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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 |
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 | Mon, Aug. 21 |
| 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:
April- April 6, 2023 (Thursday) - Maundy Thurs
- April 7, 2023 (Friday) - Good Friday
- April 8, 2023 (Saturday) - Black Saturday
- April 9, 2023 (Sunday) - Bataan & Corregidor
- April 9, 2023 (Sunday) - Easter Sunday
- April 10, 2023 (Monday) - Day of Valor
- April 22, 2023 (Saturday) - Eid-al-Fitr
- May 1, 2023 (Monday) - Philippine Labor Day
- May 29, 2023 (Monday) - U.S. Memorial Day
From VA
Patients will no longer need to fast for most routine blood testing at VA medical centers and outpatient clinics.
The announcement came from the VA office of Clinical Services, which highlightes that most routine blood tests, including those for managing high cholesterol and diabetes, no longer require overnight fasting for the results to be accurate.
This is not yet in effect at VAOPC, when it is we will publish it
Date: 03/16/2023
Saint Patrick's Day
Hey Lads and Lassies, guess what tomorrow is... Time to break out the green beer, Saint Patrick's Day.
Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig, lit. 'the Day of the Festival of Patrick'), is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. 385 – c. 461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
Date: 03/06/2023
Don Leathers
Some family friends in Olongapo need O negative blood. If you can help, please msg me.
Good PM friends! I would like to ask for your help. Our family is in need of a type O-(negative) blood. If you happen to know someone or where we can find this type of blood please help to pm me. Really appreciate the help and kindness. Thank you and God bless!!
Date: 03/04/2023
U.S. Consular Agency Cebu, Philippines
Message for U.S. Citizens: Social Security Administration Remote Services at Consular Agency Cebu March 21 – 23, 2023.
U.S. Embassy representatives from the Social Security Administration (SSA) will conduct a remote services event at the Consular Agency in Cebu from Tuesday, March 21, through Thursday, March 23, 2023.
Date: 03/02/2023
Warning over new Facebook & Apple email scams dueling for your attention
Two new email phishing scams are on the rise for those who use Facebook or have an Apple product. Evidence confirms that scammers are trying to get a hold of your personal and private information, and I want to tell you how to stop them.
Popular artificial sweetener, erythritol, could raise risk of heart attack and stroke: study
A popular artificial sweetener, erythritol, could raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study from the Cleveland Clinic revealed.
Researchers evaluated more than 4,000 people in the U.S. and Europe. Those who consumed high amounts of erythritol had a greater risk of developing major adverse cardiovascular events, which could include stroke, heart attack or death.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that erythritol may contribute to the formation of blood clots, a major trigger for cardiac events.
VA increases maximum life insurance coverage for Veterans and service members by $100,000
WASHINGTON — Beginning March 1, VA is increasing the maximum amount of life insurance coverage available to Veterans and service members from $400,000 to $500,000 for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) and Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI). This increase in coverage reflects the current cost of living and helps ensure that the families of Veterans and service members will have the financial support they deserve after their loved ones pass away.
Veterans who are under age 60 and currently enrolled in VGLI will be able to purchase additional coverage in $25,000 increments up to $500,000. All active duty, guard, and reserve service members eligible for SGLI will automatically receive the increased coverage on March 1.
Date: 02/28/2023
United States Air force Recruiter Visit
USAF Recruiters have released a schedule for a visit to RAO Subic Bay for 7 March 2023 from 11-3pm. Pre-asvab testing is available via appt at 0472222314. You must be a U S Citizen or green card holder to qualify.
Date: 02/23/2023
Warning over new Facebook & Apple email scams dueling for your attention
Two new email phishing scams are on the rise for those who use Facebook or have an Apple product. Evidence confirms that scammers are trying to get a hold of your personal and private information, and I want to tell you how to stop them.
Date: 02/07/2023
Finally a confirmation message. Please read and bring everything required or your visit will be a waste
The U.S. Embassy’s American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit will provide the following services:
- Acceptance of U.S. passport applications
- Acceptance of Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) applications
- Notary services
Date: 02/06/2023
Best Private and Secure Email Providers 2023
Have you ever wondered how the advertisements you see while scrolling the internet are so relevant to your life? While all of our information is tracked by many of the websites we visit, one of the biggest sources of data leaks is your email.
If you’re using one of the common email providers like Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, MSN, or AOL, there’s a strong possibility that the information stored in your inbox could be sold to marketing and advertising companies. While they may be free to use, it comes at a heavy cost to your privacy.
That’s why I’m sharing this solution to help get back some of your personal data and stop letting tech companies run away with your life’s details willy-nilly.
Date: 02/05/2023
Why some of your email is disappearing
You see it one second and then one, two, or sometimes more emails seem to vanish. Emails are hard to keep track of, especially since we all get flooded with lots of them on a daily basis.
Things can get even more frustrating when they are automatically grouped together without your knowledge. You may not know that most email services do this by default.
The good news is that there's a way for you to shut this feature off.
Date: 01/19/2023
Please be advised
The posts regarding the Army visit and Taxes need to be revised. Army visit is scheduled for 26 Jan vice 27, and Taxman will be at RAO on 20 Jan, vice 22 jan, thanks.
United States Embassy Manila, Philippines
US Army
United States Navy
The Tax Man Cometh
Date: 01/14/2023
Still missing your tax refund? The IRS will soon pay you 7% interest
Millions of Americans are still awaiting their tax refunds from the IRS, but there is a silver lining: The money may be accruing interest – and rates are poised to jump in January.
The Internal Revenue Service generally pays interest on refunds that are delayed by more than 45 days after the filing deadline, according to its website.
Interest rates are adjusted every quarter depending on the federal short-term rate. The current interest rate is 6%, but it is slated to increase to 7% on Jan. 1. By comparison, one year ago, the interest rate stood at 3%.
How to get your tax refund ASAP this 2023 filing season
Stubbornly high inflation is finally beginning to fall, but millions of Americans are still grappling with a cost-of-living crisis and plan to use their tax refund to pay for basic expenses.
About 30% of taxpayers say they will rely on their refund to make ends meet in 2023, according to a survey released Wednesday by Credit Karma, which polled about 1,000 U.S. adults at the beginning of December.
Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in suicidal crisis can go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for free emergency health care
Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.
This expansion of care will help prevent Veteran suicide by guaranteeing no cost, world-class care to Veterans in times of crisis. It will also increase access to acute suicide care for up to 9 million Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA.
Date: 01/11/2023
Message for U.S. Citizens: Outreach in Angeles City on February 9, 2023 and Olongapo City on February 10, 2023
Save the date. The U.S. Embassy’s American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit will provide the following services February 9 in Angeles City, and February 10 in Olongapo City:
- Accept U.S. passport applications
- Accept Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) applications
- Notary services
Social Security Administration representatives will not attend these outreach events.
Details on hours of operation and outreach venue location in both Angeles and Olongapo will be provided in a future Message for U.S. Citizens shortly before the event.
“I'm receiving Tri care from the VA permanently, do I need part B Medicare to visit or live? Does all hospitals there take Tri care ? “
Pags, There seems to be some confusion in your healthcare views here. Hopefully I can clear some of that briefly, but likely you will have some remaining questions. First you need to recognize the 4 healthcare options the U S government provides here. I would suggest you Google each program for a better understanding, or for contact info to get specific answers.
Date: 01/04/2023
2023 Annual Report
Date: 01/01/2023
Delete this popular task manager app right away if you're an Android User
Another warning against a dangerous Android app you should delete. Cyber experts at Zscaler ThreatLabz are warning all Android users to check their phones ASAP to ensure they don't have a popular task management app installed, urging everyone who does have it to delete it immediately.
Date: 12/27/2022
TRICARE CHANGE
I've had a number of Vets send me this article, some very concerned about their Tricare coverage here in the Philippines. If you are concerned with what's happening with Tricare in the U S as shown in the article, and how it affects your care here, likely you are not enrolled in the correct plan. Tricare in the Philippines is covered under Tricare "Select" which is further broken down by age generally speaking. If you are under 65 and a retiree you should be enrolled in Select. If over 65 you should be enrolled in Tricare for Life. Note: that to be eligible for TFL you need to be enrolled in Medicare parts A and B. If you are in the Philippines and enrolled in any other Tricare product, you should contact International SOS, and discuss your plan with them as shown below.
Date: 11/24/2022
Navy Halts Up or Out Rules in Bid to Keep Ranks Filled
The Navy is halting separations of sailors over "high-year tenure" -- a program that dictates sailors can only serve so long at a certain rank before being involuntarily discharged from the service.
The move, announced in a message and press release Thursday, is aimed at improving "Navy retention efforts and Fleet readiness."
Retirees to Get a Second Chance to Enroll In or Opt Out of the Survivor Benefit Plan
Military retirees who opted out of a valuable survivor’s benefit when they left active duty will get a rare second chance to enroll thanks to a new rule in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The same measure allows currently enrolled users to leave the program.
Retirees typically get only one chance to enroll in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). Those who opt in usually name their spouses as the beneficiaries, said Mark Belinsky, director of currently serving/retired affairs for the Military Officers Association of America and an Army retiree.
Date: 11/21/2022
Toys for Tots gave a toy bunny to a girl in need. She became a Marine
A 9-year-old Mariela Peña and her family were in their car on a California freeway when her mother broke the news that the young girl and her siblings shouldn’t expect much of a Christmas that year.
The family of six had come to live with Peña’s aunt in San Jose, California, earlier in 1986, having fled violence in Nicaragua amid the Sandinista Revolution.
Shell shocked: Bomb squad called after man lodges WWII anti-tank round in rectum
The phrase “shell shocked” took on new meaning last week when a man in Gloucester, England, managed to lodge a 2-inch-wide World War II anti-tank shell inside his rectum.
The rectum’s owner, who (understandably) chose to remain anonymous, told medical staff at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital that the 57 mm round, part of the man’s WWII memorabilia collection, became embedded inside his anus after he “slipped and fell,” as one is known to do in England.
Date: 12/17/2022
Watchdog asks judge to end VA ‘stonewalling,’ identify officials behind health care restrictions
A watchdog group advocating on behalf of veterans on Friday asked a federal judge to force the Department of Veterans Affairs to follow a prior court order and explain its implementation of a law giving veterans the option of private sector care, including details of how senior officials may be trying to discourage veterans from using that option.
The bipartisan MISSION Act gave millions of veterans the right to access private care outside the VA system if wait times at VA are too long or when it’s in a veteran’s best interest. But veterans and lawmakers have said the Biden administration's VA has worked to limit access to this new benefit, and VA officials have said publicly they are worried about the prospect that too many veterans might prefer private care to VA care.
Last year, Americans for Prosperity Foundation sued the VA to gain access to documents related to VA's implementation of the MISSION Act, and in July 2022, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ordered VA to comply with that request. The order committed VA to producing 500 pages of records per month.
Date: 12/13/2022
SIM card registration
A lot of questions on this item, The link is the best info I can find on getting answers. It appears the actual registration process will begin on 27 Dec, As that is when supposedly the Sim companies will have released the registration links. Of particular note this law also requires registration of the sims in modems for internet you use for your TV. also this clarifies how tourists can use their sims for more than 30 days. Contrary to the initial law, which just required new sim registration, the implementing instructions requires all sims to be registered regardless of when you got them. Stay tuned, for when they release the sites to use for registration, you'll find it here.
VET SUICIDE The War Is Done & the Bill Is Due
TBI and the Price Paid by Vets Please take the time to listen or watch this link. You can still listen if you dont have apple products, Click on the "listen" link and find a quiet place. It is very hard hitting and brings the info home.
Date: 12/07/2022
Navy to Accept Recruits with Lowest Test Scores as Recruiting Goal Grows
The Navy unveiled new guidelines Monday that allow the service to enlist thousands of sailors with entrance test scores that fall into the lowest aptitude percentile allowed by military standards as it faces a higher recruiting goal, according to a notice from Navy Recruiting Command reviewed by Military.com.
Under the program, the service can recruit and contract up to 7,500 prospective sailors this year who fall under what the military calls "Category IV" recruits, or high school diploma-holding applicants who score within the 10th and 30th percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test, or AFQT. Up to 20% of this year's active-duty enlisted pool could fall into the lowest allowable aptitude percentile.
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.