2 OWWA officers recalled to face probe

by Dennis Carcamo of Philstar

MANILA, Philippines - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has confirmed that two of its officials in Saudi Arabia were recalled for complaints filed against them by overseas Filipino workers, according to migrant workers' rights group said. Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said he received a reply via electronic mail from OWWA chief Carmelita Dimzon confirming that labor and welfare officers Allen Arroyo and Anuar Ampang, both based in Saudi Arabia, were ‘instructed to come home immediately to face’ the agency’s Administrative Complaints Committee (ACC). On July 18, the group asked the labor department and OWWA to probe Arroyo based on the complaint affidavit of Joel Lacanilao alleging that Arroyo ordered him to pay an amount of 7,000 Saudi rials to facilitate his immediate repatriation that never actually happened. Four days after, the group also asked the labor officials to investigate Ampang based on a complaint affidavit of Ronald Detanoy alleging that the welfare officer badmouthed him when he went to the OWWA office in Riyadh. "We shall instruct him (referring to welfare officer Ampang) to come home immediately to face our Administrative Complaints Committee," Dimzom said. Dimzon also confirmed that Arroyo "too has been recalled from his tour of duty." "We are expecting that these erring officials will be sanctioned and put under disciplinary action. We will continue our campaign against erring and inept officials abroad," Monterona said.

Pinay inmate, 22 OFWs repatriated from Kuwait

by Philstar

MANILA, Philippines- Overseas Filipino worker Minerva Tayag has been granted repatriation by the Kuwaiti government after serving more than five years in jail for murder charges, the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait reported Friday to the Foreign Affairs Department.

Tayag was granted repatriation along with 22 other OFWs with minor offenses who arrived last August 14.

"Through the constant requests of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait for Amiri Pardons of sentenced OFWS, OFW Tayag was one of the 20 fortunate Filipinos who were granted Amiri Pardon during the National Day of Kuwait in February 2012. Eighteen of those granted Amiri Pardon were already repatriated to the Philippines using airlines tickets that were also provided by the host government," DFA said.

Muammar Hassan and Musa Ibrahim from the Kuwaiti Assistance to Nationals office visited the repatriates before their flight. 

Bahrain Filipinos to provide flood relief

Bahrain's 45,000-strong Filipino community has been urged to donate blankets, new towels, beddings, water bottles and food to help nearly four million families affected by floods in Manila last week.

Torrential rains and floods caused by Typhoon Haikui submerged large parts of the capital and Luzon, killing 92 people. Drowning was the major cause of death with 66 reported cases, according to Philippines-based National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

It stated that the number of people affected rose to 3.45 million.

An advisory has been issued by the Philippines Embassy, which urged more than 45,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Bahrain to volunteer assistance and donations to help the "454,093 families or 1,953,481 people in Luzon who were affected by the disaster brought about by Southwest monsoon (Habagat) enhanced by TS Haikui," said Philippines Ambassador Corazon Yap-Bahjin.

She said the NDRRMC and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have not yet specified the types of donations needed.

"But priority items needed include new towels, face towels, blankets, and beddings. Labeling donated goods as 'assorted humanitarian goods' would facilitate its release upon arrival in the Philippines," added Yap-Bahijn.

"Donors may send ready-to-eat meals and bottled water."

However, donations of used clothing is being discouraged, according to DSWD regulation.

An Embassy spokesman said they have started receiving calls from Filipinos in Bahrain eager to donate and have released a list with details for cash donations.

Source: http://www.tradearabia.com/

Fil-Ams to hold global day of prayer for peace in West PH Sea

by Alvin Elchico, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - The US Pinoys for Good Governance and the Body of Christ in the Philippines calls on Filipinos to join the global day of prayer for justice and peace in the Scarborough Shoal and West Philippine Sea.

The event will be tomorrow, August 21, 3:30pm at the Rockwell Tent.

In a press conference, US Pinoys for Good Governance chairperson Loida Nicolas Lewis said if China has the power of enormous warship, the Philippines in turn has the power of worship.

Nicolas-Lewis asked the help of media to drum up support for the initiative to expose the bullying of China against the Philippines and other claimant countries.

When asked if the group is satisfied with how the Philippine government deals with the situation, Nicolas-Lewis says she fully supports the diplomatic and backchannel talks the government is employing in facing the problem.

She added the government is correct in stepping back and pushing for avenues of discussion rather than agitating China.

The group that faced the media also included Filipino-American blogger Vonz Santos, Bishop Chito Sanches of Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches and Vietnamese lawyer Hoi Trinh of the Vietnamese Overseas Initiative for Conscience Empowerment.

Nicolas-Lewis caught the ire of the Chinese government with her consistent campaign against Chinese bullying and asserting Philippine sovereignty on the disputed areas. It even came to a point that the Chinese called for a boycott of her businesses in China but Nicolas-Lewis said she had already sold all her ventures in China.

Before the question and answer portion, the group has offered a 1-minute prayer for Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, who is still missing after his plane crashed on Saturday.

Robredo's friend and former Isabela Gov Grace Padaca was supposed to be on the panel but was not able to make it.
 

OFW accuses labor office staff of pocketing money

ABS-CBNnews.com


...staff denies wrongdoing

AL KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia – A distressed overseas Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia accused a staff of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Eastern Region Operations (POLO-ERO) of pocketing money intended for his immediate repatriation.

In a sworn statement, Joel Lacanilao said POLO-ERO administrative staff Jack Arroyo ordered him to pay 10,000 Saudi riyals to allegedly facilitate his repatriation that, according to him, never happened.

The complaint reached the attention of Migrante Middle East chapter, which then issued a statement requesting the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to probe Arroyo.

But Arroyo belied the accusations hurled against him.

He explained Lacanilao’s employers were demanding the said amount as compensation for the recruitment cost they incurred in bringing the OFW to work in Saudi Arabia.

Arroyo added that Lacanilao’s Philippine recruitment agency shouldered 3,000 Saudi riyals and the OFW was able to produce the remaining 7,000.

The POLO-ERO staff stressed that he did not pocket the money. He added that he has proof - in the form of a receipt 0 that the employer received the full amount of payment.

However, Arroyo alleged that after the payment was made, the issuance of the exit visa was delayed due to an unscheduled two-week travel of Lacanilao’s employer to Dubai and United Arab Emirates.

This was further delayed when the company filed a case against the OFW for absconding and that prevented his employer from giving him his exit visa until after the case was settled.

When the case was finally settled, Lacanilao’s passport was immediately stamped with his exit visa.

According to Labor Attaché Adam Musa, the case no longer has its merit as the exit visa was already obtained and stamped on the OFW’s passport.

Musa also refuted that Arroyo was being recalled due to the case. He said Arroyo is really on his way home as his tour of duty has already ended in July and was already on extension.

ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau tried to get Migrante’s Eastern Region Coordinator, Jerry de Guzman, to further comment on the issue. But the officer maintained that everything is already in their press statement.

Families of OFWs affected by floods to get help from OWWA

MANILA, Philippines—Families of overseas Filipino workers affected by the recent floods spawned by the southwest monsoon will get assistance from the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA).

OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon told Radyo Inquirer 990 AM in an interview on Friday that relief teams from the agency will be visiting at least three areas to distribute relief goods to families of OFWs victimized by the floods.

Dimzon said these are Navotas in Metro Manila and Mabitac and Binan towns in Laguna.

She said these areas have been identified as those with heavy concentration of OFW families based on information given by the local government units and family circles of OFW families themselves.

The relief assistance will come in kind and include grocery packs, canned goods, brea, rice, and personal hygiene kits. Dimzon said they would conduct medical missions next to distribute medicines and conduct medical checkups on members of OFW families in the flood-hit areas.

She said cash assistance is also being considered and has been proposed to the OWWA board for action.

On OFWs in war-torn Syria, Dimzon said evacuation of Filipino workers there has been ongoing.

She said more than 2,000 OFWs have returned to the country, 79 others are scheduled for repatriation, and more than 1,000 OFWs are under negotiation to be turned over to the government’s rapid response team now in Syria.

Dimzon appealed anew to OFWs still holding out in Syria to heed the government’s call for them to get out of the troubled land and not wait for the situation to get so difficult for the rapid response team to get in.

POEA Issues Warning To Agencies Not Complying with Placement Fee Policies Read more: http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1796/POEA-Issues-Warning-To-Agencies-Not-Complying-with-Placement-Fee-Policies.html#ixzz23oG813rE

Hans Cacdac, the chief of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), issued a warning to licensed agencies that are charging excessive placement fees to their overseas applicants.

In an article that appeared in the POEAwebsite, Cacdac remindedrecruitment agenciesthat violation of policies surrounding collection of placement fees would cost them to lose their license.

The POEA chief also advises Filipino jobseekers that they would only be required to pay placement fees after signing an employment contract. It is also a must that applicants are issued an official receipt that states the total amountpaid.

Another advice of the POEA chief to jobseekers is to avoid licensed agencies that continue to disobey the rules in placement fee collection which is clearly defined in various promulgations.

According to DOLE Department Order No. 34, Series of 1996, POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 2, series of 1998, and POEAMemorandumCircular No. 14, Series of 1999 authorize arecruitmentagency to collect from its hired workers “an amount equivalent to one month salary, exclusive of documentation and processing costs”.

Section 2 b, Rule 1, Part 6 of the 2002 POEA Rules and Regulations prohibits “charging or accepting directly or indirectly any amount greater than that specified in thescheduleof allowable fees prescribed by the Secretary, or making a worker pay any amount greater than that actually received by him asa loanor advance.”

Cacdac also mentioned that it is totally prohibited to charge placement fees to Filipino household service workers, seafarers, and workers for deployment to countries that do not allow placement fee collection.

Charging placement fees from Filipino household service workers is prohibited under POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 6, Series of 2006.Section 2 c, Rule 1, Part 6 of the POEA Rules defines as arecruitmentviolation any act of“charging or collecting placement fee for deployment to countries where the prevailing system, either by law, policy or practice, do not allow the charging or collection of placement andrecruitmentfees”.

The POEA Rules also exempt seafarers from paying  placement fees. Countries likeUnited Kingdom,Ireland,Norway, and theNetherlandsdo not allow the collection of placement fee byrecruitment agenciesfrom foreign workers because theemployer is paying the cost of placement andrecruitmentservices.

The prohibition is also applicable to agencies that are deploying workers to theCanadaprovinces ofManitoba,Saskatchewan,Alberta, andBritish Columbia. Cacdac said that hiring of foreign workers in occupations that usually require a high school diploma or a maximum of 2 years of job-specific training (level Cand D) under the Pilot Project of the Government of Canada is also covered by the prohibition on collection of placement fee. Under the prevailing policy of theCanadagovernment, employers shall cover allrecruitmentcosts related to the hiring of foreign workers.

The ‘no placement fee’ policy also covers agencies deploying workers to theU.S.A.,includingGuam, Cacdac said.POEAMemorandumCircular No.10, Series of 2009 orders that licensedrecruitmentagencies recruiting Filipino workers under the H2B program for theUnited States, includingGuam,are strictly prohibited from charging any placement andrecruitmentfees from Filipino workers bound for these destinations.

TheUnited States’ Department ofHomeland Securityon 18 January 2009, hasimplemented regulatory changes to the H2B visa classification used for foreign workersseeking employmentin theUnited StatesandGuam. Under the new rules, the cost ofrecruitmentof these workers must be borne by employers and the charging or collection of placement fee by an employer, agent, facilitator,recruiteror similar employment service provider from workers under the H2B visa category or temporary skilled labor is illegal.Cacdac said violation of the "no placement fee" policy is a serious administrative offense with a penalty of cancellation of license under Section 1-A (5) of Rule IV, Part VI of the POEA Rules and Regulations Governing theRecruitmentand Employment of Land based Workers.

Cacdac further urged applicants to report to POEA anyrecruitmentagency that charges excessive placement fees or collect fees which are not sanctioned by other countries.

From: www.POEA.gov.ph

Read more:http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1796/POEA-Issues-Warning-To-Agencies-Not-Complying-with-Placement-Fee-Policies.html#ixzz23oG2wewx

Multiple Travel Exit Clearances Now Available for OFWs in Hong Kong Read more: http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1811/Multiple-Travel-Exit-Clearances-Now-Available-for-OFWs-in-Hong-Kong.html#ixzz23oFia7ju

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong whose job necessitates travel to and from thePhilippinesat least twice a year can now avail of Multiple Travel Exit Clearance or multiple-OEC (MTEC). This development would benefit Filipinos employed as pilots, cabin crew, seafarers and the like. The good news was announced by labor attaché, Manuel Roldan.

To be eligible for MTEC, the applicant’s visa should be valid for at least one year. An OFW can apply for a minimum of 2-multiple OECs, and each cost HKD20. From the date of issuance, the MTEC can be used for one year as long as the passport of the OFW has a validity of at least six months.

Read more:http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1811/Multiple-Travel-Exit-Clearances-Now-Available-for-OFWs-in-Hong-Kong.html#ixzz23oFfVo1u

Tropical Storm 'Helen' makes landfall, plows through northern, central Luzon

(Updated 5:30 a.m.) Tropical Storm 'Helen' made landfall in the town of Palanan in Isabela province early Wednesday and continued to bring moderate to heavy rain over much of Luzon, including as far south as Mindoro Island.

@01:00AM The center of Tropical Storm #Helen made landfall over Palanan, Isabela.
— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) August 14, 2012

As of 12:32AM: Moderate to Heavy rains over the vicinity of Occidental & Oriental Mindoro w/c may prevail for 3hrs.#mimaropa
— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) August 14, 2012

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Helen's heavy downpour is expected until at least just past 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Earlier, PAGASA administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando said in a news conference Tuesday evening that Helen will be moving towards Kalinga and Apayao after making landfall.

“Masungit ang panahon over northern Luzon mamayang gabi at magiging maulan at may bugso ng hangin in Central Luzon habang ang tropical storm ‘Helen’ ay moving towards the area,” Servando said.

Servando noted that the storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) through Ilocos Norte by Thursday.

He also warned of flashfloods and landslides in mountainous areas, as well as floods in low-lying areas.

Latest bulletin

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Helen has maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) and is forecast to move west northwest at 17 kph.

Helen is expected to be 110 kilometers west of Laoag City by Thursday evening.

Under Public Storm Signal No. 2 are Cagayan including Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands, Isabela, Northern Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Ilocos Sur, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, Abra and the Batanes group of islands.

Under Signal No. 1 are Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, La Union and the rest of Aurora.

Initial casualties

A man from Pangasinan was recorded as the first fatality of tropical cyclone "Helen" (Kai-Tak) while a fisherman from La Union was reported missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Tuesday.

The NDRRMC's 3 p.m. update identified the "casualty" as Armando Borbon, 37, of Sitio Pinalapa in Barangay Dumpay in Basista, Pangasinan.

"At about 8 a.m. (Monday), the victim experienced an epileptic seizure and fell in a flooded rice field," it said. A separate report by radio dzBB's Divine Caraecle said the seizure was fatal.

On the other hand, the NDRRMC identified the missing person as one Bonifacio Cabilan of San Fernando in La Union, who was aboard a motorized banca and failed to return home.

The NDRRMC also said a strong wind with rain damaged 15 houses in Sitio Lopez in Brgy. Cuto; Sitio Villasis in Brgy. Rizal and Brgy. Miligas in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur at 4 p.m. Monday.

"No evacuation was made because the affected families stayed with their relatives," the NDRRMC said.

7 dams open gates

As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, the NDRRMC said seven dams opened their gates. These include:

- Angat Dam, 3 gates

- Ipo Dam, 4 gates

- Ambuklao Dam, 1 gate

- Binga Dam, 3 gates

- San Roque Dam, 1 gate

- Magat Dam, 2 gates

- Bustos Dam, 1 gate

NDRRMC asks fishermen, north luzon travelers to delay trips

Disaster management officials on Tuesday appealed to fishermen in the eastern seaboard and to travelers in Northern Luzon to delay their trips amid the threat of heavy rain from tropical storm "Helen" (Kai-Tak).

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Benito Ramos also asked local officials to help the Coast Guard make sure fishermen do not sneak out to sea at this time.

"Alam kong mahal ang isda dahil kaunti ang nangingisda, at kung nakatsamba kayo mahal ang (huli ninyo). Pero kung kayo ang natsambahan kawawa ang pamilya ninyo (I know it is tempting to fish now because there are few fishermen now at sea, and if you chance on big fish like lapulapu, you could sell your catch at a high price. But if the rain or big waves get you by chance, your families will suffer)," Ramos said at a media  briefing, parts of which were aired on dzBB radio.

He said his appeal applied even to fishermen in Bicol, including Catanduanes and Camarines; as well as Real, Infanta and General Nakar in Quezon; as well as Aurora.

Residents in those areas should also keep watch against possible landslides as those sites are landslide-prone, he added.

North Luzon travelers

As for travelers in Northern Luzon, Ramos appealed to them to delay unnecessary travel at least until "Helen" leaves.

PAGASA earlier said Helen may make landfall on Cagayan on Wednesday and leave Philippine territory by Thursday.

Ramos said the land in many parts of Northern Luzon had been saturated, and may be prone to landslides.

He said these may include Hanselma Highway in Benguet; the road between Mountain Province and Ilocos Sur; and the Itogon Dalupirip Road between Baguio and Nueva Vizcaya.

"Yung mga lakad natin, umpisa ngayon hanggang bukas, huwag magbiyahe rito dahil sa possibility of landslide at flooding (If possible, don't travel along those roads Tuesday until at least Wednesday due to the possibility of landslides and flooding)," Ramos said.

Manila Bay area

After being forced to suspend embassy operations twice in the last two weeks due to bad weather conditions, US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. is hoping the new  tropical storm  will just pass by the country this time.

Thomas posted the comment on his Twitter account Tuesday afternoon, while looking out at the strong winds on Manila Bay.

"Looking out at the strong winds on the bay. Hoping the storms pass us by this time," he said. 

PAGASA earlier said "Helen" may bring heavy rain over Metro Manila and nearby provinces by enhancing the southwest monsoon.

The US Embassy along Roxas Boulevard had fallen victim to bad weather conditions in the last two weeks.

Last August 1, a monsoon surge flooded Roxas Boulevard, including the US Embassy. The embassy was forced to suspend operations.

One week later, heavy rain and floods brought by an enhanced monsoon also forced the US Embassy to suspend operations.

The embassy had initially planned to resume operations last Thursday but more heavy rain forced it to postpone its resumption of offices to Friday. — ELR, GMA News

Death toll from Philippines floods rises

A man stands in a flooded street in Bulacan, Philippines, on Tuesday, August 14, as more rain falls on the region. Flooding has affected more than 2.4 million people, officials say, as heavy rains and winds have lashed the Philippines in recent weeks.

(CNN) -- The death toll from floods in the Philippines soared to 85, authorities said Sunday, following days of torrential rainfall that has affected more than 2 million people.  Most of the deaths were from drowning and landslides associated with the week of flooding, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

Others died from electrocution or in landslides associated with the rain and floods.  Floods have affected more than 2.4 million people in 144 municipalities so far, officials said.

Manila starts to clean up after floods

More rain pours down on Manila

August is generally the wettest month of the year, and days of rain drenched have drenched the area.

It could take weeks for waters to recede in the lower-lying areas, forecasters said.

Heavy rains and winds have lashed the Philippines in recent weeks after Tropical Storm Saola plowed past it before hitting Taiwan and China recently. Flood waters have inundated various areas, including Manila and nearby provinces.

In December, Tropical Storm Washi left more than 1,200 people dead after it set off flash floods that swept away entire villages in the southern Philippines.

Heavy rains seen as 'Helen' makes landfall today

(The Philippine Star) Updated August 15, 2012 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The state weather bureau yesterday advised the public in Northern Luzon to brace for heavy rains and strong winds as tropical storm “Helen” is expected to make landfall in Cagayan this morning.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), reported that Helen has already claimed one life after a man drowned in Pangasinan.
As of 5 p.m. yesterday, storm warning signal number 2 was raised over Cagayan, including the Calayan and Babuyan group of islands, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, Abra and the Batanes group of islands.
Signal no. 1 was up in Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Benguet, Mt. Province, La Union and Ilocos Sur.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather division chief Robert Sawi said stormy weather – heavy rains and gusty winds – was expected over Northern Luzon last night.
As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the center of Helen was spotted at 230 kilometers east southeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan with maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph.
Helen was forecast to move northwest at 13 kph and is expected to bring 20 to 35 mm per hour of rain within its 500-km radius.
“It was moving almost westward and is expected to hit Cagayan area Wednesday morning,” Sawi said in a press briefing earlier in the day.

PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez said a high-pressure area north of the country was preventing Helen from moving northward.
“Once the high pressure area moves, Helen will move northward,” Perez told reporters.
Sawi said Helen has slightly intensified yesterday. However, it has a slim chance of intensifying into a typhoon, he said.
PAGASA also issued a Yellow Warning Signal at 6 p.m. yesterday even as moderate to heavy rains is expected to prevail over Metro Manila, which is likely to continue for the next three hours.
The agency also warned of possible flooding in low-lying areas and areas located near rivers and creeks.
People are advised to monitor the weather condition and be alert for the next warnings.
Meanwhile, six major dams in Luzon continued to release water yesterday in anticipation of the rains to be brought by the weatherdisturbance.
As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Angat and Ipo dams in Bulacan have opened three and four gates, respectively.
According to a report, the water released last Monday afternoon has already reached the still-flooded towns of Calumpit and Hagonoy early Tuesday morning. The latest water discharge from the two dams will reach Calumpit and Hagonoy within nine hours, the report said.
The dams in Ambuklao and Binga in Benguet, on the other hand, have opened one and three gates, respectively.
The Magat dam in Isabela has also opened two gates.
“So far there were no reports of flooding due to the release of water of dams,” NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos said.
Ramos also warned fishermen in Northern Luzon and Bicol not to venture into the sea due to big waves brought by the storm.
“I request all mayors and barangay captains to help us in controlling the fishermen in their areas,” he said.
Ramos also advised people who are planning to travel to Cagayan – particularly the northern portion of the province – to postpone their travel due to threats of landslides.
Sawi said Helen will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring rains over Luzon and the Visayas, particularly the western section.
He said rains are expected over the western section of Central and Southern Luzon, including Mindoro, Bataan Batanga, Zambales, Ilocos region, La Union and some parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Helen is predicted to be 180 km north of Tuguegarao City or 70 km north of Aparri, Cagayan this afternoon and 380 km northwest of Aparri or 300 km west northwest of Basco, Batanes by tomorrow afternoon.
By Thursday morning Helen is expected to move south of Taiwan and leave the Philippine area of responsibility in the evening.
The expected weather condition has moved Cebu Pacific to cancel their six flights from Manila to Caticlan and two flights from Manila to Tuguegarao.
Airphil Express also cancelled their nine flights from Manila to Caticlan.

PNP, AFP on standby

NDRRMC reported that Armando Borbon, 37, died of drowning in Pangasinan last Monday after falling in a flooded rice field.
The victim reportedly experienced epileptic seizure before the incident happened.
One person was reported missing in San Fernando, La Union.
NDRRMC said Bonifacio Cabilan went fishing in the coastal waters of barangay Carlatan last Monday but failed to return home.
The agency has been placed on red alert and is continuously monitoring the situation in areas that lie along the expected path of the storm. It has also ordered its regional units to undertake precautionary measures and to initiate preemptive evacuation of residents in low-lying and mountainous areas if needed.
“Fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised not to venture out into the seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas,” NDRRMC said.
The military has alerted its field units and has pre-positioned some of its assets for possible rescue operations.
The Army’s 902nd Infantry Brigade in Bicol has pre-positioned three disaster response task units and 16 military trucks.
The Air Force tactical Operations Group 5 has also readied a disaster response unit composed of seven enlisted personnel and a carrier truck.
The Air Force Tactical Operations Group and the Philippine Military Academy Disaster Response Task Group have been placed on alert.
NDRRMC said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has also activated its disaster response plan “Oplan Saklolo” to respond to affected residents.
Police personnel in Bicol have placed on standby two teams, one truck and two patrol cars for possible deployment.

Calamity loans

Meanwhile, the Social Security System (SSS) is offering a calamity package to help members cope with losses brought about by heavy rains and flooding.
The package offers early release of pensions, eased-down loan terms, and an extended payment period.
SSS president and chief executive officer Emilio de Quiros Jr. said the package covers members in calamity areas officially declared by the NDRRMC.
These areas include the cities and municipalities in the National Capital Region; Bataan, Pampanga, Zambales and Bulacan in Region III; Laguna in Region IV-A; Culion, El Nido and Linacapan in Palawan in Region IV-B; and other areas which may be declared by the NDRRMC.
The package includes a three-month advance in pensions for pensioners residing in declared calamity areas.
Those who apply on or before Aug. 31, 2012 will get their October, November and December pensions, while those who apply after Aug. 31 until Sept. 30, 2012, will receive their November, December and January 2013 pensions.
Applicants must submit a certification of residence coming from their barangay chairman.
Retirement, disability and survivor pensioners who applied for advance release of pensions will get their pensions through checks. However, the 13th month pension will still be given in December.
Employed, self-employed and voluntary members affected by the floods can apply for an SSS Salary Loan, as long as they have at least 36 months’ contributions, including six monthly premiums paid within the twelve-month period prior to loan application.
Members with at least 72 months contributions are eligible for the two-month salary loan.
For those with existing salary loans, the SSS opened the Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP) to enable members to renew their loan ahead of the prescribed two-year period.
The SLERP is open for application until Sept. 30.
“The sanctions imposed under the current Loan Penalty Condonation Program will be lifted and the loan’s service fee of one percent will be waived,” the SSS chief executive pointed out.
The interest rates of the Direct House Repair and Improvement Loans was lowered by two percentage points, which is applicable for members whose homes were damaged by the floods.
Under the calamity relief package, the applicable interest rate will be six percent per annum for loans of P400,000 and below, and seven percent for loans over P400,000 up to P1 million.
“Since it takes time to put together the required documents, members have until June 30, 2013 to avail of the Direct House Repair Loan,” he added.
The government pension fund also extended the payment deadline to Aug. 15 for members in affected areas whose cut-off date for contributions and loan amortizations falls within Aug. 7 to 14.
The extended deadline applies to all members whose 10-digit SS number ends with “1” or “2.” – Alexis Romero, Ted Torres, Ric Sapnu, Rudy Santos, Ed Amoroso, Ding Cervantes, Raymund Catindig

Life insurance 101: money when you need it most

This is a feature by Pru Life UK on why overseas Filipinos should invest in life insurance.

MANILA, Philippines - Life insurance is a basic need and a good lifetime financial partner.

This is a truth that most Filipinos, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), are still just beginning to learn, understand, and appreciate.

In other countries, life insurance is a financial requirement. In the Philippines, only a small portion of the population is insured, and most of those who are insured are actually underinsured, and their coverage is not enough to meet their future financial needs.

What is life insurance? Simply put, life insurance is your and your family’s back up funding source when you need it most – when there’s an accident, or critical illness or death in the family. And these days, life insurance is also your partner in building and managing your wealth.

Life insurance has also increasingly evolved – from a product that speaks of death and proceeds to one that has the capability to grow your nest egg and enable you to enjoy your retirement years.

Traditional life insurance defined

"Traditional life insurance is the classic insurance product, where the owner of the policy regularly pays premiums for a defined number of years in exchange for a specified amount of insurance coverage for himself or another person, usually a member of the family. In case of the death of the person insured, the life insurance company pays a specified sum to the chosen beneficiary," said Pru Life UK Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Belle S. Tiongco

Pru Life UK Market Research and Product Development Manager Tennyson Paras further explained, "Premiums are pooled into a life fund being regulated by the Insurance Commission, and the fund is managed to produce a steady return that smooths out market fluctuations and ensures payment to beneficiaries when the time comes."

Investment-linked life insurance: grow your money, too

In 2002, Pru Life UK pioneered the sale of investment-linked life insurance products in the country, making life insurance more appealing to Filipinos looking for products that could help build their wealth while at the same time financially protect them and their loved ones from unforeseen situations such as death, accident and critical illness in the family.

This two-in-one life insurance and investment hybrid changed the landscape of the local life insurance industry. “These are more known as unit-linked or UL products. While coverage is basically the same as that of traditional life, unit-linked products give the policyholder control over where his premiums are to be invested. The policyholder likewise carries the ‘risk’ of the investments. This is a feature not usually found in traditional life policies,” said Tiongco.

According to Paras, this is now the preferred product of the company’s clientele. “Pru Life UK is considered the expert in unit-linked products in the country, and we can say that more than half of our sales are already from unit-linked products.”

Protection or wealth accummulation

What are the benefits and advantages of traditional and unit-linked life insurance products?

It will all boil down to the extensiveness of the protection and savings that a client prefers, said Tiongco.

"Traditional life products are easy to understand and due to their guaranteed nature, are very reliable ‘protection’ products. Unit-linked policies can be treated as ‘wealth accumulation’ products because policyholders can take advantage of the ‘investment’ opportunities which are very well-managed and are also very reliable."

Paras also highlighted, “Unit-linked products are very flexible and provide the transparency when it comes to charges. It also offers far more choices in terms of the type of investment funds.”

Do OFWs need life insurance?

Both Tiongco and Paras offer the same answer: a quick, resounding YES.

Tiongco emphasized that the main difference between Filipinos and foreigners is that foreigners see life insurance as a basic need while Filipinos see it as a “good to have”. "We must start to recognize that life insurance is a basic need. Insurance coverage is part of financial planning."

"OFWs must learn – and this is a must, I believe – financial planning. They have put so much on the line to earn money, sacrificing being away from the family for extended periods,to provide adequate funds and resources for them. It is only right that these sacrifices pay off. How to manage the money they earn is a skill that OFWs should master, especially since their conditions are different from ordinary breadwinners," she said.

Paras likewise explained that the lukewarm attitude Filipinos have towards life insurance is partly an off-shoot of the collapse of the pre-need industry, which brought a negative perception on the life insurance industry as well. "Most Filipinos do not differentiate between pre-need and life insurance products due to some similarities of the two. Pre-need and life insurance are two uniquely different products."

There are many ways to get coverage here and abroad, according to Tiongco. “My suggestion is to get a life insurance plan even before you leave the country. Update and upgrade your coverage every time you are in town. While you’re abroad, make sure that you have access to accident and health insurance, at the very least. “

“Investing abroad may require a lot more education, but investing locally is something one can do very easily,” she added.

Paras also shared, “Most insurance companies, including Pru Life UK, have developed products that are relevant to the different needs of Filipino families. We have different solutions for each market segment.”

Insurance is all about having money when you need it the most, said Tiongco. “The important thing is to ensure that whatever happens to you, your family must be able to continue to survive financially. Life insurance, in its many forms, can fulfill that.”

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Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc, a United Kingdom-registered company. Pru Life UK and Prudential plc are not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc. (a US-registered company), Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company, Prudentialife Plans, Inc. or Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc. (all Philippine-registered companies).

Pru Life UK is a life insurance company and is not engaged in the business of selling pre-need plans.

Pru Life UK is a member of the Philippine Life Insurance Association.