AMERICAN LEGION POST 123                                                  (045) 625-5584/ 458-0159

AMERICAN LEGION POST 10                                                    (045) 322-1950

AMERICAN LEGION SUBIC                                                        (047) 222-2074

CEBU CONSULAR AGENT                                                         (032) 231-1211      FAX:   (032) 231-0174

DAV, ANGELES CITY                                                                  09219975956 Email: dav_chapter3@yahoo.com

DEERS CONFIRMATION                                                             001-800-538-9552

DFAS FOR ANNUITANT PAY                                                     001-800-321-1080/001-216-522-5955 FAX 001-800-982-8459

DFAS FOR MILITARY RETIRESS                                                001-800-321-1080/001-216-522-5955 FAX  001-800-469-6559

FPO MAILROOM                                                                         (045) 892-0817/ 0962 064 6759 CALLS ONLY

FPO MAILROOM                                                                         (VFW) 0915 965 0847  (CALLS ONLY)

JUSMAG ID CARD/DEERS SECTION, U.S. EMBASSY              (02) 5301-2493 / 2494

PASSPORT RENEWAL BY COURIER                                          (02) 879-4747

PHILIPPINE EMERGENCY HOTLINE                                           117

PI IMMIGRATIONS, MANILA / ANGELES MARQUEE MALL      (02) 527-3260/3248/5657 / (045) 404-0215

SOCIAL SECURITY                                                                       FAX (02) 708-9723/708-9714

TRICARE CLAIMS/VIA FAX                                                          FAX 1-608-301-2251  FOLLOW UP 1-608-301-2250

VA FAX REGIONAL OFFICE                                                        FAX (02) 8 550-3945 / (02) 8 550-3944

VA TEL REGIONAL OFFICE                                                        TOLL FREE 1-800-1888-5252

VFW ROBERT W. ZAHER POST 2485                                        (045) 321-0083 www.vfwpost2485.org Email: post2485vfw@yahoo.com

VA CLINIC, MANILA                                                                     (02) 8550-3888 OR TOLL FREE 1-800-1888-8782

U.S. EMBASSY, MANILA SWITCHBOARD                                  (02) 8301-2000 E-MAIL ACSInfo manila@state.gov

FUNERAL HOMES - ANGELES CITY:

                                     ANGELINA                                               (045) 322-4920/888-9469

                                     INDIONGCO                                            (045) 888-0750/322-8541

                                     LA PIETA                                                  (045) 888-0465/8555

TRAVEL AGENCIES - ANGELES CITY:

ANGELES INT'L TRAVEL AGENCY                                             (045) 322-5929/888-2175

SWAGMAN                                                                                   (045) 892-0378

SACRED HEART MEDICAL CENTER (TRICARE)                        (045) 624-5606

AUF MEDICAL CENTER (TRICARE)                                            (045) 625-2999

CLARK CEMETERY                                                                      0906-171-1480

THE MEDICAL CITY CLARK                                                        (045)-300-8888 (FOR EMERGENCY/CONTACT IN.

 

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: WE WILL BE CLOSED ON DEC. 23,24, AND 25 FOR CHRISTMAS AND ON 30,31 AND 01 JAN FOR NEW YEARS… HOPE ALL HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY…

 

INTERNET GENERATION: WE REALIZE THAT THOSE LIKE ME THAT DID NOT GROW UP WITH A LAPTOP/CP ARE GENERALLY NOT COMPUTER SMART AND THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU… WE EVEN HAVE TO USE THE INTERNET TO RENEW OUR MAIL IN PASSPORTS, ACCESS TRICARE INFORMATION OR EVEN GET OUR DFAS PAY UPDATES… DOES NOT SEEM QUITE FAIR TO US OLD TIMERS; HOWEVER, THAT IS WHAT THEY CALL PROGRESS… IN A NUT SHELL, IF YOU ARE HAVING COMPUTER ACCESS PROBLEMS, SEE US…

 

HAVING TRICARE AND OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE PROBLEM?: THIS CAN BE CORRECTED BY GOOGLING HOW DO I ADD OR DELETE MY OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION (WEB: https://tricare.mil/FAQs/General/GEN_OHI_Add-Delete) THIS REFERENCE WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS  AND IF YOU STILL HAVE PROBLEMS, VISIT OUR RAO…

 

DEFENSE ENROLLMENTS ELIGIBILITY REPORTING SYSTEM (DEERS UPDATES): IF YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR DEERS INFORMATION, GOOGLE DEFENSE ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY REPORTING SYSTEM (WEB: https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility/DEERS) AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS… IF YOU STILL HAVE PROBLEMS, SEE US AT THE RAO…

 

COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE(COLA) FOR 2025: THE COLA FOR DFAS/SSA/VA WILL BE 2.5% FOR 2025… ENJOY YOUR PAY INCREASE…

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U.S. EMBASSY ACS AND VA REMOTE (OUTREACH) 11 SEP 2024: WE HAD OUR SECOND OUTREACH THIS YEAR BY THE U.S. EMBASSY ON 11 SEP 2024 AND AS USUAL WE HAD  A HUGH TURN-OUT… THIS IS  A VERY IMPORTANT PROGRAM FOR OUR AMERICAN COMMUNITY AND ELIMINATES A TIRESOME TRIP VIA MANILA TRAFFIC… WE ANTICIPATE ONE MORE OUTREACH  THIS YEAR AND WILL NOTIFY YOU VIA OUR RAO UPDATE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM…

 

TRICARE OVERSEAS:  WE HAVE GOOD MEDICAL SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR OUR TRICARE MEMBERS; HOWEVER, YOU MUST BE REGISTERED IN TRICARE SELECT OR HAVE MEDICARE PART B TO RECEIVE THESE BENEFITS… IF YOU DO NOT HAVE  TRICARE SELECT OR MEDICARE PART B YOU ARE ONLY ALLOWED FREE MEDICAL CARE AT U.S. MILITARY HOSPITALS… SEE US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS…

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FPO MAIL/PACKAGE DAMAGE: SOMETIME FPO MAIL/PACKAGE WILL GET LOST/DAMAGED DURING SHIPMENT AND USPS ALLOWS YOU TO FILE A CLAIM FOR THE DAMAGED/MISSING CONTENTS… GOOGLE USPS CLAIM AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS… USUALLY MAIL AND PACKAGES ARE RECEIVED INTACT AND ON TIME WITHOUT PROBLEMS; HOWEVER, NOTHING IS PERFECT THEREFORE USPS HAVE TAKEN THIS INTO CONSIDERATION WITH THEIR CLAIM PROCESS…

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U.S ARMY RECRUITERS VISIT: THE U.S ARMY RECRUITERS VISITED US ON 19 NOV 2024 AND WE GAVE THEM SEVERAL POTENTIAL RECRUITS… THEY PLAN TO VISIT US AGAIN ABOUT 3 MONTHS AND IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE U.S. ARMY TEAM, REGISTER WITH US BEFORE THE NEXT VISIT… SUGGEST YOU REVIEW THE ASVAV PRACTICE TEST ON-LINE PRIOR TO THEIR VISIT…

U.S.AIR FORCE RECRUITERS VISIT: THE U.S. AIR FORCE RECRUITERS VISITED US ON JUN 26 AND WE PROVIDED THE WITH SEVERAL POTENTIAL RECRUITS… THEY PLAN TO RETURN ABOUT EVERY 3 MONTHS AND IF INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF THE AIR FORCE TEAM, COME BY OUR OFFICE AND REGISTER FOR THEIR NEXT VISIT…

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VOLUNTEER TAX SERVICE AT OUR RAO: U.S. FEDERAL TAX SEASON IS OVER; HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE LATE OR NEED HELP, OUR VOLUNTEER TAX REPRESENTIVE WILL BE AT OUR RAO/FPO CONFERENCE ROOM EVERY OTHER THURSDAY EACH MONTH FROM 930-1200HRS...

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NAVSUP HQ POSTAL INSPECTION VISIT: POSTAL INSPECTOR FROM HQ NAVSUP VISITED OUR FPO ON JUNE 20, 2024 AND WERE VERY PLEASED WITH  OUR SUPPORT  AND MAIL PROCESSING PROCEDURES... WE RECEIVE REGULAR SCHEDULED POSTAL INSPECTOR VISITS AND APPRECIATE THEIR INTEREST IN THIS VERY IMPORTANT RETIREE BENIFIT...

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TRICARE AND FMP (FOREIGN MEDICAL PROGRAM) HOSPITALS IN ANGELES CITY: SOMETIMES OUR PREFERRED TRICARE HOSPITAL(S) WILL DISCONTINUE ACCEPTING TRICARE IF THEY DO NOT RECEIVE REINBURSEMENT ON TIME: HOWEVER,HQ POSTAL INSPECTION VISITWE ARE LUCKY WE HAVE TWO PREFERRED HOSPITALS (AUFMC AND CLARK MEDICAL CENTER)… IF ONE IS NOT ACCEPTING TRICARE, TRY THE OTHER… IF BOTH ARE NOT ACCEPTING TRICARE, YOU HAVE THE OPTION OF USING ONE OF THEM OR A CERTIFIED HOSPITAL AND WE WILL HELP YOU FILE YOUR CLAIM…

THE SAME APPLIES TOP FMP CUSTOMERS… AT PRESENT WE HAVE MEDICAL CENTER CLARK AND SACRED HEART THAT NORMALLY ACCEPT FMP AND WILL BILL FOR YOU; HOWEVER, IF THEY ARE NOT BEING PAID ON TIME, THEY ALSO MAY DISCONTINUE PROVIDING THAT SERVICE… IN THAT CASE, YOU HAVE THE OPTION OF USING ANY CLINIC/HOSPITAL AND WE WILL HELP YOU WITH FILING CLAIMS…

 

NAVY RECRUITER VISIT: THE U.S. NAVY RECRUITERS FROM GUAM VISITED US DURING APRIL AND WE GAVE THEM SEVERAL POTENTIAL RECRUITS… STATED THEY PLAN A TRIP AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE AND ALL THAT DESIRE TO JOIN THE MILITARY SERVICE SHOULD REVIEW THE ASVAV ON LINE, BE READY FOR THE NEXT VISIT AND ADVISE US WITH YOUR CONTACT INFO…

 

U.S. EMBASSY FPO INSPECTION: THE POSTAL INSPECTORS VISITED OUR SATELLITE FPO DURING APRIL AND WE RECEIVE AN EXCELLENT RATING… OUR AIM IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE BEST FPO SERVICE POSSIBLE WITH THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE…

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SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENT LATE?:  IF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS ARE OVER A MONTH OVERDUE, CHANCES ARE SSA DID NOT RECEIVE YOUR ANNUAL REPORT( SSA FORM 7162)  THEY SENT YOU TO COMPLETE AND RETURN… IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU, THE BEST AND FASTEST WAY TO FIX IS TO CONTACT SOCIAL SECURITY, MANILA VIA E-MAIL FBU. Manila@ssa.gov OR SEE US FOR THE ANNUAL  REPORT FORM AND INSTRUCTIONS…

 

UPDATING YOUR DEERS CONTACT INFORMATION:  FAMILY MEMBERS CAN UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION AFTER THEY’RE REGISTERED IN DEERS. LOG INTO milCONNECT OR CALL 1-800-538-9552 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-363-2883) OR FAX UPDATES TO 1-800-336-4416 (PRIMARY) OR 1-502-335-9980 (ALTERNATE) OR MAIL UPDATES TO DEFENSE MANPOWER DATA CENTER SUPPORT OFFICE ATTN: COA 400 GIGLING ROAD SEADIDE, CA 93955-6771…

NOTE: ADDRESSES MUST BE A PHYSICAL ADDRESS; P.O BOXES CAN’T BE USED…

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HANDY U.S. EMBASSY CONTACT DATA: IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY REACHING THE U.S. EMBASSY, MANILA FOR U.S. CITIZEN SERVICES, SOCIAL SECURITY, VA OR JUSMAG MIL ID SERVICES, THE HAND REFERENCE LISTED BELOW WILL BE HELPFUL:    

                                                          

                                                              U.S EMBASSY MANILA  CONTACT # (02) 5 301 2000 PRESS 0

_ ASK FOR (ACS) AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES

EMAIL ADD: ACSINFOMANILA@STATE.GOV

 

_ASK FOR SOCIAL SECURITY

Call between 8:00-11:00am

Tuesday and Thursday ONLY

EMAIL ADD:

FBU.Manila@ssa.gov

CONTACT#: +632 5301 6200 / (02) 5301-6200

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_VA TOLL FREE, MANILA

   1-8000-1888-5252

  OTHER TEL# (02) 8 550-3888

 

_JUSMAG MIL ID APPOINTMENT

  REF. WEB: https;//ph.usembassy.gov/dod-id-card/

_FOR MAIL-IN, SEE VANGIE / TINA AT RAO…

 

SURVIVORS BENEFIT (SBP) OPEN SEASON:   IT'S OPEN SEASON TO OPT IN/OUT OF THE DOD SURVIVORS BENEFIT PROGRAM...GOOGLE USAF AFTERBURNER 2023 ISSUE FOR INSTRUCTIONS... THE AFTERBURNER GIVES STEP BY STEP PROCEDURES FOR ENROLLMENT/DISENROLLMENT. SHOULD RESEARCH THE COST FACTOR IF YOU DECIDE TO ENROLL... ADDED 04 OCT 2023 PER MILITARY.COM HEADLINE NEWS ARTICLE: LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) SHOULD ARRIVE AT DFAS NOT LATER THAN 01 NOV 2023 OR THEY MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME TO MEET THE 31 DEC 2023 CUTOFF DATE TO ADD/DELETE YOUR SBP CHANGE...

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ADULT PASSPORT RENEWAL (DS FORM 82) AT U.S. EMBASSY MANILA: THIS IS A VERY SIMPLE PROCESS WITHOUT GOING TO U.S. EMBASSY OR ATTENDING AN OUTREACH… ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS GOOGLE U.S. CITIZEN SERVICE, MANILA AND THEIR WEB SITE WILL APPEAR WITH COMPLETE MAIL IN INSTRUCTIONS… IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM, VISIT OUR OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE… NOTE: DS 11 PASSPORT APPLICANTS MUST PROCESS THEIR APPLICATION IN PERSON WITH A U.S. EMBASSY REP… BEST TO APPLY AT THE NEXT EMBASSY OUTREACH FOR THIS SERVICE…

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RAO INTERNET PROVIDERS: WE HAVE TWO INTERNET PROVIDERS: rao_cabr@mozcom.com IS PROVIDED BY CONVERGE AND rao_ac@ymail.com and raoclark21@gmail.com IS PROVIDED BY PLDT… IF YOU ARE SENDING E-MAIL AND DO NOT GET A REPLY WITHIN 3 WORKING DAYS, SWITCH TO THE OTHER PROVIDER… AT TIMES SERVICES ARE OUT FOR A WEEK OR MORE AT A TIME BUT USUALLY NOT BOTH AT THE SAME TIME…

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A BIT OF HISTORY: CLARK AIR BASE CLOSED 33 YEARS AGO (NOV 1991) AND WE MOVED OUR RAO FROM CLARK TO OUR PRESENT LOCATION AND HAVE CONTINUED TO SERVE YOU WITH MOST OF THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY CLARK PREVIOUSLY AND ADDED NEW ONES… JUST REMEMBER, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE AND DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO, SEE US… WE ARE AN OFFICIAL USAF RAO THAT PROVIDES SERVICES TO ALL BRANCHES OF SERVICE PLUS THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY/DEPENDENTS…

   

FREE SHIPPING OF AMAZON ORDERS TO THE PHILIPPINES: AMAZON ANNOUNCED THIS MONTH THAT THEY WILL SHIP FREE TO THE PHILIPPINES MOST OF THEIR ITEMS (OVER $49.00)… CHECKOUT CART ON AMAZON WILL REFLECT FREE SHIPPING DATA… IF YOU USE AMAZON, BEST TO USE YOUR HOME ADDRESS AS THERE MAY BE PHILIPPINE CUSTOMS FEES… NOTICED ON PHILIPPINES NEWS THEY WERE USING A LOCAL COURIER FOR DELIVER SERVICE. ENJOY YOUR STATESIDE SHOPPING...

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ANGELES CITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE CONTACT DATA: ANGELES CITY HAS ESTABLISHED A 10-15 MINUTES HOTLINE TIME FOR ANY EMERGENCIES ON A 24/7 BASIS… CALL 0917-851-9581 OR 0998-842-7746 FOR THIS SERVICE…

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PHONE NUMBERS AT RAO:  BEING THAT OUR LAND LINES ARE OUT SO MUCH, WE HAVE ADDED A SMART CELPHONE TO OUR CONTACT NUMBERS +63 949 503 7332… PLEASE CALL DURING OFFICE HOURS OR LEAVE A TEXT…

 

TRICARE HOSPITALS IN THE PHILIPPINES: WE HAVE TWO CATEGORIES OF HOSPITAL FOR TRICARE PATIENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES: ONE IS PREFERRED AND THE OTHER IS CERTIFIED…  PREFERRED HOSPITAL REQUIRE YOU TO PAY 25% OF YOUR BILL UNTIL YOU MEET THE CATASTROPHIC CAP AND THEY SUBMIT THE CLAIM. TO BE CONSIDERED A HOSPITAL PATIENT, YOU MUST BE CONFINED OVER 24HOURS… CERTIFIED HOSPITALS USUALLY REQUIRE YOU TO PAY UPFRONT AND SUBMIT YOUR OWN CLAIM… WE CAN HELP WITH THAT… FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT, TRICARE USUALLY ALLOWS YOU TO USE THE CLOSEST HOSPITAL; HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD GET A STATEMENT FROM THE HOSPITAL CERTIFYING YOUR ADMISSION WAS AN EMERGENCY…

 

IRS CERTIFYING AGENT FOR ITIN'S: WE ARE THE IRS CERTIFYING AGENT FOR THE PHILIPPINES AND CAN PROCESS YOUR ITIN REQUIREMENTS… THERE ARE SEVERAL CATEGORIES OF ITIN’S BUT ALL MUST BE FOR TAX PURPOSES… THE MOST COMMON IS FOR A JOINT TAX RETURNS; REQUIREMENTS ARE: ITIN APPLICANT MUST APPEAR IN PERSON, MUST HAVE A MARRIAGE LICENSE/ CONTRACT OF MARRIAGE, HAVE A CURRENT PASSPORT (APPLICANT) IF NO PASSPORT, TWO OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS! NATIONAL ID CARD/CURRENT DRIVERS LICENSE/MILITARY ID CARD/VOTERS ID ARE ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTS… PROVIDE AN UNFILED IRS 1040/1040X… NOTE: SPOUSE NAME ON 1040 MUST BE SAME AS ON SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (PASSPORT/OTHER) AND CAN USE THE MARRIED OR SINGLE NAME… WE WILL PREPARE ALL THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS ATTACH YOUR TAX RETURN AND SEND TO IRS VIA PRIORITY MAIL… DURING COVID, IT TAKES AROUND 3 MONTHS TO PROCESS… IF YOU ARE EXPECTING A REFUND, IT WILL GO TO THE ADDRESS/BANK LISTED ON YOUR IRS FORM 1040… IRS WILL MAIL APPLICANT AND US A COPY OF THE ITIN… USUALLY WE RECEIVE OUR COPY FIRST AND WILL NOTIFY YOU UPON RECEIPT… WE PROCESS ITIN APPLICATION BETWEEN 1000 -1300HRS M-F EXCEPT HOLIDAYS… IF ANY QUESTIONS CALL (045) 888-2748 OR 09495037332 AND ASK TO SPEAK TO AN ITIN REPRESENTATIVE…

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FREE EYE GLASSES FOR MILITARY RETIREES: REFERENCE WEB: https://www.med.navy.mil/Naval-Medical-Readiness-Logistics-Command/Naval-Ophthalmic-Support-and-Training-Activity/How-to-Order-Retiree/ FOR ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS… INSTRUCTIONS ALSO POSTED ON THE RAO GATE BULLETIN BOARD. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO ORDERS VIA MAIL/FAX/E-MAIL…

 

FOR SALE BULLETIN BOARD AT OUR FPO: IF YOU HAVE PROPERTY, CARS, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, ETC FOR SALE, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO POST ON OUR BULLETIN BOARD… WE WOULD LIKE TO KEEP THE FOR SALE NOTICES CURRENT AND WOULD APPRECIATE YOU REMOVING THE NOTICE ONCE THE ITEM IS SOLD…

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CASHING OF U.S. SAVINGS BONDS FROM OVERSEAS:  IF YOU LIVE IN A COUNTRY THAT DOES NOT HAVE A U.S. FEDERAL RESERVE BANK (LIKE THE PHILIPPINES), AND WOULD LIKE TO CASHIN YOUR SAVINGS BONDS, YOU MUST TAKE YOUR SAVINGS BONDS AND FORM PD-1522 TO THE U.S. EMBASSY FOR NOTARIZATION AND MAIL TO:  TREASURY RETAIL SECURITIES SERVICES

                                                                                                                                      P.O. BOX 7015

                                                                                                                                      MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55480-7015

PROVIDE THEM INSTRUCTIONS WHERE TO SEND YOUR MONEY….

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TRICARE AND VA FOREIGN MEDICAL PROGRAM (FMP) CLAIMS:  I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING REPORTS THAT SOME OF OUR GROUP HAVE BEEN PAYING AGENTS/OTHERS TO PROCESS THEIR CLAIMS… THIS SEVICE IS FREE AT OUR RAO AND YOUR CLAIM WILL BE FILED CORRECTLY …

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ANNUAL FOREIGN NATIONAL REGISTRATION (PH):  ANNUAL REGISTRATION IS JAN AND FEB OF EACH YEAR AND APPOINTMENTS MUST BE MADE ON LINE… SEE US IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE…

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OVERWEIGHT FPO PACKAGES: WE HAVE TRIED TO BRIEF ALL FPO MEMBERS THAT MILITARY RETIREES ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO RECEIVE UP TO 16 OUNCES OF MAIL. IF ANY PACKAGES EXCEED 16 OUNCES, THE U.S. EMBASSY POST OFFICE WILL RETURN TO SENDER… THE EMBASSY POST OFFICE PROVIDES US A LIST OF RETURNED PACKAGES EACH WEEK AND WE TRY TO CONTACT EACH MEMBER CONCERNED… WE HAVE A LOT OF REPEAT OFFENDERS WHICH IS CAUSING MOST OF THE PROBLEMS AND THEY HAVE MANY EXCUSES; HOWEVER, THE EMBASSY POST OFFICE GOES BY WEIGHT, NOT EXCUSES… ANOTHER PROBLEM IS FPO CUSTOMERS TRYING TO SEND MERCHANDISE WITHOUT A CUSTOM LABEL… CANNOT SEND MERCHANDISE WITHOUT A COMPUTER PRINTED CUSTOM LABEL REGARDLESS OF SIZE… OUR FPO IS A VERY SPECIAL PRIVELEGE AND WE NEED TO PROTECT THIS BY COMPLYING WITH DOD/USPS POLICY…

                                                                                                       

RUMORS: RUMORS SEEMS TO RUN PRETTY STRONG DURING COVID AND MORE SO THAN NORMAL… UNLESS YOU KNOW OF A SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENT TO BE A FACT, BEST NOT TO REPEAT. FOR INFORMATION IN THE ANGELES CITY AREA GOOGLE ANGELES CITY INFORMATION… FOR U.S. EMBASSY NEWS AND EVENTS, GOOGLE U.S. EMBASSSY MANILA AND CLICK U.S. CITIZENS SERVICES AND THEN CLICK NEWS AND EVENTS… THAT WILL GIVE YOU CURRENT TRAVEL AND COVID RESTRICTIONS BY AREA…

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RECRUITMENT FOR THE U.S. ARMED FORCES:  IF YOU ARE AN AMERICAN CITIZEN OVER 17 YEARS OF AGE AND INTERESTED IN JOINING THE U.S. MILITARY, WE TEST EVERYDAY MON-FRI EXCEPT HOLIDAYS… IF YOU PASS THE SCREENING TEST, WE WILL CONTACT THE BRANCH OF SERVICE DESIRED FOR AN INTERVIEW… IF ACCEPTED, THEY WILL PAY YOUR ROUND TRIP TICKET TO GUAM, PROVIDE QUARTERS AND FOOD DURING YOUR STAY (USUALLY AROUND ONE WEEK)… IF QUALIFIED, YOU WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR BASIC TRAINING… SUGGEST YOU REVIEW ASVAB PRACTICE TEST ONLINE BEFORE CONTACTING US FOR A SCREENING TEST… IF YOU CAN PASS THE ONLINE ASVAB TEST, YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM PASSING OUR SCREENING TEST…

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MAILING PACKAGES/PRIORITY MAIL VIA OUR FPO: THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE IN CUSTOMS REQUIREMENTS FOR MAILING PACKAGES: REF WEB: https://cfo.usps.com/cfo-web/labelInformation.html HAND WRITTEN PS FORM 2976-R HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH AN ONLINE PRINT OUT FORM AND MUST BE PLACED ON EACH ITEM REQUIRING A CUSTOMS FORM… IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN COMPUTER-PRINTER THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM HOWEVER, IF YOU DON’T SUGGEST AN INTERNET CAFÉ /FRIEND TO HELP…

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WHY PAY FOR FREE SERVICE: HEARD THAT SEVERAL OF OUR RETIREES/DEPENDENTS HAVE PAID TRAVEL AGENTS/FIXERS HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO RENEW A U.S. PASSPORT WHEN WE CAN HELP YOU FREE IN OUR OFFICE… SIMPLE PROCESS… WE CAN ALSO HELP YOU WITH OTHER U.S. EMBASSY/GOV”T AGENCY REQUIREMENTS OR GIVE YOU A REFERRAL… PAYING FOR A FREE SERVICE SHOULD BE YOUR LAST OPTION…

                                                                   

PHASED ELIMINATION OF SBP-DIC OFFSET FOR RC/SBP ANNUITIES:  THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT (NDAA) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 INCLUDED A THREE-YEAR PHASED ELIMINATION OF THE SBP-DIC OFFSET… CURRENTLY RC/SBP ANNUITIES FOR SPOUSES ARE OFFSET DOLLAR–FOR-DOLLAR IF ANNUITANTS ALSO RECEIVE DIC FROM VA… BEGINNING IN 2021, THE DIC OFFSET RATE WILL BE REDUCED BY A THIRD EACH YEAR… IN 2023, ALL ANNUITANTS CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO THE SBP-DIC OFFSET WILL BE RECEIVE BOTH THEIR FULL DIC FROM THE VA AND THEIR FULL RC/SBP ANNUITY FROM DFAS WITH NO OFFSET… THE PHASED ELIMINATION OF THE OFFSET BEGINS IN 2021, WHEN SPOUSE SBP ANNUITANTS SUBJECT TO THE DIC OFFSET MAY SEE AN INCREASE IN THEIR FEBRUARY 1, 2021 PAYMENT… HOWEVER, PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT MANY SPOUSE SBP ANNUITANTS WILL NOT SEE AN INCREASE IN THEIR SBP PAYMENT OF FEBRUARY 1, 2021. WHEN A SPOUSE ANNUITANTS SUBJECT TO THE DIC OFFSET DOES NOT SEE AN INCREASE IN THEIR PAYMENT ON FEBRUARY 1, 2021, IT IS BECAUSE THEIR SBP ANNUITY DOES NOT EXCEED TWO-THIRDS OF THEIR DIC AMOUNT... IF SPOUSE ANNUITANT’S RC/BSP GROSS PAY IS LESS THAN REDUCED DIC OFFSET, IT WILL REMAIN OFFSET UNTIL NEXT OFFSET REDUCTION OCCURS IN 2022 OR BEYOND… ROUGHLY 68, 000 SPOUSE ANNUITANTS ARE AFFECTED BY THE DIC OFFSET... OF THIS POPULATION 19,000 SPOUSE ANNUITANTS WHO ARE CURRENTLY FULLY OFFSET BY DIC WILL SEE A SBP PAYMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FEBRUARY2021… ANOTHER 24,000 SPOUSE ANNUITANTS WILL SEE AN INCREASE TO THEIR EXISTING SBP PAYMENT IN 2021. HOWEVER, AN ESTIMATED 24, 0000 SPOUSE ANNUITANTS WILL REMAIN FULLY OFFSET EVEN AFTER THE REDUCED DIC OFFSET IS APPLIED FOR 2021... THEY WILL SEE THEIR FIRST PAYMENT EITHER IN 2022 OR 2023… DFAS WILL GENERATE A SPECIAL MAILING IN DECEMBER OF THIS YEAR INFORMING EACH AFFECTED SPOUSE ANNUITANT WHICH OF THE THREE GROUPS THEY ARE IN AND AN ESTIMATE THEIR MONTHLY PAY FOR 2021… PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SPECIAL SURVIVOR INDEMNITY ALLOWANCE (SSIA) WILL CONTINUE TO BE PAID THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022, BUT ONLY FOR THOSE SURVIVING SPOUSES WHO STILL HAVE A PORTION OF THEIR SBP ANNUITY OFFSET BY DIC… THE AMOUNT OF SSIA THAT IS PAID WILL BE THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF SSIA, BUT ONLY UP TO THE AMOUNT OF THE SBP ANNUITY THAT IS OFFSET… THE AMOUNT OF SSIA PAID CANNOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT THE ANNUITY IS OFFSET… THE MOST IMPORTANT ACTION AN ANNUITANT CAN TAKE TO PREPARE FOR THIS CHANGE IS TO ENSURE THEIR ANNUITY ACCOUNT INFORMATION IN MYPAY IS UP-TO-DATE AND INCLUDES BOTH THEIR DIRECT DEPOSIT INFORMATION AND THEIR CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS SO WE CAN CONTACT THEM, IF NEEDED… IF SPOUSE ANNUITANTS ARE CURRENTLY RECEIVING SBP OR SSIA PAY FROM DFAS AND ARE NOT USING MYPAY, THEY CAN SET UP A PROFILE NOW AND ADD  THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS AT https://mypay.dfas.mil... THIS WILL ALLOW DFAS TO UPDATE THEM VIA MYPAY SMARTDOC EMAILS AS THE PHASE-OUT UNFOLDS… UPDATES VIA EMAIL SMARTDOCS WILL BE MORE FREQUENT THAN THE ANNUAL PAPER MAILING PLANNED… FOR FAQ’S AND THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THIS IMPORTANT PROGRAM, PLEASE SEE www.DFAS.mil/sbpdicnews...  SOURCE:  DFAS/RSO NEWSLETTER DEC 2020…

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APOSTILLE SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES: IF YOU NEED APOSTILLE DOCUMENT SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES, YOU CAN OBTAIN AT SELECTED DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICES AND THE CLOSEST ONE IN OUR AREA IS LOCATED AT ROBINSON’S STARMILLS, JOSE ABAD SANTOS AVENUE, SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA; HOWEVER, THERE IS A PROCESS YOU MUST FOLLOW:

1. HAVE YOUR DOCUMENTS CERTIFIED AT ANY ATTORNEY(NOTARY)

2. TAKE DOCUMENTS TO CITY HALL (REGIONAL TRIAL COURT) TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR NOTARIAL ACT (CANA) WHICH MUST BE SIGNED BY THE EXECUTIVE JUDGE OR HIS/HER REPRESENTATIVE.

3. OBTAIN AN APPOINTMENT ON-LINE FOR THE APOSTILLE https://www.aposstilleonline.ph or EMAIL pampanga .authentication@dfa.gov.ph

4. WHEN YOU VISIT THE APOSTILLE OFFICE (DFA) BE SURE TO HAVE A VALID GOVERNMENT ID WITH PHOTO COPY…

SERVICE IS IN EXPENSIVE; HOWEVER, YOU MUST FOLLOW THE RULES…

 

GOING BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES TO RETIRE??: REF WEB https://news.yahoo.com/m/ce6c9ab8-9a24-3ed8-a6eb-55e1568f7129/going-back-to-the-philippines.html... THIS IS THE OUTSTANDING WEB TO GIVE YOU THE BASICS IN RELOCATING TO THE PHILIPPINES… REVIEW THE WEB ABOVE, OUR NEWSLETTER AND E-MAIL ME ON ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE…

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NEW MILITARY ID CARD FOR RETIREES / DEPENDENT: OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS, OUR OLD TYPE MILITARY ID CARD WILL BE REPLACED WITH A CARD SIMILAR TO ACTIVE DUTY (CAC)… THIS IS NOT AN URGENT CHANGE AND CAN BE REPLACED WHEN YOUR CURRENT ID CARD EXPIRES…

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THINKING ABOUT RETIRING IN THE PHILIPPINES: U.S. EMBASSY MANILA ESTIMATES THAT WE HAVE AROUND 350,000 AMERICANS HERE AT ANY GIVEN TIME… THIS GROUP IS COMPRISED OF:  TOURIST, U.S. MILITARY RETIREES, PHILAMS, DISABLED VETERANS, SOCIAL SECURITY RETIREES, CIVIL SERVICE RETIREES, STATE AND CITY GOV’T RETIREES, PRIVATE BUSINESS RETIREES, STATE DEPT RETIREES, RAILROAD RETIREES AND SEVERAL OTHER GROUPS… WE PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO ALL THE ABOVE PLUS FILIPINO DEPENDENTS/WIDOWS AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY… WHEN ASKED HOW MANY RETIREES/OTHERS WE SUPPORT IN THE PHILIPPINES THAT IS A HARD QUESTION TO ANSWER… WE DO NOT HAVE MEMBERSHIP AND SUPPORT EVERYONE THAT ENTERS OUR DOOR OR CONTACTS US WORLWIDE… WE ALSO HAVE TEN RAO SATELLITES THROUGHOUT THE PHILIPPINES TO PROVIDE CONTACT INFORMATION IN CASE THEY NEED ASSISTANCE BEYOND THEIR CAPABILITY… WE ALSO GET ANOTHER QUESTION THAT IS NOT EASY TO ANSWER AND THAT IS, WHY DO WE HAVE SO MANY AMERICANS RETIREE HERE??  ONE ANSWER IS THAT SEVERAL OF THESE RETIREES ARE FORMER FILIPINO CITIZENS AND HAVE COME BACK HOME TO RETIRE… OTHER REASONS ARE THAT MOST ANYWHERE YOU GO IN THE PHILIPPINES, YOU HAVE ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE… THE PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION IS WRITTEN IN ENGLISH, LAWS ARE IN ENGLISH, BOARD EXAMS FOR PROFESSIONALS ARE IN ENGLISH, ROAD SIGN AND TEST ARE IN ENGLISH AND ENGLISH IS TAUGHT IN SCHOOL… RETIRING IN THE PHILIPPINES IS A VERY EASY TRANSITION AND YOU CAN EVEN HAVE DOLLAR ACCOUNTS IN THE BANKS… WHAT ELSE COULD WE ASK FOR???  MANY RETIREE ARE HERE BECAUSE THEY CAN AFFORD HOME CARE AND DON’T END UP IN A REST HOMES IN THE U.S. AND THE HOSPITABILITY OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE IS THE GREATEST…

 

U.S. PASSPORT RENEWAL/OTHER U.S. EMBASSY SERVICES/U.S. GOV’T SERVICES:  IF YOU NEED U.S. EMBASSY SERVICE, SEE US BEFORE YOU SEE A TRAVEL AGENT … WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT SOME AMERICAN CITIZENS ARE PAYING TRAVEL AGENTS P50,000.00 TO ASSIST IN RENEWALL OF U.S. PASSPORT... WE HELP YOU FREE OF CHARGE AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON HOW TO OBTAIN OTHER U.S. EMBASSY AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES SERVICES…

 

TRANSFER OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE PHILIPPINES:  NEW -- SIMPLE PROCESS AND EASY. USED VEHICLES -- RED TAPE PLUS PROCESS; STEP BY STEP PROCESS IS LISTED ON WEB: https://www.moneymax.ph/car-insurance/articles/transfer-car-ownership TO GET THROUGH THIS PROCESS, YOU WILL NEED A KNOWLEDGEABLE PERSON THAT HAS BEEN THROUGH THIS “RED TAPE MILL” BEFORE… FIXERS OR SOMEONE TO HELP WILL NORMALLY COST YOU P5,000.00 MORE OR LESS AND IT IS WORTH EVERY CENTAVO… IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANYONE TO HELP YOU THROUGH THIS PROCESS, CHECK WITH US AT THE RAO… NOTE: THE ATTORNEY COST VARY FROM A SET PRICE TO 1% OF SALE PRICE FOR A PROPER DEED OF SALE… WE CAN HELP YOU WITH A RAO DISCOUNT (HALF PRICE) IF YOU DECIDE TO USE OUR ATTORNEY ON RETAINER… ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: ADVISEABLE TO OBTAIN MAINTENANCE RECORDS AND OWNER’S MANUAL FROM PREVIOUS OWNER… IF VEHICLE STILL HAS INSURANCE, GET INSURANCE POLICY FROM PREVIOUS OWNER AND ADDRESS OF HIS INSURANCE COMPANY… PROCEED TO INSURANCE COMPANY WITH POLICY AND ASK FOR INSURANCE TO BE TRANSFERRED IN YOUR NAME AND OBTAIN A CERTIFICATION FOR THE LTO… NOTE: PREVIOUS OWNER CANNOT GET A REFUND… IF REGISTRATION HAS EXPIRED, VISIT A LTO INSPECTION STATION AND GET A VEHICLE INSPECTION… NEED OR AND CR TO GET THIS INSPECTION. ALSO ASK FOR A VEHICLE INSPECTION SHEET WITH ENGINE # AND CAR CHASSIS NUMBER… DURING COVID-19 SENIOR CITIZENS (OVER 60) ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE LTO; THEREFORE, YOU WILL NEED A HELPER TO PROCESS THE OWNERSHIP…

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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: SOMETIMES IT TAKES AN EMERGENCY TO SHOW US HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR THE NEXT EMERGENCY… WHEN OUR MAIL SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN AND COURIER SERVICE CANNOT DELIVER YOUR VA MEDS, WE NEED TO BE PREPARED… SHOULD ALWAYS TRY TO KEEP AT LEAST A MONTH’S SUPPLY OF YOUR MEDICINE ON HAND FOR EMERGENCY BACK–UP AND PROVIDE VA WITH YOUR CURRENT ADDRESS SO THEY CAN SHIP YOUR MEDS DIRECTLY TO YOU DURING EMERGENCIES AS COURIER SERVICES BECOME AVAILABLE… ALSO NEED TO KEEP YOUR CONTACT DATA AT OUR FPO UPDATED SO WE CAN CONTACT YOU FOR IMPORTANT MAIL…THE U.S. STATE DEPT HAS THE SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) FOR EMERGENCY CONTACT DATA AND UPDATES… GREAT PROGRAM FOR EMERGENCIES… RECOMMEND YOU SIGN UP ASAP… EMERGENCY FUNDS; SHOULD ALWAYS TRY TO HAVE A COUPLE MONTHS SUPPLY OF MONEY IN YOUR LOCAL BANK ACCOUNT OR HAVE DEBIT CARD ACCESS… ALSO SHOULD HAVE EXTRA CASH AT HOME TO GET YOU THRU EMERGENCIES UNTIL YOU CAN ACCESS YOUR BANK ACCOUNT… A “WILL” IS SOMETHING WE ALL NEED AND SHOULD KEEP IT UPDATED AS CHANGES OCCURS… IF YOU ARE LIVING ALONE HERE AND DO NOT HAVE SOMEONE TO LOOK AFTER YOUR INTEREST IN CASE OF DEATH, SUGGEST YOU MAKE ADVANCE ARRANGEMENTS WITH A LOCAL FUNERAL HOME TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR FUNERAL/BURIAL AS YOU WOULD LIKE… EXAMPLE; COST OF CREMATED FUNERAL ARRANGEMENT STARTS AROUND P37,000.00… SEE ME IF YOU NEED HELP IN THIS AREA… OUR RAO UPDATES SYSTEM WORKS GREAT FOR THOSE WHOM ARE SIGNED UP TO RECEIVE INFORMATIONS WHICH INCLUDES EMBASSY OUTREACH SCHEDULES, SPACE A PROGRAM, AND EMERGENCY DATA… CAN SIGN UP VIA E-MAIL BY CLICKING rao_ac@ymail.com AND TYPE “RAO UPDATE REQUEST” & NAME… ALSO CAN CANCEL THE SAME WAY BY TYPING “CANCEL RAO UPDATES" & NAME...

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MEDICAL CARE IN THIS AREA WITHOUT INSURANCE:  IF YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR TRICARE OR HAVE VA SERVICE CONNECTED DISABILITIES OR HAVE PRIVATE INSURANCE, YOU STILL CAN FIND AFFORDABLE MEDICAL CARE IN THE PHILIPPINES… IN THE ANGELES CITY AREA, WE HAVE A LOCAL GOV’T HOSPITAL (ONA) FOR LIMITED MEDICAL SERVICE AND A REGIONAL HOSPITAL (JBL IN SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA) WHICH IS A FULL SERVICE HOSPITAL WITH VERY LOW COST… IF YOU ARE MARRIED TO A FILIPINO CITIZEN, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO PURCHASE PHILHEALTH INSURANCE FOR P17,000.00 (AROUND $340.00) PER YEAR OR IF YOU ARE WITH THE PHILIPPINE RETIREMENT AUTHORITY (PRA) FOR P15,000.00 PER YEAR AND THIS WILL REDUCE YOUR COST FURTHER AT HOSPITALS… IF YOU ARE A PHILIPPINE CITIZEN/DUAL CITIZEN, PHILHEALTH IS ONLY P300.00 PER MONTH (LESS THAN $10.00) AND IF OVER AGE 60, PHILHEALTH IS FREE AND YOU GET A FURTHER 20% DISCOUNT ON PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION… PHARMACY: IF YOU PURCHASE YOUR MEDICATION AT GENERIC PHARMACIES (TGP GENERIC DRUGS/ETC.) YOU CAN SAVE UP TO 75% ON YOUR PHARMACY BILL… ANNUAL PHYSICAL:  BASIC ANNUAL PHYSICAL COST CAN BE AROUND P3,000.00 INCLUDING DOCTOR FEES IF YOU GET YOUR LAB WORK AT A DIAGNOSTIC CENTER (EXAMPLE:  PRECISION/ACCUMED IN ANGELES CITY)… IF YOU SHOP AROUND IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR MEDICAL NEEDS YOU CAN SAVE A BUNDLE OF MONEY AND RECEIVE QUALITY CARE EQUIVALENT TO TRICARE CUSTOMERS AT ABOUT THE SAME COST... TRICARE CUSTOMERS ARE REQUIRED TO PAY 25% OF THE INPATIENT BILL AT PREFERRED HOSPITAL UNTIL THEY REACH THE CATASTROPHIC CAP OF $3,000.00 EACH YEAR AND A DEDUCTABLE OF $150.00 OR $300.00 PER FAMILY  FOR OUTPATIENT  SERVICES AND THEN PAY25% OF THE BILL… I HAVE NOTICED SOME TRICARE BILLS FROM TRICARE PREFFERED HOSPITALS WHERE THE 25% COPAYMENT IS MORE THAN THE TOTAL COST AT SELECTED HOSPITALS… PAYS TO SHOP AROUND…MEDICAL CARE IN THIS AREA WITHOUT INSURANCE:  IF YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR TRICARE OR HAVE VA SERVICE CONNECTED DISABILITIES OR HAVE PRIVATE INSURANCE, YOU STILL CAN FIND AFFORDABLE MEDICAL CARE IN THE PHILIPPINES… IN THE ANGELES CITY AREA, WE HAVE A LOCAL GOV’T HOSPITAL (ONA) FOR LIMITED MEDICAL SERVICE AND A REGIONAL HOSPITAL (JBL IN SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA) WHICH IS A FULL SERVICE HOSPITAL WITH VERY LOW COST… IF YOU ARE MARRIED TO A FILIPINO CITIZEN, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO PURCHASE PHILHEALTH INSURANCE FOR P17,000.00 (AROUND $340.00) PER YEAR OR IF YOU ARE WITH THE PHILIPPINE RETIREMENT AUTHORITY (PRA) FOR P15,000.00 PER YEAR AND THIS WILL REDUCE YOUR COST FURTHER AT HOSPITALS… IF YOU ARE A PHILIPPINE CITIZEN/DUAL CITIZEN, PHILHEALTH IS ONLY P300.00 PER MONTH (LESS THAN $10.00) AND IF OVER AGE 60, PHILHEALTH IS FREE AND YOU GET A FURTHER 20% DISCOUNT ON PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION… PHARMACY: IF YOU PURCHASE YOUR MEDICATION AT GENERIC PHARMACIES (TGP GENERIC DRUGS/ETC.) YOU CAN SAVE UP TO 75% ON YOUR PHARMACY BILL… ANNUAL PHYSICAL:  BASIC ANNUAL PHYSICAL COST CAN BE AROUND P3,000.00 INCLUDING DOCTOR FEES IF YOU GET YOUR LAB WORK AT A DIAGNOSTIC CENTER (EXAMPLE:  PRECISION/ACCUMED IN ANGELES CITY)… IF YOU SHOP AROUND IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR MEDICAL NEEDS YOU CAN SAVE A BUNDLE OF MONEY AND RECEIVE QUALITY CARE EQUIVALENT TO TRICARE CUSTOMERS AT ABOUT THE SAME COST... TRICARE CUSTOMERS ARE REQUIRED TO PAY 25% OF THE INPATIENT BILL AT PREFERRED HOSPITAL UNTIL THEY REACH THE CATASTROPHIC CAP OF $3,000.00 EACH YEAR AND A DEDUCTABLE OF $150.00 OR $300.00 PER FAMILY  FOR OUTPATIENT  SERVICES AND THEN PAY25% OF THE BILL… I HAVE NOTICED SOME TRICARE BILLS FROM TRICARE PREFFERED HOSPITALS WHERE THE 25% COPAYMENT IS MORE THAN THE TOTAL COST AT SELECTED HOSPITALS… PAYS TO SHOP AROUND…

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WILLS:  WE HAVE PUBLISHED SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON THIS SUBJECT IN THE PAST AND THIS IS A REMINDER TO HAVE A PHILIPPINE WILL IF YOU HAVE ASSETS HERE THAT YOU WOULD YOU LIKE TO PASS ON TO YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS… EVEN WITH A WILL, YOUR MONEY COULD STILL BE TIED UP IN THE PHILIPPINES BANKS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME… IF YOU HAVE JOINT ACCOUNTS AND PASS AWAY, THE ACCOUNT MAY BE FROZEN UNTIL BIR RECEIVES THEIR SHARE AND RELEASES THE BANK ACCOUNT WHICH COULD TAKE MONTHS/YEAR… IF YOU KNOW YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE AROUND MUCH LONGER, IT’S BEST TO ESTABLISH A SINGLE ACCOUNT IN THE PERSON’S NAME THAT YOU DESIRE YOUR MONEY TO BE SHARED WITH UPON YOUR DEATH… IF YOU HAVE STATESIDE ASSETS, YOU SHOULD HAVE A U.S. WILL AND THIS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED DURING THE U.S. EMBASSY OUTREACH… SUGGEST YOU HAVE A LOCAL ATTORNEY TO PREPARE THE WILL AND TAKE WITH YOU TO THE U.S. EMBASSY OUTREACH TO BE NOTARIZED… THE ABOVE PROBLEM WITH PHILIPPINES BANKS IS SUPPOSED TO IMPROVE WITH THE NEW BIR REVENUE REGULATION 8-2019 AMENDING THE PRESENT RULES… HOWEVER; I HAVE NOT FOUND ANY BANKS THAT HAS IMPLEMENTED THE NEW RULES; MAYBE SOON…

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CHECKING FPO MAIL BY TELEPHONE: REMINDER: YOU ARE ALLOWED TO CHECK YOUR MAIL BY TELEPHONE (045) 892-0817 OR AT CP 09166065498 WHICH CAN SAVE YOU A TRIP TO THE FPO… IF CHECKING MAIL AT OUR RAO ANNEX, THE CP IS 09166065498… PLEASE BE REMINDED THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PICK UP MAIL AT LEAST EVERY 15 DAYS UNLESS YOU MAKE OUT OF TOWN ARRANGEMENTS WITH OUR FPO… YOU ARE ALSO ALLOWED TO APPOINT A DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE TO CHECK YOUR MAIL IF SO DESIRED… WE HAVE REGULAR POSTAL INSPECTIONS BY THE U.S. EMBASSY POST OFFICE/OTHERS AND WE NEED YOUR DATA BASE TO BE CURENT AT ALL TIMES AND YOUR MAIL PICKED UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH POSTAL GUIDELINE…

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APPLICATION FOR RECOGNITON AS FILIPINO CITIZEN: AMERICAN CITIZEN CHILDREN BORN IN THE PHILIPPINES MUST OBTAIN A CONSULAR REPORT OF BIRTH ABROAD (CRBA) AND U.S. PASSPORT; HOWEVER, IF AT LEAST ONE PARENT IS A FILIPINO CITIZEN, YOU ARE ALSO AUTHORIZED TO APPLY FOR A “RECOGNITION AS FILIPINO CITIZEN” AT PHILIPPINE IMMIGRATION, MANILA… THIS DOCUMENT WHEN APPROVED WILL GIVE YOU ALL THE PRIVILEGES AS A PHILIPPINE CITIZEN EXCEPT FOR HOLDING POLITICAL OFFICES… COST IS AROUND P12,500.00… WITH THE RECOGNITION AS FILIPINO CITIZEN CERTIFICATE AND YOUR U.S PASSPORT, YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TO DEPART/ENTER THE PHILIPPINES ANYTIME YOU LIKE…  

                                    

BUS TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM MANILA-CLARK AIRPORTS:  GOOGLE SEARCH “P2P BUS CLARK-MANILA SCHEDULE & FARE”… INEXPENSIVE AND EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION FROM CLARK TO AND FROM MANILA AIRPORTS… SCHEDULE, COST AND OTHER INFO LISTED ON THE WEB…

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IRS CERTIFYING AGENT, PHILIPPINES: THE JIM BOYD FOUNDATION IS THE IRS CERTIFIYING AGENT FOR THE PHILIPPINES WHICH MEANS WE CAN REQUEST ITIN’S FOR APPLICANTS, CERTIFY ALL DOCUMENTATION AND RETURN ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS TO YOU THE SAME DAY… TO APPLY FOR AN ITIN, YOU CANNOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR/HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND MUST HAVE A U.S. FEDERAL TAX PURPOSE FOR APPLYING… THE RULES FOR APPLYING FOR AN ITIN ARE QUITE COMPLICATED AND IF YOU QUALIFY, WE PREPARE AND MAIL ALL DOCUMENTATON TO IRS FOR ASSIGNMENT OF AN ITIN… TO DETERMINE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS, YOU MUST APPEAR IN PERSON AT OUR OFFICE FOR A PERSONAL INTERVIEW… WE RESERVE MON-FRI FROM 1000 – 1300 HRS TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS… IF YOU HAVE A QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL (045) 888-2748 / 625-5522 BETWEEN 1000-1300 HRS MON-FRI EXCEPT FOR U.S. EMBASSY, MANILA/RAO HOLIDAYS… OUR OFFICE ADDRESS IS LISTED BELOW AND HAS A GOOGLE MAP REFERENCE… 

  

U.S. EMBASSY, MANILA AND RAO HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:   http://ph.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar]

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NEWCOMERS WHO PLAN TO PURCHASE/RENT MOTORCYCLES/SCOOTERS IN THE PHILIPPINES:

MOTORCYCLES/SCOOTERS ARE THE MOST POPULAR MEANS OF PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION; HOWEVER, THEY ARE ALSO THE MOST DANGEROUS… THERE ARE MORE ACCIDENTS WITH MOTORCYCLES/SCOOTERS THAN ALL OTHER TRANSPORTATION COMBINED AND GETTING ADJUSTED TO PHILIPPINE STYLE OF DRIVING BEFORE YOU ZOOM DOWN THE BUSY STREETS WILL INCREASE YOUR SURVIVAL RATE… MOST OF THE MOTORBIKE DRIVERS PASS ON THE RIGHT AND WEAVE IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC WHICH CAUSES MANY OF THE ACCIDENTS… IF YOU FOLLOW TRAFFIC RULES, SLOW DOWN AND FLOW WITH THE TRAFFIC, MOST ACCIDENTS CAN BE AVOIDED… MUCH BETTER THAN SPENDING THE NEXT MONTH IN THE HOSPITAL RECOVERING OR A PCS TO OUR CLARK CEMETERY…

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CORRECT ADDRESS FOR FPO AP 96517:  I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL LETTER COMING THROUGH OUR FPO DOES NOT INCLUDE THE “R” SUFFIX AFTER YOUR BOX NUMBER (EXAMPLE BOX 3000R)… USPS SORTS OUR MAIL BASED ON OUR BOX NUMBER AND IF NOT COMPLETE, OUR ADDRESS CANNOT BE VERIFIED… EXAMPLE:  IF YOU ARE ORDERING POSTAGE STAMPS FROM USPS AND DO NOT INCLUDE THE “R” SUFFIX, THEY CANNOT FILL YOUR STAMP ORDER… VERY IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE THE “R” SUFFIX ON ALL YOUR FPO MAIL TO PREVENT DELAY…

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RELOCATING TO ANGELES CITY?: IF YOU/YOUR FAMILY PLAN TO RELOCATE TO THIS AREA, YOU CAN SAVE MONEY BY READING OUR WEB/E-MAILING ME ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE OR AT LEAST CONTACT ME UPON YOUR ARRIVAL… ANGELES CITY IS AN AFFORDABLE AREA IF YOU KNOW HOW TO NAVIGATE TOURIST TRAPS; IF NOT, YOU CAN WASTE A LOT OF MONEY UPON ARRIVAL…  IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PLACE TO STAY UPON YOUR ARRIVAL, CHECK WEB: www.hotelangeles.com/Angeles-City/Cheap-Hotels FOR HOTEL COST IN THIS AREA… AFTER YOU GET SETTLED IN, SEE ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU SOME SUGGESTIONS ON WHERE TO LOOK FOR PERMANENT QUARTERS BASED ON YOUR BUDGET… MUCH BETTER TO CONTACT US WHEN YOU FIRST START PLANNING YOUR RELOCATION...

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NEW MEDICARE CARD: IF YOU LIVE HERE (PHILIPPINES) AND SOCIAL SECURITY HAS YOUR “LOCAL ADDRESS”, YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE YOUR NEW MEDICARE CARD… SSA DOES NOT MAIL THESE CARDS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES… THIS SHOULD NOT AFFECT FPO MEMBERS AS FPO MAIL IS CONSIDERED DOMESTIC U.S. MAIL… IF YOU HAVE A LOCAL PHILIPPINE ADDRESS AND DESIRE THE NEW MEDICARE CARD, SIGN IN AT “MYMEDICARE.GOV, GET A PASSWORD, CREATE YOUR OWN ACCOUNT AND VIEW/PRINT A COPY… AS YOU ARE AWARE MEDICARE IS NOT AUTHORIZED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES OR TERRITORIES; HOWEVER, IF ELIGIBLE AND YOU HAVE TRICARE OR CHAMPVA, YOU MUST HAVE MEDICARE PART B TO RETAIN YOUR TRICARE/CHAMPVA ELIGIBILITY…NOTE: NOT HAVING THE NEW MEDICARE CARD DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR TRICARE/CHAMPVA ELIGIBILITY… THE KEY IS TO HAVE MEDICARE PART B. WHEN YOU TURN AGE 65 OR RECEIVE MEDICARE DISABILITY… IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLS. COME TO OUR RAO OFFICE…

 

U.S. EMBASSY AND RAO/FPO HOLIDAYS: OUR RAO/FPO WILL BE CLOSED ON THE SAME HOLIDAYS AS THE U.S. EMBASSY... OUR OPERATING HOURS ARE LISTED BELOW EXCEPT HOLIDAYS... ANY CHANGES WILL BE PUBLISHED VIA RAO UPDATES... IF YOU ARE NOT SIGNED UP FOR RAO UPDATES, SUGGEST YOU DO SO AT E-MAIL ADDRESS rao-ac@ymail.com

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PHILIPPINE RETIREMENT AUTHORITY (PRA):  IF YOU ARE TRYING TO LIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES USING A TOURIST VISA, YOU SHOULD TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT PRA... QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE SRRV EXPANDED COURTESY VISA:  FOREIGN NATIONAL OVER 50 YEARS OLD, RETIRED WITH A DD FORM 214 AND A MONTHLY PENSION OF OVER $1,000.00... IF YOU MEET THOSE QUALIFICATIONS, COME BY OUR RAO TO START THE PROCESS... IF YOU ARE OUT OF THE COUNTRY, SHOULD OBTAIN A POLICE REPORT BEFORE YOU ARRIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES OR IF HERE OVER 5 YRS, OBTAIN AN NBI REPORT... THIS IS AN EASY AND SHORT PROCESS PLUS PRA HAS PEOPLE THAT WILL HELP YOU FROM DAY ONE UNTIL YOU OBTAIN YOUR PRA CARD... ONCE YOU HAVE THE PRA CARD, YOU CAN FORGET ABOUT IMMIGRATION/PERMANENT RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAVEL IN AND OUT OF THE COUNTRY ANYTIME YOU LIKE... GREAT PROGRAM...

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MEDICARE PART B OPEN ENROLLMENT: VERY IMPORTANT FOR OUR TRICARE ELIGIBLE MEMBERS/SPOUSE/WIDOWS TO HAVE MEDICARE PART B AFTER AGE 65 OR WHEN RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY… WITHOUT MEDICARE PART B, YOU LOSE YOUR TRICARE… NORMALLY SOCIAL SECURITY OR DEFENSE MANPOWER DATA CENTER WILL NOTIFY YOU AT LEAST THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE; HOWEVER, IF THEY DO NOT, CONTACT SOCIAL SECURITY, MANILA OR SEE US FOR INSTRUCTIONS… IF YOU MISSED THE INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE PART B DURING THE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD EACH YEAR WHICH IS 01 JAN – 31 MAR... WHEN YOU SIGN UP DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT YOUR MEDICARE/TRICARE ELIGIBILITY WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE JUL 01, SAME YEAR… PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE A PENALTY OF 10% PER YEAR FOR EVERY YEAR YOU HAVE MISSED SINCE ELIGIBLE

 

​REGISTERED MAIL VIA FPO 96517 IS NOT AUTHORIZED: PLEASE ADVISE ALL WHOM YOU CORRESPOND NOT TO SEND REGISTERED MAIL TO OUR FPO… CERTIFIED MAIL OR CERTIFIED WITH RETURN RECEIPT CAN BE TRACKED ON LINE IS A GOOD SUBSTITUTE FOR REGISTERED MAIL…​

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PHILIPPINE SUPREME COURT RULING ON DIVORCES, APRIL 23, 2018:  FILIPINOS MARRIED TO FOREIGNERS AND OBTAIN A DIVORCE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY IS NOW RECOGNIZED IN THE PHILIPPINES… BEFORE THIS RULING, THE FILIPINO SPOUSE WAS STILL CONSIDERED MARRIED IN THE PHILIPPINES EVEN THOUGH THE FOREIGN SPOUSE DIVORCED HIM/HER… SOURCE:  MANILA BULLETIN/TEMPO NEWSPAPERS APRIL 25, 2018

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DASH CAM FOR YOUR VEHICLE: THIS COULD BE ONE OF YOUR BEST INVESTMENTS AND USUALLY COST LESS THAN P5K INSTALLED... IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, THIS COULD SAVE YOU A LOT OF PESOS OR EVEN JAIL TIME... HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE WITH A VEHICLE...

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PHILIPPINE SMOKING BAN: IF YOU PLAN TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED IN ANY PUBLIC PLACES... SMOKING ALLOWED IN DESIGNATED SMOKING AREAS ONLY OR IN YOUR PRIVATE DOMAIN... SMOKING BAN TOOK EFFECT JULY 01, 2017...

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PREFERRED HOSPITALS FOR TRICARE PATIENTS, ANGELES CITY, PH:  IF YOU LIVE IN ANGELES CITY, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO USE ONE OF OUR TWO TRICARE PREFERRED HOSPITALS WHICH ARE AUF MEDICAL CENTER OR MEDICAL CITY CLARK... WHEN YOU USE THESE TWO HOSPITALS, YOU PAY 25% UPON DISCHARGE NOT TO EXCEED $3,000.00 PER FISCAL YEAR FOR YOU/FAMILY...  ANY COST ABOVE THE $3,000.00 CATASTROPHIC CAP WILL NORMALLY BE FREE... IF YOU LIVE IN ANGELES CITY AND DO NOT DESIRE TO USE OUR PREFERRED HOSPITALS AND USE OTHER HOSPITALS, PAY 100% AND SUBMIT YOUR OWN CLAIM OR SEE US FOR ASSISTANCE... IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO USE THE NEAREST HOSPITAL; HOWEVER, YOU MUST JUSTIFY THE EMERGENCY TO TRICARE... IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE OF ANGELES CITY LIMITS, YOU HAVE THE OPTION OF USING THE PREFERRED HOSPITALS OR CERTIFIED AND WITHOUT A WAIVER... AGAIN, WE HELP YOU WITH YOUR TRICARE CLAIMS IF SO DESIRED...

 

ADVANCE FUNERAL PREPARATION:  IT’S NOT A PLEASANT THOUGHT TO THINK ABOUT LEAVING THE PHILIPPINES; HOWEVER,  ALL GOOD THINGS MUST EVENTUALLY COME TO AN END... WE ALL NEED TO PREPARE FOR OUR PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION (PCS) AND ESPECIALLY THOSE WITHOUT RELATIVES HERE... IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A RELATIVE/SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS RECOMMEND YOU PAY FOR YOUR FUNERAL IN ADVANCE... LAPIETA FUNERAL HOME, MCARTHUR HIGHWAY, ANGELES CITY IS ONE FUNERAL HOME THAT WILL SIGN A CONTRACT WITH YOU STIPULATING YOUR DESIRED FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS AND WILL TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR FUNERAL UPON YOUR DEATH... YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY IN ADVANCE AT THE TIME YOU SIGN THE CONTRACT... PAYMENT IS NONREFUNDABLE; HOWEVER, YOU MAY TRANSFER TO SOMEONE ELSE IF YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE THIS AREA OR FIND OUT A WAY TO CHEAT THE GRIM REAPER... IF YOU HAVE ASSETS, YOU WOULD LIKE DISTRIBUTED AFTER YOUR DEMISE, YOU SHOULD HAVE A WILL... WE HAVE AN ATTORNEY ON RETAINER THAT WILL PREPARE THE WILL AND GIVE YOU A 50% DISCOUNT OR CAN USE AN ATTORNEY OF YOUR CHOICE... IF YOU HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS HERE AND DESIRE THEM TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, SUGGEST YOU KEEP A FOLDER WITH ALL YOUR IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS, INSTRUCTIONS AND UPDATE AS REQUIRED... THIS FOLDER SHOULD SERVE AT LEAST THREE PURPOSES:  FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, DISTRIBUTION OF YOUR ASSETS AND TO ASSIST YOUR FAMILY IN APPLYING FOR BENEFITS... CLARK CEMETERY IS FREE TO VETERANS AND FILIPINO SCOUTS AND YOU HAVE A CHOICE OF USING THE CLARK CEMETERY OR A LOCAL CEMETERY OR IF CREMATED, KEEPING THE ASHES AT HOME... REMAINS CAN ALSO BE SHIPPED BACK TO THE U.S.; HOWEVER, THAT IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND SHOULD BE DISCUSSED WITH THE FUNERAL HOME IN ADVANCE... CREMATED REMAINS CAN ALSO BE SENT BACK TO THE U.S. AT A MUCH LOWER COST... SEE ME IF YOU DESIRE THAT OPTION...

NOTE:  THERE ARE SEVERAL FUNERAL HOMES IN OUR AREA AND YOU HAVE THE OPTION OF USING ANY YOU MAY DESIRE... LAPIETA WAS THE 1ST TO REPLY TO OUR INQUIRIES...

NOTE: CREAMATION FUNERALS START AT AROUND P37,000.00…

 

V.A. FOREIGN MEDICAL PROGRAM (FMP):  THE FMP WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES ON OCT. 01, 2017... WITH THIS PROGRAM, V.A. AWARDEES WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE ANY PHYSICIAN/HOSPITAL/CLINIC IN THE PHILIPPINES TO RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE/PHARMACY WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM THE V.A. CLINIC, MANILA... BILLING FMP WILL BE A PROVIDER OPTION AND BEST TO SELECT ONE THAT WILL AGREE TO BILL OR YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY 100% UP FRONT AND SUBMIT YOUR OWN BILL DIRECTLY TO FMP... EXPECT AROUND TWO MONTHS FOR REIMBURSEMENT... YOU WILL STILL HAVE THE OPTION OF OBTAINING AVAILABLE CARE AND PHARMACY AT THE V.A. CLINIC, MANILA; HOWEVER IF THE SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE CLINIC, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO FIND A LOCAL PROVIDER... WE SENT OUT NOTICES VIA OUR RAO UPDATE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM LAST MONTH WHICH INCLUDED LINKS FOR FORMS REQUIRED... EACH V.A. PATIENT WILL NEED TO COMPLETE THE FOREIGN MEDICAL PROGRAM (FMP) REGISTRATION FORM 10-7959F-1 AND MAIL TO THE ADDRESS REFLECTED ON THE FORM... IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT CHAMPVA IS ALSO MANAGED BY FMP AND PROVIDERS ARE ALSO ALLOWED TO BILL CHAMPVA DIRECTLY TO FMP... RAO UPDATES:  IF YOU ARE NOT SIGNED UP FOR RAO UPDATES, YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON NOTIFICATIONS AND CHANGES THAT EFFECT BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR YOU... CAN SIGN UP BY E-MAILING US AT rao_ac@ymail.com OR SIGN UP TO OUR RAO...

 

PHILIPPINE TOURIST VISA RENEWAL: I HEAR A LOT OF HORROR STORIES ABOUT TOURIST OR PEOPLE LIVING HERE WITH TOURIST VISAS... IF YOU DESIRE TO RENEW YOUR TOURIST VISA, THE PROCESS IS SIMPLE; TAKE YOUR PASSPORT AND GO TO PHILIPPINE IMMIGRATION... IF IN ANGELES CITY, THEY ARE LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF MARQUEE MALL AND THE MAIN OFFICE IS IN MANILA... SOME OF OUR TOURIST ARE PAYING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WHEN THE COST IS LESS THAN $100.00 IN MOST CASES... THERE ARE A LOT OF SHYSTERS THAT WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY AND GIVE YOU A FAKE VISA RENEWAL AND WHEN YOU ARE READY TO DEPART THE COUNTRY, YOU WILL BE TURNED AROUND AT THE AIRPORT AND HAVE TO PAY FOR BACK FEES PLUS PENALTIES... VISIT OUR RAO AND WE WILL ADVISE YOU THE BEST ROUTE TO TAKE AND IF YOU DESIRE A TRAVEL AGENT, WE WILL GIVE YOU A LIST OF THE ONES THAT GIVE HONEST SERVICE (AT A PRICE)... ALWAYS BEST TO RENEW YOUR OWN VISA AT PHILIPPINE IMMIGRATION... IF YOU ARE GOING TO LIVE HERE, THERE ARE LEGAL MEANS TO DO SO AND WE WILL PROVIDE YOU THE OPTIONS (FREE)...

 

AGING IN PARADISE: AGING IS A STATE OF MIND AND YOU HAVE THE OPTION OF ROCKING WITH THE MUSIC OR THE ROCKING CHAIR... DO YOUNG THINGS AND STAY YOUNG OR OLD THING AND BECOME A STATISTIC... ENJOY YOUR PI RETIREMENT AND DON’T FORGET TO VISIT YOUR RAO WHEN YOU NEED HELP/INFO...

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SOCIAL SECURITY (SSA) FOR OVER AGE 18 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: WITH THE PHILIPPINES ADDING TWO MORE YEARS ON TO HIGH SCHOOL, WE MAY HAVE STUDENTS THAT WILL EXCEED AGE 18 BEFORE GRADUATING… IF SSA ELIGIBLE PARENT IS RECEIVING SSA BENEFITS, ELIGIBLE CHILDREN ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE SSA UNTIL AGE 18; HOWEVER, THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THAT RULE… IF SSA ELIGIBLE CHILD HAS NOT GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL, SSA ELIGIBILITY CAN BE EXTENDED UNTIL AGE 19… IF YOU HAVE A CHILD IN THIS CATEGORY, COORDINATE WITH SSA, MANILA TO CONTINUE ELIGIBILITY… IF YOUR SSA ELIGIBILITY CHILD HAS A DISABILITY BEFORE AGE 22 ANOTHER SET OF RULES APPLY… SEE ME OR CONTACT SSA, MANILA FOR MORE DETAILS… IF CHILD IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SSA BENEFITS AND PARENTS WAS PRIOR U.S MILITARY, CONTACT VA MANILA FOR SCHOOL BENEFITS…

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SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM REGISTRATION: MALE U.S. CITIZENS BETWEEN AGES 18-25 ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER 18TH BIRTHDAY… CAN REGISTER WITH U.S EMBASSY, MANILA (ACS) OR COMPLETE SSS FORM 1 AND MAIL TO SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM, REGISTRATION INFORMATION OFFICE, P.O BOX 94638, PALATINE, IL, 60094-4638… IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, COME TO OUR RAO... CANNOT REGISTER IN-LINE IN PHILIPPINES...

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MEDICARE PART B TRICARE RELATIONSHIP: TRICARE & MEDICARE PART B WORK TOGETHER FOR MILITARY RETIREES/SPOUSE WHEN YOU REACH AGE 65 OR RECEIVE SSA DISABILITY… IF MIL RETIREES/SPOUSE DOES NOT SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE PART B AT AGE 65, YOU LOOSE YOUR TRICARE… SUGGEST YOU SIGN UP THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE AT SSA, MANILA (U.S EMBASSY) PRIOR TO YOUR 65TH BIRTHDAY IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE AN AUTOMATIC ENROLLMENT FROM SSA... TRICARE WILL EXPIRE ON THE 1ST DAY OF YOUR BIRTH MONTH AT AGE 65 UNLESS ENROLLED IN MEDICARE PART B… THIS ALSO APPLIES TO YOUR FILIPINA SPOUSE EVEN IF SHE/HE HAS NEVER LIVED IN THE UNITED STATES…

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RAO UPDATES:  WE USE RAO UPDATES TO KEEP YOU ADVISED OF CHANGES/EVENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES. CAN SIGN UP AT OUR OFFICE OR E-MAIL US AT rao_ac@ymail.com WE USE THIS NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR SPACE A TRAVEL. U.S EMBASSY OUTREACH SCHEDULES, MILITARY RECRUITERS VISITS, EMERGENCY INFO AND CHANGES THAT AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY/ETC…

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PHILIPPINE TREASURY BONDS:  IF YOU HAVE EXTRA CASH, PH TREASURY BONDS ARE BEGINNING TO BECOME MORE ATTRACTIVE... THE YIELD IS NEAR 7% PER YEAR FOR A NON-TAXABLE SEVEN YEAR BOND AND CONSIDERED A SAFE INVESTMENT... HAVEN’T HEARD OF ANYONE LOOSING MONEY WITH PH TREASURY BONDS... BELIEVE THE RATE WILL RISE HIGHER WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AND ALWAYS BEST TO PURCHASE FIVE YEAR BONDS OR LONGER DUE TO THE NO TAX PROVISION... BONDS UNDER FIVE YEARS HAVE A TAX RATE OF 20%... INTEREST ON ALL BONDS ARE PAID ON A REGULAR BASIS DEPENDING ON THE CONTRACT AND CAN USUALLY PURCHASE AT ANY COMMERCIAL BANK... COOPERATION BONDS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE VIA COMMERCIAL BANKS; HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK/PH GOV’T...

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REMINDER: ALL FOREIGN INCOME MAY BE SUBJECT TO U.S. TAXES...

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CASUALTY ASSISTANCE: WHEN A LOVED ONE PASSES AWAY AND YOU NEED HELP NAVIGATING YOUR WAY THROUGH ALL THE RED TAPE REQUIRED TO GET DOCUMENTS AND BENEFITS PROCESSED, YOUR RAO IS A GOOD START… ALL OUR SERVICES ARE FREE AND WE KNOW HOW TO START THE PROCESS AND PROPER GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO REFER YOU FOR BENEFITS… REMEMBER, THERE ARE ALWAYS FIXERS THAT WANT TO HELP YOU IN TIMES OF GRIEF, HOWEVER, IF THEY START ASKING FOR MONEY, RUN THE OTHER WAY…