978, the Home Development Fund (HDMF) is a government-owned and controlled corporation under the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development. Popularly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund, the agency addresses affordable home financing for Filipinos. Apart from housing loans, members can also enjoy numerous Pag-IBIG benefits such as calamity and multi-purpose loans, provident benefits, and death benefits. How to Become a Pag-IBIG Member Online To register for membership, go to the Pag-IBIG website at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph. Click “E-services”. On the next page, select “Membership Registration” Type in your name and birthdate. This lets Pag-IBIG check their database and ensure you don’t have an existing membership with the agency. Enter the code at the bottom to avoid spamming. Tap “Proceed” after the code. Accomplish and submit the application form. How Much is the Pag-IBIG Contribution? Your Pag-IBIG contribution depends on your employment status and whether you’re an OFW or. Here’s a quick overview: Pag-IBIG Contribution for Employees and Employers Pag-IBIG Contribution for Self-Employed Pag-IBIG Contribution for OFWs This is for OFWs with employers subject to mandatory Pag-IBIG coverage. And for OFWs whose employers are exempted from Pag-IBIG coverage. Read more: How to Make Voluntary Contributions to Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, and SSS Pag-IBIG Benefits Summary for Contributing Members 1….
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Expecting a Baby Soon? Don’t Ignore These PhilHealth Maternity Benefits and Rules
- By Adji Hendrawan
- October 4, 2017
Excited about the arrival of your new bundle of joy? You must be pumped up thinking of possible names, decorating the nursery room, and shopping for newborn clothes. Now, let’s get to the practical stuff: are you ready to bear the costs of having a baby? It’s expensive to give birth in the Philippines. For a normal child delivery in Metro Manila, be prepared to spend from PHP 5,000 (for a charity ward in a public hospital) to over PHP 100,000 (for a small private room in a private hospital). Caesarian delivery costs much more. Add to that the prenatal care costs such as supplements, vaccinations, regular ob-gyn check-ups, and ultrasound scans. These facts aren’t meant to scare you, but rather to highlight the importance of being financially ready before your baby is born. A money-smart strategy to manage your newborn expenses is to get a personal loan for your maternity bills. You can also cut down your childbearing costs by knowing the PhilHealth maternity benefits and how to qualify for Philhealth’s insurance coverage. Here are five important things every expectant parent should know about PhilHealth maternity coverage. 1. The expectant mom must be a PhilHealth member to avail of maternity benefits. If you’re pregnant but not a PhilHealth member yet, you have to register immediately to be eligible for PhilHealth maternity benefits. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), you have three options for PhilHealth membership enrollment: Using the PhilHealth online registration facility Downloading the PhilHealth Member Registration Form, filling it out, and submitting the accomplished…
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Professional License Guide for Uber and Grab Drivers
- By Moneymax
- March 6, 2017
Since its launch, Grab and Uber have been attracting more riders to use its services. According to the Uber General Manager Laurence Cua, 682,000 passengers took an Uber ride just from September to October 2016. The increasing patronage of Filipinos has enticed the public on signing up for these ride-sharing apps to earn extra money. A common notion for people who are interested in signing up is that if you have a driver’s license and a registered car, you can easily sign up for their network. It may seem like a rented private car but cars used for Uber and Grab are classified as Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS), which simply means an application-based Public Utility Vehicle (PUV). This requires drivers of ride-sharing application to get a professional driver’s license. This is more tedious than getting a non-professional driver’s license. Read more: Buying and Selling a Car in the Philippines: Tips to Remember for a Worry-Free Transaction But how do you do it? Here are the steps: You should be at least eighteen (18) years old. You should be able to operate a motor vehicle. You should be able to understand and communicate in Filipino, English or the applicable local dialect through reading, speaking and writing. For driving vehicles under Restriction Codes 1,2,4 and 6 – you should have a valid Student Permit (SP) issued at least six (6) months prior to the application. For driving vehicles under Restriction Codes 3,5,7 and 8 – you should have a valid Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) at least one (1) year prior to the application…
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DBM Issues Guidelines for 2nd Pay Adjustment for Gov’t Employees
- By Moneymax
- January 11, 2017
The second of four tranches provided in the proposed Salary Standardization Law has gone into effect as of January 1, 2017. This comes after former president Benigno Aquino III signed Executive Order 201 last year, effectively making the interim measure to increase the salary of government employees permanent. The Budget Department announced that all government employees are to receive higher salaries this year, which has already been accounted for in the 2017 national budget. Who’s getting a raise? Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in a press briefing earlier in the month that the next round of increases includes civilian and military employees – teachers, health workers, soldiers, policemen, and all other civil servants – are to receive a higher take-home pay as part of the current administration’s pledge to raise compensation. President Rodrigo Duterte said in a statement today: “These are the people who help and protect the Philippines. We want them to feel satisfied about their jobs, inspire them to be more productive workers and allow them to provide for their families. Raising their wages is only just.” How it works EO 201, which grants a compensation adjustment to government workers and additional allowances for Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) in four separate tranches, the first of which was in 2016. Pursuant to said legislation, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released National Budget Circular No. 568 and Local Budget Circular No. 113, which implements the second tranche of adjustments. National Budget Circular No. 568 provides the rules and regulations regarding the adjustments for civilian personnel in the…
