Guides and How To's

New PNP Rules to Become a Police Officer Regardless of Your Height

February 4, 2018 By proudbrown

The main function of a police officer is to enforce the laws and at the same time protect life and property. Many individuals dream to join the Philippine National Police, but most of them failed in the examination and sometimes the height requirement.

Good news for those who want to become a police officer but failed in the height requirement. Recently, Atty. Rogelio Casurao, the Vice Chairman and Executive Officer of NAPOLCOM announced that the height requirement for the PNP applicants was abolished.

Applicants who will take the police examinations on April 22, 2018 need not worry about their height, as long as they are not over 30 years old and hold a bachelor’s degree. This action of the NAPOLCOM provides great relief to those applicants who don’t meet the previous height requirement.

Read also: Requirements and Procedures on How to Join in Philippine National Police

However, before you become a member of the PNP, the first thing to do is to take the NAPOLCOM entrance exam or the PNP entrance examination. After passing the entrance exam, the next step is to submit all the requirements and documents at the NAPOLCOM for the position of Police Officer 1.

Aside from being a Filipino citizen and degree holder, the applicant should also meet other requirements such as:

Must pass the physical, health, and mental exam executed by any hospital or facility accredited by the NAPOLCOM
Must pass the eligibility standards set by the PNP including NAPOLCOM entrance exam, Bar or Board exam, Criminology exam, CSC Professional exam, PD No.907, and PD No.997.

In line with the removal of the height restriction, the NAPOLCOM as well activated the online examination application scheduling system at its official website. This is to allow interested applicants to know the schedule of the PNP entrance exam and the promotional examinations for higher ranks.

How to Avail the Government Funded SSS Educational Loan

August 27, 2017 By proudbrown

Being educated is the key to achieve a better future. But, not everyone is given the opportunity to enroll due to the high cost of education particularly in college level.

There are many ways to find financial assistance such as applying for scholarship grants. However, not all students are qualified for scholarship. Another way is to become a working student, but it’s quiet difficult to work and study at the same time. That’s why the last option that students seek is to apply for educational loan.

Fortunately, there are government-assisted education loans that help students in their school expenses. The SSS Education Loan is one of those options that students can avail.

Read: How to Avail the ASENSO Loan Program of SSS

Who can apply for SSS Education Loan?

This is one of the loan programs offered by SSS to its members or beneficiaries. Aside from the members, the spouse of the member, children, brothers, and sisters of the member can avail such loan.

Amount of loan

The amount of loan granted to applicants varies depending on the level of education.

Technical/vocational course

A member or his/her beneficiary who want to enroll in a technical/vocational course for a minimum of 2 years are qualified to avail the educational assistance. The allowed loanable amount is Php10,000 per semester, or the actual amount of the tuition fees and miscellaneous fees.

Degree course

For those applicant who will take a degree course can avail the maximum amount of Php20,000 per quarter term or semester.

This loan program is funded by the SSS and the National Government. If the loanable amount is not sufficient to cover the entire tuition and miscellaneous fees, it will be shouldered by the member or beneficiary.

Requirements for the SSS Education Loan

The applicant should secure and submit the following documents to the SSS office.

SSS ID or two government issued IDs
Completed application form
Billing/Assessment statement from the school
Proof of income or monthly salary; if the applicant is employed
Affidavit or income or Income Tax Return; if the member/applicant is voluntary paying or self-employed

The government funded amount is 0% interest, but the SSS funded has 6% annual interest. The repayment term for a degree course is 5 years and the payment schedule varies as follows;

Semestral courses – the payment schedule starts after 18 months or from the last release date of the fund.
Trimestral courses – the borrower will pay the loan after 15 months from the last release date.
Quarter term courses – the payment commences after 14 months and 15 days from the last release date.

For technical/vocational course, the loan is payable up to 3 years and starts after 15 months for trimestral courses and 18 months for semestral courses. If the member/borrower will not completely pay the educational assistance loan, the balance will be deducted from other benefit of the member.

Guide and Safety Tips in Using ATM

August 9, 2017 By proudbrown

Using ATM is a convenient and quick way of withdrawing money. This is essential particularly during financial emergency. As many people were using ATMs, the number of unscrupulous individuals who steal the identity of the owner also increases.

This can be threatening that’s why many individuals were hesitant to use cash machines to withdraw cash. But, this should not be the case provided that you’ll be practicing the safety tips when using ATMs.

Check the machine

Before inserting your card, make it a habit to check the machine. As much as possible, use ATMs located in well-lit areas, inside a building or monitored by CCTV. Check for any suspicious appearance of the machine.

Protect your PIN

While typing your PIN, try anything to cover or shield the keypad especially if there are people close to you. To avoid identity theft, you should not reveal your PIN even to the bank staff. Avoid writing down your PIN, otherwise other people may have the chance to see it. Use PIN that is easy to remember. It is important to protect your PIN to prevent identity thieves to access cash from your account.

Be observant to your surrounding

It is always important to be observant to your surrounding every time you will use ATM. If you notice anyone who looks suspicious, don’t proceed your transaction. Having someone with you such as a friend or anyone you trust while taking cash from ATM will make a fraudster to have second thought of doing something bad.

In case your card is stuck in the machine, never ask help from a stranger. The best thing to do is to report it to the bank, but never leave the card. Again, never divulge your PIN to anyone.

Don’t withdraw cash if you’re drunk

Being drunk impairs your judgement and makes you unable to notice suspicious activities or individual. Likewise, if your drunk you might forget to take off your card from the machine.

Request for receipts

It’s important to request for a receipt after making withdrawals. This way you can check your bank statement. You can use the receipt if ever you encounter losses in your account.

Aside from using ATM, there are also shops and some retailers to withdraw cash with minimal charges. If you think that this option is safer, then avoid using ATM on the street.

Easy Ways How to Retrieve and Reset Your SSS Password

July 25, 2017 By proudbrown

“Incorrect SSS Password or Username”, this prompts when logging into an account but unable to access it. This is also true when accessing your SSS account, but typed in wrong password or username.

This can be frustrating, but just a minor issue. In case you have been experiencing few failed login attempts, then it’s about time to consider changing your password or username just to open your SSS account.

Here’s some steps that will help you to recover your SSS online account.

1. Visit the official website of SSS and that is sss.gov.ph

2. In the Employer/Member Login box, click the “Forgot User ID or Password” box. You will be prompt to provide your email address used when you create your account. Then, click “Submit? Box. Again, you’ll be prompt to check your email for the password sent.

3. Go to your email and check the sent email containing the User ID and the retrieved password. This time, try to login to your SSS account.

4. On the reset password page, type in your “current password” on the specific box and the “new password” as well. Then, click the change button.

To prevent other people to access your account, make sure not to share your password or user ID. Keep in mind that SSS is not liable for any fraudulent activities that may allow other people to access your account.

On the other hand, if you want to change your User ID and Password, you can send an email to member_relations@sss.gov.ph. This may happen in case you are blocked to access your account due to incorrect password entry for 5 consecutive attempts.

Investing in PAG-IBIG Savings Program | The Modified Pag-IBIG MP2

July 24, 2017 By proudbrown

Saving your money in commercial banks allows you to earn some from the compounded interests. But, it also involves 20% tax. In spite of the current inflation rate, it is also expected that your money will eventually depreciates

The good news is that PAG-IBIG offers several savings programs that carry higher interest rates. Some of the programs offered by this organization include salary and home loan, multipurpose loan, and calamity loan.

To provide better services to their clients, PAG-IBIG started to offer the Modified PAG-IBIG MP2 savings program that offers higher dividend rate of 5.44% per annum. PAG-IBIG members who were members of the PAG-IBIG 1 can apply for membership in MP2.

These two are different programs since the PAG-IBIG 1 is mandated by the government for employed individuals. The minimum monthly contribution is Php200 shared by both the employee and employer. To avail the MP2, you need to ensure that you’re updated in paying the PAG-IBIG 1 contributions.

On the contrary, the MP2 carries higher interest rates as compared to commercial banks and even with time deposit accounts. This is a profitable way to expand your investment portfolio and ensure that your money will grow and generate more income.

Advantage of upgrading to PAG-IBIG MP2 savings programs

The advantage of signing up to MP2 savings program is that your loanable amount will also increase. Aside from the higher dividend, it is also tax-free. Likewise, you can ensure that your investment is secured by the government.