Thousands of women come to the UAE every year hoping to build a better life working as housemaids. But for some, their hopes are dashed as they face a life of abuse.
More and more countries are putting measures in place to help protect their citizens from exploitation at the hands of ruthless employers and to ensure they do not come to the country illegally, making them more vulnerable.
One of the latest to do so is Nepal.
There are 125,000 Nepalese expats in the UAE, including 75,000 in Dubai, and during a visit to Dubai yesterday, the country’s labour minister said he was concerned about the fate of women working in domestic service.
His comments come as a Filipina housemaid spoke out about the terrible abuse she suffered at the hands of a Lebanese family in Ajman.
Speaking at a meeting of the Non-Resident Nepalese Association in Dubai, Mohammed Aftab Alam, the Nepalese Minister for Transport and Labour Affairs, said his government currently banned Nepalese women from working as housemaids in the UAE, because of reports of abuse.
But, he said, people were getting around the ban by using recruitment firms in Bangladesh and India.
Now the Nepalese government is looking at lifting the ban so that it can better monitor the welfare of Nepalese expats and keep an eye on recruitment practices.
The Nepalese Ambassador to the UAE, Arjun B Thapa, said the embassy has dealt with numerous cases of housemaid abuse. “When they come to the embassy, we assist them in repatriation and speak to the sponsor to sort out the problem,” he said.
In 2007, the UAE government passed new laws that ensured domestic workers were entitled to a month’s holiday, medical care and better salaries. Many abusers have also been successfully prosecuted.
Damith De Silva, from the Sri Lankan consulate, said the UAE government worked hard to protect domestic workers.
“By and large they are doing their best and we are happy about it,” he said. And CP Mathew, the chief coordinator at the Valley of Love, a UAE voluntary organisation that protects expat workers, said the situation was improving, especially for new maids.
But he added: “There are still women who have been here for many years who are not monitored well and are being ill treated.”
He urged consulates to visit all housemaids and their employers at least twice a year to check on working conditions.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Domestic violence in the UAE
OFW Abuse for Living
Among them, leaning to her side to avoid hurting her fractured ribs sits 25-year-old Nuan, referred to as “definitely our worst case” by office volunteer, Marbeth Valquez.
She limps into the room and sits down. There is barely a square inch of her hands, arms or legs that are not permanently scarred by blows from an electrical wire or scalding from a clothes iron.
Many of the giant scars on her arms are uneven and badly healed, evidence of chronic neglect after the blows were inflicted.
Nuan has a round face and big eyes that blink nervously through tears as she recalls her story.
She is from the Isabela province of the Philippines and hoped to make some money in the UAE.
An employment agency in Ajman found her work with a Lebanese man and his family.
His wife was strict but showed no tendency towards violence in the beginning. Nuan travelled with the family to Lebanon and later moved home with them to a sixth floor apartment in Ajman.
But once there, the wife locked the door and never let Nuan see the outside world again.
Last summer, the woman became pregnant and Nuan says she became progressively more violent.
She kicked and punched her, sometimes giving her black eyes. And, Nuan says, she would hurt her for even the slightest discrepancy in her daily schedule. She would tie her feet together, ignoring her pleas for mercy as she beat her all over the body with an electrical cord, ripping skin from Nuan’s arms as she tried to cover herself from the blows.
Nuan says she would bleed for days, all requests for bandages or painkillers turned down.
The beatings got worse when the woman gave birth, and her sister, who was living with the family while her husband was abroad, sometimes joined in the beatings.
They had insisted that Nuan wear a headscarf to protect her modesty, but Nuan says the sister ripped it off her and cut off her hair when she wasn’t happy with the cleaning.
Nuan says the husband would sometimes tell his wife not to beat her so hard but she ignored him and inflicted the worst punishments when her husband was away.
Crying every night, unable to contact her friends or family, Nuan says she became progressively more desperate as the violence got worse and worse. The beatings became a daily routine this month. The woman even used a hot iron on Nuan’s feet to burn the skin.
Nuan says the worst incident was on August 7, when the woman broke her ribs by beating her with the electrical chord. Nuan had already gone a day without food and was desperate to escape the torture.
“There is no food here today,” she would be told when she begged for even a scrap of bread. By August 9, after three days of hunger and unhealed broken ribs, she noticed the door was open in the morning.
Disoriented, with her head aching, she ran, terrified she would be caught. She rushed to a taxi and, once inside, explained that she had no money but asked him to take her to the job agency.
The taxi driver could see she was in serious trouble and took her there.
The agency’s manager brought her to hospital. She stayed there for 12 days as doctors treated her injuries.
The Philippine Consulate has said that police have since arrested the woman, and prosecutors are now considering other arrests.
As well as being traumatised, Nuan is also penniless - in the one year and seven months she worked for the family she says she never received a single penny from them.
She will stay at the Overseas Labour Office until she can give evidence against the wife and then hopes to return to the Philippines where she intends to set up a small business.
However, Nuan still needs money for further medical treatment.
“God knows what internal damage may have been done to her,” says the Philippines Counsul General.
“She is lucky to be alive.
“The doctors said she could have been killed with just a few more minutes of this type of beating. “A weaker person would have been killed,” he added.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Cory in 1985 interview: I do not seek any political office
For those of an older generation -- old enough to know what Big Ike's Happening was -- the accompanying video excerpt from a lengthy Cory Aquino interview is more than a revealing portrait of an unassuming future president.It's a window into the 1980s, down to the hair-do's of both the guileless widow and glib Viewpoint program host Dong Puno, then known as Ric. Compared to today's slick productions, Viewpoint was downright quaint.The real value of this cultural artifact, of course, is that it sets the stage for what we know happened in the months after the interview on August 20, 1985, the eve of Cory's husband Ninoy's second death anniversary. She was hoping the multitudes again would turn outto join her in marching in the streets.
This page requires a higher version browserWhen she claimed little interest in high office, one could sense her sincerity, another artifact from a more innocent time. "I think that I just serve as some kind of symbol now, reminding people of what Ninoy did and how we should sacrifice for our country," Cory told Ric Puno. She added that her political role was simply helping choose who would be Marcos's challenger in the event of a snap election.Watching this video, recently excavated from the files of Mr. Puno, the viewer relishes knowing the future and what both host and guest could only speculate about at the time. Months later, Marcos did call for a snap election that would take place in February 1986.Cory the self-described homebody would soon occupy what media likes to call "the Palace," and she would become the closest modern Filipinos would have to a benevolent queen. -
After eight years, are people better off under Arroyo?
At around noon, Laarni started having labor pains. She was about to give birth to her first child, but she refused her family’s plea to take her to the hospital. She insisted on delivering her baby at home. Her stubbornness caused Laarni her life. She died three hours later due to profuse bleeding after giving birth. Laarni is only one of the thousands of Filipino women who die in child birth due to poverty, lack of education, and inadequate access to health care services. She was not able to attend college for lack of funds, so she decided to work in a nearby factory and become the family’s breadwinner. In 2007, she and boyfriend Jojo got married, in a civil ceremony sponsored by their families and friends, as she was already pregnant. Jojo ran a neighborhood lugawan (rice porridge stall). Laarni tried to save what she could of her earnings along with Jojo’s income, but these were not enough for her childbirth.She often missed her monthly prenatal checkup at the Jose Fabella Hospital, about seven kilometers away, due to lack of money for tricycle and jeep fare. She also missed taking the vitamins prescribed for her and her child’s health. It is people like Laarni who desperately need government help, and whose situation the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals are trying to address by 2015.
On the right track?In 2001, Filipinos looked up to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the key to a better future as she stood in front of the historic EDSA Shrine to take her oath of office.At that time, hopes were high because she was replacing, through a second People Power revolt, an administration plagued with accusations of immorality and corruption. But after eight years in power, has she been able to provide the Filipinos the progress she promised? The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), in a 2007 report, believes the government is on track in meeting its goals in improving the lives of Filipinos. The UN Development Program (UNDP) has the same evaluation; on its Web site, it said the Philippines has made "encouraging strides" and the probability that it will meet its targets remains high. According to the latest figures from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), poverty has dropped from 45.3 per cent of the population in 1991 to 32.9 per cent in 2006.
Republic Act 8425, or the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act, defines the poor as individuals and families with an income falling below the poverty threshold such that they cannot meet even minimum basic needs such as food, health, education, and housing. As of 2007, the NSCB said the national poverty threshold stood at P14,866 for a family of five per month, based on prevailing prices of food and services in the country. NEDA attributed the drop in the figures to government projects such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino, which provides P1,000 in cash to extremely poor households in exchange for compliance to certain responsibilities, such as sending their children to school. Secretary Domingo Panganiban, head of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, says the efforts of the Arroyo administration to achieve poverty reduction are on the right track. “The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the Food for School Program, the distribution of access cards to ensure the poor access to rice at P18.25 a kilo, and the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program are all steps toward the reduction of hunger, unemployment and poverty," he said in a statement emailed to GMANews.TV. He cited the results of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) surveys for the second quarter of 2009, which indicated that many Filipinos consider the government as the second most reliable source of assistance after relatives. “This suffices as proof that the government’s poverty reduction programs have had a positive impact on the lives of the poor," Panganiban said.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Not So Many Jobs Awaits OFWs in Dubai
In lieu with this, a recruitment industry consultant said that Filipinos should not set their hopes too high. Emmanuel Geslani, a former vice chair and three-term director of the Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc. (PASEI), warned that the status of Dubai as a city teeming with opportunities for everyone is gone. Nowadays, many foreign workers in Dubai are unemployed and are realizing that UAE impose strict debt, immigration and labor policies.
President Arroyo went to Dubai to attend a job summit. A Malacañang statement said, “The Middle East Forum aims to bring together key players—employers, manpower providers, officials of the Philippines and Gulf Cooperating Countries—to discuss how the Philippines can fill up large-scale job orders in the region within the year.”
Malacañang described the UAE as the workplace of choice of Filipino workers in the Middle East, next only to Saudi Arabia. They also cited data that 304,241 documented and 35,040 undocumented OFWs are currently working in UAE.
However, according to Geslani, even if the President is going to Dubai to talk with possible employers of OFWs, it still doesn’t mean that there are many jobs available for them there. He reminds aspiring workers in Dubai to ensure that their employers would grant them a working visa or permit upon arriving in Dubai.
In a phone interview by Philippine Daily Inquirer, Geslani said, “My advice to [Filipinos] is: Don’t go there for nothing so you will not suffer.”
He reminds aspiring workers in Dubai to ensure that their employers would grant them a working visa or permit upon arriving in Dubai.
Geslani said: “Ms Arroyo may just be wasting taxpayer money by flying all the way to Dubai as she may find countless half-built buildings with their cranes motionless, empty malls and starving Filipinos who have lost their jobs.”
There is a case of 120 Filipinos holding only visitor visas but were hired to work in UAE. Unfortunately, they were terminated before they can secure work visas. Other unemployed Filipinos in Dubai discover the cost of living there so high that they run out of money and were forced to seek shelter at the Philippine Embassy.
Citing a report from the regional recruitment industry, Geslani informed that UAE’s white-collar sector cancels about 1,500 to 2,000 visas daily.
A number of construction companies had for the time being stopped the operation of their projects worth more than USD 500 billion and had displaced over 40,000 employees from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Geslani said that the number of displaced workers in UAE are expected to increase in the next months as the UAE Labor Ministry have been getting thousands of complaints from expatriate workers regarding unpaid salaries and termination without payment of salaries.
Geslani said, “Expatriates who lose their jobs in Dubai or other Gulf countries have to quickly pack up and leave as employers are supposed to notify the banks of terminations so the banks can demand repayment of loans owed by terminated employees.”
Displaced workers in UAE are given a period of two to three months to look for another job but this will not be so easy as most companies have stopped recruitment.
Jobseekers Warned: Fake Recruiters in Vietnam
According to the DFA, the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam said the illegal recruiter in Vietnam reportedly recruits Filipino workers but asked them to pay for the travel expenses. Upon arriving n Vietnam, the recruiter left the poor workers to themselves.
An article in the DFA website said, "However, upon arrival in HCMC, with no valid job contracts, work visa, and work permit the victims learn that there are no employers."
The illegal recruiters get to earn money by charging exorbitant airfare fees to their victims.
According to the report, the victims were asked to pay from USD420-USD630 or Php 20,000 to Php 30,000 for the airfare and a service fee of USD100 or roughly Php 4,800.
The DFA said "This is way above the air fare offered by Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines which range from USD200 to USD400."
To avoid being a victim of illegal recruitment, the government agency advised applicants to go through the legal process of overseas recruitment and to consult other agencies that assist workers abroad such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA).It said, "As in all other countries, proper documentation (i.e., valid contract, work visa, and work permit) is a must for foreign workers in Vietnam."
The labor market of Vietnam is not spared by the hit of the global financial crisis. Since late 2008, an estimate of 100 to 150 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Vietnam lost their jobs.
The DFA said that Filipinos employed in Vietnam are hired through proper and professional channels. Most of them are holds executive and managerial positions in professional fields such as in construction and engineering, accountancy, banking and investment, education, garment/textile industry, hotel and restaurant management, food and beverage industry, marketing, furniture industry, medicine, and foreign investment projects
http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1112/Jobseekers-Warned--Fake-Recruiters-in-Vietnam.html
Beware of Fake Recruiters on the Net
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issued an advisory against fake recruiters that targets aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Swindlers posing as legitimate recruiters on the net usually offer fake jobs for United Kingdom. The scammers are able to victimize workers by sending a bogus job offer via email. To process work permit and travel documents, they demand immediate payment. After the unsuspecting victim sends the payment, the email sender stops communicating, leaving the worker stunned with the lost money and realization that they have just been scammed. ]
According to the Philippine Embassy in London, a number of Filipino workers have been victimized by a certain Global Logistics and Trading Shipping Co., Ltd. which turned out to be an unlicensed UK company.
To avoid being victimized, always check the job orders with POEA first and do not send money right away. Also, always be cautious of offers that are too good to be true
Warning Set Against Agency That Offer Jobs in Poland
charges for allegedly charging excessive placement fees and contract substitution.
The complaints came from applicants deployed by Eureka Personnel Management Services. This prompted Vice President Noli de Castro to issue a warning to all aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that wants to work in Poland through the recruitment agency, Eureka. After talking to the complainants, De Castro immediately ordered the Task Force Against Illegal Recruiters (Tfair), to file criminal charges against the said agency.
In his radio program, De Castro said, “Sana ‘yung mga kababayan natin diyan baka kayo’y nag-apply sa Eureka papuntang Poland, ay teka muna ho, pigilan muna ninyo dahil baka mapasama kayo sa naging experience ng ating kababayan na walang nangyari sa kanilang binayaran, walang nangyari sa kanilang trabahong naghihintay sa Poland."
Based on the story of one victim, Eureka recruited workers for a glass-making company in Aleksandrow Lodzki, Poland. They learned about the vacancy through friends and the Internet.
The job offer was able to attract many applicants because the salary per month ranges from USD500 to USD750 or about Php24,000 to Php36,000. It also comes with free food and lodging.
The OFW narrated to De Castro, “Pagkatapos po nun, siyempre po nung natanggap namin iyon naisip namin Europe ho iyon, pagkakataon, opportunity.”
However after the agency demands almost Php50,000 for placement fee, the hopeful workers learned that their monthly wage had been changed to USD346.66 or about Php16,000. The workers discovered this after inquiring with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
One OFW said, “Malayo ho sa inalok samen, dahil kung nalaman po namin, hindi na ho naming papatusin."
But since the workers have already paid a huge sum of money, the workers are left with no choice but still go to Poland to work. Another thing is that the agency made them sign a contract saying that if they back out of the job offer, they would have to pay Php 20,000 as fine.
The OFW said, “Kaya no choice kami, sabi naming baka nga formality lang, nagastusan na kami, pumayag na rin kami.”
But that is not the end of it all. Upon arriving in Poland, the OFWs were again asked to sign another contract that further lowered their wages to Php 12,000 - Php 14,000.They were also not given a proper accommodation because they were housed in a container van even if it was it was winter time in Poland during that time. They were fed with hard bread, porridge and even stale rice.
Another OFW said, “Ang accommodation namin ay container van, nilagyan lang nila ng walling, may heater po kami pero hindi katulad nung normal, hindi pa naman ho kami sanay sa lamig.”
The difficulties they experienced forced 21 of the 96 OFWs to go to the Philippine Consulate in Warsaw, Poland and seek for assistance. They also sent e-mails to Senator Manuel Villar and De Castro. Their efforts were not wasted because the Philippine Embassy helped them escape from their employer.
Of the 96 workers that Eureka recruited, 67 had chosen to return to the country. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) financed their repatriation tickets. The rest of the workers chose to stay in Poland to work.
Eureka filed a breach of contract to the workers who returned to the country. One of them commented, "Kami na nga ang nawalan ng kwarta, gusto pa kaming idiin.”
De Castro assured the victims that TFAir will help them fight the recruitment agency, but said that they need the cooperation of the workers.
The Eureka Placement Agency is currently suspended by POEA and so cannot process documents for OFWs.
Deployment Ban of OFWs in Lebanon Stays
The Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon, Gilbert Asuque, explained the reason why the ban was not lifted. This is because the memorandum of agreement (MOU) regarding the deployment of OFWs to Lebanon has not been signed. This MOA aims to protect the welfare of OFWs in the Middle Eastern country; it includes the right of OFWs to be paid just wages, overtime pay and access to good working conditions.
According to Asuque, the MOA is a condition for the lifting of the deployment ban.
A meeting between labor officials of Lebanon and the Philippines was fist held in Beirut last May 27-29. During the said meeting, the DFA said that the Ministry of Labor in Lebanon informed the Philippine delegation about the creation of an arbitration and conciliation committee that will handle complaints of foreign workers against their employers.
In response, the DFA sent an invitation to the government of Lebanon for a second meeting so they can further discuss the proposed MOA. The said meeting is set to happen this July and Lebanon is expected to submit its counter proposal. Negotiations regarding the set of rules in hiring household service workers would also be included in the discussion.
Asuque said, “The Embassy will negotiate the revised draft MOA with the Lebanese side for the purpose of bringing an agreed text to the second technical meeting to be held in Manila at an agreed date.”
Saudi-Bound OFWs: Check Your Electronic Gadgets
A non-government organization, Migrante-Middle East reminds overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to make sure that all electronic items they are carrying doesn’t contain any material that may be deemed as illegal or unacceptable in Saudi’s beliefs and customs.
According to Migrante, screening of electronic devices of migrant workers arriving in the airports of Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah are currently being implemented.
When a migrant worker arrives at the airport, all electronic items he or she is carrying which includes cellular camera phones, memory card, flash disks, external hard drives, laptops, notebook computers, iPods, and MP3 players with memory cards are surrendered for checkup at the immigration section.
Immigration officials of Saudi Arabia utilize a special scanner that can examine the contents of the electronic items and record the finding to a main scanning computer.
Electronic gadgets that contain prohibited materials such as pornographic items or pirated software are confiscated right away. The owner of the gadgets with prohibited materials would not be obligated to pay any fines but are expected to surrender the devices at peace. Those who would resist submitting the said items face the risk of either arrest or deportation.
http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1161/Saudi-Bound-OFWs--Check-Your-Electronic-Gadgets.html
POEA: No Jobs for Filipino Entertainers in Turkey
Female entertainers who want to work overseas are reminded by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) not to accept any job offers that would take them to Turkey.
An article that appeared in the website of the government agency said that the POEA is not processing employment contracts of overseas performing artists (OPAs) to Turkey. Likewise, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is quite hesitant to allow deployment of OPAs in the said country because there are no established rules and guidelines that would ensure the welfare and protection of OPAs there.
According to Labor Secretarty, Marianito D. Roque they would only allow OPAs to work in Turkey upon the creation of a bilateral agreement between the Philippines and Turkey that would assure the safety and well-being of Filipino workers there.
Scholarship Grants Awaits Filipinos in United Kingdom
Filipinos who wants to study in the United Kingdom (UK) and experience its unique learning environment now has a chance to do it for free. The British Embassy in Manila announced that they are now accepting applications for the Chevening Scholarship Programme, an esteemed award given to deserving foreigners.
Recipients are given a once in a lifetime opportunity to study the course of their choice in UK and at the same time connect and interact with scholars of other nationalities. The said scholarship ultimately aims to build an association of individuals with close ties to UK, those with the potential to be leaders in their respective countries.
This program is managed by the British Council together with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The British Embassy in Manila selects Filipino candidates.
All expenses such as academic fees, monthly stipend and airfares during the study period will be shouldered by the UK government.
Peter Beckingham, British Ambassador to the Philippines said, "Chevening Scholarships are highly sought after awards which enable overseas students to study in the United Kingdom. The competition is intense, with thousands of applicants from over 130 countries. I am delighted that Filipinos are among the successful. This underpins the growing education links between our two countries."
How to Apply
The Chevening Scholarship Programme for the academic year 2010/2011 for the Philippines, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau begins 1 August. All applications are done on-line and must be submitted before 15 October 2009.
Minimum Qualifications:
· an applicant is a Filipino, Marshallese, Micronesian, or Palauan national
· has attained a local/international degree
· has two years work experience in your chosen career
· applicant should also be committed to returning to the applicant's home country after the period of study
For more information about this program, please visit the Chevening website
Fil-Am boy wins award for painting
Young artist Angelo Chua-Basa poses with his proud family after being awarded for his award-winning poster in the 2009 'Habitat Means Home' contest in California. Joseph LariosaSenator Corbett had been to Bicol and Manila during the Sister Cities Twinning of San Leandro, California and Naga City during her earlier stint as a city mayor.
Case vs OFWs arrested over ‘mixed gathering’ in KSA dropped - group
The charges against 18 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrested for participating in a "mixed gathering" have been dropped by the Saudi police, an advocacy group said Monday.The 18 OFWs, including runaways and officials of the group Migrante-Riyadh, were arrested last August 14 at an apartment at the Badea district in the Saudi Arabian capital city for mixing unrelated men and women in the same room. [See: 18 OFWs held in Riyadh over 'mixed gathering']Under Saudi Arabia’s laws, men and women who are not married or related are not allowed to come together in private or public gatherings. If caught, they are charged with immorality or prostitution.But Eric Jocson, chairperson of Migrante-Riyadh, has told Migrante Middle East that the Saudi police dropped the charges after case officers of the Philippine Embassy convinced them that there was no "prostitution" as those apprehended were members of a legitimate migrant organization providing assistance to OFWs.John Leonard Monterona, Migrante Middle East coordinator, said the gathering was part of their rights and welfare assistance program wherein they give advice and assistance to distressed Filipino workers before endorsing their cases to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Riyadh.Vice Consul Roussel Reyes confirmed the dropping of the charges and said that it was the intervention of the case officers that allowed it to happen."We commend embassy’s case officers Mr. Frias, Akrahman, and Harris under the direct guidance of Vice Consul Roussel Reyes for their timely intervention that lead to the dropping of the case against our members. We will not hesitate to laud the good job done by embassy’s case officers and officials for that matter so long as they will provide same assistance to all distress and run away OFWs not only to KGS and Migrante members," said Monterona.But the Migrante regional coordinator said that they are still awaiting the release of their fellow migrant advocates Mike Garlan and Rustico Marcos. Other Migrante officials were earlier bailed out by their employers.Reyes reportedly told Monterona that after the police receives the notice from the prosecutor, those with Iqama (working permit) will be released immediately while runaways and those who have expired Iqamas will be deported.Monterona said detained Filipina workers Sarah Gumansing and Elvira De Guzman have already been released and are currently in the custody of their employers while distressed OFWs Clemia Corpuz, Rosa Salazar, Reynaldo Balagtas, and Amauri Meriz will soon be deported.The migrant leader said they estimate that there are about 26,000 undocumented and runaway OFWs in the Middle East, mostly in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, and Lebanon.
OFW's bout with cancer ends on Manila-bound plane
This page requires a higher version browserLlorente‘s wife, Lourdes, told GMA News that her husband had been working as a maintenance supervisor at a gas station in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for more than eight years until he got sick with cancer of the throat.She said that the employer of Llorente refused to let him go until the last minute despite his worsening condition.She also said that her husband might have foreseen what was going to happen when she last talked to him.“Huling tawag niya sa akin Monday, sabi niya ‘wag ko daw pababayaan yung dalawang bata (He last called me on Monday, he told me to take care of our two children)," said Lourdes.The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said that Saudi Airlines personnel immediately notified them of the patient’s death, allowing them to also respond right away.“Ininform kami sa Saudi Airlines sa arrival, unang ginawa namin, siyempre may sundo siya eh so hinanap namin (The Saudi Airlines informed us of his arrival, what we did first was look for the people who were waiting for him in the airport)," Antonio Sanchez of OWWA told GMA News.Sanchez said they will also help Llorente’s family with his papers.In 2008, a Saipan-bound Filipino worker also died while he was still on board an aircraft because of a heart attack.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Filipino Overseas Absentee Voting Act
A. All citizens of the Philippines abroad, who are not disqualified by law, and who are at least 18 years of age on the day of the elections. (Click here to see OAV Primer).
Q. Who are disqualified to vote as overseas absentee voters?
A. Under the OAVA, the following are disqualified to vote:
• Those who lost their Filipino citizenship;
• Those who expressly renounce their Philippine citizenship and pledge allegiance to a foreign country, except dual citizens as referred to under Republic Act No. 9225;
• Those who are convicted in a final judgment by a court or a tribunal of an offense punishable by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year, including those found guilty of disloyalty as defined in Art. 137 of the Revised Penal Code;
• An immigrant or a permanent resident who is recognized as such in the host country; and
• Any citizen of the Philippines abroad previously declared insane or incompetent by competent authorities in the Philippines or abroad.
Q. Under what conditions may an immigrant or a permanent resident be allowed?
A. Prior to registration, the immigrant or permanent resident shall execute an affidavit declaring that he/she shall resume actual physical permanent residence in the Philippines not later than three (3) years from approval of his/her registration as an absentee voter (Section 5d of the OAVA).
Q. Can undocumented migrants vote? If so, will they be required to execute the affidavit?
A. Yes, provided they are not among those disqualified under the law. They can present their passports as proof of their Philippine citizenship, or other documents such as birth certificate, baptismal, marriage certificate, etc.
Undocumented migrants are NOT required to execute the affidavit declaring their intent to return to the Philippines within three years, as they are not considered "immigrants" or "permanent residents" in the host country. The deliberations during the passage of the act indicate that Section 5d of the law was specifically intended to cover persons who are LEGAL IMMIGRANTS abroad, such as the Green Card holders in the USA.
Q. How can a Philippine Embassy or Consulate determine who among Filipinos abroad should be considered immigrants or permanent residents abroad, and therefore required to execute affidavits declaring that they will return to the Philippines in three years?
A. There are elements in the definition of immigrant or permanent resident as indicated in law:
• A decision to settle permanently in another country;
• Such decision must be made of the person's own free will and is not being imposed by an outside factor (in other words, it is not the worker but his employer who can determine anytime his place of work.)
• He must be considered as such in the host country, meaning he is a legal immigrant and not an undocumented alien.
Following these rules, the following are NOT required to execute the affidavit:
• Overseas contract workers who keep on renewing their contracts of employment (such as the Filipinos in the Middle East, even those who have been staying abroad for many years);
• Filipinos who are not staying legally in their host country (such as the "TNTs" in the USA); and
• Persons working for certain companies or employers who transfer them from country to country, independent of the private choice of the employee (such as religious workers, chefs, executives of multinational companies, and other ambulatory workers).
The following should be considered as immigrants or permanent residents and should be required to execute the affidavit:
• Those who are carrying Green Cards or other identity cards issued by the host government, which under the host country's laws are only issued to persons considered to have legally migrated to that country;
• Persons who are married to a national of the host country;
Q. What if the Filipino immigrant or permanent resident does not return to the Philippines within three years as what declared in the affidavit? What if he votes in the next elections as an absentee voter?
A. Failure to return shall be cause for the removal of the name of the immigrant or permanent resident from the National Registry of Absentee Voters and his/her permanent disqualification to vote in absentia. Immigrants and permanent residents who do not resume residence in the Philippines as stipulated in their affidavit Section 5d of R.A. 9189, within three years after approval of his/her registration and yet vote in the next elections contrary to said section, shall be penalized by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year, and shall be deemed disqualified. His/her passport shall be stamped "not allowed to vote".
Q. What is the procedure in case a qualified citizens of the Philippines abroad failed to register under R.A. 8189 otherwise known as "The Voters Registration Act of 1996"?
A. He/she may personally apply for registration with the Election Registration Board of the city or municipality where they were domiciled immediately prior to their departure from the Philippines, or with the representative of the Commission at the Philippine embassies, consulates and other foreign service establishments that have jurisdiction over the locality where they temporarily reside.
Q. How shall the COMELEC notify the applicant in case an objection to the application is filed? What is the remedy of said applicant?
A. The Election Officer shall notify the applicant of said objection by registered mail, enclosing therein copies of affidavits or documents in support of the objection if any. The applicant shall have the right to file his counter-affidavit by registered mail, clearly stating therein facts and defenses sworn before any officer in the host country authorize to administer oaths.
Q. What is to be issued in case an application is approved?
A. A certificate of registration as an overseas absentee voter shall be issued by the Commission to all applicants whose applications have been approved, including those certified as registered voters. The Commission shall include the approved applications in the National Registry of Absentee Voters
Q. What are the instances in which entries in the National Registry of Absentee voters may be cancelled or amended?
A. When the overseas absentee voter files a letter under oath addressed to the Commission that he/she wishes to be removed from the National Registry of Absentee Voters, or that his/her name be transferred to the regular registry of voters; When an overseas absentee voter's name was ordered removed by the Commission from the National Registry of absentee Voters for his/her failure to exercise his/her right to vote under the OAVA for two (2) consecutive national elections; and When an immigrant or a permanent resident fails to return or makes a misrepresentation in his/her affidavit as to his/her application for citizenship in another country.
Q. How can one transfer his/her Registration Record?
A. Section 19. Procedure for Transfer of Registration Records. OAVF No. 1B shall be accompanied by a photocopy of the requesting party’s passport and filed personally or by mail, as follows:
For transfer from one Post to another:
Who may file: Any registered overseas absentee voter who transfers residence from one Post to another.
Where to file: At the Post having consular jurisdiction over his new residence or before the COAV.
When to file: Not later than 31 August 2009.
The Post shall prepare a list of names of applicants who filed applications for transfer. Said list and the corresponding accomplished OAVF No. 1B shall be transmitted to the COAV simultaneously with the accomplished OAVF No. 1 and finalized CD’s in the manner provided in Section 9.b.4.i.
For transfer from one country to another under the same consular jurisdiction of the same Post
Who may file: Any registered overseas absentee voter who transfers residence from one country to another in the same Post having consular jurisdiction over two or more countries.
Where to file: At the same Post having consular jurisdiction over the country of his new residence or before the COAV.
When to file: Not later than 31 August 2009.
The Post shall prepare a list of names of applicants who filed applications for transfer. Said list and the corresponding accomplished OAVF No. 1B shall be transmitted to the COAV simultaneously with the accomplished OAVF No. 1 and finalized CD’s in the manner provided in Section 9.b.4.i.
For transfers from Post to the same Philippine city or municipality comprising the original residence of the applicant
Who may file: any registered overseas absentee voter who transfers residence from Post to the same Philippine city or municipality comprising his original residence
Where to file: before the COAV
When to file: during the period for the resumption of continuing registration in the Philippines but not later than 30 September 2009. For applications filed in connection with the 2004 and 2007 Elections, the COAV shall verify if the applicant is included in the National Registry.
If the applicant is included, the Chairman of the COAV shall approve the accomplished OAVF No. 1B and shall direct the Election Officer to include the applicant’s name in the Computerized Voters’ List (CVL) of the precinct comprising the applicant’s residence, attaching to the directive a copy of the applicant’s previously approved Application for Registration/Certification.
If the applicant’s name is already in the CVL, the EO shall remove the annotation, if any. If the name of the applicant does not appear in the NROAV, his OAVF No. 1B shall be disapproved. The COAV shall notify the applicant of the Chairman’s action on the Letter-Request. If his OAVF No. 1B was approved, the applicant shall personally appear before the EO, accomplish CEF-1B (Annex E), and submit himself to live biometrics capture.
For applications filed for the purpose of the 2007 Elections and future elections, the COAV shall verify if the applicant is included in the National Registry. If the applicant is included, the Chairman of the COAV shall issue a certification to that effect and forward the same to the EO concerned for ERB action, attaching thereto a copy of the applicant’s previously approved Application for Registration/Certification. The EO shall notify the applicant of the ERB’s action on the Letter-Request, with copy furnished to the COAV.
If his OAVF No. 1B was approved, the applicant shall personally appear before the EO, accomplish CEF?1B, and submit himself to live biometrics capture. The COAV shall remove the name of the applicant from the NROAV.
Q. What is a "Type I" applicant as provided in the DFA's Implementing Rules and Guidelines? A. These are persons who can present a valid and existing passport during their registration. There is no need for the Post to verify such passports with the DFA if they are convinced that such passport is a valid passport. Ideally, all applicants for overseas registration should be encouraged to request for issuance of a valid passport (if they do not have any) and apply as a Type I applicant as these applicants are easiest to process.
Q. What if an applicant cannot present a valid passport for reasons other than its loss or temporary unavailability? (Type II applicants)
A. The applicant shall present substitute documents that the consular officer at the Post shall require such as the applicant's expired passport, duly authenticated birth certificate from the NSO, residency card, employment card/permit and local identification card issued by the host country. If the consular officer is convinced that the documents submitted are sufficient to warrant the issuance of a passport to the applicant, the applicant may be allowed to complete the registration process.
Q. What are samples of applicants falling under Type II?
A. Persons who have valid passports but just do not have it in their possession when they apply for registration; Persons with expired passport and are not applying for their renewal; Persons who were last issued Philippine passport many years back (before 1992), and thus need to apply to apply for a passport as a first time applicant since DFA can no longer verify these long expired passports; and Persons of dual nationality who have never secured a Philippine passport (i.e., persons born abroad who have secured foreign passports and subsequently went to reside in the Philippines without ever using a Philippine passport although they were entitled to such; or persons with one alien parent who have always used a foreign passport, i.e., a passport bearing the nationality of the alien parent.) Note: Persons carrying passports under assumed name cannot apply as Type II applicants since they are required to surrender the passports with the assumed name and apply for a new passport under their correct name upon submission of the required documents. They would actually qualify therefore as Type I applicants.
Q. Can an applicant using a passport under an assumed name be allowed to register under such assumed name? If not, under what circumstances would he/she be allowed to register?
A. NO, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL THE POST KNOWINGLY PERMIT THE REGISTRATION OF ANY APPLICANT UNDER AN ASSUMED NAME. This is expressly forbidden by the COMELEC's Implementing Rules and Regulations (Art. 11). However, such applicant may be allowed to register AFTER issuance of a new passport under his/her true name upon showing of documentary evidence proving his/her true identity. (The applicant shall be considered as Type I applicant: those with valid passports). The original passport with the assumed name shall be confiscated by the consular officer as provided under existing DFA rules and regulations. If the applicant refuses to surrender the passport with the assumed name, the Post shall inform him/her that he/she cannot register for the elections, and it will be left to the discretion of the consular officer as to what should be done about the applicant's passport with the assumed name.
Q. What shall an applicant submit if he/she cannot present a valid passport due to its loss or temporary unavailability?(Type III applicants)
A. The applicant shall execute and submit an authenticated affidavit sufficiently describing the lost or unavailable passport, attaching a photocopy of its relevant pages, if available; and stating the circumstances of the loss or the reason/s for the temporary inability to produce the passport. The Post shall request the DFA (or concerned Post in case the passport was alleged to have been issued by another Post) to verify the issuance of said passport, as part of the process for the registration of such voter.
Q. What is the procedure of application for qualified seafarer?
A. He/she may file his/her application with the representative of the Commission at the Philippine embassy, consulate and other foreign service establishment having consular jurisdiction over the locality where his/her vessel is docked during the registration period. In addition, a seafarer must also submit a photocopy of his/her Seaman's Book or any other document that will prove that he/she is a seafarer.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Inquries on POP Multi-Purpose Loan
To provide financial assistance to Pag-IBIG members under the Pag-IBIG and Pag-IBIG Overseas Program for:
- Medical- Educational- Livelihood- Minor home Improvement- Purchase of Appliance/furniture- Other important needs
ELIGIBILITYMust have made at least 24 monthly membership contributions.Must be an active/contributing member upon loan application.
LOAN AMOUNT
Sixty (60) percent of member's total accumulated value (TAV) under Pag-IBIG I Program.Sixty(60) percent of member's TAV under the POP ProgramIf savings are in US dollars or in other foreign currencies, he may borrow 60% of peso equivalent of his TAV based on applicable exchange rate at the time of loan approval. (MPL for POP borrowers, HDMF Cir No.132 dated July 1995)
INTEREST RATE
10.75 percent per annum
LOAN PERIOD
Payable in 2 years (24 equal monthly amortizations)
LOAN PAYMENT
Payable thru salary deductionsDirect payment allowed in case of separation from employerPayments to be remitted to Pag-IBIG on or before the 15th day of each month.
PENALTY FOR DELAYED PAYMENT
A penalty of 1/2 percent of any unpaid amount shall be collected for each day of delay.Shall be charged only upon loan renewal or full payment.
DEFAULT
He shall be in default in any of the following cases:Any willful misrepresentation made by the borrower in any of documents executed in relation hereto.Failure to pay 3 consecutive monthly amortizations.Failure to pay 3 consecutive monthly contributionsViolation of any of the policies, rules, regulations and guidelines of the Fund.
EFFECTS OF DEFAULT
The following remedies shall be applied:Any amount outstanding inclusive of the principal, interest, penalties and charges become due and demandable.The amount due constitutes a lien on the borrower's TAV.
MEMBERSHIP TERMINATION
If made prior to loan maturity, any amount outstanding shall be deducted from borrower's TAV and/or any amount due him or his beneficiaries in possession of the Fund.
LOAN RENEWAL
A borrower may renew his MPL prior to anniversary date, provided the loan proceeds shall be used for the repair of a house which was destroyed by a calamity declared as such by the Office of the President of the Philippines. (Waiver of One-Year Restriction for MPL Renewal, HDMF Cir. No. 136 dated 22 Nov. 1995).A POP member with outstanding MPL under the Pag-IBIG program may still avail of a multi-purpose loan based on his TAV under the POP program.
ASIA PACIFIC PagIbig Overseas Program Contact Details
ARLINA D. FELICIANO Information Officerc/o PHILIPPINE EMBASSY House No. 17, Km @, SPG. 126,Jalan TutongBandar Seri Begawan,Brunei DarussalamE-mail Address: adfpop23@yahoo.com
Bandar Seri Begawan,Brunei Darussalam
(006732) 222916
(006732) 222917
RAYMOND FRANCIS RAMOSInformation OfficerE-mail Address: rf_rams@hotmail.comMICHAEL F. AZUCENAInformation OfficerEmail Address: mfazucena@msn.comc/o PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL 14th Floor, United Center Building, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong SARE-Mail: mfazucena@msn.com
Hong Kong
(00852) 2823-8561
00852-67130147
(00852)2865-3423
ERIC ELLOSO Information Officerc/o Classified Resources Pte. Ltd.304 Orchard Road, No. 02 - 45,Lucky Plaza,Singapore 238863
E-mail Address:popsg@singnet.com.sg E-mail Address:eric_elloso@yahoo.com
Singapore
(0065) 6737-0307 / 94236535
+65-67338048
MIDDLE EAST PagIbig Overseas Program Contact Details
Pag-IBIG Information Officers/Marketing Representative
MIDDLE EAST
Contact Person
Country/Capital Cities
Telephone No.
Fax. No.
Mobile No.
Renato A. SoquenoInformation Officerc/o PHILIPPINE EMBASSYSite D4, Collector Rd.,C Diplomatic QuartersP.O. Box 94366,Riyadh, KSA 11693
E-Mail: popruh@yahoo.com
RIYADH, KSA
(009661)482-3615-1577-0507-1802-0474-3559488-0835480-1918-3662-3688
(009661)488-3945
+966507004186
Information Officer c/o PHILIPPINE CONSULATEGENERALAl SayeddahKaddija St.,Al Faisaliyah District I P.O.Box 4794, Jeddah 21412 E-mai Address: ruelan05@yahoo.com
Jeddah, KSA
(009662)660-0348/667-0925
(009662) 663-0838
09194213010
+9665-40804457
LACSAMANA P. TUAN Information Officerc/o SKYFREIGHT FORWARDERS 1st St. cor. King Fahad St.,P.O. Box 2539, AlkhobarKSA E-mail Address:pagibigkho@yahoo.com.ph
Alkhobar, KSA
(009663)898-6500
(009663) 865-4482
+966502768962
MAHMOUD B. KHALILMarketing Representatives c/o PHILIPPINE EMBASSY Block 7 St. 103 Bldg.,503 Jabriya,Safat, 13123 KuwaitE-mail Address: mac_egyptian14@yahoo.com
Kuwait
(00965) 532-0224
(00965) 532-9319
+966502768962
JOSEPHINE B. FERNANDEZMarketing Representativec/o PHILIPPINE EMBASSY Villa No. 992 Road No. 3119 Area 331,Manama, Bahrain, P.O. Box 26681
Bahrain
(00973)17246-300
(00973)17676161OWWA Fax No.(00973) 17258202
+973-39633246
CHARMAINE PAMELA V. BAUTISTAInformation Officer c/o PHILIPPINE OVERSEASLABOR OFFICE Al Abraj St., Fariq Bin Omran P.O. BOX 24900,Doha Qatar E-mail Address: popdoha@yahoo.com
Qatar
00974-4866236/ 486-1220/486-8001
00974-4878599
00974-5967016
GERARDO G. LABABOInformation Officer c/o PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL PHIL.OVERSEAS LABOR OFFICE Villa No.2 Community 132, 3 Street, Al Wuheida Area P.O. BOX 4960,Deira,Dubai,UAE E-mail Address:ggljerry2002@yahoo.com
Dubai
009714-2667745
009714-2688050
OWWA-+97142688665
00971501503519
CALOY N. SERRANOMarketing Representative c/o Al Rostamani Exchange Co.4th Floor, Al Rostamani Group HQ Building, P.O.BOX 10072,Dubai Sharjah Road,Dubai, UAE E-mail Address: caloy.s@alrostamanigroup.ae
Serrano5@emirates.net.ae
Dubai
009714-2141431
009714-2949971
009715-04753715
SALOME MACATANGAYInformation Officer c/o Philippine Overseas Labor OfficeVilla No. 194, Al Nahyan Camp Defense RoadAbu Dhabi, UAE E-mail Address: cathymis25@yahoo.com
Abu Dhabi
009712- 6422489
009712-6413415
00971503576308
EUROPE PagIbig Overseas Program Contact Details
Contact Person
Country/Capital Cities
Telephone No.
Fax. No.
Mobile No.
HEZZEL B. SULIT Information Officer
Rome , Italyc/o PHILIPPINE EMBASSY Vialle delle Medaglie d'Oro 112/114 00136 Rome, ItalyE-mail Address: zellsulit@yahoo.com
(003906) 39740853
(003906) 39740853
+3932-41226989
EDUARDO L. LABO Jr.Information Officer
Milan , Italy c/o PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL Via Stromboli 1, 20144 Milan, ItalyE-mail Address: labo_jr@yahoo.com
(003902) 43510205
(003902) 43510205
JEAN V. SANTOSInformation Officer
Athens , Greece c/o Embassy of the PhilippinesNo. 158 Sevastepoleous St.Ambelokipi, Athens 11526GreeceE-mail Address: popjean_gr@yahoo.com
+30210-6983265
+30210-6983265
+3069-77425678
CARMELITA TIU MOLINA
Madrid, Spain
C/O PHILIPPINE EMBASSYCalle Eresma 2/ Calle Guadalquivir 628002 Madrid, SpainE-mail Address: cartillas@yahoo.com
+3491-7550117
+34-91-4116606(Phil. Embassy)
+34-606393750
JOSEFINA ROSELLE A. CABANERO
London, United Kingdom 6 Suffolk St., London, SW1Y 4HG United KingdomE-mail Address: Ukpagibig@aol.com
(004420)8854-0197
004420-83164220
RINGO A. OLAVARIO Marketing Representative
Kilkenny, Ireland (Residence Address) #16 Sion Road, Sion Meadows, Kilkenny, IrelandE-mail Address: pagibigireland@yahoo.com
(00353086)7777730
+086-8884732
ROSALINDA SAUTER Marketing Representative
Zurich, Switzerland PINOY SWISS – SERVICESGmbH Rautistrasse 60, 8048 Zurich, Switzerland E-mail Address:pinoy-swiss-services@bluewingmx.ch
+4143-1-8100190;1-8100192
+4143-1-8100191
+4178-7341016;+4176-4336864
NORTH AMERICA PagIbig Overseas Program Contact Details
Contact Person
Country/Capital Cities
Telephone No.
Fax. No.
Mobile No.
LINDA F. REYESMarketing RepresentativePresident – Love Fund USA, INC.Suite A, 1680 Civic Center DriveSta. Clara, CA, USA 95050E-mail Address: lovefundusa@sbcglobal.net
California, USA
(00408) 8934210
(00408) 2461099(Fax)
Guides on the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program POP
The Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP) is a voluntary savings program which aims to provide Filipino overseas contract workers ,immigrants and naturalized citizens the opportunity to save for their future and the chance to avail of a housing loan of as much as P 2,000,000.00
MEMBERSHIP
Coverage:
Membership under the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP) shall be open to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with valid visas or employment contracts. Likewise, it shall be open to Filipino immigrants and to Filipinos naturalized in other countries.
Contribution Rate:
The POP member shall contribute monthly an amount equivalent to US $5. Should a POP member decide to apply for a housing loan and which to avail of a higher loanable amount, he would be required to upgrade his membership contribution as follows:
Pag-IBIG Membership Contributions
Loan Amount
POP
Pag-IBIG I & II
US $ 5
200
Up to P500,000
US $ equivalent at point of availment
250
Over P500,000 – P600,000
300
Over P600,000 – P700,000
350
Over P700,000 – P800,000
400
Over P800,000 – P900,000
450
Over P900,000 – P1,000,000
500
Over P1,000,000 – P1,100,000
550
Over P1,100,000 – P1,200,000
600
Over P1,200,000 – P1,300,000
650
Over P1,300,000 – P1,400,000
700
Over P1,400,000 – P1,500,000
750
Over P1,500,000 – P1,600,000
800
Over P1,600,000 – P1,700,000
850
Over P1,700,000 – P1,800,000
900
Over P1,800,000 – P1,900,000
950
Over P1,900,000 – P2,000,000
1,000
Over P2,000,000 – P2,100,000
1,050
Over P2,100,000 – P2,200,000
1,100
Over P2,200,000 – P2,300,000
1,150
Over P2,300,000 – P2,400,000
1,200
Over P2,400,000 – P2,500,000
1,250
Over P2,500,000 – P2,600,000
1,300
Over P2,600,000 – P2,700,000
1,350
Over P2,700,000 – P2,800,000
1,400
Over P2,800,000 – P2,900,000
1,450
Over P2,900,000 – P3,000,000
The upgraded membership contribution shall be incorporated as part of the housing loan monthly amortization
Dividend Rate:
Variable dividends from surplus earnings of the Fund shall be distributed annually to all POP members, to be credited to their Total Accumulated Values (TAV).
Membership Term/Maturity:
The accumulated savings under the program may only be withdrawn at the end of five (5), ten (10), fifteen (15), or twenty (20) years at the option of the member upon membership registration. Withdrawal of contributions shall be in Philippine peso. Contributions in foreign denomination shall be converted to Philippine peso based on the prevailing US dollar exchange rate as of payment date.
LOAN AVAILMENT
POP members may avail themselves of the housing loan benefit, subject to the provisions of the existing Consolidated Guidelines of the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan Program, through their immediate family members with the execution of a Special Power of Attorney (SPA), duly certified by the Philippine embassy or consulate in the country of their workplace. They can also avail of the Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL), subject to the existing guidelines of the MPL Program
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WHERE CAN MEMBERS FILE THEIR APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF SAVINGS, REMIT OR PAY THEIR MONTHLY SAVINGS?
Pag-IBIG Overseas Program Office
POP Overseas Offices
Accredited Overseas Marketing Representatives
Metro Manila and Provincial Offices
Accredited Collecting Banks/Remittance Companies
WHAT DOCUMENTS TO SUBMIT TO APPLY FOR REFUND OF SAVINGS?
-Original copy of POP Passbook
-Application for Provident Benefit
-Special Power of Attorney ( if applicable)
HOW LONG IS THE PROCESSING PERIOD?
Three (3) working days
WHERE CAN I PAY?
Remittance of Contributions may be made through our accredited collecting banks:
Europe
PNB London (Savings Acct. No. 0725-219601-401)
ABC UK (UKD 2000097)
Asia Pacific
PNB HK (Savings Acct. No. 0730-475270-501)
United States of America
Oceanic Bank (Savings Acct. No. 3700143)
PNB New York (Savings Acct. No 1713)
ABC Guam (Savings Acct. No. 5000-00355-4)
Middle East
BPI - Atrium (Savings Acct. No. 3124-0221-09) Speed cash
ABC Head Office (Savings Acct. No. 1002-071759)
Canada
Bank of Nova Scotia (Savings Acct. No. 2164-10)
Remittance may also be made to any of the following banks:
RCBC (Savings Acct. No. 8000-08787-5)
PNB Makati Ave. (Savings Acct. No. 265706641-1)
LBP (Savings Acct. No. 2204-008496)
PCIB (Savings Acct. 5463-00176-8)
Inquiries on PAGIBIG Funds Philippines Overseas Program (POP)
Mandatory
With the signing of Republic Act No. 7742 all SSS and GSIS members earning P4,000 and above monthly are mandatorily covered by Pag-IBIG fund.
Voluntary
Membership to the fund is also open to:
Private and government workers earning less than P 4,000 a month but who wish to join anyway;
Self-Employed workers such as professionals and businessmen;
Overseas contract workers (OCW);
Residents and immigrants in the United Staes and Canada;
Informal income group such as cooperative members;
Non-working spouses.
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How much is the monthly contribution?
For employees with monthly compensation (Basic+COLA) of P1,500 and less, an amount equivalent to one percent (1%) of their monthly compensation, and two percent (2%) of the monthly compensation of employees earning over P1,500.
Over P1,500 , an amount equivalent to two percent (2%) of the monthly compensation of each covered employee.
Employers are mandated to match their employees' monthly contributions with an amount equivalent to two percent (2%) of the monthly compensation of each covered employee.
For self-employed members, monthly contribution is equivalent to two percent(2%) of their monthly gross earnings.
Under the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP) ,OFWs with monthly compensation of:
US $1,000 or less shall contribute US$20 or its peso equivalent monthly.
Over US $1,000 , monthly contribution of US $40 or its peso equivalent.
C$1,500 or less, monthly contribution of US $40 or its peso equivalent.
Over C$1,500 a month. monthly contribution of C$60 or its peso equivalent.
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What are the benefits of Pag-IBIG Membership?
The Fund offers its members the following benefits:
savings
short term loan
Housing loan
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What is the Pag-IBIG Provident Savings Program?
The Pag-IBIG provident savings program is a fast, easy and affordable way of saving for a member's future needs.
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What are the special features of Pag-IBIG Savings Program?
Pag-IBIG savings enjoy the following features:
double or triple your money benefit
tax-free dividend earnings
portability of savings
government-guaranteed
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When can a member withdraw his savings?
Withdrawal of Pag-IBIG savings is allowed upon occurrence of any of the following :
Membership maturity after 20 years
A member who signs up under RA 7742 (Pag-IBIG Universal Coverage Law) shall be allowed partial withdrawal after 10 or 15 years of continuous membership, provided he has no outstanding housing loan with the Fund.
Retirement
at age 45 (early retirement plan)
at age 60 (optional retirement)
at age 65 (mandatory retirement)
Permanent departure from the country.
Permanent total physical disability/insanity.
Termination from service by reason of health.
Death of the member
-in case of the member's death, the Fund provides the legal heirs an additional P6,000 death benefit grant (DBG).
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What is Multi-Purpose Loan?
The Multi Purpose Loan (MPL) Program provides immediate assistance to Pag-IBIG members who have made at least 24 monthly membership contributions which they can use to finance medical, educational, livelihood, minor home improvement, purchase of appliance and furniture, and other related need.
Under the program, up t to 60 percent of the member's total savings is extended, with interest rate pegged at 10.75 percent per annum. MPLs may be renewed upon payment of at least six(6) amortizations.
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What is the Housing Loan Program? (Circ. 213)
The Housing Loan Program extends assistance to individual borrowers to finance any or a combination of the following:
Purchase of a fully developed lot not exceeding one thousand (1,000) square meters which should be within a residential area;
Purchase of a lot and construction of a house thereon.
Purchase of a residential house and lot, townhouse or condominium unit, inclusive of a parking slot, which may be:
-old or brand new;
-a property mortgaged with the Fund; or
-an acquired asset which is disposed of through sealed public bidding, negotiated sale or Rent to Own program
Construction or completion of a residential unit in a lot owned by the member;
Home improvement;
Refinancing of an existing mortgage loan with an institution acceptable to the Fund, provided that:
- the loan to be refinanced is current and updated at the time of loan application;
and
- the account reflects a perfect repayment history for at least two years, as supported by the borrower's official receipts
Combination of loan purposes shall be limited to the following:
-Purchase of a fully developed lot not exceeding 1,000 sq.m. and construction of a residential unit thereon
-Purchase of a residential unit, whether old or new, with home improvement;
-Refinancing of an existing mortgage with home improvement or
-Refinancing of an existing mortgage, specifically a lot loan with construction of a residential unit thereon.
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Who are eligible to borrow?
Must be a member under the Pag-IBIG I or Pag-IBIG II program for at least 24 months as evidenced by the remittance of at least 24 monthly contributions at the time of loan application:
Must be a member under the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP) for at least two years
A member under Pag-IBIG I & II or the POP shall be allowed to make a lump sum payment equivalent to the required number of monthly contributions to satisfy this requirement;
Under the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP), must have remitted an amount equivalent to his savings for at least 12 months.
Must not be more than 65 years old at loan maturity and must be insurable;
Must have the legal capacity to acquire and encumber real property;
Must have passed satisfactory background/credit and employment/business checks of the developer and the Fund;
Had no Pag-IBIG housing loan that was foreclosed, cancelled, bought back or subjected to "dacion en pago"
Must have no outstanding Pag-IBIG housing loan, either as a principal borrower or co-borrower; and
Has no outstanding Pag-IBIG multi-purpose loan in arrears at the time of loan application. A member whose multi-purpose loan is in arrears shall be required to pay his arrears over the counter to update his account.
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How does one avail of a Pag-IBG Housing Loan ?
Attend a Loan Counseling session at the Pag-IBIG Office concerned
Accomplish a Preliminary Loan Counseling Questionnaire, Husing Loan Application (HLA) and Membership Status Verification Slip. If eligible, secure checklist of requirements.
Submit HLA with complete requirements. Pay a processing fee of P1,000.00 (non-refundable)
Receive Notice of Approval/Letter of Guaranty and sign loan documents.
Proceed to BIR and present Deed of Absolute Sale (DOAS) between owner of the property and applicant for payment of documentary stamps and capital gains tax.
Proceed to Registry of Deeds (RD) for payment of transfer of tax and registration fees for the transfer of title.
Proceed to Notary Public for notarization of LMA and annotation of mortgage with the Registry of Deeds (RD) and to Assessor's Office to secure new tax declaration in the name of the applicant.
Secure Occupancy Permit from the Local Government Unit's (LGU) Engineering Office for Purchase of new Residential Unit (PRU), Purchase of Lot and Construction of a New Residential Unit (PLCH) and Construction of House (CH) loan purposes.
Submit the following documents to Pag-IBIG office concerned:
Original Transfer Certificate of Title in the name of the applicant with annotated mortgage
DOAS with original RD stamp
New Tax Declaration in the name of the applicant
Updated Real Estate Tax Receipt (house and lot, if applicable)
Occupancy Permit
Assignment of Loan Proceeds
Release of loan proceeds
Start monthly amortization on the month immediately following loan take-out/final loan release.
One Million Pesos Dinner of the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Agree ba kayo or dismayado?
Somehow just come to think about the expense she is the president of the Philippines and she should get the best. Parang kasiraan din sa Pilipinas kung ang Presidente natin ay mag mukhang kawawa.
Before criticizing the President.. Ask yourself... Ano mararamdaman mo when you go on a Business Trip at binalewala ka ng kumpanya mo at inusisa lahat ng expenses mo sa travel mo? like kumain ka ng dinner somewhere expensive?
Hindi ako maka Gloria, infact i did not vote her and i do not like her also.
I'm just defending the Post of the President which happens to be help by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Blog and Win 10$ with TheWebTalk
How to join?
1. Create a blog/forum post and copy this blog/article.
2. Answer this question on the new blog/forum you created.
Question:"What is the first thing that come into your mind when you here the word TheWebTalk?" Answer: "Your answer here."
3. Register @ http://www.thewebtalk.net
4. Post the link of the blog you created at http://www.thewebtalk.net/main/competition/158-blog-and-win-10-with-thewebtalk.html as a comment.
The best answer to the question will be declared as a winner.
Contest will end on September 15, 2009
The Price 10$ will be transfer direct to your paypal account or a Godaddy Gift Certificate depending on your choice.
Winner will be contacted by Email.
Location Map of Philippines Consulate in Dubai, UAE
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Philippine Embassy
02-6415922
POLO-OWWA (DXB)
04-2667745
Philippine Consulate
04-2544331
050-6544047
Contact:
CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINES
P.O. Box 94778, Al Qusais 3
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel. No. + 971 4 2544331
Mobile No. + 971 50 6544047
Fax No. + 971 4 2544229
Note: At the back of the vacant lot beside Light Cafeteria on
Beirut Street and Al Qusais Street. It is near Al Qusais Police
Station opposite the Emarat Petrol Pump.
Office Hours:
Sunday – Thursday (Except Legal Holidays)
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 nn
1:00 p.m – 5:00 p.m. (note: Payments will be accepted until 4 PM only)
Emails:
info@pcgdubai.net
Location Map of POLO OWWA in Dubai, UAE
Location Map of POLO OWWA in Dubai, UAEIMPORTANT NUMBERS
Philippine Embassy02-6415922
POLO-OWWA (DXB)04-2667745
Philippine Consulate04-2544331050-6544047
Dubai, UAE
Labor Attache II Virginia Calvez
Labor Attache I Florencia P. ArdivillaOverseas Filipinos Resource Center (FRC)
Villa No. 111, Abu Hail Road, Hamriya Area, Deira
P.O. Box 4960, Dubai, UAE
tel: (9714) 266-7745 (TL)
fax: (9714) 268-8050/268-8665 (OWWA)
Building near Ramada Hotel Crashed in Dubai UAE
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Kapamilya News: ABS-CBN Suspends Willie Revillame
Despite Kris Aquino’s acceptance of Willie Revillame’s apology and ABS-CBN’s acceptance that it caused the problem that Willie complained about, the Kapamilya Network sanctioned Willie by asking him “to go on leave” starting today. Willie preempted it by not reporting to Wowowee last Saturday and taking a leave. In human resource management, being asked to “go on leave” is often the polite term for suspension.
But Wowowee Creative Director Edgar Mortiz denies the suspension when asked by STIR. He says, “Hindi. Magpapahinga siya mga one week lang.” This is not the same as what Wowowee Director Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan’s said that Willie had been asked to go on leave for two weeks.
ABS-CBN ADMITS COMMITTING MISTAKE
As STIR reported last Wednesday (Read here), Willie asked that the live streaming of the transfer of Cory Aquino’s remains from Greenhills to Manila happened because of ABS-CBN’s decision to air it while the show was airing. Channel 2 head Cory Vidanes admitted it was “a lapse in production” in its intention to provide the public a straight coverage of the transfer.
Willie had previously volunteered to Entertainment Production head Linggit Tan not to air the Wowowee to avoid dishonoring Cory. It was accepted but was eventually overruled by top management (either Gabby Lopez, Charo Santos-Concio or Cory Vidanes or a combination of any of them), leading Willie to ask the live streaming to be removed when the glaring contrast of merry-making and sorrowful transfer started to happen on nationwide television. As expected, Willie critics panned him without understanding what happened.
NO EXPLANATION FROM ABS-CBN
Why has ABS-CBN not issued an official statement about the incident? When STIR asked Kathy Solis who is in charge of Wowowee’s publicity on the side of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications last Tuesday, she answered “there’s no instruction to issue an official statement.”
Corpcom head Bong Osorio in unavailable as had been in a sightseeing tour of Hong Kong since Friday. He thought Willie had explained himself well so there’s no need for an official explanation. The public, however, is interested to know ABS-CBN’s stand on the issue.
For this reason, Willie thinks ABS-CBN did not support him.
DEE DEE MUST KEEP HER MOUTH SHUT
Dee Dee Siytangco probably forgot Cory Aquino’s gone and she has no more need for a spokesperson. She issued the statement: "It is regrettable and a crass attempt to desecrate the memory of the beloved Tita Cory."
She did this without specifying if she is speaking in behalf of the Aquino family or she’s doing it on her own. There has been no announcement from the Cory children that she is their spokesperson. In fact, they largely did not depend on her in the last days of the beloved Ex-Pres.
Where did Dee Dee get her authority to comment about Willie? Only a member of the Aquino family has the right to comment on such a sensitive issue. Her opinion does not matter in any way. Kris Aquino had accepted Willie’s apology and as she puts it, “End of the story.”
But Dee Dee’s reaction is similar to the reaction of do-gooders and freeloaders like Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, MTRCB Chair Conzoliza La Guardia, the unknown Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamamahayag, Eat...Bulaga! paid hacks, and wannabee writers of the social networking accounts from doing a demolition job.
Willie Revillame is on Indefinite Leave or Indefinite Suppension?
Tula ni Joey de Leon para kay Willie Revillame on the issue of Cory Aquino Funeral Scandal
Joey De Leon of Eat Bulga writes a poem in relation to Cory Aquino Funeral Scandal
Here is his poem: (repost from Philippine Star)
Mga kababayan at bayan ko, basahin n’yo
Wala na sa piling ng mga Pilipino,Tinig ng awiting Mga Kababayan Ko,At lumisan na rin noong isang Sabado,Inang nagpalipad sa awiting Bayan Ko.
Ako’y sumasaludo, paalam Pangulo,May isa ‘kong lihim, kay tagal itinago,Sa lahat nang inabot kong mga namuno,Tanging ikaw lang sa luha ko’y nagpatulo.
Marami ang nalungkot sa iyong pagyao,Magalang ang lahat at puno ng respeto,Nagpasalamat pa nga Kapamilya sa ‘yo,Dahil kanilang himpilan naibalik mo.
Subalit ano itong nabalitaan ko?Nangyari noong Lunes, a-tres ng Agosto,Habang inililipat ang mga labi mo,Ika’y parang nabastos sa isang TV show.
At ang napakasaklap at masakit dito,Ang nambastos pa’y kapamilya ng anak mo,Napanood ito ng tao at publiko,Kakaunti na nga, ngunit lahat nahilo.
Sabi ng TV host na mainit ang uloPagkakita sa video na kanyang kasalo,“Sandali, meron akong ano… sa’ting ano…Hindi naman sa ano,” nagkaanu-ano!
Ayon sa Internet, meron pa s’yang nasambit,“Sana pakitanggal muna ‘yan sa’ting traffic…”At ‘di maaalis sa iyong pag-iisip,Ang parada ng patay ang pinaliligpit!
At dagdag pa daw ng naghahari-harian,“I don’t think na dapat n’yong ipakita iyan…”Nasaan naman ang paggalang, o nasaan?Mga sinasabi natin minsa’y pag-ingatan.
At ‘di pa nangimi nang sumunod na araw,Pinilit pa ring ginawa n’ya ay tama raw,Mga nakarinig ‘di na nakagalawAt ayon sa iba sila na la’y napa-wow!
“… Pero ako, totoo ‘ko eh … “, sabi kuno,Totoo nga at totoo ring walang modo,Pwede namang sabihin itong pa-sikreto,Kaya’t wala na rin mga paliwanag mo.
“Kung ganyan, pakita na lang ‘yan!”, ang hamon pa,Para bang ang prusisyon nila-“lang - lang” lang ba,Ang pangasiwaan ay pinapili pa n’ya,Sumunod ang himpilan, nung August 5 wala s’ya.
May mga komentong pwede nang pang-harapan,“On camera” baga sa TV ang tawag d’yanAt kung sensitibo man ang gustong bitawan,Pagpasok ng commercial, hintayin mo na lang.
Matutong magbaba muna ng mikroponoAt saka idikta lahat ng iyong gusto,Lagi kang mataas lahat daw takot sa ‘yo,Ratings lang ang mababa — totoo ba ito?
The breaking news breaks your heart — at ‘yan ang bawi mo,Nang mahalata mong sumablay ang pasok mo,Pero sigurado ika’y maa-abswelto,‘Di ba ikaw rin ang may-ari ng network n’yo?
Nung Hueves nag-apologize sa diario naman,O, akala ko ba wala kang kasalanan,Tapos ng angalan, sunod paliwanagan —COMPLAIN before you EXPLAIN ka na naman!
O ito kaya ay isa na namang “glitch” lang,Tulad ng “two-zero” ‘di na natin nalaman,O ito ay maliwanag na kabobohan?Sa tingin ng marami, mahirap lusutan.
Ang sabi ng iba — istupidong mayabang,At giit ng iba — istupidong mayaman,Mayaman man o mayabang ang tiyak diyan,Napakayaman n’ya sa kaistupiduhan.
Buti pa ang apat na honor guards ni Cory —Sina Malab, Laguindan, Rodriguez, Cadiente,Walong oras tumayo sa ulan at viaje,Ang lahat ay tiniis at walang sinabi.
Samantalang ikaw na may bubong sa ulo,Komportable ka lang sa malamig na studio,Nang kapirasong libing sa TV sumalo,Angal at inis ang sumambulat sa iyo.
Maaari din namang pabayaan na s’ya,Subalit ang nangyari’y mabigat talaga,Namayapang pangulo’y huling paalam na,‘Di mo pa pinagbigyan … hoy, nag-iisa ka!
At nais ko lang sabihin at ipagyabangSa mahigit na s’yam na libong tanghalian,Sa limang pangulong sa Bulaga’y dumaan,Kahit isa wala kaming nilapastangan.