Travel agency owners, employees charged over booking scam
Criminal charges have been filed against the owners and employees of a travel agency for allegedly duping their clients, police announced on Friday......»»
Travel agencies group warns about cheap, illegal operators
The Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) has issued a warning about unregistered and illegal travel and tour operators in their area. These operators have been found to be offering travel and tour services without proper licensing, leading to issues such as lack of refunds, scheduling problems, and other travel arrangement discrepancies. Pia Partoza Montano, a travel agency owner and Vice-President for the Travel and Tours Sector of DTAA, emphasized the prevalence of these unauthorized operators, particularly in inbound tourism, and the challenges in monitoring and regulating them due to their large numbers. Montano also highlighted the potential risks associated with using these unregistered agencies, as they may offer cheaper rates but could lead to problems in case of incidents. To address this issue, the Department of Tourism-Davao (DOT-Davao) has introduced a QR code system to help the public verify the legitimacy of travel agencies by accessing data on authorized and registered operators. The DOT-Davao encourages travelers to transact with accredited enterprises to ensure the quality and reliability of their travel arrangements. Currently, there are at least 109 registered travel and tour agencies in Davao City under DOT-Davao's accreditation. The DOT-Davao also provides information on the requirements for registration and renewal for travel agencies on their official website. This warning serves as a reminder for the public to be cautious and discerning when engaging with travel and tour operators to avoid falling victim to unauthorized and illegitimate services......»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
Agoda’s Eco Deals Survey: 4 in 5 Travelers Care About More Sustainable Travel
As Pinoy travelers venture to explore new horizons, they are increasingly mindful of the potential impact of their choices. According to a survey conducted by digital travel platform Agoda, 92% of Filipino travelers care about more sustainable travel. Respondents highlighted that financial incentives, the availability of sustainable travel packages, and clearer guidance on sustainable travel […].....»»
The Mental Wellness Odyssey: Unveiling Travel’s Transformative Power
In our hectic world, travel transcends leisure, impacting mental health beyond its scenic and cultural appeal, as supported by scientific evidence. Escape Stress: Travel breaks routine, offering a refreshing respite from daily demands, reducing stress. Joyful Exploration: Experiences, not possessions, bring happiness. Travel’s thrill and diversity elevate joy. Mindful Journey: Travel promotes mindfulness, offering moments […].....»»
Government, stakeholders’ cooperation vital for tourism development – travel agency
The Philippine government and private tourism stakeholders should keep cooperating to promote and develop the country’s tourism industry, according to travel agency Rajah Travel......»»
Fake booking scams up – ACG
Fake booking scams increased in the second week of March, the Anti-Cybercrime Group of the Philippine National Police reported yesterday......»»
Online booking fare slightly higher: Dcott
DURING the AFP-PNP-ISpeak press conference on Wednesday morning, March 20, 2024, at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Aisa Usop, the manager of Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (Dcott), said that the fare for online booking is slightly higher than traditional fares, prompting inquiries from passengers......»»
Drug test: 3 Lapu CTMS employees fail random testing
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu- Three Lapu-Lapu City employees tested positive in the random drug test initiated by the city’s anti-drug agency. On Monday, January 22, 115 job order employees from the city hall and traffic enforcers from the City Traffic Management System (CTMS) underwent random testing. Garry Lao, executive director of the City of Lapu-Lapu Office.....»»
Mga chinese student kinonek sa ‘pastillas’ scam
Maaaring konektado sa pastillas scam ang pagdagsa ng mga estudyanteng Chinese sa lalawigan ng Cagayan, ayon kay Senadora Risa Hontiveros. The post Mga chinese student kinonek sa ‘pastillas’ scam first appeared on Abante......»»
SSS loan scam tatalupan ng Kamara
Gigisahin ng Kamara de Representantes ang mga opisyal ng Social Security System (SSS) dahil sa loan scam kung saan maraming miyembro ang pinagbabayad ng loan kahit hindi sila nag-file. The post SSS loan scam tatalupan ng Kamara first appeared on Abante......»»
Globe reports steep 73.7% decline in blocked bank-related spam, scam SMS in 2023
The telecommunications company Globe has reported a significant 73.7% decrease in the number of blocked spam and scam SMS related to banks in 2023. This reduction is a result of the interception of 21.9 million bank-related fraudulent messages, a sharp decline from the 83.39 million messages blocked the previous year. Globe attributes this achievement to its proactive strategies and strong partnerships with major banks and financial institutions in the Philippines. The company has established anti-fraud alliances with the Bankers Association of the Philippines and individual players in the finance sector, enabling the sharing of data and intelligence to prevent and investigate fraud effectively. Anton Bonifacio, Chief Information Security Officer at Globe, emphasized the company's commitment to combating financial fraud and enhancing security measures for customer protection. Globe has invested approximately US$20 million to improve its spam and scam SMS detection and blocking system and operates a 24/7 Security Operations Center to filter out unwanted messages from both international and domestic sources. Despite certain limitations, Globe remains dedicated to customer protection and emphasizes the need for a unified approach in the fight against fraud. The company is focused on leveraging technology and strengthening alliances with key stakeholders to combat fraudulent activities. As Globe continues to advance its technologies and collaborations, it aims to provide a safer and more secure digital environment for its customers. For more information about Globe and its initiatives, visit www.globe.com.ph. (SPONSORED CONTENT).....»»
DavNor vice guv denies involvement in ayuda scam
The Vice Governor of Davao del Norte has denied any involvement in the alleged ayuda scam following claims made during a Senate hearing chaired by Senator Ronald Bato Dela Rosa. The hearing revealed that public officials in Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte were linked to illegally using cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and funds from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for political campaigns. Vice Governor De Carlo Oyo Uy refuted the allegations, stating that there is no truth to the claims. In response, Governor Edwin Kuya Gov Jubahib emphasized that he was protecting the welfare of his constituents and the country's budget. He called for the punishment of those involved. The governor had previously requested an investigation into the ayuda scam after individuals in the provinces received less than the intended assistance. The vice governor announced plans for a separate investigation to clear his name and clarified that the DSWD is solely responsible for the identification, assessment, validation, and distribution of cash assistance to beneficiaries......»»
DMW closes travel agency over fake overseas jobs
A travel agency was padlocked by the Department of Migrant Workers yesterday for allegedly offering fictitious overseas jobs to Filipino workers......»»
Why Business Should Start Investing in the Mental Well-Being of Their Employees
The pandemic has triggered waves of anxiety, uncertainty, and financial strain, impacting the mental health of millions of employees. Poor mental health leads to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and strained work relationships. With that said, it is crucial to address employees’ mental health issues to have a thriving workspace. Encourage Open Communication and Supportive Culture […].....»»
2 Pasig hotel execs charged over senior’s discount
Two executives of a hotel in Pasig were charged by the city prosecutor’s office for not giving a senior citizen her 20-percent discount......»»
Criminal raps recommended for MT Princess Empress owners in Mindoro oil spill
The Department of Justice recommended the filing of criminal charges against owners and corporate officers of Motor Tanker Princess Empress over the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro in February 2023......»»
‘9 in 10 Pinoys traveling locally in 2024’
At least nine in 10 Filipinos plan to travel to local destinations this year, and are expected to spend as much as P30,000 for every trip, according to booking platform Klook......»»
Tax credit scam: 5 ex-DOF execs get 8 years
The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the conviction of five former officials of the Department of Finance for graft over the multibillion-peso tax credit scam in the 1990s......»»
EDITORIAL - Another BI scam
You’d think the scandal over the so-called pastillas scam would have taught Bureau of Immigration personnel valuable lessons in honest public service......»»
Quezon rights defenders charged with terrorism financing
This news comes as a shock, as both individuals were unaware that complaints had been filed against them until a preliminary investigation resolution was released on April 8, recommending criminal charges." The post Quezon rights defenders charged with terrorism financing appeared first on Bulatlat......»»