Post Office sealed agreement for online payment with DOF, Customs

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) ink a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to provide the customers a more efficient, secure, hassle free and reliable online payment system of Philippine customs duties and taxes through the Post Office website at www.phlpost.gov.ph.

The online payment system for customs duties and taxes aims to eliminate fraud in compliance with Republic Act No. 11032 also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

The said agreement will make the process of clearing and delivery of parcels and other mail matters faster and simpler, benefitting thousands of consumers and Philippine residents who rely on the postal service to send and receive packages from abroad but also boosting the e-commerce industry for the growth of our economy.

Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio and Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero signed the agreement coinciding with the 125th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Finance.

“For the first time, in the 75 years of being a Republic, the Post Office Digital Innovation will enhance the competitiveness of the Post Office in the local and International market”, Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.

He added, “It is important for the public to understand that all mail and parcels may be subject to customs examination, duties, taxes and other fees”.

The Post Office has introduced the payment of customs duties and taxes through its Post Office website and mobile application launched last May 19, 2022 with no less than former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in attendance.

“This Duterte Legacy signifies the commitment and support of the Post Office especially under the new administration of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. in serving the public who deserve no less than the best postal service by global standards”, Postmaster General Fulgencio said.
Under the agreement the Post Office and Bureau of Customs shall both have access to the systems only in relation to the corresponding input of charges of duties and taxes by the BOC personnel and for the verification of payment. A separate Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) shall be made in relation to collection of duties, taxes and other charges which shall form part of the agreement.

SSS-PPSC agreement to benefit nearly 200 job order, contract of service workers

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The Social Security System (SSS) said nearly 200 job order and contract of service workers will get social security coverage after SSS and the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last June 24, 2022.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Regino lauded PPSC in their effort to provide social protection to their fellow workers in the government not covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). "Regardless of their employment status, workers deserve to have a basic safety net in times of contingencies through SSS membership," Regino said.


Under the MOA, PPSC’s contract of service and job order workers will be classified as self-employed members of SSS. Government contract of service and job order workers are not covered by the GSIS due to their employment status.


As a Coverage and Collection Partner, SSS authorized the PPSC to collect and remit their monthly contributions through a salary-deduction scheme under its KaltaSSS-Collect Program.


“As SSS self-employed members, they shall become entitled to social security benefits such as sickness, maternity, retirement, disability, and death benefits. They shall also become eligible for loan programs which include salary, and calamity, among others. Likewise, they will also have additional coverage from the Employees' Compensation Program (ECP) for work-related contingencies,” Regino added.


As of May 2022, SSS has partnered with 1,261 local government units (LGUs), 398 national government agencies, 98 state universities and colleges (SUCs), and 58 local water districts covering job order and contract of service workers through the KaltaSSS-Collect Program with a total collection exceeding P2.9 billion.

In the photo, SSS Senior Vice President for Account Management Group Mario Sibucao (third from left) and PPSC Vice President for Administration Retired Police Brigadier General Ferdinando Sevilla (fourth from left) showed the MOA between the two government agencies during the signing ceremony held at the PPSC’s compound in Quezon City, which was witnessed by several SSS and PPSC officials.

How To Rent A Car In The Philippines

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The Philippines have several tourist hotspots, culinary cities, and attractions that you may want to visit. Imagine being able to travel anywhere you want to go on a road trip with your family and friends without needing to call for a ride. It might be challenging to prepare everything for your trip, so we have put together a detailed guide on affordable car rental in the Philippines.




Car Rental Process

It would be best to prepare before investing your money in a rental car. For more specific information, you should first review your options of rental services available and look at the company's standards and procedures on their website.

Various car rental agencies may have different criteria. However, almost all of them will need a valid passport, a credit card, and a driver's license. Some of them could also ask for another identification card in addition to your passport, evidence of lodging payment, and other papers.

Depending on the car rental company's terms, conditions and the vehicle you will be renting, some businesses will demand a security deposit or a reservation charge.

As long as you meet the prerequisites, renting a car in the Philippines is simple. The streets might be hectic when it comes to driving, but most people will quickly grow used to it.

Requirements

You need a valid passport, a credit card, and a valid driver's license to rent a car in the Philippines.

You may use the driver's license granted by your country for 90 days as a visitor, but it must be written in English. If your driver's license is not officially translated into English, you must visit your local embassy. And if you plan to remain longer than 90 days, you must visit the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to change your license to a local version.


Here are just a few pointers for using an affordable car rental in the Philippines:

• Always have your official receipt, registration, and driver's license.
• When an orange or yellow light comes on, drive more slowly rather than faster. Avoid attempting to beat or, worse yet, run a red light.
• Don't drive after consuming alcohol.
• Always buckle your seatbelts.
• Drive only authorized cars from respectable companies.
• Try not to swerve.
• Avoid making illegal turns and parking.

Limitations and Restrictions


Age Limitations


In the Philippines, a person must be 18 years old to operate a motor vehicle. But remember that some car rental businesses have a 21-year-old minimum age requirement, so it's wise to phone and ask ahead of time.




Road Conditions and Traffic Regulations

You could occasionally come upon road construction. Use GPS navigation tools like Google Maps and Waze to replan your driving route to avoid them. Remember that since cars are operated on a left-hand drive in the Philippines, they must follow right-hand traffic.




Hands-Free Cellular Phones Usage

Avoid using your cellphone while driving since doing so is against the law under the Anti-Distracted Driving Act. Use your GPS navigation app's hands-free mode.




Parking

Be aware of parking restrictions and warnings since improperly parked vehicles may result in their confiscation by authorities. To avoid leaving your car parked on the streets after your day of exploration, look for condos or hotel accommodations that include a garage or parking area.




Car Insurance

In case of any damage, rented cars in the Philippines are covered by insurance, or more specifically, the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). It will protect you from damages to the vehicle, as the name implies.

Keep in mind that Collision Damage Waiver only covers bodywork damage; it does not cover damage to the engine or transmission, the windscreen, the tyres, the batteries, or the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, driving while intoxicated or recklessly damaging the vehicle is not covered.



Final Note

Overall, having an affordable car rental in the Philippines may give you total control over your trip. It will offer several conveniences so you can genuinely enjoy the time rather than stress and plan.

Utilizing automobile rentals in the Philippines enables you to travel more flexibly and spontaneously. Remember, the most memorable vacations frequently have a healthy dose of spontaneity.