MyBus goes cashless with MyBus Card starting October 1
CEBU, PHILIPPINES – In compliance with the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF), MyBus shall utilize MyBus Card as the sole payment mode for bus fare effective October 1, 2020 (Thursday) for Route 1 (SM City Cebu-Parkmall to SM Seaside City-Maritima), October 19, 2020 (Monday) for Route 2 […] The post MyBus goes cashless with MyBus Card starting October 1 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
CARD Inc. Medical Services opens in Tanauan, Leyte
CARD, Inc. - CARD MRI’s Microfinance and Health Protection (MaHP) opens a clinic and laboratory facility that offers medical services in Tanauan, Leyte on October 5, 2023......»»
GCash keeps fee’s subsidy
Financial super application GCash will continue to subsidize the convenience fee for cash-ins to provide a financial cushion to users amid the rising cost of goods. At a recent media briefing of the Globe Group, GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon said that while users are still charged a fee for cash-ins, it is still “much lower” than the P25 that other financial institutions usually charge for cash transfers because of the subsidy. “The P5 convenience fee is only 1/5 of what is normally charged by other financial institutions. As GCash continues to scale, we still subsidize most of the charges as well as heavily invest in upgrading our infrastructure and reinforcing security services,” Sazon said. “This also ensures that our operations will remain seamless for all customers,” Sazon said. “Even with this fee, we will continue to subsidize part of the operating cost for cash-ins as we remain committed to keeping our services accessible to many Filipinos,” she added. More cash-in options Later this year, GCash is set to charge a cash-in or convenience fee of P5 for every cash-in via linked BPI and UnionBank accounts. Cash-ins via linked bank accounts are one way to add funds to a GCash account. Over-the-counter cash-in is also available through cash-in machines, partner convenience stores, pawnshops, supermarkets, department stores, drug stores, gas stations, sari-sari stores and retail stores, among others. Meanwhile, GCash has waived fees for QRPH transactions for merchants until the end of the year, giving micro-entrepreneurs extra earnings while using convenient cashless transactions. Other payment platforms charge up to 2 percent for QR-based or card payments. GCash also continues to offer micro-merchants access to a wallet with a limit of up to P500,000 monthly. GCash also waives the 1.5 percent transaction fee for up to P100,000 in gross sales. The post GCash keeps fee’s subsidy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Credit card literacy revs up as use rises
The Credit Information Corporation continues its campaign for wise and safe use of credit cards as more Filipinos shift to cashless payments. CIC, along with the Credit Card Association of the Philippines, or CCAP, will hold the “Swipesmart” free webinar on 31 August on their Facebook page from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. CIC on its website announced the webinar will discuss the responsible use of credit cards to build a good credit rating for easier access to loans and cybersecurity for prevention of financial theft. CCAP executive director Alex Ilagan said cases of credit card fraud have risen by 21 percent in 2021 amid the pandemic as interactions were conducted through remote technology. During this period, Visa Philippines said more Filipinos or 52 percent preferred online credit card payments while 44 percent chose card payments at physical stores. Rise in cards use inevitable CCAP expects more Filipinos to use credit cards as the Philippine Statistics Authority projected more income earners in the country with a 1.52 percent population growth each year and more businesses both online and physical open post-pandemic. Currently, 64 percent of the population own credit cards, CCAP reported. “As the economy continues to reopen and becomes more robust, pent-up demand for consumer goods and services will persist, feeding into the growth of the e-commerce, retail and services, travel and tourism, automotive, and housing sectors, among others,” Ilagan said. “A credit card is one way to extend your purchasing power,” he continued. Credit cards are used for small to medium purchases. For long-term and bigger purchases, banks strictly evaluate borrowers’ credit card histories submitted by the CIC as required by law. CIC shared it has obtained credit data of 41.8 million individuals as of 30 June 2023. Visit www.creditinfo.gov.ph for the registration link to the webinar. The post Credit card literacy revs up as use rises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cash-out
Cashless transactions are now prevalent with the use of e-wallets on mobile phones and smart cards. But this proved to be challenging for an ANZ bank depositor in Brisbane, Australia when she needed money to renovate her house. Taryn Compton recently went to a local branch of the bank to withdraw A$3,500 but she forgot to bring her automated teller machine card. Compton decided to withdraw the amount from her account over the counter. Still, it was not possible. The teller told Compton that the bank was a cashless branch and the only way depositors could withdraw their money was through the ATM, 9 Now reported. The teller helped Compton download and install an app on her phone so she could transfer money from her bank account to her e-wallet without the need for an ATM card. This also didn’t work, however, leaving her with one last option. “The teller told me that if I wanted to get my cash out if I needed it that day, to transfer it to another bank and try somewhere else so that’s what I did,” she said, according to 9 Now. “If you can’t get your own money from a branch, what’s the point of a bank?” she exasperatedly asked. Meanwhile, a Filipino money collector was faced with a somewhat similar dilemma when he also could not get his cash. The collector was on a motorcycle on the Cebu South Coastal Road in Cebu City last 4 July heading to Mandaue City to remit the cash payments he had collected from kiosks at the South Road Properties when a motorist signaled to him that he had dropped something, the TV news show 24 Oras reported. On turning around, he was shocked to see money flying all over the road and people scrambling to pick up all that cash. He looked at his money bag and quickly realized that the money had flown out of it after the zipper broke. He then called the police for help in recovering the money. While he got back P2,083,000 on the spot, this was far less than the total he had collected that day which was about P4 million. The collector faced the prospect of having to replace the lost money himself. He then aired an appeal to the people who had snatched up some of the money he had dropped to return it. The post Cash-out appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
beep powers QR payment in LRT1, enhancing commuting experience
AF Payments, Inc., the operator of the beep card, is pleased to announce the successful launch of Maya’s and Light Rail Manila Corporation’s (LRMC) QR payment system in LRT1. This new and convenient payment option—which is enabled by beep’s technology—was warmly received by train commuters, who can now effortlessly purchase QR codes through their smartphones. “The overwhelming adoption of QR since the service’s launch demonstrates commuters’ willingness to embrace more diverse payment options that facilitate faster and more convenient commutes. Alongside the tap-in and tap-out functionality of beep cards, QR offers an excellent alternative to Single Journey Ticket users, allowing them to skip the lines and enjoy faster travel times. The core mission of AF Payments, Inc. is to provide commuters with convenient, fast, and secure payment solutions, transforming daily commuting into a more efficient, productive, and pleasant experience for everyone,” says JJ Moreno, the president & CEO of AF Payments, Inc. Making payments via QR is made incredibly simple by following these steps: 1. Open your Maya app and navigate to the Services section. 2. Select the LRT-1 tile under the Lifestyle category. 3. Choose your desired route (Northbound or Southbound) and set both the origin and destination. 4. Click on Pay Now. Your QR ticket will be instantly generated. 5. Scan your QR ticket using the turnstile QR scanners at LRT1 stations. LRT1 QR tickets, which will be valid for 24 hours, may be conveniently purchased through the Maya and LRMC’s ikotMNL apps, and eventually through the beep app. The LRT1 trains cater to passengers from Monumento to Baclaran. “Fast lane” turnstiles with QR readers are located in all LRT1 stops, including Balintawak and Roosevelt stations along EDSA. “AF Payments remains committed to providing innovative enabling technologies to projects that enhance the commuting experience of Filipinos. We strongly believe that Filipino commuters deserve nothing less than the best and latest micropayment solutions that cater to their evolving needs,” Mr. Moreno added. The recently launched QR ticketing setup at LRT1 was based primarily on the QR Code Application for Transport (QCAT) format, an open-source set of specifications and documents published by AFPI that defines a QR code-based ticketing system applied to different modes of transportation. QCAT defines the structure and format of the QR Code payload of a ticket. The QR ticket is generated and issued through a mobile-based application and is then scanned and validated as trip fare media or ticket. A backend repository captures these QR ticket transactions and are processed, cleared, and settled based on agreed business rules between the QR ticket issuer, acceptor, and transport operator. Before its introduction in the rail sector, QCAT was successfully applied in both bus transport (with the BGC Bus network in Taguig) and inter-island ferry terminals (with Topline Express Ferry in Cebu). These two transport use cases replaced the manually validated paper ticketing process to ensure quicker validation and a hassle-free commuting experience. With QR ticketing based on the QCAT format, passengers are given another cashless option for a fast, seamless, hassle-free, and convenient commuting experience. The post beep powers QR payment in LRT1, enhancing commuting experience appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu Province to launch Suroy-Suroy cards soon
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Travelling to different destinations in the province of Cebu will soon be cashless and automated as the Cebu Provincial Government is partnering with a private transportation company for a card that would be used as an automated form of payment at the North and South Bus Terminals. In a press […] The post Cebu Province to launch Suroy-Suroy cards soon appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Two Digital Advocates Give Fuel Discounts to Members
Puregold Price Club, Inc. has teamed up with Cleanfuel, the country’s fastest-growing independent fuel company, to deliver the new Fuel Saver Discount promo that allows great savings on your fuel purchases every time you gas up at a Cleanfuel station. Through the Fuel Saver Discount promo, qualified customers can get as much as P2.00 off per liter on Premium95 and Clean91 gasoline fuels and P1.00 offer per liter on diesel. The promo is exclusive only for Puregold’s Tindahan ni Aling Puring or Perks Card members. Puregold President Vincent Co shared that the partnership with Cleanfuel, apart from its innovative services which includes cashless transactions, will provide an additional value to its customers. “We are grateful to partner with Cleanfuel as we know that this is the best time to give our customers an opportunity to save on expenses especially on essential products such as fuel,” said Co. To be able to avail of the fuel discount, Tindahan ni Aling Puring and Perks Card members can get their discount coupons in all Puregold stores in Luzon. Simply surrender the discount coupons to any participating Cleanfuel station and start enjoying the massive discounts that the promo offers. The good news is—there is no minimum purchase required to avail of the promo. As long as you can provide your Fuel Saver Coupon, the promo’s per liter discount is yours for the taking. This means you can save up to P20.00 when you buy 10 liters of Premium95 and Clean91 gasoline fuels, and get P10.00 off on your purchase when you buy 10 liters of Diesel. Meanwhile, Atty. Bong Suntay, President of Cleanfuel Group of Companies, expresses his gratitude with the Puregold partnership. “We are very much excited with this partnership as we view this as a long term commitment with two formidable Filipino-owned companies joining together in bringing brand loyalty to its customer base.” Suntay explained that Puregold has been in the supermarket chain for over two decades operating online through the Puregold Mobile app and with more than 400 stores nationwide. “We are happy with the start of our partnership with Puregold with fuel discounts to their customers. This shows that Puregold and Cleanfuel truly care about their members.” The promo runs from October 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Per DTI Fair Trade No. FTEB-104671, Series of 2020......»»
Beep card and Internet woes
On the Beep card fiasco I spoke out recently on the chaos caused by the mandatory use of the “Beep card” for consumers riding the public buses under the “no-card no-ride”policy. It was as if the riding consumers were being required to purchase a Beep card at “gunpoint” or forget about riding the bus. This chaotic scenario could have been avoided had the regulators done its work mindfully by first consulting with the stakeholders (“who”), drafting the new policy (“what”) and once agreed upon, by ensuring wide dissemination of the changes – the Implementing Guidelines. Where did “complete staff work” go? Or are the consumers just being given an example of doublespeak? What happened this week was consumers were confronted with the “no- card no-ride”signs on the buses and were required to pay for a ride plus the cost of the card, something they did not need to do before. For those who did pay the extra cost, they then had to find out that the policy was “suspended,” although no refunds were being offered.There was also the spectacle of the agency head announcing that the cards were free, contradicting the policy his agency had just announced and implemented. The card providers then said they were not about to waive their right to be paid. In another statement, a regulator functionary reasoned that it had nothing to do with the fine print on the contract for the cards since they were only responsible for “policy.” This violates the consumer’s right to be informed. The agency should have studied the sector most affected by the shift to cashless transaction – the consumer who must rely on public transportation because he has no alternative and the same consumer who must make every peso count and who cannot afford any extra expense. This consumer deserves earnest and timely information from government on why he has to pay an additional amount and how it will benefit him, and for the consumers who did pay the additional cost of the card, they should enjoy a swift refund. The lesson that we consumers learned in the Beep card fiasco is always to be aware and conscious of our consumer rights and to speak up when these rights are threatened or belittled. We should always be vigilant consumers about our rights lest we find these rights trodden again. On Internet speed Like every other consumers, I have problems with Internet speed. I pay my bills and fees on time , however, I believe I should only pay for the speed that I receive and I did not think I was getting what I paid for under my plan. Therefore, I conducted my own speed test and sought redress from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). I was able to get a refund and am paying now for the plan that is nearest to the speed I am getting. Consumers should exercise their right to seek redress for bad Internet speed. Consumers should be reimbursed for speed that is not delivered. In this time of the pandemic, profiteering should not be tolerated in any form. I call upon the NTC to take the lead by issuing implementing guidelines on refund for both prepaid and postpaid plans. Consumers should also ask for faster response on consumer complaints. The complaints of Messrs. Foronda and Platon posted in the Laban Konsyumer emails should be resolved faster. Hopefully, the reported 1,171 new cell tower permits should alleviate consumer woes in the near future. In the meantime however, if you are not getting value for the service you paid for, your option is to downgrade your plan to correspond to the speed you are getting and claim a refund of excess fees paid. You can submit your complaint online at www.ntc.gov.ph. Atty. Vic Dimagiba is President of Laban Konsyumer Inc. Email: labankonsyumer@gmail.com.....»»
DOTr threatens to suspend Beep use if cards not given free
The Department of Transportation warned the consortium behind the Beep card cashless payment system that if the cards are not given for free to commuters, the use of the cards in the EDSA busway would be suspended......»»
LTFRB to release memo vs. Beep card charge
Transportation authorities are directing operators to stop charging commuters for the smart cards used to facilitate transactions – following the implementation of cashless fare payments among Metro Manila buses and public utility vehicles......»»
Workers group calls for Beep card refund after cashless policy takes effect
A labor group on Friday urged the transportation department to refund to commuters the cost of buying new Beep cards, as the agency's cashless transaction policy on buses and trains took effect yesterday. .....»»
MyBus goes cashless with MyBus Card starting October 1
CEBU, PHILIPPINES – In compliance with the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF), MyBus shall utilize MyBus Card as the sole payment mode for bus fare effective October 1, 2020 (Thursday) for Route 1 (SM City Cebu-Parkmall to SM Seaside City-Maritima), October 19, 2020 (Monday) for Route 2 […] The post MyBus goes cashless with MyBus Card starting October 1 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Grab releases digital-first GrabPay Card in Philippines, powered by Mastercard
Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading everyday super app, launches the GrabPay Card in the Philippines, a digital-first prepaid card powered by Mastercard that extends GrabPay’s reach globally with unparalleled card security, hassle-free online payments and expanded rewards ecosystem to bring the convenience of cashless payments to more Filipinos......»»
LTO: Paper-printed driver’s license ilisan na og plastic card
LTO: Paper-printed driver’s license ilisan na og plastic card.....»»
EDITORIAL - Finally, plastic license cards
It says a lot about the quality of governance and ease of doing business in this country that it takes forever just to obtain a plastic driver’s license card......»»
54 buses to offset LRT-1 shutdown for Cavite extension, Holy Week
The Department of Transportation will be deploying passenger buses starting Wednesday to offset the shutdown of LRT-1 operations during the Holy Week and in preparation for the opening of five new stations this year......»»
Vina Morales wants to do more theater after Broadway stint, plans moving to U.S.
Vina Morales shared that she’s currently working on her Green Card with sister Shaina Magdayao, which will enable them to live and work permanently in the US......»»
Pagasa debunks ‘three days of darkness’ hoax
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) dismissed claims that the Earth will experience three days of darkness due to passing the “Photon Belts” starting April 8 as false. The state weather and astronomy bureau said Friday there is no scientific evidence to support the claim. “DOST-PAGASA would like to.....»»
LTO-7 on high alert for Holy Week
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) is on high alert starting March 24 to 31, for the Holy Week. The LTO-7 announced their “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2024” in a press release last Friday. Director Glen Galario has instructed all LTO-7 district and extension offices.....»»
Cops on heightened alert, NLEX ready for Lenten break
Police units across the country are on heightened alert starting tomorrow, as part of security preparations for the safety of the public during the Holy Week break......»»