“No vax no ride” policy to be lifted starting Feb. 1 as NCR shifts back to Alert Level 2

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The “no vax, no ride” policy for commuters using public transportation in the National Capital Region (NCR) will be lifted stating Tuesday, 1 February 2022, as the metropolis eases into the more relaxed COVID-19 Alert Level 2.

The “no vax, no ride” policy was among the measures implemented by the government to prevent the transmission of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The policy was enforced during the time that the NCR was under COVID-19 Alert Level 3 following a department order issued by Transportation Secretary Art Tugade, which was anchored on the Metro Manila Council Resolution approved by MMDA and Metro Manila Mayors, as well as on the ordinances issued by all NCR LGUs prohibiting unvaccinated individuals from boarding public transportation.

As stated by the department order, the “no vaccination, no ride” policy will not be permanentlt enforced in the NCR and will only be enforced while the NCR remains under Alert Level 3, 4, or 5 as determined by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF).

The policy is automatically lifted or suspended once the NCR is classified as Alert Level 2.

“Ang No Vaxx, No Ride Policy ay HINDI perpetual o pang-habambuhay. Ito po ay ipatutupad lamang habang ang Metro Manila ay nasa Alert Level 3 o mas mataas pa. Ibig sabihin, kung ang Covid-19 Alert Level System sa Metro Manila ay ibaba na sa Alert Level 2, ang No Vaxx, No Ride Policy sa mga pampublikong transportasyon ay awtomatikong ili-lift o isususpinde na,” DOTr Secretary Art Tugade said.

The policy is also in line with the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to limit the movement of unvaccinated individuals in the country.

Sec. Art Tugade, meanwhile reminded that minimum health protocols in public transport must still be observed to prevent another surge.

“Paalala lamang po. Ang lifted lamang ay ang no vaxx, no ride/entry. Hindi lifted ang enforcement ng minimum health protocols. Ugaliin pa rin natin na magsuot ng face mask, laging mag-disinfect ng sasakyan, huwag kumain o magsalita sa loob ng pampublikong transportasyon, i-ensure ang proper ventilation sa mga sasakyan, at sumunod sa appropriate physical distancing. Huwag tayong pakampante. Ang Covid ay nasa paligid pa rin,” Sec. Tugade said.

Meanwhile, Transportation Undersecretary for Administrative Service and DOTr official representative to the IATF said that the capacity of public transportation shall be retained to 70%.

“Public transport capacity will still be at 70%. Wala po tayong ibabawas sa supply and capacity of public transport. Kung ano yung mga pinapayagang tumakbo before we shifted to Alert Level 3 earlier this January, papayagan pa rin natin ngayon. Any increase in capacity will have to be approved by the IATF,” Usec Tuazon clarified.

LRWC granted country’s first Online Traditional Bingo (OTB) license by PAGCOR

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Soft launches its OTB game under newest gaming brand “BingoPlus”  

Leisure & Resort World Corporation’s (LRWC) newest gaming brand, BingoPlus, recently soft launched “Online Traditional Bingo” or OTB. This fresh offering from LRWC subsidiary, AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (ABLE), is the first online traditional bingo licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This innovative game transforms the way traditional bingo is played by combining the excitement of the old and the convenience of new technology.

In line with LRWC’s key strategy to expand its reach via online platforms, the OTB is expected to be one of the main revenue streams for the company in the future. More bingo patrons are expected to sign up as the game can be conveniently accessed online via streaming and can also be played on-site initially in 18 Bingo Bonanza Traditional Bingo Halls in Metro Manila and other provincial areas. The company also plans to expand the on-site offering of the OTB in other traditional bingo sites nationwide.

Online Traditional Bingo is the perfect alternative for those who enjoyed playing social bingo prior to lockdown. It basically enables players to enjoy playing bingo at their convenience from the comforts of their own home. All they need is an internet connection and a mobile device. OTB is easy to play yet exciting and stimulating to the brain, much like the bingo at the halls. The social aspect is still there, only virtually, as online bingo chatrooms mean that players can enjoy good banter with fellow participants and play with family and friends from anywhere in the country.

“One of the company’s major strategies is to strengthen online platforms to provide more and better playing opportunities to customers during the pandemic and beyond,” said LRWC newly appointed president Andy Tsui.” OTB is a great way to enjoy bingo from the comfort of ones’ home without having to miss out on social interaction and have the chance to win huge prizes,” he continued.

The launching of the OTB is aimed at reigniting the fun and excitement of bingo playing through the online space. With BingoPlus’ rich promotional activities, bonuses, and jackpot amounting over P2 million that gets bigger, players will never run out of reasons to enjoy and win.

SSS reminds employers, members of payment deadline for December 2021, 4th quarter 2021 contributions

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The Social Security System (SSS) reminds employers and members that the payment deadline for December 2021 contributions of regular employers and October to December 2021 contributions of household employers; self-employed, voluntary, non-working spouse (SE/V/NWS) members; and Land-based Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) members is on January 31, 2022.

SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio said the reminder is being made so that employers can avoid the penalties of late payments and for individual members to not miss their contribution payments.

The payment of contributions is one of the requirements for members to avail of social security benefit programs such as Sickness, Maternity, Unemployment, Retirement, Disability, Death, and Funeral, as well as loan privileges.

“During this period of uncertainty, SSS remains to be one of the most trusted government institutions that helps private sector workers against the adverse effects of the pandemic. In times of contingencies such as sickness or unemployment, they can get financial assistance from the SSS,” Ignacio said.

The payment schedule follows SSS Circular No. 2019-012, which stated that the deadline of remittance of regular employers is every last day of the month following the applicable month, while for household employers and SE/V/NWS members, it is every last day of the month following the applicable month or calendar quarter, as the case may be.

As for Land-based OFW members, they can pay their SS contributions for the applicable months of January to September of a given year until December 31 of the same year, while for the applicable months of October to December of a given year, they are allowed to pay until January 31 of the succeeding year.

Moreover, if the deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, payments will still be accepted on the next working day.

For example, contributions of regular employers for their employees for the applicable month of January 2022 can be paid until February 28, 2022. Household employers and SE/V/NWS members, on the other hand, may pay their January, February, and March 2022 contributions until May 2, 2022, since April 30 and May 1, 2022 both fall on a weekend.

“With the rise in COVID-19 cases, we continue to encourage our members and employers to use our online and alternative payment channels to pay their SSS contributions for their safety and convenience,” Ignacio concluded.

One option for SE/V/NWS and OFW members to pay their SS contributions online is through the SSS Mobile App, where they can use their PayMaya Account, GCash Account, Credit/Debit Card, or Bank of the Philippine Islands Account. Information about SSS online and alternative payment channels can be found in the Knowledgebase Section of the uSSSap Tayo Portal at https://crms.sss.gov.ph.

Furthermore, members who are paying contributions under monthly salary credits (MSCs) in excess of P20,000 up to the prescribed maximum MSC are automatically covered and contributing under the Workers’ Investment and Savings Program (WISP). It is a safe, convenient, principal-protected, and tax-free individual retirement savings plan launched last January 2021. Members with contributions under the WISP will receive additional benefits, as their WISP benefit will be automatically processed when they or their beneficiary/ies file/s for their Retirement, Total Disability, and/or Death Benefits.

For more information, follow “Philippine Social Security System – SSS” on Facebook, “mysssph” on Instagram or YouTube, “PHLSSS” on Twitter, or join the SSS’ Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”