Philippine and U.S. Holiday
April 1, 2021 (Thursday) - Maundy Thurs
April 2, 2021 (Friday) - Good Friday
April 9, 2021 (Friday)- Bataan & Corregidor

RAO Subic Calendar 2021

Date: 04/05/2021

The past week or so has been a whirlwind of questions and sometimes misinformation on filing a VA claim here. This was brought about by the withdrawal of accreditation of two former Veteran Services Officers (VSO's).

Click here to read more.

Date: 04/04/2021

Date: 01/03/2021

Great news! Our resident tax expert Ken Kimura had landed and is in quarantine. If all goes well, he has TENTATIVELY scheduled to begin offering tax services on 10, 11, and 12 March, and then going to his previously arranged schedule of every Friday, until the end of tax season. We will immediately announce confirmation when available.

Date: 02/28/2021

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a massive $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus package early Saturday -- the sixth COVID bill passed since the pandemic began a year ago.

The vote around 2 a.m. ET was 219-212. Two Democrats voted against their party's plan: U.S. Reps. Jared Golden of Maine and Kurt Schrader of Oregon. Both lawmakers also opposed a $3 trillion bill last May that ultimately failed. Not a single Republican backed Saturday's bill. About two hours before the vote "The amount of money that actually goes to defeating the virus is less than 9 percent – Less than 9 percent!" — House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy

Many Republicans particularly objected to Democrats’ efforts to include a $15 minimum wage requirement as part of the package -- saying it would hurt businesses and cost many Americans their jobs.The House bill passed Saturday morning included the $15 plan -- but the Democrats' effort was expected to run into a roadblock in the Senate because Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough this week decided that inclusion of the $15 plan would violate Senate rules.The $15 minimum wage proposal is particularly important to progressives -- but other House Democrats appeared pleased with the bill that was passed Saturday. Lawmakers were rushing to send approved legislation to President Biden's desk by March 14, when key unemployment aid programs for millions are set to expire. The proposal contains a third $1,400 stimulus check for Americans earning less than $75,000 annually, increases jobless benefits to $400 a week through the end of August, expands the child tax credit to up to $3,600 per child, includes $350 billion for state and local government funding and allocates $170 billion for K-12 schools and higher education institutions to cover reopening costs. GOP lawmakers have questioned the need for another $2 trillion, accusing their liberal colleagues of using the bill as means of passing a "Democratic wish list."

Date: 02/25/2021

If you already have a U.S. passport, you may be eligible to renew it, or change the name listed in your passport, by mail. If you’ve never had a U.S. passport or you are applying for child under age 16, you must apply for your passport in person.

We encourage all eligible U.S. citizens to renew their passports by mail. This will help us limit the spread of COVID-19; fewer people in our waiting room will make it easier for us to meet social distancing requirements

You can renew your passport by mail, or change your name in your passport by mail, if you can answer “yes” to all six statements below about your passport:

• You have your passport in your possession to submit with your application; Your passport is/was valid for 10 years
• It is undamaged other than normal wear and tear
• It was issued when you were age 16 or older
• It was issued within the last 15 years
• It was issued in your current name or you can document your legal name change.

If you answered “no” to any of these statements, you must apply in person to renew your passport; more information is available here.

If all the above statements are true, please follow these instructions:

1. Gather these documents

Your most recent passport and a photocopy of the passport bio-data page. Include your passport card and a photocopy if you are also renewing your passport card.

Two passport photos. Attach one photograph to the application. To avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all the photo requirements.

Please note:

• Staple the photo to the application (one staple vertically in each corner as close to the outer edges of the photo as possible).
• Do not bend the photo.
• You cannot wear eyeglasses in your passport photo (unless you have a signed note from your doctor that you can include with your application).

Completed and signed Form DS-82. Complete the form online at https://pptform.state.gov/. You may complete the form legibly by hand after printing it from https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds82.pdf. Remember to provide a valid e-mail address and local contact number on the application form. You must provide a Social Security Number (SSN), if you have been issued one, in accordance with 22 U.S.C. 2714a and 22 C.F.R 51.60(f).

If you do not have an SSN, you must submit a signed statement including the phrase, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.” This declaration or statement of “No SSN” does not need to be notarized, but must be signed, dated, and submitted with your passport application. Click here for a sample declaration.

Include Name Change Documents (if applicable). If the name you are currently using is different from the name on your most recent U.S. passport, you must provide a certified copy of evidence of your legal name change. Examples of proof of a legal name change include:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court-ordered name change
2. Enclose a U.S.-Dollar Demand Draft

You must include a U.S.-dollar demand draft made out to “U.S. Embassy Manila” for $110 (if applying only for the passport book) or $140 (if applying for both the passport book and passport card). We accept U.S. dollar demand drafts from three (3) local banks: Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Banco De Oro (BDO), and Security Bank Corporation (SBC). Please check with the bank for specific requirements. If you do not have a dollar account with one of these banks, you may submit a dollar demand draft drawn on the account of a friend or relative who does, as long as it is made out to “U.S. Embassy Manila.” We cannot accept demand drafts from any other financial institutions. Please do not include cash or personal checks with your application.

3. Mail your completed and signed DS-82 application form and supporting documents to

ATTENTION: PASSPORT TEAM
American Citizen Services (Consular Section)
U.S. Embassy, 1201 Roxas Boulevard, 1000 Manila

You may send your application to the Embassy through any courier service or traceable mail service. Air21 has a contracted pick-up and delivery service for adult passport renewals submitted to the Embassy. If you send your application via Air21, the one-time fee covers two-way service: pick-up of documents and delivery of the completed passport. You may call (02) 8879-4747, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., to arrange for Air21 to pick up your documents and deliver them to the Embassy. Please verify the courier fee with Air21 directly, as fees may vary based on location or change without prior notice.

4. Wait for your passport. Turn-around time averages four to six weeks. Your previous, canceled passport will be delivered together with your new U.S. passport. If you plan to travel within the next two weeks, you may book an appointment here to apply in person for an emergency passport. Please bring proof of your travel if available. If you require an earlier appointment date, please contact us at ACSInfoManila@state.gov. Please include your planned travel itinerary and a copy of your passport bio-page, and indicate “Emergency Passport” in the subject line of your email.

Date: 01/13/2021

The FRA is conducting a survey to determine which military and veteran’s benefits are most important to active duty and Reserve personnel, retirees, veterans and their families. The survey is available online, www.surveymonkey.com and asks you to rate a variety of benefits and quality-of-life programs associated with your service to our nation.

The FRA is asking current and former military personnel and your spouses to share your opinions about the programs you value most. Your responses and comments will provide important reference information when we testify before Congress or meet one-on-one with lawmakers and their staff. We also share the results with elected officials on Capitol Hill, key committee staff, and leaders within the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to ensure these crucial decision-makers understand your enlisted sea service perspective.

Date: 01/12/2021

Millions of AstraZeneca #COVID19 vaccines from Europe, will be available by several cities in the country. This is based on the agreements reached by LGUs with the national government and AstraZeneca. This list is based on official reports gathered at 12 p.m. January 11. The number of cities may increase in the next hours and days.

Date: 01/01/2021

Happy New Year to our RAO Family. May GOD bless you and your family and grant you a year of joy, love, health and laughter. may he protect us and remind us, we are here to help one another and share his love, with which we have already been vaccinated.

Click here to read more

'Please do not throw it away,' government pleads The IRS is in the process of sending out about 4 million economic impact payments loaded onto prepaid debit cards – but Americans may not recognize the stimulus cash when they see it. The cards will arrive in a “plain envelope” from "Money Network Cardholder Services," the IRS said. Unsuspecting individuals could mistake the envelope for junk mail or even a credit card promotion, especially since many people are likely not aware their payment will be arriving on a prepaid card instead of in the form of a check. People cannot choose to have their payments sent this way. These 4 million individuals, who did not have direct deposit information on file with the tax agency, were selected by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service. CORONAVIRUS IRS STIMULUS PAYMENTS ON PREPAID DEBIT CARDS ARRIVING: WHAT TO KNOW

The Visa name appears on the front of the card, and MetaBank – the Treasury Department’s financial agent – appears on the bank. That may further confuse individuals who do not hold an account with Visa and who are unfamiliar with MetaBank.

An information sheet included with the card will explain what it is.

One sign you may have missed your card in the mail is if you receive a letter from the IRS, signed by President Trump, which details how much money you should have received.

These letters were expected to be sent two weeks after the economic impact payments. So what should you do if you think you may have mistaken your prepaid card for junk mail? One way you might want to address the issue is by calling the number at the bottom of the IRS letter, 800- 919-9835. The agency has recalled some staff who will be available to take phone calls. Further, if you believe you threw the card away or misplaced it, you can also follow directions specifically for the prepaid cards, which will allow you to block unauthorized transactions as well. The government provides information for people whose card is lost or stolen, which directs them to log in at EIPCard.com to block unauthorized transactions and call 1-800-240-8100 to report it. A spokesperson for the IRS directed FOX Business to the aforementioned web page for the cards, adding that the agency had nothing further to add at this time regarding what taxpayers should do if they think they may have accidentally trashed their payment.

Some of our members are running into problems getting meds now that VA is closed down. A member has forwarded the below info regarding a Dr friend of his who is interested in helping our vets. The member has known him for years and vouches for him enthusiastically!

The RAO does not know him and can't endorse but if you need help give him a try and see.

DANIEL SALVADOR L. REDOÑA, MD

Ophthalmologist-Natural Medicine

09281952272

Clinic Address: JH ORIENTAL MEDICAL CLINIC Blk 48 Lot 10 Friendship Highway Bgy Cutcut, Angeles City 2009 Pampanga

Making Subic Experience Awesome! SubicGo.com is a tourism portal designed for local and international tourists visiting the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

SubicGo

GREAT NEWS!
Its official, as of today 16 August 2018, Ace/Baypointe is authorized to accept Tricare patients under the Preferred Provider category. You will have to check with the HMO office to ensure your Dr. is also on the Preferred Provider list. There are currently 31 Dr's who are, but check to be sure or you will have to pay the Dr's fees.

And oh by the way, please resist the urge to repeat the bad news bears (you know the ones who have their names stenciled on the back of their bar stool) who are spreading rumors about ACE BAYPOINTE and Medical City Clark suspending FMP due to non payment. IT DIDNT HAPPEN! Medical city Ortigas did due to non payment by FMP. Come to find out they gave FMP the wrong mailing address to which FMP mailed the payments. All is fixed now and they have withdrawn the suspension.Â

Old saying better to be quiet and be thought a fool, than opening mouth and leave no doubt.

I have taken the opportunity to compile a list of what Drs, and Specialties AT ACE BAYPOINTE, to the best of my knowledge are also certified as preferred providers. The hospital is in the process of adding to this list. As you all are aware this list changes without notice, so before getting treatment it would be to your benefit to check with the hospital HMO office to ensure the Dr you will receive treatment from is in fact still certified as preferred. The HMO can be reached at 047-250-6070 ext 283 or 507.

Name Name	Specialization Specialization	Gender Gender
Ablang, Alberto Mariano, MD	Pediatrics, Critical Care	Male
Ablang, Marietta, MD	Internal Medicine, Cardiology	Female
Aguila, Beverly, MD	Internal Medicine, Cardiology	Female
Aguila, Beverly, MD	Internal Medicine, Cardiology	Female
Aguilar, Rodrigo	Gastronology/Int Med	Male
Alconga, Rudy	Pediatrics	Male
Bernal, Gerald, MD	Internal Medicine, Cardiology	Male
Bongco, Jesusa	Anesthesiology	Female
Bongco, Rosario	Endocrinology	Male
Bustamante, Rodrick	Anesthesiology	Male
Calapatia, David, MD	Family Medicine	Male
Cepeda, Armando, MD	Surgery, General	Male
Cepeda, Monette, MD	Neurology	Female
De Castro, Felicisimo, MD	Ophthalmology	Male
De Castro, Ma. Gloria, MD	Obstetrics & Gynecology	Female
Dela Cruz, Anthony, MD	Internal Medicine, Diabetology; Occupational Health	Male
Dela Paz, Emmanuel, MD	Orthopedics	Male
DeLeon, Roberto	Gen Surgery	Male
Edejer, Karl Erjon, MD	Anesthesiology	Male
Guevara, Luis, MD	Radiology	Male
Hipolito, Charina	Internal Medicine, Pulmonology	Female
Mallari, Lourdes	ENT Ear, Nose,Throat	Female
Mangahas, Rolan	Opthamology	Male
Manuel, Jesse Jewel, MD	Surgery, Orthopedic	Male
Mendoza, Arturo, Jr., MD	Surgery, General (Laparoscopic)	Male
Ocampo, Armida, MD	Internal Medicine, Pulmonology	Female
Pasqual, Jeanette	Orthopedics	Male
Rojo, Margaret, MD	Anesthesiology	Female
Santos, Wilfredo, MD	Surgery, General ; Surgery, Oncology	Male
Soriano, Maria Agnes, MD	Internal Medicine, Diabetology	Female
Tablan, Apolonario Jr	Urology	Male
Velchez, Carlos	Hematology/Int Med	Male
Hipolito, Charina	Internal Medicine, Pulmonology	Female
Villareal, Paolo, MD	Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology	Male

FMP/Tricare

We continue to see vets who are receiving EOB's and checks for treatment at Medical City and Baypointe (ACE). Please be aware you should not cash these checks. They should be given to the hospitals. Should you cash the check a few things can happen, 1st FMP or Tricare may demand repayment, if you don't they can notify the IRS and either a garnishment or 1099 will be received and they get their money in the end possibly including interest. It can also be placed on your credit report. Secondly, you may be refused future treatment at the hospitals as you have an outstanding balance. Worst of all we may lose the hospitals as providers for FMP or Tricare. Sure wouldn't want to be the guy who causes all your fellow vets to lose that, they might be a little pissed when they find out it was you! You know how quickly word spreads around here!

Videos

Just want to draw your attention to some very useful videos being offered for free through va by psycharmor. View their catalog at PsychoArmor Institute.

Urgent Update: Reimbursment Checks:

It appears there is a malfunction with both TRICARE and FMP regarding reimbursement checks. They incorrectly recently have been sending the checks to the veteran vice the provider. Both have been notified this is the incorrect way to handle these checks! If you receive a check for a claim that was filed by the Hospital, please do not cash it. The hospitals participation was negotiated so that the hospital would receive payment. If they do not we will lose their services. The payment must be taken to the hospital and signed over to them to be encashed.

Special thank you to police station 6 Barrio Baretto for notification of recently deceased American Citizen! Their handling of situation was extremely professional, thanks SPO De Leon.