The U.S. Embassy's American Citizen Services (ACS) unit will conduct outreach visits in Olongapo City on February 13 and Angeles City on February 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The ACS team will be accompanied by representatives from the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Olongapo City Outreach
• Angeles City Outreach

As most know the outreach for Jan was postponed. It is anticipated that the end of February will be the new tentative time frame. As a result of the minorities party, partial government shutdown, no monies for travel are available. Hopefully by the end of February there will be a growth of brain matter happening by then.

Today’s rumor is that all Medical City Hospitals (TMC) have suspended treatment for Foreign Medical Program recipients. THIS IS NOT TRUE! The Medical City in Angeles and Iloilo both continue to accept FMP. TMC Ortigas hospitals in Manila have suspended FMP. As the story is retold and grows, as always, a lot of misinformation is being put out, and causing a lot of un-needed anguish for those who are preparing to have service-connected treatment, and possible lifesaving operations. I would love to publish the names of those who are guilty of this, but they should already be embarrassed, but undoubtedly some are not capable of that feeling. Most of us can't afford to pay P400k for a week in the hospital. That's why a few Vets who care about their brothers went to the hospitals and negotiated an agreement that the Vet could receive the treatment and the hospital would bill FMP. These Vets are going to be the reason that some of the guys will spend large amounts of money to go back to the U S for treatment. But sadly, some can't afford that so they will forego the treatment and die. I can't believe they don't consider this when they start talking about a subject, they are so ignorant about.

Along with the BS info they are putting out, they continue to complain about FMP and how it’s the worst program ever brought about by VA. WRONG! Let’s get rid of that myth. FMP was not brought out by VA! It is a program approved by the U S Congress. Congress simply tell FMP what we can be treated for. But true to the way VA has always helped us here in the P.I., they are trying to keep some sanity in the program and attempting to help as much as they can, by getting the Hospitals and FMP communicating, (thank you VA and Vicki Randall and Connie Santos)!

The truth of the matter on the current FMP and TMC situation, is that TMC is not billing FMP correctly. FMP will reimburse for service-connected treatment only. An example is; you are rated for heart disease and go to the hospital after a heart attack. While in the hospital you develop Pneumonia. That is not a service-connected ailment and has to be covered under another health care plan or out of pocket. The problem is the hospitals are not separating the billing and then are claiming that FMP is not paying them for treatment given. This is an age-old problem that was also experienced by VA and TRICARE and resulted in Tricare suspending some hospitals until all was fixed.

Granted there are some growing pains with FMP, but for those who don't have TRICARE or other healthcare, it's the best available. There are many vets who I talk to who have used FMP and are now walking again after both knees being replaced, and guys who have long suffered with back pain who walk pain free, and guys who otherwise would not be walking, if not for their new hip. If you have a complaint about FMP, your time would be much better spent contacting your Senator or Congressman and letting them know your frustrations. Bringing harm to your fellow Vets or bad mouthing the VA, is not the way to get things corrected! Some of these guys should take heed to the old axiom, " It's better to not say nothing and be thought a fool, than to speak and leave no doubt!"

Jack Walker, Director Subic Bay RAO

Still same situation, in order to fly out you need an endorsement from JUSMAG on your request to enter the area held by the Philippine Airforce. JUSMAG isn't doing the endorsements so therefore no entry is permitted to flights, will update if anything changes.

Here's a chance to get the skinny on the cruise lines operating out of SBMA, Wilma Eisma the SBMA administrator and CEO, will be speaking at an American Chamber of Commerce luncheon regarding the issue. Also she will speak towards tourism and plans for SBMA, it should be very informative, I've been to a couple of her talks and can tell you she is quite entertaining and knows what she is talking about. See the flyer below to register, only P500 for the lunch. See you there!

For registration contact

+63 (927) 912 3248

joan@amchamphilippines.com

For those who may have missed it, Ken the taxman is back in town and is available at the RAO each Friday from 8-11 on a first come first serve basis.

Due to the city deciding to entertain us all by widening National Highway, the RAO has had to shave some of the building off. (city easement and eminent domain laws apply) During our reconstruction we have endeavored to keep the area as safe as possible. Hopefully we will have the task completed by this weekend and retain the facade as a landmark in Baretto. This will be an ongoing project as neither the city or RAO can project when the widening completion and changes to it will be completed. (read between the lines).

A new phishing scam has been reported. Persons with Gmail accounts are receiving official looking mails from Google, stating the Google is in the process of terminating their account. The mail further states that you can cancel the termination by clicking on a link provided in the mail. This is a Scam! Do not click on the link. Simply delete the mail. Thanks to Bob Long for the heads up!

A active member of the U S NAVY has honored us with the request to do his reenlistment ceremony here at the RAO, so tomorrow at 10, we will have the pleasure of watching a sailor renew his commitment to our country.

If you avail of the discounts being offered to RAO members, your membership will pay for your yearly dues. The RAO continues to add to the growing list of businesses that are offering discounts to RAO members. Newest players are JUAN AIR (10% Manila trip) and HMR (5%) discount store next to the old Royal.

Currently enrolled are:

Arizona Resort/Dynamite Dicks/Double D/Dianes Beauty Shop (both Olongapo locations/Easy Click Computers and PC Express Olongapo and Baretto/D WORX auto repair and paint Olongapo/El Paso Authentic Mexican Restaurant Olongapo/ Bahia Hotel, Schooner Restaurant, Cork Room (all SBMA)/Air Juan and HMR. If you own a business and would like to participate let us know..

The Team that was formerly referred to as Embassy Wardens are now named U S EMBASSY CITIZEN LIAISON VOLUNTEERS. Only the name has changed, the great service will continue as always.

As a result of the postal service trying to avoid bankruptcy, they have raised the price of the forever stamp to 55 cents.

Shamboli's Pizza is a small, but clean and comfortable restaurant here in Barretto serving delicious American style pizza and Italian dishes. We offer inside aircondioned dining, or outside dining with free Wifi. Our popular promo is "Purchase any large family size (16") pizza and get a FREE 1.5 Coke or Sprite with your meal." We also offer FREE delivery within Barretto! Shamboli's is now open 7 days/week, 1030 to 0230 to serve you. Come visit us and enjoy our friendly staff, great food and at reasonable prices!

Have a fabulous day, Stay safe, Semper Fi !

They are at it again, Police are threatening to tow cars parked on National Highway, stating there is no parking permitted. They site Public Act 4136. Problem is they are not reading the law but trying to enforce something that is not in the law. They seem to believe the law talks specifically about National Highway, but it is regarding all Philippine National Highways which by definition is all roads in the country. So I guess that means you cant park on any road in the Philippines. The law requires signage stating no parking but they ignore that part. If you are towed you may be able to charge all of them with carjacking, see the attachments. We need to support the local authorities and laws when they are correctly enforced. Just a word to the wise.

We had word of a tentative outreach to take place on 24 Jan. That has been cancelled as a result of the partial government shut down. Funding for travel is not permitted. They are working on rescheduling during the latter part of February. Will publish more info when received.

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 https://psycharmor.Org/course s/s-a-v-e/.

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.