Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Holders Can Stock Up on Discounted School Supplies at Office Warehouse

In preparation for the upcoming school year, Pag-IBIG Fund members can take advantage of a special discount on office furniture and school supplies at Office Warehouse branches nationwide.

From now until March 4, 2026, presenting a valid Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card or Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus at any Office Warehouse branch will entitle members to a 5% discount on all their school supplies and office furniture purchases. This promo applies to a wide variety of items, including notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, backpacks, desks, chairs, and more.

Stretch Your Budget Further with Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card

With the rising cost of school supplies, this discount offered by Pag-IBIG in partnership with Office Warehouse is a welcome relief for many Filipino families. The 5% discount can help parents and students stretch their budgets further, allowing them to purchase all the essential items they need for the new school year.

Here are some additional details about the promo to remember:

• A minimum purchase of P500 is required to avail of the discount.
• The discount applies to regular-priced items only.
• Promo cannot be used in conjunction with other promos or discounts offered by Office Warehouse.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to save on your back-to-school shopping! Head to your nearest Office Warehouse branch today and present your Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card to avail of this exclusive discount.

Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card: More Than Just Discounts

The Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card is a benefits program that goes beyond just offering discounts. It also allows members to earn points for their Pag-IBIG contributions, which can be used to redeem various rewards. For more information on the Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card program, visit the Pag-IBIG Fund website at https://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/loyaltycardPlus/.

Office Warehouse: Your One-Stop Shop for All School and Office Needs

Office Warehouse is a leading retailer of office furniture, school supplies, and other office essentials. They offer a wide variety of products at competitive prices, making them a popular destination for both businesses and individuals. To find an Office Warehouse branch near you, visit their website at https://www.officewarehouse.com.ph/.

DSWD Warns Public Against Fake TikTok Post Offering Educational Assistance

June 18, 2024 - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is urging the public to be vigilant against a fake TikTok post claiming that the agency is offering educational assistance to students nationwide.

The post, which can be found at https://www.tiktok.com/discover/is-the-7395-grant-legit, is a tutorial on how to supposedly apply for the assistance. However, the DSWD has clarified that the post is a scam and that the agency does not solicit personal information online for the application of educational assistance.

The DSWD reminded the public that it is prohibited under the Data Privacy Act for government agencies to collect personal information online. The agency also stressed that it does not release educational assistance directly to schools.

The DSWD is asking the public to report the TikTok account "Philippine Go Today" (https://www.tiktok.com/discover/Philippine-Go-Today) for spreading false information about the agency's programs and services.

The agency also reminded the public to be wary of online scams and to protect their personal information.

Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to online scams:

• Be suspicious of unsolicited messages or emails that ask for your personal information.
• Do not click on links in suspicious emails or messages.
• Verify the authenticity of websites before entering your personal information.
• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Be careful about what you share on social media.

If you think you have been a victim of an online scam, you can report it to the following:

• National Bureau of Investigation (NBI): https://nbi.gov.ph/
• Philippine National Police (PNP): https://pais.pnp.gov.ph/
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI): https://www.dti.gov.ph/

Together, we can fight against fake news and protect ourselves from online scams. Remember, sa DSWD, bawal ang fake news!

Philippines Vows to Resist China's Provocations in West Philippine Sea

In a strongly worded statement, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. condemned China's "dangerous and reckless behavior" in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), following a reported incident involving a Philippine resupply ship and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel near Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal).

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will firmly resist such actions," declared Secretary Teodoro. "China's behavior directly contradicts their claims of good faith and undermines regional peace and stability."

The Philippines maintains that the resupply mission was well within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as defined by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China, however, has made expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea, including areas well within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile EEZ.

According to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) engaged in "illegal and aggressive actions" during the resupply mission. These actions reportedly included dangerous maneuvers, ramming, and towing attempts, forcing the Philippine vessel to take evasive actions.

"The professionalism and restraint displayed by our Filipino personnel in the face of such hostility is commendable," said Secretary Teodoro. "Despite the provocation, they prioritized de-escalation while still fulfilling their mission to support our troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57)."

The BRP Sierra Madre is a grounded Philippine navy vessel serving as a military outpost on Ayungin Shoal. The Philippines has long maintained a presence on the shoal to assert its claims in the WPS.

The latest incident comes amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea. Earlier this year, Chinese coast guard ships were accused of firing water cannons at Philippine patrol vessels near Scarborough Shoal, another disputed territory.

"The international community must recognize China's actions as the true obstacle to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region," urged Secretary Teodoro. "The Philippines will continue to uphold its sovereign rights and work with our allies to ensure a rules-based order in the South China Sea."

The Department of National Defense (DND) has assured the public that the AFP remains vigilant and will continue to protect Philippine territory. The DND also called for diplomatic channels to remain open to peacefully resolve the situation.

LTO Cracks Down on Delays in Releasing License Plates, OR/CRs

June 18, 2024 - The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is getting tough on car and motorcycle dealerships, as well as their agents, who fail to release license plates and Certificates of Registration/Official Receipts (OR/CR) on time. Act. Sec. Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, LTO Chief, issued a warning along with the agency's plan to take action against those who violate the prescribed processing timelines.

Mendoza stated that they have identified an initial list of agents and dealerships facing sanctions, which may include fines and suspension of accreditation. This decisive move is backed by President Marcos himself, who directed the LTO and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to address the backlog of license plates and other LTO documents.

A memorandum from Malacañang to the DOTr emphasizes that all vehicle dealers must comply with LTO's guidelines. It also highlights the potential consequence of dealership termination for non-compliance.

Data from LTO shows at least 28 agents from various dealerships are already facing penalties ranging from P20,000 to P500,000 and a one to six-month suspension of accreditation.

"Let this serve as a strong message," Mendoza said, urging agents and dealerships to fulfill their obligations to clients and adhere to LTO regulations regarding timely releases of plates and OR/CRs.

He likewise encouraged owners of newly-acquired motor vehicles to report any delays directly to LTO. Complaints can be submitted through LTO's social media accounts or by calling AksyON THE SPOT hotline (0929 292 0865).

The LTO reiterated that the backlog of license plates for four-wheeled vehicles has already been addressed. Under the leadership of DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista and Assec Mendoza, LTO has been producing one million license plates monthly. For motorcycles, new purchases are prioritized to prevent further backlog.

President Marcos has set a deadline of June 2025 for clearing the backlog, and Mendoza assures the public that they are on track to meet this target.

Senator Win Gatchalian Slams NTC Over Failure to Implement SIM Registration Law, Leading to POGO Scams

Senator Win Gatchalian has criticized the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for failing to enforce the SIM registration law effectively, leading to a surge in fraud and scam activities associated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Gatchalian lambasted the NTC for neglecting its responsibility under Republic Act No. 11934, which aims to hold users of SIM cards accountable and aid law enforcement in tracking criminals using mobile devices. He highlighted recent police raids on POGO facilities in Pasay City, Tarlac, and Pampanga, where authorities found numerous SIM cards linked to various fraudulent schemes.

The senator underscored that despite the law's enactment in October 2022, incidents of fraud have increased instead of declining, emphasizing the critical role of SIM registration in combating mobile phone-related crimes.

Gatchalian, a co-author of the SIM Registration Act, also reiterated concerns over POGOs' involvement in serious crimes, urging the NTC to ensure telco operators comply with the law to curb criminal activities effectively.