The F Magazine June issue is now available with Jose Isidro N. (Lito) Camacho on the cover.
Jose Isidro N. "Lito" Camacho is the current Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Credit Suisse Asia Pacific and Chairman of the Board of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc.
Camacho also served in the Cabinet of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo briefly as Energy Secretary, before becoming the Secretary of Finance in 2001 until he resigned from government service in 2003.
The Christmas and the New Year celebrations are round the corner and as with previous years, large crowd and heavy vehicular traffic will be expected at major shopping centers, along areas like Orchard Road , Marina Bay, Vivo City and Sentosa. Police would like to advise all shoppers and revelers to remain vigilant against crime during the period.
CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE AGAINST MOLEST
Members of the public, especially women, are advised to stay vigilant against those who may take the opportunity to commit molest during this festive season. The following are some precautions women can take to minimize the risk of becoming a victim:
CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE AGAINST UNRULY CROWDS
During the festive season, people may congregate in groups to celebrate. During such an occasion, people may also consume alcohol. Unfortunately, some celebrations may turn rowdy. Police take a serious view against actions which disrupt public order and peace and will not hesitate to take action against those involved in such cases. Foreign workers who are convicted of such crimes may also risk losing their jobs.
Before hitting the stores, do equip yourself with information on local practices and conditions. The shopping tips provided below will help make your shopping experience in Singapore a pleasant one. It is also a good idea to check with your hotel concierge or visit any Singapore Visitor Centre for assistance, upon arrival.
A good number of department stores and some smaller shops are open daily from 1000 hrs to about 2100 hrs, or even 2200 hrs. Singapore is one of the few countries in the world it is reasonably safe out in the streets even late at night. As long as basic precautions are taken, you can shop in peace.
Mustafa Centre in Little India is the only department store in Singapore that is open 24 hours a day, everyday!
The local newspapers are usually a good bet on the most current sales and promotions. You may wish to take time to browse and compare prices before purchasing.
In department stores, all items price-tagged and prices are fixed. Many small retailers also practice price tagging but are often flexible when approached for a discount. Ask the retailer for his "best price" and then counter-offer with realistic prices until both of you reach an agreement.
Almost all stores accept major international credit and charge cards. Should you come across a shop insisting on adding a surcharge, do contact the local office of the card company so that corrective action can be taken.
For travellers’ cheques and other financial matters, approach the banks which generally operate from 0930 hrs to 1530 hrs, from Mondays to Fridays, and from 0930 hrs to 1130 hrs on Saturdays. For greater convenience, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are conveniently located at banks and most shopping centres and are open round-the-clock. Keep a lookout for these machines displaying Plus and Cirrus signs.
You can exchange currency at all banks, hotels, and wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed.
All department stores and smaller retail shops provide either cash slips or receipts upon purchase. Feel free to ask for one if this step is omitted and be sure that details shown on the receipt are accurate.
Larger shops and department stores will exchange goods if they are returned in good, original condition. However, returns are usually accepted only within a specified number of days (usually three) from the purchase date, and upon presentation of the receipt. Smaller shops may not be so accommodating, so always check goods carefully as well as the shop’s return policy before making a purchase.
If you're undecided about a purchase in a department store and would like to take some time to consider, just ask the sales assistant to put it aside for you. Items can usually be reserved for a maximum of three days.
Singapore households will pay 3.3 per cent less for their electricity bill from October to December - thanks to falling oil prices.
SP Services on Thursday said the average electricity tariffs will be reduced by 0.79 cent per kWh to 23.34 cents per kWh in the next quarter, in line with the lower fuel price price which has fallen to $95.41 per barrel over the last three months.
With the lower tariffs, families in four-room Housing Board flats flats will pay about $3 less a month, on average.
The breakdown of the electricity tariff into its four components is as follows:
SP Services reviews the electricity tariffs quarterly based on guidelines set by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the latest tariffs.
These new tariffs have been approved by the Energy Market Authority, the electricity industry regulator.
source: SP Services
For those who are subscribers of StarHub Cable/Broadband and are paying via DBS, this is for you:
StarHub has consolidated all customers’ accounts into an integrated system and StarHub Ltd will be billing on behalf of StarHub Cable Vision Ltd and StarHub Internet Pte Ltd.
As a result, effective from 01-Nov-2010, bill payment service for StarHub Cable Vision Ltd and StarHub Internet Pte Ltd will be discontinued.
If you have an existing Bill Payment Arrangement for StarHub Cable Vision Ltd or StarHub Internet Pte Ltd:
- Please delete your existing Bill Payment Arrangement and replace this with StarHub Ltd as the new Payee and StarHub Account No as new Consumer Reference No.
- Please do not create any new Bill Payment instructions for StarHub Cable Vision Ltd or StarHub Internet Pte Ltd
If you have already created a Post Dated Billing arrangement involving StarHub Cable Vision Ltd or StarHub Internet Pte Ltd:
- Please delete this Bill Payment instruction and create a new instruction with StarHub Ltd as the new Payee and StarHub Account No. as the new Consumer Reference No. We will not be able to process any Bill Payment instructions to StarHub Cable Vision Ltd and StarHub Internet Pte Ltd after 01-Nov-2010
Details of the StarHub Cable Vision Ltd and StarHub Internet Pte Ltd billing changes can be found at www.starhub.com/newbill.
If you are a visitor to Singapore, you shall be entitled to a GST refund on goods that 
Under the Premier Tax Free GST Scheme, visit any store that displays the "PREMIER TAX FREE" logo. Ask for your Premier refund when you spend only SGD 100 at a single participating shop.
Tourists may receive a refund of GST paid if the goods were purchased from retailers who operate the scheme. It applies only to goods that are brought out of Singapore via Changi International Airport or Seletar Airport within two months from the date of purchase, subject to conditions of the scheme.
Eligibility criteria
You must be 16 years old or above at the time of purchase and must NOT:
Spend more than 365 days in Singapore in the past 24 months before the date of purchase;
Have exercised employment in Singapore in the past 6 months before the date of purchase;
Be a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore; and
Be a member of the cabin or flight crew of the aircraft on which you are departing from Singapore,
If you are on a student pass, in addition to the above criteria, you are eligible only if you intend to depart and remain outside Singapore for a minimum period of 12 months. The Scheme also only covers goods that you purchase in the last 4 months to the expiry of your student pass. The goods must also be brought out within 2 months from the date of purchase.
Other conditions
You must spend a minimum of $100 at a participating retail shop on a single day. You may accumulate up to 3 receipts on same day purchases from the same retailer to meet this $100 threshold.
The goods must be brought out of Singapore via Changi International Airport or Seletar Airport within 2 months from the date of purchase.
You must have a duly completed refund form issued by the participating retailer.
You must produce the refund form with the goods and receipt personally to Singapore Customs for verification and endorsement of the form.
You must show your passport and boarding pass or confirmed air-ticket to Singapore Customs.
For bulky goods or goods to be checked in, please ensure that you proceed to the Singapore Customs GST Refund counter before checking in the goods.
Small items that can be hand-carried are to be produced at Singapore Customs GST Refund counter in the Departure Lounge after immigration clearance.
You must depart with the goods on a flight within 12 hours from Singapore Customs’ endorsement of your refund form.
You must submit the refund form endorsed by Singapore Customs to the retailer or refund agency no later than 2 months from the date of the endorsement.
Important!
Singapore Customs is unable to accede to any request for a refund form to be faxed over to you at the airport.
Singapore Customs shall not endorse the refund form if you fail to produce goods for inspection upon their request.
If you are departing via Seletar Airport, please proceed to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Duty Office for endorsement.
Making a false declaration in the refund form to Singapore Customs is a serious offence.
Taking the goods out of the Departure Hall or passing the goods to someone else after getting the refund form has been endorsed by Singapore Customs is also a serious offence.
Offences committed under the Scheme attract penalties and possible imprisonment.
After getting the endorsement on the refund form and if you are departing via Changi International Airport, you should:
Proceed to the counter of Global Refund or Premier Tax Free if you are holding Global Refund Cheque or Premier Tax Free Voucher. These counters are located in the Departure Lounge after immigration. You can get your GST refund in cash at these counters. Alternatively, you can opt for direct credit to your credit card or bank account or for a bank cheque; or
Mail the refund form back to the retailer to process your GST refund, if you have purchased from a retailer operating the Scheme on his own. You can drop it in the mailbox at the Singapore Customs GST Refund counter before leaving Singapore.
If you are departing via Seletar Airport, please mail the endorsed form back to the retailer.
Please arrive early in the airport to allow sufficient time for Singapore Customs to inspect your goods and verify your claims.
Under Singapore laws, certain types of items are subject to the payment of duty before you can bring them into the country.
Dutiable Goods
Generally, there are 4 types of dutiable goods in Singapore as follows.
You can approach an ICA officer at the Red Channel for payment of duty and GST if you have dutiable goods which exceed the GST relief or duty-free concession. It is an offence to proceed to the Green Channel for clearance if you have items that are subject to payment of duty/GST. See the GST relief and duty-free concession.
To avoid committing customs offences, travelers and members of the public need to comply with Customs rules and regulations. Those found committing customs offences may be offered the following composition amounts.
Check the complete list of dutiable goods here.
Controlled Goods
Certain goods are controlled and allowed entry into Singapore only when you produce the IN permit or authorization from the relevant authorities.
If you wish to know more about these items, please click here.
Prohibited Goods
The following items are NOT allowed to be imported into Singapore:
It is an offence if you attempt to bring any of the items listed above into Singapore.
Source: Singapore Customs
Duty and Tax Free Privileges in accordance with the provisions of Section 105 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP), as amended by Executive Order No. 206
Who are entitled to Duty and Tax Free Privileges?
What is the extent of duty and tax free privilege of returning Filipinos/Balikbayans?
The extent varies as follows:
You may also visit the website of the Philippine Bureau of Customs on the matter.
The travel tax is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on the following individuals:
Travel Tax Exemptions
1. Singapore Permanent Resident Card Holder For Migrant Filipinos
Original & photocopy of the Singapore Blue IC and/or the Re-entry permit stamped on the passport which is valid for multiple journeys within three years from date the travel document is valid. Holder is authorized to re-enter Singapore for permanent resident so long as the permit is valid;
Original & photocopy of the passport (first page & latest arrival/departure stamps in RP.
2. Overseas Filipino Workers Who Are Direct Hires And Did Not Pass Through POEA In Manila But Later Become OWWA Member In Singapore
- Possession of an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and/or E-card
- Possession of valid employment contract duly authenticated by the Embassy
- Possession of Certificate of Employment issued by the Embassy
A certificate of employment from the local company should be presented together with the copies of the valid employment pass card and first page of passport.
3. Dependents Of OFWS
- At least 1 YEAR away from the Philippines as evidenced by the latest departure from and latest arrival in the Philippines.
- Copy of plane ticket used in traveling to the Philippines.
Reduced Travel Tax For:
Reduced travel tax could be availed of provided the following PTA requirements were met:
- Original & photocopy of marriage contract
- Original & photocopies of birth certificates
- Copy of the worker’s valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)/Exit Pass and/or E-card
TRAVEL TAX RATES:
| First class (ticket) | Economy class (ticket) | |
| Full rate | P 2,700 | P 1,620 |
| Standard Reduced | P 1,350 | P 810 |
| Reduced rate for dependents of OFWs | P 400 | P 300 |
*Processing fee for every certificate issued by the PTA is P200.00
Sources: Philippine Embassy Singapore And Philippine Tourism
For those who are planning to take their chances to hit the jackpot in Singapore, read and understand this information carefully.
To summarize, it is an offense/illegal for employers and employment agencies to collect/receive any form of payment (whether monetary or in kind) in exchange for employment consideration.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) introduced new Work Permit and S Pass conditions to prohibit employers from receiving payment as consideration for employing foreign workers, and recovering employment-related costs from foreign workers. A new licence condition will also be introduced to prohibit employment agencies from offering payment to employers, in exchange for hiring foreign workers through them. The new conditions will make clear to employers and employment agencies that engaging in such malpractices constitute an offence.
Why is MOM introducing new Work Permit & S Pass Conditions and Employment Agency Licence Condition to prevent employers and employment agencies from profiteering from employment of foreign workers?
Such practices increase the debt burden and compromise the welfare of foreign workers. The new conditions will make clear to employers and employment agencies that engaging in such malpractices constitute an offence.What are the new Work Permit and S Pass Conditions? When will it be effective?
From 14 July 2008, it is an offence for employers to receive any form of payment (whether monetary or in kind) from a Work Permit holder or employment agent as consideration for the employment of the Work Permit holder. Employers are also prohibited from recovering employment-related expenses such as the levy and security bond, from their Work Permit holders. These new conditions will also apply to employers of S Pass holders.What are some of the employment-related expenses that cannot be recovered from the foreign worker?
An employer is not allowed to recover employment-related expenses, (whether monetary or in kind), which are payable by the employer. Some of these include, but are not limited to:Who will be affected by the new Work Permit and S Pass Conditions?
The new Work Permit conditions prohibiting employers from receiving payment (whether monetary or in kind) as consideration for the employment of the foreign worker or recovering employment-related costs will apply to all employers of Work Permit holders, including foreign domestic workers, and employers of S Pass holders.What is the penalty for employers who do not comply with the new Work Permit and S Pass Conditions?
Errant employers who breach the new Work Permit and S Pass conditions will be fined up to $5,000 and/or imprisoned for up to six months under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. They will also be barred from employing foreign workers in the future.What is the new Employment Agency Licence Condition? When will it be effective?
From 14 July 2008, employment agencies will be prohibited from offering, directly or indirectly, any form of payment (whether monetary or in kind) to employers, in exchange for the employers hiring foreign workers through them.Who will be affected by the new Employment Agency Licence Condition?
The new Employment Agency Licence condition will apply to all employment agencies carrying out recruitment or placement activities of foreign workers, including foreign domestic workers.What is the penalty for employment agencies who do not comply with the new Employment Agency Licence Condition?
Employment agencies that breach the new Employment Agency Licence Condition will have their licences revoked and their security deposit forfeited.Will MOM be implementing other measures to curb the errant practice and the recovery of employment-related costs from foreign workers?
MOM is working with the Singapore National Employers Federation to advise employers not to engage in such malpractices. Foreign workers will also be educated on the new regulatory measures through guidebooks issued by MOM, namely “Working in Singapore - A Guide for Foreign Workers” and “A Handy Guide for Foreign Domestic Workers in Singapore”, as well as briefings conducted during safety orientation courses.How will employers and employment agencies be informed of the new Work Permit & S Pass Conditions and Employment Agency Licence Condition?
Employers of Work Permit holders (including foreign domestic workers) and S Pass holders, as well as employment agencies will be informed of the Work Permit and S Pass Conditions and Employment Agency Licence Condition via circulars from MOM. MOM will also announce the new conditions on the WPOL and via the EA Alert.How can foreign workers report breaches of the new legislations?
Foreign workers can call the MOM Call Centre at (65) 6438 5122 or email to mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg.Where can I find more information on the new Work Permit and S Pass Regulations and Employment Agency Licence Condition?
You may wish to call the MOM Contact Centre at (65) 6438 5122, or access the website for more information on the new Work Permit and S Pass Conditions and Employment Agency Licence Condition.
Source: http://www.mom.gov.sg
Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines low-cost carrier will, mount additional frequencies to its international and domestic leisure destinations in anticipation of strong demand during the summer season.
According to Cebu Pacific,
We're adding four weekly mid-day flights to our Manila-Singapore service, and grab our promo fares for only P1799. It gets more exciting because we have also increased frequencies to our Cebu-Hong Kong flights from four-times weekly to daily; and Ho Chi Minh service to a four-times weekly service with fares as low as P1799!
Starting March 29 they will add four weekly mid-day flights to its current twice daily Manila-Singapore service. The airline will also expand its Cebu-Hong Kong flights from four-times weekly to daily and boost its Ho Chi Minh service with an additional Saturday flight.
On it’s domestic sector, CEB will increase its Manila-Boracay (Caticlan) service to 77 times weekly from 56 times weekly. The airline also raises its Cebu-Caticlan frequency to twice daily from once daily.
It will expand its Manila-Busuanga service to twice daily, while its Davao-Zamboanga service will increase from four-times weekly to a daily service.
The airline will use its eighth ATR 72-500 aircraft to mount the additional domestic flights in time for the summer peak. This brings CEB’s weekly domestic flights to 1,206 from 1,152.
I did a quick check on their schedule for April and sure enough there is an additional flight for SG-PH(depart 1:30pm – arrive 4:55pm).
But the additional schedule is only available on Mon-Wed-Fri. According to the report, it should have four…. Maybe their system is not yet fully updated to reflect this additional change.
Source: Cebu Pacific and inquirer.net
This article already posted to my other website. I am reposting it as this should really belong here:
| StarHub HomeConnect | Estimated Talktime/Mins | Estimated Cost/Min S$/ min |
| Philippines - Fixed | 53 | 0.18 |
| Philippines - Mobile# | 48 | 0.2 |
Denomination: $10
StarHub's Prepaid calling card. HomeConnect card lets you make overseas calls from any fixed line, mobile line or payphone in Singapore. And, HomeConnect card offers you an economical way to call back to Singapore when you are abroad.
HomeConnect comes with these outstanding value features:It is being sold from Starhub for $10 but you can get it as low as $8.50 in Lucky Plaza.
You can check the rates for detailed info.
| Telcom 15150 CallBack | Estimated Talktime/Mins | Estimated Cost/Min S$/ min |
| Philippines - Fixed | 98mins | 0.097/min |
| Philippines - Mobile# | 40mins | 0.229/min |
Denomination: $10, 20 and $50 ( free $5)
Being sold at $8.00 (ezpay.com.sg, AXS stations and 7-11 stores)
This card is from Telcom United (S) Pte Ltd. Its a callback service, meaning you call their designated number and once connected it will auto disconnect. The system will call you back after a few seconds and ask for the IDD number you wish to call. This is good specially if you have unlimited incoming since you don't have to waste your mobile's extra monthly allocated outgoing minutes.
Features of 15150 CallBack
*Note: For use on mobile with free incoming call only. Watch out for the connection charge.
M1 1818 International Calling Card
| M1 1818 | Estimated Talktime/Mins | Estimated Cost/Min S$/ min |
| Philippines - Fixed | 55 | 0.18/min |
| Philippines - Mobile# | 50 | 0.20/min |
Denomination: $10
The 1818 prepaid International Calling Card enables you to make overseas calls to the Top 8 Asian countries and over 200 destinations worldwide in an easy and cost-effective way. you can call from Singapore to Bangladesh, China, India India, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and All other countries.
Just dial 1818 and follow the voice prompts to place your call. It's that simple! 1818 is easily accessible, so you can call from any mobile phones, fixed lines and SingTel/StarHub payphones.
Features
This is the list of available door-to-door cargo/freight forwarding service I was able to collect for sending items (including electronic items such as LCD TV up to 37") to the Philippines.
Most of them are located in Lucky Plaza or more commonly known as LP. If you know any company who are providing the same service, let me know and I will include them here.
Unit #03-050,
Tel (65) 6235 2929
Fax (65) 6835 2370
Unit #04-077
Tel (65) 67361500 / 67361056
Fax (65) 67385258
Unit #03-022,
Tel (65) 6734 9434
Fax
Unit #04-078,
Tel (65) 6836 9053
Fax (65) 6836 9053
Unit #04-002,
Tel (65) 62350574
Fax (65) 62350624
Unit #03-074,
Tel (65) 67324902
Fax (65) 67343410
Unit #03-088,
Tel (65) 68366241EEC Trading & Service
Fax (65) 68366215
Unit #02-043,
Tel (65) 6737 1227
Unit #04-019,
Tel (65) 6736 2773
Fax (65) 6736 2775
