Updated Philippine Embassy Singapore Modified Office Hours from from 31 March to 24 April 2011

Another modified office schedule from Philippine Embassy in Singapore from from 31 March to 24 April 2011 only:

The Philippine Embassy in Singapore announced that due to further improvements to be made to its public waiting area, its Monday-Friday work schedule will be extended from 31 March to 24 April 2011. The extension is also being implemented in light of the slowdown of scheduled repairs, caused by the onset of heavy rain in the preceding weeks.

The Embassy will be closed to public transactions on Saturdays and Sundays during the said period.  No consular or labor services will be available over the weekend.

The transacting public is advised, however, that the Embassy will be open for passport, notarial, civil registry, and labor services from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visa applications will continue to be accepted from Monday to Thursday only.

As the improvements are being made to the Embassy’s public area, the modified office schedule is being implemented to minimize the risk and inconvenience to the transacting public.

Likewise, applicants are discouraged from bringing companions, especially young children and the elderly, to the Embassy.  In order to avoid overcrowding and congestion, particularly within the area under repair, the Embassy may limit the entry on non-applicants.

The public’s cooperation and kind understanding will be appreciated.

The Embassy will be closed on the following dates:

DATE	DAY	REMARKS
01 April 2011	Friday	OPEN
02 April 2011	Saturday	CLOSED
03 April 2011	Sunday	CLOSED
09 April 2011	Saturday	CLOSED
10 April 2011	Sunday	CLOSED
16 April 2011	Saturday	CLOSED
17 April 2011	Sunday	CLOSED
21 April 2011	Maundy Thursday	CLOSED
22 April 2011	Good Friday	CLOSED
23 April 2011	Saturday	CLOSED
24 April 2011	Sunday	CLOSED
29 April 2011	Friday	CLOSED
01 May 2011	Sunday	OPEN

 

Clients with queries are advised to send an e-mail to php@pacific.net.sg or leave a voice mail clearly stating their name, contact number and nature of inquiry at +65.6737.3977.  Queries will be responded to within one to three working days.

Filipinos in distress requiring urgent and immediate assistance are advised to text or call the Embassy’s emergency hotline, +65.9072.2797.

Resumption of normal operating schedule (Sunday-Thursday) shall be on (Sunday) 01 May 2011.

What is an OEC and what are the requirements for the issuance of an OEC

What is an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)?

An Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), is a requirement under POEA Rules and Regulations to help ensure that Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) are properly documented and protected.

Only OFWs are required to get an OEC. In this case, OFWs would include: work permit holders such as domestic helpers, etc. as well as S-pass and E-pass holders. PRs, EPEC holders and OJTs are not required to get OECs.

Used OEC, whether regular or multiple, is a requirement to be submitted to the Department of Tourism to avail travel tax reduction for OFW dependents.

What are the requirements for Issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)?

Household Service Workers

• Accomplished application form
• Valid Employment Contract (processed by POEA or the Philippine Embassy – if there is no valid authenticated employment contract, please proceed to OEC for domestic worker for the checklist of requirements)
• Work Permit Card
• Passport
• Two-way ticket or Itinerary issued by travel agency
• Proof of OWWA valid membership (i.e. official receipt, certificate of coverage); worth S$42.00 renewable every 2  years.

Others Applicants

• Accomplished application form
• Employment Card, S Pass, Work Permit Card
• Passport
• Two-way ticket or Itinerary issued by travel agency
• Proof of OWWA valid membership (i.e. official receipt, certificate of coverage);  worth S$43.00 renewable every 2  years

Where and when to file an OEC?

OEC applications can be filed at Window 2 of the Philippine Embassy (Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. / Mondays to Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

 

How long will it take to process an OEC?

During ordinary days (not peak season) 5 to 10 minutes, provided the documentary requirements are complete.

Can a household service worker apply directly with the embassy to secure an OEC, without passing thru Singapore agent (SinAgent)?

Yes, provided she has a valid employment contract processed by the Philippine Embassy, in addition to other documentary requirements stated above.

How much is the processing fee for OEC?

S$5.50 payable in cash only.

 

Multiple OEC

An OFW who will travel to the Philippines twice or more in a year may apply for and will be issued multiple OECs. The copy of the multiple travel exit clearance (OEC) shall be validated on the date of departure by the POEA Labor Assistance Center at the appropriate international airport and copies of the same shall be submitted by the OFW/s to the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to avail of the exemptions from payment of travel tax and airport terminal fee pursuant to Sec. 35, R.A. 8042 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995).

 

What are the requirements for the application of a multiple OEC?

The issuance of “Multiple Travel Exit Clearances’ (Multiple OECs) is governed by POEA MC No. 12 (2005) which allows OFWs provided with short contract durations and frequent vacations to avail of the same with one year validity upon submission of the following:

• Valid Passport (Original)
• Valid  Work visa
• Proof of Current Employment (Contract for Domestic Workers/EP/S-pass , etc.) with more than a year’s validity; and
• Proof of OWWA membership (Official Receipt or Certificate of Membership Coverage) with more than a year’s validity.

Requirements and Fees before a Household Service Workers can get an OEC

An Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), is a requirement under POEA Rules and Regulations to help ensure that Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) are properly documented and protected.

The applicant should be accompanied by an eligible and qualified employer to process the authenticated Employment Contract at the Philippine Embassy.

• The Worker should have served continuously for at least two (2) years with the same employer.
• But if less than two (2) years, the processing will be through an accredited Singapore employment agency.

Requirements for the authenticated Employment Contract:

• Two (2) copies of Standard Employment Contract (Original) – All pages of the contract should be signed by the employer and the worker.
• Two (2) copies of Undertaking of an Employer (Original)
• Two (2) copies of Work Permit (plus 1 copy for passport renewal)
• Two (2) copies of Passport (plus 1 copy for passport renewal)
• One (1) copy of Employer’s IC
• Seven Thousand Singapore Dollars (S$7,000.00) Performance Bond from a reputable Insurance Company (Original)
• One (1) copy of the Ten Thousand Dollar Medical Insurance (MOM)

Home Leave – S$110.00

• Authentication of Contract – S$42.50
• Verification – S$20.00
• OWWA – $42.00
• Overseas Employment Certificate – S$5.50

Passport Renewal – S$189.50

• Authentication of Contract – S$42.50
• Verification – S$20.00
• OWWA – $42.00
• Passport - S$85.00

Renewal of Employment Contract Only – S$104.50

• Authentication of Contract – S$42.50
• Verification – S$20.00
• OWWA – $42.00

Singapore OFW: FAQs on the Pag-IBIG Fund

Under Republic Act 9679, Pag-IBIG membership is now a requirement for the issuance of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Beginning July 18, 2010 the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO - Singapore) will collect Pag-IBIG membership dues prior to the issuance of the OEC.  This arrangement will provide more OFWs greater access to the huge benefits available only to members. These benefits include the provident savings, multi—purpose, calamity and housing loans.

Who should register with the Pag-IBIG Fund as members?

With the signing of Republic Act No. 9679, effective January 1, 2010 membership to the Fund shall be mandatory for the following:

• All employees, workers, professionals, officers and companies who are compulsorily covered by the SSS and GSIS
• Uniformed members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Philippine National Police
• All members of the judiciary and constitutional commissions
• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
• Filipinos employed by foreign-based employers, whether deployed locally or abroad.

How much is the Pag-IBIG contribution?

The initial monthly contribution is SGD 5.50. The peso equivalent at the time of payment will apply and credited to the member’s account.

Sample Computation:

Forex: SGD 1.00 = Php 33.00

Initial Pag-IBIG contribution: SGD 5.50

Multiply by: Php33.00

Amount credited to member’s fund: Php181.50

What are the benefits of being a member of the Pag-IBIG Fund?

A Pag-IBIG member will enjoy the following benefits:

• Savings

  The contributions that an OFW member makes are credited to his Total Accumulated Value (TAV) or savings which are fully guaranteed by the national government.

  The member’s savings earn annual dividends that are tax-free. The dividend rate varies depending on the net income of the Fund at yearend. For 2009 Pag-IBIG declared P8.5 billion in total dividends giving members a dividend rate of 5% on their savings.

  Pag-IBIG savings are also portable, meaning, these remain in the name of a member even if he transfers employers, works abroad or becomes self-employed or even unemployed.

• Short-Term Loan

  A member is entitled to borrow short-term loans offered by the Fund to help address immediate financial needs.

• Housing Loan

  A member of good standing may avail of a Pag-IBIG home financing loan from the Fund with some of the lowest interest rates in the market, and repayment terms of up to 30 years. Pag-IBIG housing loans offer low monthly amortizations, making it possible for even low-salary employees to benefit from the program.

When can a Pag-IBIG member registered under the Mandatory Coverage (Pag-IBIG 1), withdraw his/her contributions?

A member may claim his Total Accumulated Value (TAV) after 20 years of membership with the Fund and after having made a total of 240 monthly contributions.

A member may also withdraw his savings before the 20-year maturity under these valid grounds:

    * Retirement
    * Permanent departure from the country
    * Permanent or total physical disability
    * Insanity
    * Death of the member
    * Termination from service by reason of health
    * Optional withdrawal after 10 or 15 years of continuous contributions

What are the requirements to become a Pag-IBIG 1 member?

1. Filled up Members Registration Form (Download MRF)
2. Present original or photocopy of Philippine Passport / NRIC / E Pass / S Pass / Work Permit

What proof should the Pag-IBIG 1 member bring on applying for OEC?

1. Valid Pag-IBIG Fund receipt or
2. Latest Pag-IBIG payment made to our accredited remittance center / banks.

Note: Member must have a payment for the past six (6) months. 

How can OFWs register under the Mandatory Coverage (Pag-IBIG 1)?

OFWS may register through the Pag-IBIG desks located at:

1. Philippine Embassy – Singapore: Counter 4
2. Lucky Plaza 2nd floor Unit 45 Lucky Plaza
3. Lucky Plaza 3rd floor Unit 69 (during Sunday only)

Where can I pay for my Pag-IBIG contributions?

For Pag-IBIG numbers with T-Series number, you may pay directly to:

1. Metro Remittance (S) Pte Ltd- #03-30 Lucky Plaza
2. Iremit (S) Pte Ltd – #03-69 Lucky Plaza
3. Philippine National Bank – #03-02/07 Lucky Plaza

For Pag-IBIG numbers with MID or 12 digit number, you may pay directly to:

1. Metro Remittance (S) Pte Ltd - #03-30 Lucky Plaza
2. Iremit (S) Pte Ltd – #03-69 Lucky Plaza

For more details, contact:

Mr. Eric E. Elloso, Information Officer
Tel.No. (+65) 6737 0307
Mobile No. (+65) 9423 6535
Email: popsingapore@pagibigfund.gov.ph

Pag-IBIG Membership now required before you can get an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)

From Philippine Embassy Singapore:

The Pag-IBIG Fund announced that effective 1 July 2010, the Philippine Overseas Employment  Agency (POEA), under the 18 June 2010 Collection Servicing Agreement signed between the Fund and the POEA, has started collecting Pag-IBIG Fund membership contributions  from departing OFWs.

Under Republic Act 9679, Pag-IBIG membership is now a requirement for the issuance of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Beginning July 18, 2010 the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO- Singapore) will  collect Pag-IBIG membership dues prior to the issuance of the OEC. This arrangement will provide more OFWs greater access to the huge benefits available only to members.  These benefits include the provident savings, multi—purpose, calamity and housing loans.

In Singapore, an initial contribution of S$5.50 is required for membership. All qualified members can avail of a housing loan of up to P3 million with a maximum loan term of 30 years.

In Singapore, the Pag-IBIG post is located at Classified Resources Pte.Ltd. 304 Orchard Road #02-45, Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863 or at the Philippine Embassy, 20 Nassim Road.

There are also Pag-IBIG accredited collecting banks/agents and remittance companies in Lucky Plaza that can accept membership and monthly payments.  In the Philippines, they may register directly at the Pag-IBIG office located at the 6/F, Justine Bldg., Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. Members may likewise register through any Pag-IBIG office in the Philippines or at its satellite offices located at the POEA and NAIA.

The Pag-IBIG Fund in coordination with the Embassy of the Philippines recently conducted a Housing Fair in Singapore. Jaime A. Fabiaña, chief executive officer of the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund),  said  today that the Housing Fair dubbed  “Sa Pag-IBIG ko, Ginhawa Mo!” held at the Suntec Convention Center last June 27 was a “resounding success.”

The fair, attended by an estimated 2,000 OFWs, had 30 real estate developers who brought to Singapore their inventory of available housing packages in the Philippines. It also provided  an opportunity for Filipinos working in Singapore to choose their dream house from the huge inventories of these packages that would match their budget and their needs.

The housing fair likewise served as a venue for Pag-IBIG to build awareness among OFWS regarding the Fund’s universal membership coverage under its new charter.  Republic Act 9679, or the HDMF Law of 2009, made Pag-IBIG membership mandatory for all formally employed Filipinos, including OFWs.

According to Fabiana, the housing fair provided “an excellent platform for Pag-IBIG to generate new members, and for participating developers to reach potential buyers. Pag-IBIG has some of the most affordable housing loans in the Philippines today, and it makes sense to reinforce its membership campaign among OFWs by highlighting this huge benefit available only to members,” he said.

Pag-IBIG personnel were on hand during the  fair to accept membership applications and assist in the on-line registration of new members, as well as verify the total savings and amortization status of existing members.

Former Vice President and Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Noli “Kabayan” De Castro  was the guest of honor.  Entertainment numbers  were provided by Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 scholars Laarni Lozada and Bugoy Drilon.

 

Nathalie A. Fajardo
Cultural Assistant
Philippine Embassy
20 Nassim Road
Singapore 258395
T: +65 6737 - 3977 ext. 101
F: +65 6733 - 9544