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Home of the RAO Subic. -
RAO Staff -
RAO staff attending to it's members.
Retired Activities Office
Subic Bay, Philppines
RAO Subic Bay is an Independent Retired Activities Coordination Office which provides vital services to U.S. military retirees living in this area, remote from any Military installation.
Authorization & Support
The RAO is authorized by SECNAVINST 5420.169J and OPNAVINST 1720.3F to tailor its services to the needs of the local retired community, and bears full responsibility for financing its operation and maintenance costs. The RAO receives the same DoD support offered to any retiree or patriotic organization.
Corrections, Additions & Deletions
This informal and unofficial information was prepared by members of the RAO who are also members of the VFW, FRA and American Legion. If you note any errors, want to contribute, or would like to see something revised, added or deleted, please pass your comments to RAO Voice or call/email the RAO Director at the address listed below.
HOURS OF DIRECTOR
| 0900 to 1500 Monday through Friday |
| Closed on US and Philippine Holidays |
Director
| Jack Walker | OR: PSC 517 Box 5000R |
| USMC (Ret.) | FPO AP 96517 |
| Director | Phone: [+63] 47-222-2314 |
| P.O. Box 075 | Fax: [+63] 47-222-2899 |
| Olongapo City, 2200 Philippines | Email: dir@raosubic.com |
June NewsLetter
(June 2023)
March NewsLetter
(March 2023)
December NewsLetter
(December 2022)
October NewsLetter
(October 2022)
September NewsLetter
(September 2022)
PHOTOS:
RAO Subic Christmas Party
December 23, 2022 (Friday)
| New Year's Day | U.S. & PHL | Sun, Jan. 1 |
| M. L. King Jr. | U.S. | Mon, Jan. 16 |
| Chinese New Year | PHL | Sun, Jan. 22 |
| 1st Phil. Republic Day | PHL | Mon, Jan. 23 |
| President's Day | U.S. | Mon, Feb. 20 |
| EDSA People Power Revolution | PHL | Sun, Feb. 25 |
| Maundy Thurs | PHL | Thu, Apr. 6 |
| Good Friday | PHL | Fri, Apr. 7 |
| Black Saturday | PHL | Sat, Apr. 8 |
| Bataan & Corregidor | PHL | Sun, Apr. 9 |
| Easter Sunday | PHL | Sun, Apr. 9 |
| Day of Valor | U.S. | Mon, Apr. 10 |
| Eid-al-Fitr | PHL | Sat, Apr. 22 |
| Phil. Labor Day | PHL | Mon, May. 1 |
| U.S. Memorial Day | U.S. | Mon, May. 29 |
| Philippine Independence Day | PHL | Mon, Jun. 12 |
| Eid al-Adha | PHL | Wed, Jun. 28 |
| U.S. Independence Day | U.S. | Tue, Jul. 4 |
| Ninoy Aquino Day | PHL | |
| National Heroes Day | PHL | Fri, Aug. 28 |
| U.S. Labor Day | U.S. | Mon, Sep. 4 |
| Columbus Day | U.S. | Mon, Oct. 9 |
| All Saints Day | PHL | Wed, Nov. 1 |
| All Souls Day | PHL | Thu, Nov. 2 |
| Veterans Day | U.S. | Sun, Nov. 11 |
| Thanksgiving | U.S. | Thu, Nov. 23 |
| Bonifacio Day | PHL | Mon, Nov. 27 |
| Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion | PHL | Fri, Dec. 8 |
| Christmas Day | U.S. & PHL | Mon, Dec. 25 |
| Rizal Day | PHL | Sat, Dec. 30 |
| New Year's Eve | U.S. & PHL | Sun, Dec. 31 |
RAO Subic Office will be closed on the following Philippine and/or U.S. Holidays below:
October- October 9, 2023 (Monday) - Columbus Day
- November 1, 2023 (Wednesday) - All Saints Day
- November 2, 2023 (Thursday) - All Souls Day
- November 11, 2023 (Sunday) - Veterans Day
- November 23, 2023 (Thursday) - Thanksgiving Day
- November 27, 2022 (Monday) - Bonifacio Day
Outreach in Angeles City on December 12, 2023 and Olongapo City on December 13, 2023
Please note, this outreach is American Citizenship Services ONLY!!! No representatives will be available for VA, SSA or Immigration Services, as of the date of publication.
Date: 11/15/2023
How to use cool features in VA’s official mobile app
You can now watch short instructional videos about how to use the VA Health and Benefits mobile app’s most popular features in VA’s Feature Highlights: VA Health and Benefits Mobile App playlist
VA shares tips to protect Veterans’ benefits from fraud
VA Secretary Denis McDonough is sharing an important message during International Fraud Awareness Week from Nov. 12-18, 2023, to raise awareness and provide Veterans tips to stay safe from predatory behavior of “claim sharks.”
Date: 11/14/2023
TRICARE Open Season Is Here: Explore Your Health Plan Options
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – TRICARE Open Season begins Nov. 13. For many TRICARE beneficiaries, this is your chance to enroll in a health plan or change health plans for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2024. You can make these changes through Tuesday, Dec. 12.
Date: 11/01/2023
H.R. 5299
In skimming through the proposed bill, the program seems to follow the guides established for a trial period for TRICARE here. Hopefully some of the pitfalls experienced with TRICARE wont be repeated, I am sure there will be changes as it goes along, wait and see I guess
Date: 10/26/2023
Watch out for 'Phantom Hacker' scams, FBI warns
The agency’s Denver field office recently raised the alarm about them, saying in an October 19 press release that the "cold and calculated" scammers using the new financial scheme have swindled some Americans out of all the funds they have socked away over the years. The multi-step scam utilizes impersonation and typically involves those perpetrating them lying to victims about their accounts having been compromised by foreign hackers, according to FBI Denver.
Patient Advocates and Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators Help You Understand Your Health Care Benefit
Falls Church, VA – You probably received medical care in a military hospital or clinic before. But did you know these facilities come with a support staff of people who can help you navigate the health care process? These include patient advocates and Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators (BCACs). You can find them at most military hospitals and clinics around the world.
Date: 10/20/2023
Cost-of-Living Adjustment
More than 71 million Americans will see a 3.2% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2024. We will mail cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees.
Want to know your new benefit amount before your notice arrives?
Starting in early December, you will be able to securely view and save your Social Security COLA notice online via the Message Center inside my Social Security. Make sure you are signed up for notifications from the my Social Security Message Center by choosing email or text under "Message Center Preferences."
Benefit amounts will not be available before December. With convenient access to your COLA notice by mail or online, you don’t need to contact us to get your new benefit amount.
Worldwide Caution
Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. U.S. citizens should:
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas.
Date: 10/13/2023
Semper Fi Mikey
As we speak Mike Murphy our friend, Vet and fellow Marine, is enroute to New York. He will arrive at a VA hospital there to be greeted by his loving daughter, and for further care. For more than the past year he has been a resident of Med City ICU in a coma, after having been involved in a vehicle accident and suffering Traumatic Brain Injury and a few other injuries. It has been a long roller coaster journey, but it is finally nearing completion. There are many Heroes in this story and it took a big team to make it happen, sometime in the future I will write it so folks can know how crazy the time has been. But for now I want to publicly thank a couple of the major players. Jay Winter owner of Hot Zone, who without his involvement this would not have come about, Mikes daughter Samantha, who throughout has been rock solid, and The CEO of Flying Nurses Dana, for all her assistance, guidance and strength in bringing it all together, and not least of all Mike, for fighting and giving us a purpose. Please continue to pray for Mike for recovery. SEPMER FI!
Date: 09/23/2023
VA expands burial benefits for Veterans and their families
Today, VA announced that Veterans, and their families, caregivers, and survivors now have access to expanded burial benefits to help with end-of-life expenses related to a Veteran’s gravesite, burial, funeral and transportation of remains to their final resting place. Burial benefits are available to individuals who pay for a Veteran’s burial and funeral costs that are not reimbursed by any other organization.
Date: 09/22/2023
Free COVID tests will again be available from US government starting next week
The U.S. government is reactivating the program that mails free COVID-19 tests to Americans' homes upon request.
Effective Sept. 25, households will be able to order four free tests online through COVIDTests.gov.
These tests, which can detect the new COVID variants currently circulating, are intended for use through the end of the year, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
VA reduces number of Veterans prescribed opioids by 67% since 2012
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it has reduced the number of Veterans with opioid prescriptions by 67% since 2012, from 874,897 Veterans in 2012 to 288,820 in 2023 — while continuing to provide comprehensive, world-class pain management to Veterans. Beating the opioid epidemic is a key pillar in President Biden’s Unity Agenda for the nation, and today’s announcement reinforces the importance of preventing opioid addiction.
Date: 09/21/2023
National Life Insurance Awareness Month: Have you taken advantage of VA’s life insurance programs?
September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, a time for you and your family to reflect on whether you have the right coverage to secure your financial future. If you are a service member or Veteran, VA has a wide array of life insurance programs tailored to fit your unique needs, no matter what stage of life you’re in.
VA life insurance programs have undergone changes over the past year, resulting in more coverage for Veterans and service members than ever before. Now might be the perfect time to add life insurance to your estate plan or increase your coverage if you are eligible.
Date: 09/19/2023
COVID booster warning from Florida surgeon general, who advises people not to get new vaccine
While speaking at a Thursday news conference for Gov. Ron DeSantis in Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, that state's surgeon general, advised people to steer clear of the updated booster vaccine for COVID-19.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the new vaccine — which is reportedly designed to protect against the BA.2.86 omicron subvariant.
Date: 09/06/2023
Plan Ahead With VA End-of-Life Benefits
Did you know VA provides benefits and resources for end-of-life planning? These services can help ease stress and provide peace of mind after a Veteran has passed away.
VA offers a variety of life insurance programs to help Veterans prepare for the future and protect their loved ones. One available insurance program is VALife, which offers guaranteed acceptance whole-life coverage up to $40,000 for Veterans with service-connected disabilities. Find out which VA life insurance program is right for you.
Date: 08/31/2023
V.A. Regional Office and Out Patient Clinic
Date: 08/27/2023
3 big things your loved ones need you to leave behind before you die
I wish I didn’t know so much about the stress that goes with life cycle issues, like aging, accidents, emergencies and passing, but unfortunately, I have had far too much experience.
As the creator of the Future File legacy and wishes planning system, I also get to hear from other people dealing with these issues, usually from the ones who have not taken the time to do some simple and valuable preparation.
Date: 08/17/2023
Cashless tollway system begins this September
MANILA, Philippines — Motorists are advised to prepare as cash lanes will be removed on Sept. 1 and radio frequency identification (RFID) stickers will be used to pass through expressways, as the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) implements a cashless payment system.
“We will go cashless, multi-lane and barrier-less and there will be no toll booths. That’s how it is abroad,” MPTC president Rogelio Singson said at a briefing.
MPTC holds the concession for several vital expressways: the North Luzon Expressway, the Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway, NLEX Connector Road, Manila-Cavite Expressway, Cavite-Laguna Expressway and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in Cebu.
Date: 08/10/2023
Summary of our Local Outreach Events for the month of August to September FY 2023
VA is coming
There is no further info available, but we will try to seek clarity as to what the OPC contingent will encompass as to shots etc. This is a VA only event, no info at this point on SSA, or American Citizen Services, Stand by for updates.
Date: 07/31/2023
Typhoon Khanun
Date: 07/27/2023
MANILA VA OUTPATIENT CLINIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Dear Veterans,
Please be informed that select Air 21 Business Hubs in the Northern Luzon Regions has NO OPERATIONS because of the Typhoon EGAY. This is to ensure the safety of their employees and customers.
Below are the affected areas as follows:
- Isabela
- La Union
- Laoag
- Cabanatuan
- Abra
- Vigan
Date: 07/26/2023
Typhoon Doksuri
Date: 07/23/2023
I got scammed by this UPS fake check scheme
Unfortunately, if you’ve received an unexpected check in a UPS envelope, it’s a scam.
Like so many Americans today, I have been targeted by some online crooks who hacked into my UPS account. Some scammer hacked into my UPS account to charge tens of thousands of dollars in overnight shipping charges to send next-day envelopes from various fake companies containing a fraudulent check inside each one. Luckily, I received a notification from UPS about activity in my account, and a few of the envelopes were returned to my address as undeliverable. That’s when I found the checks inside the UPS envelopes totaling over $100K.
My account was charged a whopping $40,000, and still climbing. This is a major scam you should be looking out for so you don’t fall victim on either end. How this UPS next-day check scam works is downright deceptive.
Date: 07/18/2023
U.S. Army Recruiting Visit
Date: 07/17/2023
Watch out for this new malicious ransomware disguised as Windows updates
Is that really a Windows update you are about to click on? Or ransomware in disguise? As first documented by Fortinet FortiGuard Labs and followed up by Trend Micro, new ransomware is currently on the rise and disguising itself as fake Windows updates and Word installers as part of a malvertising campaign. Also, multiple variants of this ransomware have been discovered.
Meds Help
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
Great Information for Subic Bay Area
Making Subic Experience Awesome! SubicGo.com is a tourism portal designed for local and international tourists visiting the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
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 | Specialization | 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 |
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!
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.
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.