RAO Subic Office will be closed on the following Philippine and/or U.S. Holidays below:

• October 10, 2022 - Columbus Day

• November 1, 2022 - All Saints Day
• November 2, 2022 - All Souls Day
• November 11, 2022 - Veterans Day
• November 24, 2022 - Thanksgiving Day
• November 30, 2022 - Bonifacio Day

VA's Health and Benefits mobile app enables Veterans to send secure messages to health care providers, view upcoming appointments, view claims and appeals status, upload documentation, locate VA facilities, download Veteran benefits letters to prove Veteran status, and more. Veterans can also login using fingerprint or face ID. Download the app on iPhone or Android

Click here to read more.

Thank you for your continuous support with the VA Manila Regional Office. As part of the VA Regional Office virtual outreach program to provide information to Veterans and their beneficiaries throughout the Philippines, we will conduct a Virtual Training/Outreach on September 16, 2022| Friday, at 9:30 am and discuss Veterans Affairs “ Duty to Assist”- VA Examination & Medical Opinion.

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We will see. It appears IATF has RECOMMENDED lifting rule for wearing masks OUTSIDE. President Marcos appears to concur, but no change to the rule has yet to be announced. So for now, mask up. If the rule is changed you will still be required to wear mask inside, especially in medical facilities. Dont throw your mask away just yet. For now, it's still the law.

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To put time into perspective, a child born on 9/11/2001, would be 21 years old by this year. Time flys but sadly so did planes with murderous, terrorist Jihadists did also.

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When Donald Duck debuted in Walt Disney's 1934 cartoon "The Wise Little Hen," he was a sailor skating from the job of helping the hen plant and harvest her corn. Judging from this early cartoon, we might never have guessed that by his 50th birthday, he would be celebrating his official discharge from the U.S. Army. It wasn't long before Donald Duck began appearing in his own solo cartoon. By 1936, Disney gave him a love interest and three adopted nephews (Huey, Dewey and Louie), he began to look more like the duck we know today and, most importantly, he was more popular than even Mickey Mouse.

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The guidebook outlines a whole health, patient-centered approach to treating Long COVID, and it includes key information about Long COVID signs, symptoms, and treatment recommendations. VA is releasing this guidebook as a continuation of our pledge to share COVID-19 best practices and lessons learned with other government agencies, private health care systems and practitioners.

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This relief option, established to help Veterans through the COVID-19 pandemic, was set to expire Sept. 30. Beginning in September, debt notification letters will be mailed to affected Veterans advising them of the extended hardship suspension option, as well as extended debt repayment plans, waivers and compromises. Benefit debts include debts related to disability compensation, non-service-connected pension and education benefits.

Click here to read more.

Solhan says there is a strong relationship between PTSD and alcohol use. A person with PTSD may drink to manage their symptoms. People who drink might also be more vulnerable to traumatic experiences that cause PTSD. This does not mean it is the person’s fault if a traumatic event occurs.

While alcohol may help with stress in the short term, it actually can lead to PTSD symptoms getting worse in the long run.

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Since 2014, VA’s Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry has been an important tool for recent Veterans and service members to record their airborne hazard exposures and related health conditions, with an optional examination with a health care provider to learn more.

A total of 327,626 Veterans and service members have joined the registry as of Aug. 17, 2022, and this number continues to grow.

Click here to read more.

FPO Update:

The latest update indicates that SecDef has rescinded a planned change to the postal orders, and is studying the change, and plans to update users sometime in the future. It appears the Write/Call campaign has had an effect. Now is not the time for us to back off, thinking all is well. We need to continue to press our representatives on what actions they plan on taking to codify our FPO privileges into law, before the elections. Those who fail to respond or do so in a less than desired manner, likely shouldn't be receiving our approval for additional time in office. In addition to the letter we have previously published, there is a petition on line to let your feelings on the subject be known.

Click here to read more.

Today, I’ll reveal the 2023 pay chart for VA disability with the projected 8.9% COLA increase.

This October, the VA will adjust disabled veteran’s 2023 VA disability pay rates using the annual COLA increase set by the Social Security Administration.

With inflation at a 40-year high, disabled veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% or more can expect to see an 8.9% COLA increase on their January 2023 VA disability payment.

Click here to read more.

UPDATE (July 7, 8:48 PM): The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating whether Lucky Me! instant noodle products contain Ethylene Oxide.

The local FDA posted on its Facebook page that the government agency is investigating the presence of the chemical ethylene oxide in the locally produced Lucky Me! instant pancit canton variants that allegedly have trace elements of the chemical.

Click here to read more.

Military OneSource's Transitioning Veterans Consultation

Transitioning Veterans is a free Military OneSource specialty consultation designed for service members returning to civilian life. Whether you are 12 months out from separation or within 365 days of your last day of service, you are eligible for this personalized transition support. Through a series of sessions, a professionally trained consultant will help you identify goals and navigate benefits and resources.

Click here to read more.

It’s now easier for those who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to do business with us online and find the information that you need. With the new design, people who receive Social Security benefits or SSI are now able to update their telephone number online and see more information under the Benefits and Payments section. People who receive Social Security benefits can also change their address and direct deposit information under the My Profile tab.

Click here to read more.

Thank you Ron Santos---As a lot of you already know effective October 1, 2022, VA Manila will no longer prescribe or dispense controlled substance pain medications to Veterans in the Philippines. I just wanted to let you know about an "cashless" option that is available at Sacred Heart Hospital in Angeles City for vets who fall under the Foreign Medical Program for service-connected disabilities. Sacred Heart Hospital is opening up a Pain Management Clinic for US VETS, under the supervision of their Pain Specialist Dr. Henry Ho. They have the ability to dispense or provide the prescribed pain meds and other maintenance meds needed by our vets as long as they are used for service-connected conditions. Sacred Heart Medical Center strictly follows a "no cash out" policy for hospital bills and professional fees as long as the services availed are "service connected". Other hospitals who offer these services may charge the veterans "instant cash payments" rather than the hospital applying through the FMP for reimbursement. In order to avail of the pain medication services at Sacred Heart all you need to bring is your Benefits Authorization which shows all your service-connected disabilities. Sacred Heart is accredited by FMP. If this is of any interest to you, please contact Dr. Neenia Tan at 0919 067 7671 or you can shoot a message to her by searching her FB page, @NeeniaTanMD To gister for FMP see below.

You can fax/email or mail to get your Benefits Aurhorization letter https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-7959f-1.pdfr.

Android users beware! New security research from Trend Micro suggests a slew of malware-loaded dropper apps aims to steal your data, including banking information, PINs, passwords, and more. These apps can also intercept text messages on your mobile phone and make it infected with harmful malware. Such apps that bypass Google’s Play Store security while carrying malware result in a dropper-as-a-service (DaaS) model, thus are called dropper apps. The security researchers at Trend Micro have disclosed a list of 17 such apps that could be installed on your phone and might be stealing your valuable data.

Click here to read more.

Commencing 01 January 2023 RAO dues will be $96.00 per year. This is a standard flat rate, There will be no partial payments accepted. We prefer dollars or dollar instruments we also except Philippine pesos depending on the exchange rate. Due to Philippine banking restrictions no money orders can be accepted.

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.