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Steps gaining exporter status under RCEP outlined
Exporters wishing to avail themselves of preferential tariffs under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership can apply with the Bureau of Customs to become an approved exporter, according to a customs official. Gina German, head of the Preferential Rate Unit of the BoC Port of Manila, is encouraging Filipino exporters to start leveraging the RCEP’s benefits, foremost of which is being allowed to source materials and products from the 14 other member parties of the mega free trade agreement at lower duty rates. Study and comply German also urged companies to study and comply with the RCEP’s rules of origin (ROO), a requirement to get preferential tariff treatment under the world’s biggest trade deal. Essentially, the ROO can be regarded as a passport for products, a way to determine the country of origin of a product and establish its eligibility for preferential tariff treatment. It can help businesses reduce costs and boost their competitiveness within the regional market. Under RCEP, originating goods are those falling under three categories: wholly obtained in the RCEP party or member state of the agreement; those produced in a party exclusively from originating materials from one or more of the parties; and those produced in a party using non-originating materials, provided the good satisfies the applicable requirements set out in Annex 3A (Product-Specific Rules). Documentary requirements German said applicants seeking “approved exporter” status under RCEP should submit the following documentary requirements: • Duly accomplished application form • BoC’s Certificate of Registration • Product Evaluation Report or PER, if applicable Meanwhile, traders applying for approved exporter status, should submit a producer’s declaration indicating the originating status of the good for which the trader will be completing a declaration of origin and stating the producer’s readiness to cooperate in verification. “If you are a trader, you need to know who produces the good or you still have a declaration that it is originating in the Philippines so that you will be ready during the retro verification or verification of the importing country,” said German during her talk last month at a Department of Trade and Industry webinar. In addition applicants have to submit a list of the authorized signatories of the DO and their respective specimen signatures. The application form should be submitted in both hard copy and electronic Portable Document Format to the deputy commissioner of the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group through the Customer Care Center or CCC. The Export Coordination Division or ECD will then evaluate the application based on the following criteria: Exporter is a legitimate exporter who must have been transacting with the BOC for at least one year prior to the date of application Exporter must have been exporting products to at least one RCEP party for at least one year • Exporter must have good compliance measured by risk management of the BOC • Exporter must have a sound bookkeeping and recordkeeping system • Exporter must have responsible officers or persons authorized to sign the DO, who must have sufficient knowledge, competence in ROO application • Exporter must be willing to be subjected to regular monitoring and inspection to determine correctness of its declaration with respect to the goods exported. Written authorization After evaluation the ECD will grant the status of approved exporter to the successful applicants by issuing a written authorization with its corresponding authorization code within 14 working days. From there, the BOC will input the details of the approved exporter in its Approved Exporter Database for circulation among the RCEP parties. RCEP came into effect officially for the Philippines on June 2, 2023 after the Senate finally ratified the agreement in February this year. The Philippines was the last country to ratify RCEP, a free trade pact among the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam — and the five ASEAN FTA partners Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. The post Steps gaining exporter status under RCEP outlined appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lapid seeks 20% discount for indigent jobseekers
Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid on Tuesday filed a proposed measure seeking to provide a 20-percent discount to indigent jobseekers when they acquire government documents and clearances required during their applications. Once passed into law, Senate Bill 2382 or "Indigent Job Applicants Discount Act” would grant “20 percent discounts for indigent job applicants in the payment of fees and charges for certain certificates and clearances issued by government agencies for employment application.” “He who has less in life should have more in law,” Lapid said, referencing former President Ramon Magsaysay Sr.’s credo which he said inspired him to craft the bill. Lapid underscored the need to provide equal opportunities to indigent Filipinos seeking to be employed. “It is the humble intention of this proposed measure to encourage and assist indigent job seekers in securing gainful employment,” he said. He said the labor opportunities “are seen to be one of the prospective windows that can help improve the well-being of indigent citizens and their family's quality of life.” “Therefore, availment of productive employment opportunities is essential for achieving poverty reduction and sustainable economic and social development,” he added. SB 2382 will cover clearances issued by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police, marriage and live birth certificates from the Philippine Statistics Authority, and transcript of records and authenticated copy of diploma from state universities and colleges. It also includes medical certificate for local employment from any government hospital licensed by the Department of Health, and medical certificate for foreign employment from any DoH-accredited medical facility for Filipino overseas workers; Tax Identification Number and other documentary requirements issued by the government that may be required by employers from indigent job applicants. Qualified beneficiaries include those whose income falls below the official poverty threshold, and as identified and certified by the PSA based on the criteria set under the Community-Based Monitoring System, as established under Republic Act No. 11315. The city or municipality shall issue the “certificates of indigence” based on the latest CBMS data. Under the bill, any public officer or employee who refuses or fails to provide the benefit granted to the indigent job applicant shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less P5,000 but not more than P20,000. Prosecution for an offense shall be without prejudice to any liability for violation of any other existing laws, including civil service law, rules and regulations. Meanwhile, a job applicant who misrepresents or falsifies any document to avail of benefits or abuses the privilege granted them shall be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the Revised Penal Code, and shall suffer perpetual disqualification from availing of the privileges under this Act. Lapid noted that a counterpart measure from the House of Representatives has been passed on third and final reading last 22 May. The post Lapid seeks 20% discount for indigent jobseekers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOJ to help 400 Filipino job-seekers duped in Italy
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday assured the 400 Filipinos allegedly victimized by an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm that the Department of Justice will take the necessary steps to help them. “Affidavits will be taken so they can properly complain and put together a case. Whatever it is, we will help them draw out the truth,” said Remulla, adding that he has assigned Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan "to come up with a few draft affidavits so we can assist these people para di na sila maghahanap ng abogado.” Earlier, some 400 Filipinos who said they were duped into shelling out large sums of money in exchange for employment opportunities in Italy found an ally in Senator Risa Hontiveros who filed a resolution Wednesday calling for an investigation into the alleged recruitment scam. The Daily Tribune has run a series on the alleged scam by Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm. In Senate Resolution 814, Hontiveros detailed the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm that preyed on Filipinos dreaming of working in the European country. “It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino 'victims' with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate,” the resolution read. “The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims’ applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center),” it added. The senator said the Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL’s chief executive officer and immigration consultant. She said the State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all. Hontiveros added: “Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas.” In an interview on Daily Tribune's digital show "Usapang OFW" last week, several complainants, namely Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo and Apple Cabasis, said Alpha Assistenza SRL headed by Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro may have duped more than 400 Filipinos. They also accused Consul General Elmer Cato of ignoring their grievances against Alpha Assistenza SRL. The post DOJ to help 400 Filipino job-seekers duped in Italy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alleged recruitment scam in Italy reaches Senate
The alleged recruitment scam, facilitated by the Italy-based immigration consultancy firm, Alpha Assistenza SRL, has already reached the Senate. In filing proposed Senate Resolution No. 814, Senator Risa Hontiveros called for an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the alleged recruitment activities conducted by the Alpha Assistenza SRL. In her resolution, Hontiveros detailed the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm which has preyed on Filipinos who are dreaming of working in Italy, which was first exposed by the Daily Tribune. “It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino “victims” with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate,” the resolution read. “The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims’ applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center),” it added. She continued: “The Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL’s Chief Executive Officer and Immigration Consultant.” Hontiveros also said that the “complainants alleged that they had paid the company ‘large sums of money’ to facilitate their relatives’ travel to Italy for work.” “The State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all,” she said. “Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas,” she added. ‘Aware’ Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the alleged recruitment scam that victimized at least 400 Filipinos both from the Philippines and Italy. In an interview with Daily Tribune, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza denied the alleged non-action of the Philippine Consulate General in Milan in the victim’s complaints against the supposed scam. “The DFA is aware of the reports,” Daza said. “The Philippine Consulate General in Milan is acting on the complaints.” Victims, who reached out to the Daily Tribune’s digital program, “Usapang OFW,” accused Consul General Elmer Cato of sitting on their complaints against Alpha Assistenza SRL. Daza said the number of victims of the alleged recruitment scam may be higher or lower than the previously reported 400 Filipinos. “The numbers are still being verified,” she said. In a recent interview over the Usapang OFW, the complainants, namely, Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo, and Apple Cabasis, said that the Alpha Assistenza, headed by its Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro, may have duped more than 400 Filipinos. DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo de Vega also denied allegations that Cato had sat on the Filipino communities’ complaints. De Vega said the Philippine Consulate General in Milan received a report on 31 August, and an investigation into the matter is ongoing. “They were interviewing victims and working on cases,” he said in a separate interview. Asked if the DFA is considering making Cato inhibited due to the accusations of the victims, De Vega said: “We are meeting him personally.” The DFA official also noted that they are coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Migrant Workers Office in Milan on how to proceed with the case. “The complaint is really to be filed with Italian authorities but our Consulate in Milan should assist them,” he said. The Daily Tribune has sought comments from the Italian Embassy in Manila but they had yet to respond as of press time. The post Alleged recruitment scam in Italy reaches Senate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hontiveros comes to aid of Alpha 400
The more or less 400 Filipinos duped into shelling out large sums of money in exchange for employment opportunities in Italy, found an ally in Senator Risa Hontiveros who filed a resolution Wednesday calling for an investigation into the alleged recruitment scam. Less than a week into a series ran by the DAILY TRIBUNE on the reported scam of Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm, Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution 814 detailing the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm that preyed on Filipinos who dream of working in the European country. “It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino “victims” with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate,” the resolution read. “The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims’ applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center),” it added. According to Hontiveros, the Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL’s Chief Executive Officer and Immigration Consultant. “The State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all,” she said. She added: “Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas.” ‘Aware’ Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said it is aware of the alleged recruitment scam that victimized at least 400 Filipinos from the Philippines and Italy. In an interview, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said the number of victims of the alleged recruitment scam may be higher or lower than the previously reported 400 Filipinos. “The numbers are still being verified,” she said, denying alleged non-action against the supposed scam. For the hundreds of victims it does not help to hear the same tune and prompt action is the only way to address their hopelessness. It was the snail-paced efforts of the Philippine Consulate in Milan, Italy, that they sought Italian police assistance after the Consulate’s inaction to their complaints submitted in May 2023. Several victims, who reached out to the Daily Tribune’s digital program, “Usapang OFW,” accused Consul General Elmer Cato of sitting on their complaints against Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm that allegedly preyed on Filipinos who are dreaming of working in Italy. In an interview over the Usapang OFW last week, several complainants, namely, Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo, and Apple Cabasis, said the Alpha Assistenza SRL, headed by Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro, may have duped more than 400 Filipinos. They accused Consul General Elmer Cato of neglecting their grievances against Alpha Assistenza SRL. And Allan Hernandez The post Hontiveros comes to aid of Alpha 400 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Global protection for local designs
It’s interesting to see that in today’s aesthetic-driven consumer age, the success of a product can be influenced by its appearance or design. Think of that flashy pair of rubber shoes in a shop window or the familiar lines of a sports car cruising down the street that caught your eye. If you need some more examples of how design can make an impact, consider the iconic designs of the Volkswagen Beetle, the Coca-Cola bottle, and Apple iMac that are instantly recognizable. The importance of design has even generated not one but two presidential proclamations to remind us of its significance. One was in 1974 when the third week of September of every year was designated Design Consciousness Week (Proclamation 1259, s. 1974). Another was in 2011 when the third week of both March and October of every year were declared Design Week Philippines (Proclamation 277, s. 2011). With this in mind, it’s not surprising that industrial design, or ID, should be considered a valuable intellectual property, or IP, asset that business owners and designers need to protect if they want their products to stand out among their competitors. In the Philippines, ID is protected under the IP Code. Specifically, this protection gives designers and owners of a registered ID the right “to prevent third parties from making, selling or importing articles bearing or embodying a design which is a copy, or substantially a copy, of the protected design, when such acts are undertaken for commercial purposes.” But how do designers protect their designs once they step onto the global stage? Fortunately, there is now an easy way to do this. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, or IPOPHL, held public consultations last August on The Hague System for International Registration of Industrial Designs as part of the preparations for the Philippines’ accession to The Hague Agreement by 2024. Under The Hague System, local designers can take advantage by registering and protecting their designs internationally in a simple and cost-effective way. Through an online mechanism for securing and managing design rights in multiple jurisdictions — including over 90 contracting parties — they only need to utilize a single application with minimal paper work in order to register their designs globally. This system will prove particularly advantageous for our small and medium enterprises who want to avail of the services of The Hague System and enjoy the benefits of reduced cost in filing fees. Aside from protecting our local designs, the Philippines’ accession to The Hague Agreement will also be beneficial to our economy as foreign applicants and designers can take advantage of The Hague System to facilitate technology transfers and commercialization of their designs in our country, which is considered one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. As the Philippines takes the next steps towards acceding to The Hague Agreement, the most important thing that our Filipino designers need to consider is that they should be aware that their designs can be protected separately from their businesses’ processes and brands. As such, they should go and register their designs. On the part of IPOPHL, we will be conducting an information campaign to spread the word about The Hague System at the ground level to inform the public. And of course, we held our consultation last month to ensure that IP stakeholders’ opinions are taken into consideration in forming the Philippines’ position in acceding to the treaty. We hope all of these efforts will lead to even greater breakthroughs for our Filipino designers in global markets, as well as sustain the development and promotion of the Philippines’ design capability. The post Global protection for local designs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM backs suggestions to simplify visa applications
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supports the suggestions of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to simplify visa applications for tourists and overseas students. In a statement from the Presidential Communications Office on Friday, Marcos Jr. met with the group during the PSAC Tourism Sector Group's fourth meeting in Malacañang earlier this week. The PSAC recommended standardizing information on application procedures, student visa requirements, clinic accreditation for medical clearance, and diploma criteria for international students. The suggestions also call for the automatic certification of at least Level 3 hospitals nationally for tourists' medical clearances, the revision of documentation requirements to reduce the number of criteria, and the online filing of student visa applications. “We can choose to remove it altogether, the requirement for a medical certificate, or if we will continue to require a medical certificate, as long as it’s a recognized clinic, and it comes out in the actual list of hospitals or something like that, I’m sure there’s a way,” Marcos said. “So, I think the easiest is to align ourselves,” he added. To support government policy promoting the country as an educational hub in the Asia-Pacific region, the Department of Foreign Affairs highlighted Joint Memorandum Order (JMO) No. 01, series 2017, which streamlined procedures for the admittance of international students. According to the JMO, international students may enter the Philippines by applying for a student visa at a Foreign Service Post or by obtaining a temporary visa to convert to a student admission status. The foreign individual must attend in person for an interview and fulfill additional consular procedures after receiving the authorization to obtain the student visa. Officials told Marcos Jr. that applicants may skip the in-person interview to expedite the process. But the candidates will only show up in person if government intelligence agencies recommend doing so for security concerns. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines has the longest processing period for student visas, taking about two months. According to Rene Limcaoco of Hertz Philippines, there is a sizable market for this type of travel. Limcaoc said there were five million applications from international students before the pandemic. He expects ten million international students by 2030. The Philippines had 3.4 million foreign tourists as of 14 August 2023, which is 71.4 percent of the 4.8 million baseline industry target for this year. This year, the nation hopes to make P2.24 billion and employ 5.3 million Filipinos in the tourism industry. This year, it anticipates 85.1 million domestic travelers and 4.8 million overseas visitors. The post PBBM backs suggestions to simplify visa applications appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Secure amnesty before fines hiked
Corporations and associations who have been delinquent in filing their annual reports should avail of the amnesty program before higher penalties kick in starting in October. “We reiterate our reminder to all corporations that starting a business does not end with registration with the SEC. This is just the first step — they must faithfully comply with reportorial requirements thereafter to ensure their continuity and sustainability,” Securities and Exchange Commission Chairperson Emilio Aquino said over the weekend. Last 15 March, the SEC issued SEC Memorandum Circular 2, Series of 2023, or the grant for non-filing and late filing of the General Information Sheet or GIS and Annual Financial Statements or AFS, and non-compliance with Memorandum Circular 28, Series of 2020 or MC 28. The amnesty, which comes in the form of a waiver or reduction of fees, is part of the Commission’s efforts to encourage its regulated entities to comply with their reportorial requirements under Republic Act 11232 or the Revised Corporation Code. Around 40,000 corporations have since completed their amnesty application with the SEC, allowing them to reclaim their good standing or corporate registration with the SEC. “The SEC Amnesty Program is a chance for corporations and associations to get a fresh start in their compliance with reportorial requirements, so they continue to enjoy the benefits and privileges of being a registered corporation,” Aquino said. Condonation streamlined To make the process simpler, the SEC streamlined the amnesty application process to encourage more corporations to avail of the program. Corporations now need only answer a web-based form available on their Electronic Filing and Submission Tool or eFAST accounts, replacing the submission of the notarized Expression of Interest Form and Amnesty Application Form. Likewise, corporations no longer need to file an undertaking to submit the latest due AFS within 90 days from the amnesty application. The post Secure amnesty before fines hiked appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MORE brings lifeline rollout to each home
MORE Electric and Power Corp., Iloilo City’s exclusive electricity provider owned by the group of businessman Enrique K. Razon Jr., complements the national government’s efforts to enlist more lifeline power customers by mobilizing an on-site registration drive. MORE Power President and CEO Roel Castro, in a statement on Monday, said that the company wants to directly communicate with customers to ensure that those qualified can avail of the program. “In addition to accepting applications in our office, we also deploy personnel to barangays for on-site registration,” Castro said. As of 2 August, MORE Power has already received 1,519 lifeline applications from 42 barangays. In response to the clamor, the company holds a five-day onsite application, from 7 to 11 August, across 10 different locations. Due to low application turnout, the full rollout of the subsidy application has been extended by the Department of Energy until September. “There are 4.2 million household beneficiaries of 4Ps, and the registration for lifeline subsidy remains very low. Only those who register will continue to receive a reduction in their electricity bills beginning August 2023,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla earlier said. “If they do not avail of the program through Meralco, they will have to shell out more or less P250, an amount which could otherwise be spent for their other needs such as food,” Lotilla explained. A lifeline rate is a subsidized rate given to low-income users consuming electricity below 100 kilowatt-hours who cannot afford to pay their bills at full cost. The scale of rate reduction varies depending on the prevailing rates of the DUs. For instance, lifeline end-users in the Meralco franchise area with zero to 20 kilowatt-hours monthly consumption will be granted a 100 percent discount on the generation charges, except for the fixed metering charge of P5. Typically, they only pay P20 for their electric bills. Other marginalized end-user applicants who are not 4Ps beneficiaries but belong to a household of at least five members with a combined monthly income of P12,030 must submit to their DUs a certification by their local Social Welfare Development Office issued within six months before application. The monthly income threshold may change and vary for each DU franchise area as may be determined by the Philippine Statistics Authority. In another related development, MORE Power has implemented its third installment of Bill Deposit Refund to 28 eligible consumers amounting to P173,000 — in compliance with the provision of the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers. Consumers who have consistently paid their electric bill for 36 months are qualified for bill deposit refunds. MORE Power targets to complete a refund of P5 million to customers by the end of the year. The post MORE brings lifeline rollout to each home appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sign up for subsidy, Iloilo low-income power users urged
MORE Electric and Power Corp., Iloilo City’s exclusive electricity provider owned by the group of businessman Enrique K. Razon, Jr., is mobilizing an onsite registration drive to enlist more lifeline power customers in the subsidy program offered by the Department of Energy. A lifeline rate is a subsidized rate given to low-income users consuming electricity below 100 kilowatt-hours who cannot afford to pay their bills at full cost. MORE Power President and CEO Roel Castro, in a statement on Monday, said that the company wants to directly communicate with customers to ensure that those qualified can avail of the program. “In addition to accepting applications in our office, we also deploy personnel to barangays for on-site registration,” Castro said. As of 2 August, MORE Power has already received 1,519 lifeline applications from 42 barangays. The company is holding a five-day onsite application drive from 7 to 11 August across 10 different locations. Due to low application turnout, the full rollout of the subsidy application has been extended by the Department of Energy until September. “There are 4.2 million household beneficiaries of 4Ps, and the registration for lifeline subsidy remains very low. Only those who register will continue to receive a reduction in their electricity bills beginning August 2023,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla earlier said. “If they do not avail of the program through Meralco, they will have to shell out more or less P250, an amount which could otherwise be spent for their other needs such as food,” Lotilla explained. The scale of rate reduction varies depending on the prevailing rates of the DUs. For instance, lifeline end-users in the Meralco franchise area with zero to 20 kilowatt-hours monthly consumption will be granted a 100-percent discount on the generation charges, except for the fixed metering charge of P5. Typically, they only pay P20 for their electric bills. Other marginalized end-user applicants who are not 4Ps beneficiaries but belong to a household of at least five members with a combined monthly income of P12,030 must submit to their DUs a certification by their local Social Welfare Development Office issued within six months before application. The monthly income threshold may change and vary for each DU franchise area as may be determined by the Philippine Statistics Authority. In another related development, MORE Power has implemented its third installment of Bill Deposit Refund to 28 eligible consumers amounting to P173,000 — in compliance with the provision of the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers. Consumers who have consistently paid their electric bill for 36 months are qualified for bill deposit refunds. MORE Power targets to complete a refund of P5 million to customers by the end of the year. The post Sign up for subsidy, Iloilo low-income power users urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lifeline rate discounts for marginalized households
The Manila Electric Company has ramped up the conduct of barangay caravans in different cities and provinces within its franchise area to encourage more beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and other qualified marginalized households to apply for the lifeline rate program so that they can get discounts on their electricity bills. Starting September 2023, only customers with approved applications will continue to enjoy the discount in accordance with the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11552 or the law extending and enhancing the implementation of the lifeline rate. Beyond information campaigns that started as early as April, Meralco has also been conducting on-site applications for qualified customers so that they can immediately benefit from the program. Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said the power distributor is looking for ways to encourage more customers to apply for the lifeline rate program. “While we have already engaged all local social welfare development offices or SWDOs in our franchise area, we will continue to reach out to more customers and we hope that the onsite applications will lead to the increase in the number of program beneficiaries,” he said. For this month, Meralco has lined up onsite applications and caravans in the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Manila, Parañaque, Quezon and Valenzuela. Outside of Metro Manila, Meralco will also do the same in San Rafael and Meycauayan in Bulacan, San Pablo City in Laguna, General Mariano Alvarez and General Trias in Cavite, Taytay and Rodriguez in Rizal and Mauban and Sariaya in Quezon. Under the lifeline rate program, qualified customers should have a monthly electricity consumption of 100 kilowatt hours or below to avail of the discount ranging from 20 percent to 100 percent in their Meralco electricity bills depending on their actual consumption. Eligible customers can still apply by visiting the nearest Meralco Business Center, together with their completed application form, latest electricity bill and 4Ps ID. Non-4Ps beneficiaries may present a local SWDO certification and government ID. Applicants can also take advantage of the dedicated lanes for the lifeline rate program applications. “We are calling on all our qualified customers to take advantage of our caravans and apply for the program so that they can continue to benefit from the discount. Rest assured that Meralco will immediately process the applications and continue our information and education campaigns to bring in more customers to the program,” said Zaldarriaga. Visit www.meralco.com.ph and official social media channels on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter (@meralco) for more information. The post Lifeline rate discounts for marginalized households appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Amnesty for rebels
The grant of amnesty is a core component of any peace process. Rebels silenced their guns in the hope of attaining the political values they laid their lives on the line for. In exchange, the government offers a package of enticement, including forgiving their misadventure in pursuit of their political aspirations through a mechanism called amnesty. We see this scenario played out when the government negotiated peace with rebel groups. Presidential proclamations were issued defining the protocol to be followed and the parameters of the grant. This was, of course, with the imprimatur of Congress as required by the Constitution. Subsequently, a National Amnesty Commission was created for processing applications for the grant. Several years have passed since a peace pact was signed between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government, still, the former’s rebel fighters have not been granted amnesty that will restore their political rights and reintegrate them into society. This is now being brought to the fore because the deadline set by the proclamation for submission of applications has expired and the processing is, according to applicants, snail-paced. The processing of applications for amnesty rests on the shoulders of the local Amnesty Board where it is first filed and decided by the National Amnesty Commission. The commission as it is constituted is composed of members who are ex-officio representing various government departments and presidential appointees. The latter are all lawyers who are familiar with the secessionist movements in the South. This column knows them to be lawyers of note and equipped with the dedication and integrity required of their office. They are cognizant of the crucial role that their work plays in putting out the fire of rebellion, especially its amiable but principled chairperson, Ms. Leah Tanodra Armamento, who has had a brilliant storied career in government. They will be confronted with several issues which they will be hard put to resolve given the social and political milieu, not to mention the pressures that will come their way. They will have to face the issue of rebel applicants who have been found guilty by final judgment of crimes that they will claim were political and in pursuit of their revolutionary campaign. Yes, the law is clear about the specific crimes that are covered by the amnesty proclamation but there is more to it than meets the eye. There is a fine line that separates which crimes are private or personal and which are political. The nuance is hazy. A smart defense litigator can always claim that a crime like arson, for instance, was committed for a political purpose. It will be hard put balancing the interest of the rebel returnees and the families of their victims. These and many other similar challenges will face them. There are rebel leaders also who have been found guilty by the courts of crimes and who would want to run for office in the coming elections. The MILF has registered its political party, Bangsamoro Justice Party, with the Commission on Elections to shift its political struggle from the jungle to the electoral environ. They will slug it out with the politicians in the polls. The law, however, disqualifies them from running for office. The Omnibus Election Code says: “Those sentenced by final judgment of subversion, insurrection, rebellion or any offense for which he has been sentenced to a penalty of more than 18 months imprisonment” is disqualified to be a candidate for public office. The phrase “or any offense” is fertile ground for legal hermeneutics. The Local Government Code has a similar provision. The rationale for this prohibition is simple: Why allow those fighting against the government to run for public office to serve the same government they wanted to topple? These are just tidbits of worries that will confront the Commission. There will be other meaty issues they will have to address, not the least, is the pressure that will be exerted on its decision-making process. Meantime, the Commission should motu proprio take immediate steps to extend the period for the filing of amnesty applications. *** amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Amnesty for rebels appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Binay to DFA: Require personal appearances in E-visa application
Senator Nancy Binay on Tuesday urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to make “personal appearances at consular offices” as a “non-negotiable requirement” for some categories applying for electronic-visa or e-visa to ensure national security is still in place. Binay welcomed the pilot implementation of the country’s first-ever e-visa services on 24 August but stressed that DFA and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency should come up with “better security policies” to prevent possible non-technical loopholes. She added the authorities should ensure that the “probability” of organized syndicates exploiting tour groups and junkets will be lessened, including human trafficking. “We welcome the implementation of e-visas not only to positively boost tourism but also as our commitment to facilitate ease of travel. In the same vein, we urge the DFA and NICA to refine national security policies to deter undesirable travelers from extra-legally bypassing immigration laws,” Binay said. The senator likewise urged the DoF and NICA to review the existing exemption system to avoid any misuse and abuse by some foreign nationals of the Philippine e-visa. Binay cited the country’s digital version of the standard visa allows foreign travelers to enter a certain country for a specific period or purpose. In lieu of physical holographic stamps or stickers on the passport, applicants instead receive an e-visa approval code—which is linked to the passports. Binay urged authorities to make sure that national security would not be compromised amid plans to improve the digitalization of government processes. “Though the e-visa system temporarily gives us an opportunity to recover and jumpstart Philippine tourism, kailangan natin magkaroon ng (there’s a need to have) serious strategic decision on embracing the system as a modern travel solution,” she said. “Every visa decision has a national security dimension. Certain parameters on security should be in place, and apply a multi-layered safety plug plus a face-to-face interview to a narrow category of travelers para talagang salang-sala ang mga pumapasok sa bansa,” she added. Binay said vetting on transnational organizational criminals or TOC-related grounds and extensive security screening should be the prime considerations in approving visa applications. "Mas laganap ngayon ang transnational crimes lalo na ang human trafficking and prostitution na mula Mainland China. Gaano ba kasigurado tayo na ang nabibigyan natin ng e-visa eh talagang mga lehitimong turista? As a matter of national interest, I share the DFA's position to require face-to-face interviews with tourist visa applicants whose profiles fall in marked categories," she said. Hence, Binay advised the DFA to proceed with caution saying that the Bureau of Immigration “should also have a system to check on foreign nationals overstaying in the country.” Considering that the Philippines is the only ASEAN country with a Tier 1 status under the US State Department’s annual human trafficking report, Binay said the DFA cannot turn a blind eye on media reports involving the alleged trafficking of Chinese workers to the country. “Lalo pa ngayong unti-unti nang nanunumbalik ang turismo (now that tourism is reviving)—we also cannot ignore that China is a big market. I share the opinion that we have to take advantage of the global 'revenge tourism' phenomenon, but targeting visitor quotas need not dilute national security interests. At the end of the day, safety nets in homeland security should be in place,” she said. Binay noted that visa applicants must demonstrate their eligibility for e-visa acquisition, whether they are applying for tourism, business, or emergency purposes. The policy must apply to all foreign nationals, and we always have to be on the side of caution and prudence, she added. The DFA is set to pilot the e-visa in China and India beginning on 24 August. It will later allow foreign travelers to enter the country for tourism and business to apply for temporary visas online. The post Binay to DFA: Require personal appearances in E-visa application appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Issuance of OEC requests free of charge via the newly launched DMW mobile app
The Department of Migrant Workers on Saturday said the collection of additional fees for the request of Overseas Employment Certification will be waived when using the newly launched DMW mobile application and the overseas Filipino workers pass. In a news forum in Quezon City, DMW Undersecretary Hans Cacdac said the agency has already requested the Department of Finance to allow the issuance of the OEC free of charge for OFWs. He revealed that Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has supported their request. “So, mayroong pagbasbas ng DOF nitong pagkalibre ng OFW Pass (So, there’s a blessing from the DoF to make this OFW pass free of charge),” Cacdac said. The DMW official underscored that the partnerships between concerned government agencies and the private sector are vital in further improving the services for Filipino migrant workers, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graced the pilot test run of the DMW Mobile App and OFW Pass at Malacañan Palace in Manila on 21 July. “I am delighted to see the outcome of this initiative, especially now that we are striving towards expanding the DMW’s reach to other countries and digitalizing other OFWs’ services,” Marcos said in his keynote speech. “So, I encourage everyone, from government agencies to the private sector, to join us in this undertaking to pool our resources and expertise for the effective implementation and improvement of this mobile app. This is only a glimpse of what this government has in store,” he added. Meanwhile, Cacdac said the “approved features” of the DMW mobile app will allow OFWs to experience an easier, seamless, and more efficient transaction with the Department, particularly when securing documents prior to their departure from the Philippines to work abroad. Cacdac said the mobile app is targeted to streamline the documentation processing for legitimate OFWs, replacing the traditional OEC with the QR code-based OFW pass. The app requires uploading of basic information such as photos of the passport and visa information of the applicants—which will then be cross-referenced with the DMW database. Once the information is verified, the app will generate a QR code. Cacdac said the DMW database and the system of the Bureau of Immigration are integrated—making the OFW Pass as an official documentation recognized by the immigration authorities during checks at the airport. Cacdac said the DMW eyes about seven million OFWs who will benefit from this initiative once it goes into full implementation. “We are still on the pilot run…so it will take a few days and maybe weeks. There will be a proper announcement on full blast launch which will be open for all,” he said, adding that the online system is entirely an in-house process developed and managed by DMW’s ICT group. Cacdac assured that the mobile app is accompanied by 24/7 technical support, which shall be accessible through links within the application—in anticipation of possible glitches and issues. The post Issuance of OEC requests free of charge via the newly launched DMW mobile app appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OEC issuance free of charge via new DMW mobile app
The Department of Migrant Workers on Saturday said the collection of additional fees for the request for Overseas Employment Certification will be waived when using the newly launched DMW mobile application. In a news forum in Quezon City, DMW Undersecretary Hans Cacdac said the agency has already requested the Department of Finance to allow the issuance of the OEC free of charge for OFWs. He revealed that Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has supported their request. “So, mayroong pagbasbas ng DOF nitong pagkalibre ng OFW Pass (So, there’s a blessing from the DoF to make this OFW pass free of charge),” Cacdac said. The DMW official underscored that the partnerships between concerned government agencies and the private sector are vital in further improving the services for Filipino migrant workers, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graced the pilot test run of the DMW Mobile App and OFW Pass at Malacañan Palace in Manila on 21 July. “I am delighted to see the outcome of this initiative, especially now that we are striving towards expanding the DMW’s reach to other countries and digitalizing other OFWs’ services,” Marcos said in his keynote speech. “So, I encourage everyone, from government agencies to the private sector, to join us in this undertaking to pool our resources and expertise for the effective implementation and improvement of this mobile app. This is only a glimpse of what this government has in store,” he added. Meanwhile, Cacdac said the “approved features” of the DMW mobile app will allow OFWs to experience an easier, seamless, and more efficient transaction with the Department, particularly when securing documents prior to their departure from the Philippines to work abroad. Cacdac said the mobile app is targeted to streamline the documentation processing for legitimate OFWs, replacing the traditional OEC with the QR code-based OFW pass. The app requires uploading of basic information, such as photos of the passport and visa information of the applicants, which will then be cross-referenced with the DMW database. Once the information is verified, the app will generate a QR code. Cacdac said the DMW database and the system of the Bureau of Immigration are integrated—making the OFW Pass as an official documentation recognized by the immigration authorities during checks at the airport. Cacdac said the DMW eyes about seven million OFWs who will benefit from this initiative once it goes into full implementation. “We are still on the pilot run… so it will take a few days and maybe weeks. There will be a proper announcement on full blast launch which will be open for all,” he said, adding that the online system is entirely an in-house process developed and managed by DMW’s ICT group. Cacdac assured that the mobile app is accompanied by 24/7 technical support, which shall be accessible through links within the application—in anticipation of possible glitches and issues. The post OEC issuance free of charge via new DMW mobile app appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fixers still roam NBI clearance section
Fixers and facilitators who offer their services to people seeking NBI clearances are reportedly proliferating in the area around the National Bureau of Investigation office in Manila. These fixers charge high fees, sometimes as much as P3,000, for their services. A source from the NBI security division told Daily Tribune that the police have been unable to effectively clear the area of fixers, despite a number of operations, adding that the fixers seem to enjoy protection from the police. “The police don’t seem serious about removing the fixers from the outside, and the more they increase, the more they stop the applicants to get their money in exchange for their services,” said the source who requested anonymity. “The irony is that the NBI clearance office is just a short distance from the main headquarters of the Manila Police District on United Nations Avenue in Malate,” the source added. Some job seekers have complained that they were allegedly charged as much as 3,000 pesos for their NBI clearances while others said that they were charged 500 pesos per transaction, which could double if there were errors in their application. The NBI has received numerous complaints about the high fees charged by fixers and it is urging authorities to take action against the fixers. It added that it is already working to improve its own procedures for issuing NBI clearances, so that people will not have to rely on fixers. The post Fixers still roam NBI clearance section appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Davao City launching E-scholar app
DAVAO CITY — The city government here, through the Educational Benefit System Unit, will launch on 17 July the E-scholar app where scholarship applications can be done. Emilio Domingo Jr., the EBSU technical assistant, said scholarship application will be easy as applicants can submit it and the requirements through the digital portal. “This is in line with the digitalization program of the government. The E-scholar App was created to avoid long queues that can be seen every opening of the application for scholarship outside the city hall,” he said. Domingo added that applicants will first register through the app, then choose the type of scholarship they wish to apply for before uploading the requirements. “They have to wait for the reply to know if they are qualified, and they will go on the schedule that will be given by our office,” he said. Domingo also advised existing scholars to register on the app and create a new account for them to renew their scholarship. He added that the city will open more or less 300 slots for Scholarships-Tertiary Education Program, Scholarship on Tertiary Education Program-Financial Assistance, Special Educational Assistance Program, Financial Assistance Program for Lumads students, Technical and Vocational Skills Training Program, Educational Assistance for persons with disability SYSTEM UNIT or person with special needs; and Law and Medical Education Program. The post Davao City launching E-scholar app appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Unaccompanied minors may pay foreign immigration fees online
Foreign minors traveling to the Philippines unaccompanied by their parents may now pay their immigration fees online, the Bureau of Immigration announced on Wednesday. The application and payment for Waiver of Exclusion Grounds for foreign minors can now be accessed through the BI’s online payment portal, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said. Under Section 29(a)(12) of the Philippine Immigration Act, foreign minors may only be allowed entry, even if unaccompanied, if they have been issued a WEG by the BI and have paid the corresponding fee of P3,120 to the government. According to a BI operations circular signed by Tansingco last 25 May, WEG applicants shall file their application within 72 hours from the minor’s scheduled arrival by logging into the BI’s online portal at e-services.immigration.gov.ph. They shall completely fill out the WEG application e-form and upload clear digital or scanned copies of the documentary requirements, such as an affidavit of support and guarantee, the parent’s and minor’s passport information, travel consent, a return ticket, and a valid entry visa, if applicable. The prescribed fees shall then be paid online using a debit or credit card, after which electronic receipts shall be issued through the applicant’s registered e-mail address. The BI shall then process and evaluate the application and issue its approval via the said email address within 24 hours of receipt of the application. Applications with incomplete documentary requirements or those left unpaid within 72 hours shall be automatically deleted from the system, as stated in the circular. The post Unaccompanied minors may pay foreign immigration fees online appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Coast Guard hiring until 20 June
The Philippine Coast Guard is accepting application for commissioned officer or enlisted personnel until 20 June this year. Earlier, Commodore Jay Tarriela, deputy chief of the Coast Guard Staff for Human Resource Management, said they are expecting an additional 4,000 recruits this year to reach the 30,000 quota for 2023. Licensed nurses are also being recruited. Eligible applicants are 21 to 28 years old, with good moral character, single, at least five feet tall, and physically and mentally fit. The PCG said qualified applicants should submit a duly accomplished application form, birth certificate (Philippine Statistics Authority-issued), National Bureau of Investigation Clearance, college diploma, transcript of records and 4R colored full body picture to the Coast Guard Nursing Service, Coast Guard Base Taguig, 56 M.L. Quezon Street, New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City. Nurse applications will be accepted until 19 June 2023. Meanwhile, 476 male recruits finished their training at the PCG Regional Training Center Taguig last 9 June. PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu led the graduation ceremony of the Coast Guard Non-Officers’ Course Class 95-2022 “Mandilaab.” In his speech, Abu urged the graduates to maintain their emotional, mental and physical toughness to have a strong public service. He also encouraged the graduates to always be humble and live the ethos of being a “servant leader.” The post Coast Guard hiring until 20 June appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UBX beefs up financing arsenal with UNO partnership
Open finance platform UBX has partnered with UNOBank, Southeast Asia’s first full-spectrum digital bank, to make credit more accessible to micro, small, and medium enterprises nationwide. Through this collaboration, SeekCap will be able to further support MSME financing, while providing a wider platform for UNO Digital Bank to reach more customers. With the alliance, micro-entrepreneurs will be able to get financing even in the absence of formal financial data, utilizing the combination of alternative data and psychometric scoring, which further democratizes access to credit to provide the necessary capital to expand their business. This initiative is done through UBX’s loans marketplace platform, Seekcap. “SeekCap is the product of UBX’s desire to reach MSMEs, who traditionally, have no access to financing to grow their businesses because of the stringent requirements of banking. By democratizing access to loans, now with the help of UNO Digital Bank, we are not just contributing to the expansion of MSMEs but the economic growth of the Philippines as well,” UBX president and CEO John Januszczak said. UNO Digital Bank is South East Asia’s first full-spectrum digital bank licensed under the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. It is one out of only six digital banks licensed by the BSP. A convenient alternative to traditional lending companies, SeekCap leverages its partners’ wide user base to offer loans to businesses. Its existing partners include leading online marketplace Lazada and online food and grocery delivery platform foodpanda, among many others. With the addition of UNO Digital Bank, microentrepreneurs will have a more seamless digital experience in their entire financing journey. The partnership makes it possible for potential borrowers to secure a loan term of 12 months and borrow as high as P250,000 without the need for collateral. Applicants without an approved loan need only check their inboxes for an invitation for a pre-qualified loan application to UNO Digital Bank to know which ones they can avail of for their business. “As one of the BSP’s accredited digital banks, UNO can guarantee that our loan offerings are accessible, simple, and offer relevant features for our customers. We are honored to work alongside UBX in carrying out inclusivity in the form of loan processing for MSMEs as this also plays a significant role in boosting the local financial ecosystem.” UNOBank CEO Manish Bai said. SeekCap is an online lending marketplace that offers an end-to-end lending platform solution from loan origination until collection. Through the digital platform, business loans may be processed in as fast as 24 hours, which is significantly faster than the minimum 30-day approval time for most banks. Seekcap brings lenders and borrowers closer via its platform, streamlining the process of getting a business loan while making financing more accessible for small businesses in the city. SeekCap has processed over P27 billion of business loans from more than 65,000 MSMEs. “Given that 99.51 percent of all businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs, SeekCap is in a position to make a significant change. By partnering with more and more financial players such as UNOBank, that opportunity grows even bigger,” Januszczak said. The post UBX beefs up financing arsenal with UNO partnership appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»