COMELEC Stuff…onli in the Pilipins…..

Bonjour. Mabuhay.
While it is still hot…like fuming hot…I really don’t know what else to say.
Only in the Philippines? Wow talaga.

Comelec exec: Nothing to pack
By Jocelyn R. Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:22:00 10/28/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Delivery of voting materials by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to a number of regions for the October 25 polls were delayed because at a certain point there was nothing to transport, the poll body’s packing and shipping committee (PSC) said Wednesday.

The delays and other glitches led to the postponement of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in 2,418 villages (about 6 percent of the total) across the country.

“There was a delay in the packing because we had nothing to pack … the ballots were incomplete,” PSC head Rey Doma said, defending his committee against accusations that it delayed the delivery of voting supplies for monetary gain.

A Comelec insider, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak on the matter, told the Inquirer on Tuesday that some employees and officials of the poll body intentionally caused delays because they wanted to get a share of the P230-million budget for delivering voting materials.
(So what else is new???)


Controlled chaos
The source said it was controlled chaos. “They delayed it until the last minute,” he said.

The Comelec has formed a fact-finding panel to determine the delays in the delivery of election paraphernalia and those who should be held accountable.

Doma said it was unfair for Comelec officials to put the blame on the PSC when it was merely enduring the “domino effect” of late preparations.
(Domino effect? Bakit hindi kaya natin sila lagay under giant dominoes and see how well they run…)


He said the fact-finding panel “must look at the whole gamut of the delay.”

“There are a lot of factors that contributed to the delay… I just hope that the investigation will be fair and impartial and that the fact-finding committee sees the whole gamut of the delay,” Doma told reporters.

Bids committee
Commissioner Armando Velasco, the head of the fact-finding panel, said his group would also review the timetable for the barangay and SK elections followed by the bids and awards committee (BAC), the National Printing Office (NPO) and the PSC.

Dilly-dallying
“We would check how many days the BAC consumed before it issued the notice of awards to the winning bidders,” Velasco said. “We would also look into the schedule of the printing.”

Doma said his office could not immediately perform its functions, mainly to pack and ship ballots and other voting supplies, because there was “dilly-dallying” in the preparations and setbacks in the printing of ballots.

If the schedule had been faithfully followed, the shipping of election supplies could have started on October 18, a week before the nationwide polling in 42,025 barangays, Doma said.

But the NPO did not even complete the printing of ballots on that day, he said. Two days before the elections, some of the ballots were still at the NPO reception committee and had yet to be turned over to the PSC, he added.

Packing began October 15
Doma said the PSC started receiving election forms and supplies for packaging on October 15 and completed its work a week after or on October 23.

“We finished packing in one week,” he said. “We should have even been commended for this because we finished a job that is usually completed in one or two months in just one week.”
(We commend you….condemn seems to be a spelling mix up of commend don’t you agree?)


The shipment of ballots to far-flung areas like the Socsksargen and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao began only on October 19 and the following day in nearer regions.

This was after the Comelec allowed the PSC to carry out partial delivery of ballots after seeking its permission, Doma said.

“Of course we are the last phase of the preparation, so we look as if we are the ones who caused the delay,” he said.

He also denied that the delays were caused by his office so his men could get a share of the P230-million budget for delivering voting materials.

Forwarding companies
Doma said the packing and shipping committee had to designate deputized drivers from other government agencies to carry out the deliveries in the Cordillera Administrative Region and Ilocos as it would take more time if it were carried out by forwarding companies.

“We limited the personal deliveries to these two regions to make sure that the ballots would reach the areas on time,” he said.

Personal deliveries or those carried out by Comelec personnel were allowed only when bundles of the printed ballots had been inadvertently left behind by the forwarding companies, he added.

A list obtained by reporters on Wednesday showed that 17 Comelec personnel personally delivered official ballots and election returns to various parts of the country, including Sorsogon, Misamis Oriental, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Quezon, Bohol and Sultan Kudarat.
The personnel were from the Comelec’s planning department, administrative service department, electoral contest and adjudication department, personnel department and election records and statistics department.

Drivers
Eight drivers from other government agencies were deputized by the PSC to deliver the materials to Mt. Province, Abra, Quirino, Cagayan Valley, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Benguet, Isabela and Laguna.
Doma acknowledged that during election time, the Comelec staff would bug him to make the deliveries out of town. “In fact last Sunday at the NPO, there were some people there waiting to be given trips like vultures,” he said.

The maximum budget provided to a Comelec employee making the delivery was P50,000. He also stood to receive a per diem of P800 and a stipend for gasoline expenses, he said.

Panalo talaga….

MMDA Anti-Littering Law (PART 2)

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

MMDA anti-littering law? You will find the continuations here. Section 2 of the revised law.

SECTION 2.
[PROHIBITED ACTS] of MMDA Regulation No. 96-009 is hereby amended as follows:

a) Delete the word “DUMP” in Sec. 2, paragraph (a) of MMDA Regulation 96-009.
b) Add the phrase “THE REMOVAL OF FALLEN TREE BRANCHES ON THE SIDEWALKS AND STREET GUTTERS FRONTING THEIR PREMISES AS DEFINED IN SECTION 1 OF MMDA REGULATION NO.96-009”after the word “including” in Section 2, paragraph (b) of MMDA Regulation 96-009.”
c) Change the word “plastic” to the word „APPROPRIATE” in Sec. 2, paragraph (c) of MMDA Regulation 96-009 d)

Amend Sec. 2, paragraph (d) of MMDA Regulation 96-009 to read as follows:
It is unlawful for any person to place construction materials without first securing a permit from MMDA or LGU concerned or dump construction wastes or debris , junk or under repair vehicles, dilapidated appliances and other immovable objects or any kind of materials in any part of the road, street or avenue or in any sidewalk which may obstruct or impede the vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Owners of junk/ abandoned vehicles shall be given ten (10) days to remove said vehicle. Such vehicles may be towed/ removed by MMDA and sold in public bidding on “as is where is” basis if the owner failed to remove the same after ten (10) day grace period has expired. The proceeds of the sale shall cover all the expenses incurred on the removal/ towing of said vehicle.
x x x
i. Add Section 2, paragraph (i) after Sec.2, par. (h) to read as follows:
It is unlawful for any person, owner, resident, lessee or occupant of covered places and its immediate surroundings, including cars or vehicles, to throw or empty-out or unload refuse/ waste of more than 1 cubic foot in a heap or mass.

j. Add Section 2, paragraph (j) to read as follows:
It is unlawful for any person, owner, operator, proprietor, manager, administrator of covered public places not to clean and maintain cleanliness of their respective places at all times, not to provide appropriate receptacles inside or within their premises and see to it that pest and vermin control is regularly undertaken to prevent and eradicate vector of diseases.

It pays to know more…..
Part 3 coming soon…:)

MMDA Anti-Littering Law (PART 1)

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

Here is a copy of the Memorandum regarding the new anti-littering law implemented by the MMDA.
It is better to know than to be in the bliss of ignorance .
Read on.

METRO MANILA COUNCIL
MMDA Regulation No. 99-006
AMENDING MMDA REGULATION NO. 96-009 ENTITLED REGULATION PROHIBITING LITTERING/DUMPING/THROWING OF GARBAGE, RUBBISH OR ANY KIND OF WASTE IN OPEN OR PUBLIC PLACES, AND REQUIRING ALL OWNERS, LESSEES, OCCUPANTS OF RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, WHETHER PRIVATE OR PUBLIC, TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CLEANLINESS OF THEIR FRONTAGE AND IMMEDIATE SURROUNDINGS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF

WHEREAS, the Metro Manila Council enacted in September 15, 1996 MMDA Regulation No. 96-009 prohibiting, among other things, littering, dumping and throwing of any kind of waste in open or public places;
WHEREAS, there is a need to amend MMDA Regulation No. 96-009 in order to differentiate dumping from littering to determine the appropriate imposable penalties thereof and address the problem on how to immediately dispose the junk vehicles which have been causing traffic congestion in many roads in the metropolis;

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to Section 6 of RA 7924, this Amendatory Regulation is hereby promulgated and adopted by the Council, that:

SECTION 1. Section 1 [DEFINITION OF TERMS] of MMDA Regulation No. 96-009 is hereby amended to add in the list the definitions of “Dumping” and “Littering“ to read as follows:

xxx
k) DUMPING means to indiscriminately throw or empty-out or unload refuse/waste of more than 1 cubic foot from a dwelling unit, commercial building or office, whether public or private institution, car or vehicle in heap or mass into a place or location not designated as waste collection point or outside of the duly designated containers.

l) LITTERING means to make a place untidy by throwing or scattering in a careless manner small pieces of waste or refuse such as cigarette butts, candy wrappers, fruit and vegetable peelings and the like.

More info to come.

COMELEC oh COMELEC

Bonjour. Mabuhay.


As if you don’t already know, the salt that grinds on the injuries of our nation somehow is rooted on the incompetence of some people whom we have entrusted with the facilitation of our systems.

Kelan pa kaya tayo makakuha ng mga leaders na one step ahead kung mag isip? Kahit hindi na three years ahead, kahit na 3 months ahead lang. Is that too much to ask?

As usual, it’s pass the blame game season once again. Read on my fellow country men…….

COMELEC blames National Printing Office for delivery delays
By Philip Tubeza Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 17:13:00 10/25/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Delays. Delays. Delays.

Saying that it was also dissatisfied with how the barangay elections were held, the Commission on Elections on Monday blamed the delay in the delivery of election materials for the postponement of the elections in many areas of the country, particularly in the Bicol region.

Comelec chairman Jose Melo said the delivery of election supplies was delayed in turn due to earlier delays in the printing of ballots by the National Printing Office and the delays in the bidding for the election materials.

He added that areas that did not hold elections on Monday will still be on public holiday Tuesday so that voters could still cast their ballots.

Even President Aquino has said he was also dissatisfied with how the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls were conducted.

“He’s not alone,” Melo said in a press briefing. “It’s not 100 percent so we are not … We want of course to have 100 percent but (still) as it is, it is not failure [of elections].

“We are not satisfied in the sense that the bidding was a little delayed and then the NPO did not perform up to par because their printing presses are not very modern,” Melo said.

“[The President's opinion] is personal. That is up to him but we may share that dissatisfaction,” he added.

Melo said the bidding was delayed because Congress was not able to immediately decide whether the barangay and SK polls should push though this year.

Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

This section will deal with information regarding the PRC.
Feel free to ask for any other info you might be interested in.

What is PRC?
The Professional Regulation Commission is the instrument of the Filipino people in securing for the nation a reliable, trustworthy and progressive system of developing professionals whose personal integrity and spiritual values are solid and respected, whose competencies are globally competitive, and whose commitment to serve the Filipino nation and the whole community is strong and steadfast.
To define, articulate and realize the ideals of being a professional in terms of prevailing standards governing each profession.

The regulated professions
Accountancy, Aeronautical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture, Architecture , Chemical Engineering , Chemistry , Civil Engineering, Criminology, Customs Brokers, Dentistry, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Environmental Planning , Fishery Technology, Foresters, Geodetic Engineering, Geology, Guidance Counseling ,Interior Designing, Landscape Architecture, Librarians, Marine Deck Officers, Marine Engineer Officers, Master Plumbers, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Technology, Medicine, Metallurgical Engineering, Midwifery, Mining Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Social Workers, Sugar Technology, Veterinary Medicine, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Professional Teachers, Radiological and X-Ray Technology.

DFA Passport Requirements For Lost Passport

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

If you lost your passport and does not know what to do. Here are some pointers on the requirements you will need.

Don’t forget to secure a passport appointment.

LOST Passports
Please have all your original documents and IDs photocopied:

• Same requirements as new passports plus:
• Notarized Affidavit of Explanation
• Police Report if passport is still valid
• Replacement fee of Php 200 if passport is still valid.

NSO Birth Certificate
Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO depending on the NSO signatory; for born 1950 & below, Negative Birth Record from NSO & Joint Birth Affidavit from Two Disinterested Persons if no record from NSO.
Call (02) 737-1111 for your NSO Birth Certificate

If Birth Certificate (BC) if late registered:

• If registered on or before 2000: submit 1 original supporting document indicating full name, date and place of birth, and citizenship prior to the date of late registration.
• If registered on or after 2001: submit 2 original supporting documents indicating full name, date and place of birth, and citizenship prior to the date of late registration.

Original Valid ID
Original ID i.e. Senior Citizen’s ID, Voter’s ID, digitized government-issued IDs like SSS, PRC, BIR, Driver’s License, original school ID (for students only) AND original supporting documents indicating full name, date and place of birth and citizenship.

Other Supporting Documents

Please bring the following if they are available.

• Marriage Contract
• Land Title
• Driver’s License
• Government Service Record
• School Form 137 or Transcript of Records with dry seal
• Other documents that show full name and birth details of applicant and/or citizenship
• Voter’s Registration Record from COMELEC Intramuros
• Baptismal Certificate with dry seal
• Seaman’s Book
• Income Tax Return (Old)
• NBI Clearance

More to come. Minor applicants, Muslim applicants special requirements. If you want to use your spouse’s surname or not anymore.

Enjoy.

DFA Passport Requirements for Renewal of Passport

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

Today we will look at passport requirements for those who want to renew their passports after getting a passport appointment schedule.

Kung may lumang passport ka na, pwede mo na palitan ng bagong electronic passport yan.

Requirements for passport renewal
Brown Passport or issued prior to 01 May 1995

• Old passport and photocopy of passport pages 1,2,3 (amendment). The pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps.
• Supporting document with complete middle name.

MRP & Green Passport or issued after 01 May 1995

• Present passport and photocopy of inside and back cover.
• The pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps.
• For illegitimate minor, personal appearance of mother is required.

For married women, who want to use surname of their spouse:

• Personal Appearance is required
• Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper issued by NSO or CTC issued by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO.

For Minors (below 18 years old): Personal appearance of either parent is required.

• If minor is NOT traveling with either parent:
• Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance
• Affidavit of Support and Consent
• If both parents are abroad:
• Affidavit of support and consent (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Philippine Consul).
• Special Power of Attorney (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate if not executed before a Philippine Consul designating the representative by name and authorizing him to apply for a passport on behalf of the minor).
• Passport and photocopy of the passport of person travelling with the minor.

If new passport applicant ka, here are the requirements.

Passport appointment can be acquired by calling 7371000 or logging in to the website www.passport.com.ph

Hope these will help you out.

DFA Passport Requirements For First Time Applicants

Bonjour. Mabuhay.
Kukuha ka ba ng passport? First time passport holder?
Nandito ang mga requirements na kailangan mo pagkatapos mo kumuha ng passport appointment.

Passport Requirements for first time applicants

• Personal Appearance is required.

• Duly accomplished application form.

• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO.

• Proof of identity / Supporting documents indicating full name, date and place of birth and citizenship

• Other Supporting documents.

 Additional Requirements:

• For married women, who want to use surname of their spouse

• Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper issued by NSO or Certified True Copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO.

• For married women who would like to revert back to their maiden name

If already widowed: Death Certificate of the deceased husband;

• If marriage is annulled: Certified true copy and photocopy of the first page and the dispositive portion of the judgment on annulment and NSO-issued MC with the annotation on the annulment decree;

• If divorced: Certified true copy and photocopy of the first page and the dispositive portion of the judgment on divorce secured by foreign spouse authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate where the divorce is obtained.

For Minors (below 18 years old)

• Personal appearance of either parent (if minor is of legitimate status).
• Personal appearance of of mother (if minor is of illegitimate status).

If minor is not traveling with either parent:

• Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance

• Affidavit of Support and Consent

If both parents are abroad:

• Affidavit of support and consent (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Consul).

• Special Power of Attorney (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Consul designating the representative by name and authorizing him to apply for a passport on behalf of the minor).

• Passport and photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion of the minor.

• Identification Card and photocopy thereof of the duly authorized person.

For Muslim applicants

For those whose births were registered:

Please refer to requirements for first time passport applicants.
For those whose births were not registered:

• Late registered Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO)

• Original and photocopy of Voter’s Affidavit or other supporting documents indicating date and place of birth and citizenship, identity and tribal affiliation.
• Certificate from the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA)

POEA OVERSEAS EXIT CLEARANCE (OEC) FOR OFWS

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

Some OFW facts regarding vacationing with an exit clearance benefit.
Vacationing OFWs are also called Balik-Manggagawa

WHAT IS AN EXIT CLEARANCE

The exit clearance come in the form of an E-Receipt (electronic receipt) or an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) certifying to the regularity of a workers recruitment and documentation and ensures exemption from travel tax and airport terminal fee.  It is presented at the POEA Labor Assistance Center (LAC) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) counter at the airports, prior to departure.
The E-Receipt or OEC serves as the worker’s guarantee that he/she is covered by government protection and benefits.

Who are considered Balik-Manggagawa?
A balik-manggagawa or a worker-on leave refers to an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who is on vacation or on leave and is returning to the same employer.

Use of exit clearance
Having an exit clearance is proof that the worker has undergone the legal and right procedure of  overseas employment. Being a registered OFW, the worker is accorded the full protection and benefits from government institutions while he is working abroad and upon his return to the Philippines.
It also exempts the OFW from payment of travel tax and airport terminal fee.

A POEA OFW Overseas Exit Clearance can be requested for door-to-door delivery through the POEA Balik Manggagawa OEC Express Delivery service

Source: www.poea.gov.ph/balik/balik2007.html and www.poea.gov.ph/about/hiring.htm

Philippine EPassport FAQs

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

Found some answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding the new ePassport.

What is an ePassport?
An ePassport is a passport which features microchip technology. An integrated circuit (chip) within its pages contains the data that are essential in verifying the identity of the passport holder. These data include the personal data found on the data page of the passport, the biometrics of the passport holder, the unique chip identification number, and a digital signature to verify the authenticity of the data stored on the chip. The chip technology allows the information stored in an ePassport to be read by special chip readers at a close distance.

What are Biometrics?
Biometrics are the unique and measurable physical characteristics of an individual that include face recognition, fingerprints, and iris scans.
The Philippine Electronic Passport (or Philippine ePassport) uses the digital image of the passport photograph that can be used with face recognition technology to verify the identity of the passport holder. It captures the fingerprints of the passport holder, for identification using the Automated Fingerprint Verification System (AFIS).

What are the special features of the Philippine ePassport?
The Philippine ePassport allows information stored on the chip to be verified with the information visually displayed on the passport.
It uses contactless microchip technology that allows the information stored on the chip to be read by special chip readers at a close distance.
It contains an integrated photograph of the holder, a digitized secondary photo, and an electronic print of the holder’s signature.
It contains overt and hidden security features such as Invisible Personal Information (IPI), letterscreen, microprinting, and UV reactive ink, among others.

What is the difference between the existing maroon machine readable passport (MRP) and the ePassport?
An MRP is a passport that contains a machine-readable zone (MRZ) printed in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard. It is capable of being read manually and with the use of a machine.

An ePassport has an embedded IC chip where the photograph and personal information of the bearer are stored in accordance with ICAO specifications. These information can be read by chip readers at close distance. An ePassport also contains a machine-readable zone.

What advantages does the Philippine ePassport offer?
The ePassport is highly secure, hence avoids passport reproduction and tampering. The ePassport database is enhanced with AFIS that guards against multiple passport issuances to the same person and enhances imposter detection.

It facilitates fast clearance of travellers at immigration checks.
ePassports provide travellers benefits such as use of automated border clearance or “E-gates”, automated issuance of boarding passes, and faster travel arrangements with airlines.

For countries, the use of electronic passport also provides better border protection and security.

Why do we have to use ePassports now?
The MRP has the minimum ICAO standards in travel documents. The ePassport is the world standard in travel documents. As member of ICAO, the Philippines has an international obligation to enhance the security of its travel documents.

The issuance of ePassports will allow the Philippines to offer world-class consular services to its nationals.
Countries have greater confidence and acceptance of the ePassport since it is enhanced with biometric technology.

ePassports are already being used in more than 60 countries worldwide. In ASEAN, five countries have already issued e-passports (Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia).

Who can avail of the Philippine E-Passport?
The ePassport will initially be made available in limited number. Regular issuance will start sometime in October 2009 from whence all applicants who can comply with the documentary requirements may avail of the ePassport.

How much does an ePassport cost?
The ePassport is available for P950. A passport applicant, however, may choose between the ePassport and the less expensive Machine Readable Passport, both compliant with ICAO standard.

Why is the ePassport more expensive than the current passport?
The added security features of the ePassport are factored into the production cost. Comparative prices of ePassports from different countries, however, show that the cost of the Philippine ePassport is among the lowest in the world.

What other countries use ePassports?
ePassports are already being used in more than 60 countries worldwide. In ASEAN, five countries have already issued ePassports (Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia). In the future, all countries are seen to switch to the ePassport due to the increasing need for efficient and better border security.

What is the ePassport logo and what does it mean?
The ePassport logo which appears on the cover of the ePassport is the international symbol for an electronic passport. It means that the passport has an integrated circuit or chip on which data about the passport and passport holder is stored. The logo will alert border inspection lanes at all airports and transit ports equipped with special data readers for ePassports that the passport is an ePassport.

I have a previously issued passport. Can I use it for travel as long as it is still valid?
Yes. Previously issued passports (MRP and non-MRP) are valid until their expiry. It is a good practice to make sure your passport is valid at least six months before intended date of travel to avoid any inconvenience.

Will there be additional requirements needed for the processing of ePassports?
None. Essentially, the requirements for ePassport processing will remain the same as that for the MRP, although personal appearance is required for the taking of biometrics (i.e., fingerprints, photo, and signature).

Can existing holders of the maroon MRP simply surrender their passports and have them converted to an ePassport?
As soon as the production of the ePassport comes into full swing, holders of MRPs can have their passport cancelled and apply for ePassport if they so wish.

Where can I apply for an ePassport?
The ePassport will be initially available at DFA Manila, to be followed by Philippine Embassies and consulates abroad and throughout the Philippines through DFA’s regional offices.

Source: http://www.citizenservices.com.ph/blog/view/id/196
Originally posted at: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/advisory/travel-advisory/travel-advisory/516-frequently-asked-questions-on-the-philippine-epassport

DFA ePassport Through DFA Passport Appointment System and New Building Location

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

News Info:
In a move to constantly upgrade its efficient service to the public, the Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has relocated to a state-of-the-art building located at the corner of Bradco Ave. and Macapagal Blvd. in Aseana Business Park, Paranaque City, just a few minutes away from the Mall of Asia. Equipped with fiber-optic lines, CCTV cameras and other high-tech communications infrastructure, the new OCA-DFA building is poised to set the new standard in government offices, providing the public with fast, efficient, and comfortable service.

In the new location all applications for electronic passports (ePassports) will only be accepted and processed via the appointment system. Applicants may set an appointment by going online through its dedicated website www.passport.com.ph or by calling the DFA Appointment Hotline 737-1000. The new system aims to bring the passport processing service at par with world class consular services. The new appointment system is available for free. The system is designed to help eliminate long queues formed with the old walk-in system, as the applicants would be pre-processed using information given via hotline or online.

Source: http://www.citizenservices.com.ph/blog

NSO Birth Certificate Late Registration Guidelines and Tips

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

So you called the NSO Helpline (02)7371111 or went to the nearest NSO office to request your NSO birth certificate only to receive a copy saying that you don’t have a record of birth at the NSO.

Whoa. Now what? Just when you need that NSO certificate, something like this happens.

Well, I dug up some facts on what to do. Hope these helps.

Delayed Registration of Birth
1. The requirements are:

a) if the person is less than eighteen (18) years old, the following shall be required:
i) four (4) copies of the Certificate of Live Birth duly accomplished and signed by the proper parties;
ii) accomplished Affidavit for Delayed Registration at the back of Certificate of Live Birth by the father, mother, or guardian, declaring therein, among other things, the following:
• name of child;
• date and place of birth;
• name of the father if the child is illegitimate and has been acknowledged by him;
• if legitimate, the date and place of marriage of parents; and
• reason for not registering the birth within thirty (30) days after the date of birth
In case the party seeking late registration of the birth of an illegitimate child is not the mother, the party shall, in addition to the foregoing facts, declare in a sworn statement the recent whereabouts of the mother.
iii) any two of the following documentary evidences which may show the name of the child, date and place of birth, and name of mother (and name of father, if the child has been acknowledged):
• baptismal certificate;
• school records (nursery, kindergarten, or preparatory);
• income tax return of parent/s;
• insurance policy;
• medical records; and
• others, such as barangay captain’s certification.
iv) affidavit of two disinterested persons who might have witnessed or known the birth of the child.

b) If the person is eighteen (18) years old or above.
i) all the requirements for the person who is less than eighteen (18) years old; and
ii) Certificate of Marriage, if married.

2. Delayed registration of birth, like ordinary registration made at the time of birth, shall be filed at the Office of the Civil Registrar of the place where the birth occurred.

3. Upon receipt of the application for delayed registration of birth, the civil registrar shall examine the Certificate of Live Birth presented, whether it has been completely and correctly filled in and all requirements have been complied with.

4. In the delayed registration of the birth of an alien, travel documents showing the origin and nationality of the parents shall be presented in addition to the requirements mentioned in Rule 25.


Now let’s say you need to claim a benefit or an insurance for a close relative. They say you need to present a death certificate as part of the requirements. Say you experience the same thing: no record at NSO. This is what you got to do:

Delayed Registration of Death
No delayed report of death shall be accepted for registration unless the following procedures and requirements are observed and complied with by the concerned parties:
a) four (4) copies of Certificate of Death, which must be accomplished correctly and completely;
b) affidavit for delayed registration which shall be executed by the hospital or clinic administrator if the person died in a hospital, clinic or in a similar institution, or by the attendant at death if the person died elsewhere. In default of the hospital or clinic administrator or attendant at death, the affidavit shall be executed by any of the nearest relative of the deceased, or by any person having legal charge of the deceased when the latter was still alive;
c) the affidavit referred to shall state among other things, the name of the deceased, the facts of his death, the date and place of burial or cremation, and the circumstances why the death was not reported for registration within thirty (30) days after death;
d) authenticated copy of the certificate of burial, cremation, or of other means of corpse disposal; and
e) approval for registration by the health officer in the box provided in the Certificate of Death.


The same goes for marriage certificates so make sure you get your marriage records in order.

Delayed Registration of Marriage
In delayed registration of marriage, the solemnizing officer or the person reporting or presenting the marriage certificate for registration shall be required to execute and file an affidavit in support thereof, stating the exact place and date of marriage, the facts and circumstances surrounding the marriage, and the reason or cause of the delay.

Hope these info help. Stay tuned for more or feel free to ask so we can find out together.

LTO Driver’s License Application Procedures

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

When applying for a driver’s license. Eto ang mga paraan para maging handa ka

How to apply for a driver’s license?

Procedure:
1. Proceed to the Customer Service Counter to have your documents checked for completeness, and secure a Driver’s License Application Form. Get a queue number and wait for your number to be called.

2. When your number is called, proceed to the transaction counters to submit all required documents to the Evaluator.

3. Proceed to the Photo taking/Signature Area to have your picture and signature taken when your name is called.

4. Proceed to the Cashier when your name is called to pay the necessary fees and obtain an Official Receipt.

5. Proceed to the Releasing Counter, present the Official Receipt and claim the temporary student permit/license.

Note: Medical Examination  (After Step 1), Actual and Written Exam are required for Non-Professional and Professionals Driver’s License.(After Step

Restrictions:
● Restriction 1 – Motorcycles/Motorized Tricycles
● Restriction 2 – Vehicle up to 4500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight
● Restriction 3 – Vehicle above 4500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight
● Restriction 4 – Automatic Clutch up to 4500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight
● Restriction 5 – Automatic Clutch above 4500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight
● Restriction 6 – Articulated Vehicle 1600 kg Gross Vehicle Weight & Below
● Restriction 7 – Articulated Vehicle 1601 kg up to 4500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight
● Restriction 8 – Articulated Vehicle 4501 kg & above Gross Vehicle Weight
Note: Restrictions 1, 2, & 4 only for Non-professional driver’s license.

LTO Driver’s License

Bonjour. Mabuhay

Researched some facts for those who are thinking about getting a driver’s license.
Gusto mo bang mag-drive?
Basahin mo to.

What is a driver’s license?

A driver’s license, driver license, or driving license – is an official document which states that a person may operate a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle, car, truck, or a bus. In some jurisdictions, driver’s licenses are issued after the recipient has passed a driving test, while in others, a person acquires a license before beginning to drive. Different categories of license often exist for different types of motor vehicles, particularly large trucks and passenger vehicles. The difficulty of the driving test varies considerably between regions, as do prerequisites such as age restrictions and the required level of tuition.


Who may Apply for a Driver’s License
Criteria And Qualifications
- Sixteen (16) years old for Student Permit
- Seventeen (17) years old for Non-Professional License
- Eighteen (18) years old for Professional License and Conductor’s License
2. Must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle
3. Must not be a drug user or alcoholic
4. Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English
5. Must be clean, neat and presentable

More facts on the next blog on the hows and wheres on future blogs. Abangan..... :)

How To Avoid Fixers

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

In order to escape the potential risk of dealing with fixers on site at any government office, it is best to be aware and equipped with the knowledge on how to be smart and ready.

1. Prepare all the needed requirements for your application. You inquire at the NSO, POEA, DFA  assistance hotlines
a. NSO 737-1111 (for borth,marriage, death, CENOMAR certificates)
b. DFA 737-1000 (for passport appointment and application)
c. POEA 737-7777 (for OFW OEC applciation)
or visit the websites of NSO Helpline, DFA Passpport Appointment, and POEA Overseas Exit Clearance Service.

2. Do not deal with people outside the NSO, POEA, DFA premises
a. Go directly to the entrance guard
b. Show your requirements so you can enter
c. Proceed to the STEP 1 area of the establishment

3. Do not be afaird to ask, but do not be quick to believe. Read the procedures available in the area. Do not rush yourself into making a decision; know what you need to do first.

4. All government agencies are equipped with informative materials to guide you on how to process your requests; this can be done by any individual without too much complication.

5. If a person insists on helping you or assisting you, chances are they could be fixers. Ask for assistance or info at the INFORMATION counter.

Learn to say NO when you’re uneasy with the person.

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a puond of cure. Wag sayangin ng pera kung kayang kaya nyo naman magawa dahil alam mo ang gagawin mo.

Check more requirements for NSO, DFA, and POEA services here.

Philippine Passport Application (ePassport)

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

Getting a passport now is very much unlike the old days. Of course, now we have what they call an ePassport, something with an electronic chip inside the passport itself. Sounds hi-tech , hehe. So just how do i get one of these?

I learned that to apply for a new passport nowadays, I have to fall in line (not literally, though that will come later), and get myself an appointment schedule. Ibig sabihin, pa reserve muna ako ng date. Wow, hirap pero mas ok na siguro compared to falling in line nang madaling araw para lang mauna. Kung may schedule then at least naka reserve ka na.

I tried the DFA website, www.passport.com.ph to get an appointment. It was full of information, kaya lang I also had to put my full information, medyo nakakpagod pero ok naman kasi nakaupo lang naman ako habang ginagawa yun.

Pwede rin pala tumawag sa DFA appointment hotline, (02) 7371000, dun siguro may kukuha ng info mo na makakausap mo, kaso nagawa ko na sa internet eh. Nakuha kong schedule, yung available pa is Oct 29, 9am. At least may oras pa, pwedeng pwede na magplano.

I think this is better than having to go to the DFA without knowing what awaits you. I look forward to seeing this so called ePassport.


Better get my requirements ready…..

NSO Birth Certificate in the Philippines

Bonjour. Mabuhay.

This post will deal with the intricate points of procuring  your own copy of an NSO birth certificate. Of course you can also get a marriage certificate, and a death certificate for formal reasons. I also learned about another certificate called the CENOMAR or a certificate of no marriage.

Guess what, this certificate shows all the marriage records that a person has undergone. Whoa! no escape nowadays when no secret is safe ….

Anyways, getting these certificates would be an important activity at one point in time in any of our lives. Maybe you would go abroad and migrate for reasons we all know , but do stay if you can bear it. Or maybe you would need one for you child’s enrollment, or probably for a passport application. You would be surprised on the numerous usage of these NSO certificates.

So what is it exactly? It looks like a copy of your information printed on a security paper. That means the one your holding or keeping since birth? The one handed to you by your parents? It might not be the authenticated one that you need to use for the reason stated above. So it means you need to get a new one, and maybe more than one sometimes.

How can you get one? Well, you can go to the nearest NSO branch and apply. Prepare to travel and line up though and of course eat out. If you don’t have the time for that, I saw this delivery service that NSO has.

You can call their NSO Birth Certificate Delivery Helpline (02)7371111 and they will get your details and deliver your certificate to you. You pay more (330 pesos) but you save time, and probably you would spend the nearly same amount traveling and eating out. Sounds like a pro deal when you think about it, exchanging the convenience and time for some extra money. Besides, the delivery covers the whole nation, so you get the same value (maybe more for far flung areas) wherever you are. You can check out more at nso.citizenservices.com.ph where a chat option is also in place. That is where I saw the details.


This video shows the time and convenience comparison.


I also learned that there are a lot of concerns when it comes to birth certificates, like wrong spelling of names and sometimes the wrong name entirely. There are instances that you don’t even have a name on your certificate! Wow, call me the nameless one. Worse if you have the wrong gender (a male individual with a gender of female in the certificate), though I know some who would be happy to have this wrong entry…hehe. There area a slew of other concerns like this and I would post more about them and some solutions I will find to correct these on my next blog.

Til next blog