More govt execs face ax – Duterte

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday fired a female undersecretary supposedly for appealing to Malacañang for rice importation permits, as he warned that more officials would be sacked because of corruption.

Speaking before the Grand Harvest Festival of Seh Leng Agritech in Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Duterte said he was so angry he decided to fire the official as his chopper was landing on the area.

“I was on my way here, I was landing, I said ‘Call Malacañang. She’s fired.’ So she’s the second one,” he said.

Without mentioning her name, Duterte said the female undersecretary was a “holdover” official, or an appointee of the previous administration.

The President said he decided to fire the undersecretary for seeking to overturn the decision of National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Jason Aquino to bar rice imports.

“I said, ‘How can I face the farmers? Why would we allow importation to compete with local products? Of course, it didn’t push through because I stopped it…We are an open market but you know, you have to protect the Filipino,” he said.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol confirmed that Duterte was referring to Undersecretary Maia Chiara Halmen Valdez of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary.

“It’s over the issue of rice importation. She had a conflict with NFA Administrator Jason Aquino,” Piñol said in a text message sent to reporters.

The President said he would also fire two more undersecretaries within the week, but did not elaborate.

By the end of this week, a total of five officials would have been fired, including former Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno and the female undersecretary.

In March, National Irrigation Administration chief Peter Laviña was dismissed for allegedly seeking money from contractors.

Duterte has dismissed 92 employees and officials of the Bureau of Customs, the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board because of irregularities.

“I will continue to fire people. The first whiff, even if untrue, you’re out,” Duterte said.

Duterte tells PNPA graduates: 'Never be discouraged

 PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte congratulated the 144 cadets of Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Masidlak Class of 2017 who graduated Friday and encouraged them to remain gallant as they face new endeavors. "I join your loved ones as you celebrate this significant milestone. This day marks the end of your trials within the academy. From this day forward, you shall face another set of challenges and opportunities. I hope that you will take to heart the principles of the Philippine National Police Academy that has been imparted to you," the President said at the graduation ceremony held at Camp Castañeda in Silang, Cavite. Ninety-eight members of the graduating class will join the Philippine National Police, 15 will join the Bureau of Fire Protection, and 31 will be part the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. The Chief Executive called on the graduates to be mentally and physically prepared as they join the government in eradicating crime and corruption. He also reminded them that losses and triumphs are “inevitable” as they launch their ongoing battle against the country’s problems. He then told them to "always look back what drove you to become part of the police force" when they feel disheartened. "For the Masidlak Class of 2017, the arduous task of keeping our nation safe is just beginning. Never be discouraged, no matter how formidable the odds may be stacked against you," Duterte said. "Remain strong in your heart and mind as you take in this great fight, because to see our country prosperous and our people safe and thriving will have sometimes entails your sacrifice," he added. Duterte guaranteed that the Masidlak Class has the vigorous backing of his administration as they continue their quest for "safer Philippines." He also maintained that he would defend and protect them, as long as they "fight for the country [and] do it right". "You will find that the most daunting situations will bring out the best of the people. The government will be with you as you fight in the frontlines for that dream of a better tomorrow and safer Philippines," the President said. 

VIDEO-Philippines wins silver in Rio 2016 Olympics weight lifting

Hidilyn Diaz ended the country’s 20-year dry spell in the Olympics by snaring the silver medal in the 53-kilogram class of the weightlifting competition at the Riocentro Pavilion 2 here. Diaz and the handful of Filipinos in the gallery were already celebrating her third-best, bronze-clinching total of 200 kg when China’s erstwhile frontrunner Li Yajun failed in her third and final attempt to lift 126 kg in the clean and jerk and scratched out of the contest. Li, who actually tied the Olympic record in the snatch, failed in all three tries at 126. Realizing that Li had bungled it, the three-time Olympian Diaz jumped in joy and raised her arms in triumph. The country’s first medalist in weightlifting then sought out her coach and top delegation officials. It did not really matter that Diaz’s total lift was 12 kg lighter than that of the 212 of gold medalist Hsu Shu-ching of Chinese Taipei. The silver already glittered like gold. South Korea’s Yoon Jin-hee snared the bronze with a total lift of 199 kg. “Naramdaman ko ang presence ni God kanina nung bumubuhat ako,” said the 25-year-old Diaz, a native of Zamboanga City. “I expected to win the bronze going to this competition, na-shock ako nung sinabi sa akin na na-zero yung China.” The silver medal means a cash windfall for Diaz under the government’s incentive program for medalists in the Olympics. Delegation officials said she stood to pocket at least P5 milllion in bonuses. Nestor Colonia failed all his three attempts at 154 kg in the clean and jerk and, like the Chinese who yielded a sure gold in Diaz’s weight class, scratched out of the competition won by China’s Long Qingquan in a new Olympic record of 307 kg. Colonia placed 6th in snatch with a 120 kg lift. SFM Watch the VIDEO

Filipina group 4th Impact, WATCH the video on youtube with latest performance on the stage of X-Factor 2015 UK (21 Nov 2015) Live Show

Once again, the Filipina group 4th impact has stormed the stage of X-Factor 2015 in UK. Their performance was a total hit—that all 4 judges offered them a standing ovation. The entire studio was in a craze as soon as they performed.
Back in the Philippines, they were known as the Gollayan sisters when they won the grand prize in a Philippine noon time show called “It’s showtime”. In Korea, they were known as “MICA”, which is their names combined altogether. Siblings Mylene, Irene, Celina and Almira Gollayan are now widely known across Asia when the audition was aired and got positive votes from people watching.
Fans around the world are ecstatic about the phenomenal performance.

WATCH the video on youtube with latest performance on the stage of X-Factor 2015 UK (21 Nov 2015) Live Show CLICK HERE

The family of a filipina in Greece worried if the relative is safe during Paris Terror Attacks, comment if you know she is safe or you worried for your relative in france

Gunmen and bombers attacked restaurants, a concert hall and a sports stadium at locations across Paris, killing at least 120 people in a deadly rampage that a shaken President Francois Hollande called an unprecedented terrorist attack. A Paris city hall official said four gunmen systematically slaughtered at least 87 young people attending a rock concert at the Bataclan music hall. Anti-terrorist commandos eventually launched an assault on the building. The gunmen detonated explosive belts and dozens of shocked survivors were rescued. Some 40 more people were killed in five other attacks in the Paris region, the city hall official said, including an apparent double suicide bombing outside the national stadium, where Hollande and the German foreign minister were watching a friendly soccer international. The family of a filipina in Greece  worried if the relative is safe during Paris Terror Attacks and they contact with a tsismosaonline.com news reporter to ask for help, Ana Maria Diloy a former filipina ofw in Greece and now Lives in Lyon, France, Visited Athens Greece Last Sundy and latest she been spotted drinking wine.10 hrs ago at Villeurbanne, France  Ana Maria Diloy if you read the article comment your safe

Philippines They found shelter on rooftops after hurricane, About 19,000 people remain there today, The government has reported two deaths, watch the video

Filipinos trapped on the roofs of their flooded homes today are waiting for help from rescue teams, while Hurricane effortlessly scans the northern part of the archipelago for the second consecutive day. The hurricane, arrived yesterday to shore hitting the east coast of Luzon, the largest island of the Philippines, killing two people and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes. The effort is directed too late to the north and though weakened, has caused torrential rains to three mountain ranges. The flow of rainwater flooded the vast plains of rice fields north of Manila, explained the emergency services. About 70 villages are under water, said Nigel Lontok, deputy director of the regional civil service security. "The level of water rises rapidly and there are people on rooftops. The depth of water is too large for the trucks of the army, while rescuers trying to reach the trapped with inflatable boats. " Thousands of residents have probably caught up in these villages and the civil protection department does not have far too only ten garages. Thousands of people have taken refuge in temporary reception centers, according to the government agency for disaster management. About 19,000 people remain there today said Lontok to tsismosaonline.com news reporter The trouble typhoon initially was accompanied by winds gusting 210 km. Per hour. Today is over the northern city Bantai and gusts have weakened and reach 150 km. Per hour. The storm is expected to pass over the area with the mountains of the Cordillera before leave behind the Luzon Wednesday. The government has reported two deaths, an 14-year old teenager in Manila from falling tree in the house and a 62chronis collapsing wall of the house in the province of Zambales. Schools are closed today in Manila, although the capital has been severely affected by the hurricane.

Watch the video Philippines They found shelter on rooftops after hurricane on youtube, click here 

5.8 magnitude earthquake 3 km from Calatagan, Batangas, Philippines about 3 hours ago

The US Geological Service said the epicenter was in Balitoc, Calatagan in Batangas. USGS recorded the quake at magnitude 5.8. about 3 hours ago , 105 km depth Calatagan, Batangas, Philippines 
UTC time: Monday, October 19, 2015 13:50 PM Your time: Monday, October 19 2015 4:50 PM Magnitude Type: mwb USGS page: M 5.8 - 0km WNW of Balitoc, Philippines USGS status: Reviewed by a seismologist Reports from the public: 169 people

STAY CONNECTED FOR MORE INFORMATION SOON 

Greece increase the limits for corporations but not for Remittances centers, Those who wish to send money abroad are asked to bear in mind that the banks have no leeway, Greece remains a long way from normality

According to our information, the Committee for the capital controls decided to increase the limits for corporations but not for Remittances centers and ease the restrictions furtherly as follows:
a) The limit of 7 million Euros per bank increases to 14 million Euros. This limit regards the four systemic banks (NBG, Alpha, Eurobank, Piraeus), and Attika.
b) The daily limits of 20,000 Euros per request remains unchanged.
c) Imports up to 5,000 Euros need a simple approval by the bank cashier.
d) New students can open bank accounts.
e) Soldiers can open bank accounts.
No change for the daily withdrawal limit of 60 Euros or 420 Euros per week for individuals.
The decision will be published soon by the Government Gazette --possible today or tomorrow.
Despite the gradual easing of the capital controls the market remains a long way from normality and the resulting problems are having knock-on effects on an already burdened financial environment. Those who wish to send money abroad are asked to bear in mind that the banks have no leeway when it comes to the required documents, and that transactions are forbidden unless all the neccessary paperwork is presented. In the case of money for tuition fees abroad, the Committee for the Approval of Banking Transactions has to issue its approval first.
The Finance Ministry eased capital controls on corporate transactions on Wednesday by doubling from 7 to 14 million euros the daily limit each of the country’s four systemic banks is allowed to approve in response to demands by enterprises and professionals for international payments.
As a part of the gradual relaxation of the capital restrictions introduced at the end of June, the ministry also decided to allow requests involving amounts of up to 5,000 euros to be examined by the bank branch on the spot, thereby easing the workloads of the subcommittees created to handle daily demands of up to 150,000 euros each.
The increase in the daily limit will come into effect immediately after the law has been changed, expected to happen today, to help businesses ahead of their increased needs for imports this fall. If a bank does not use all of the available funds in one day, it will be able to add the remaining amount to the next day, and so on through the end of the week, thereby raising the weekly limit to 70 million euros per bank, and to 280 million euros for all four systemic banks.
As a result, the time required to approve requests should be reduced. According to the most recent available data, each request currently takes an average of 18 working days. Ministry data showed that in August the total amount of requests approved by the various committees at the State General Accounting Office and at the banks amounted to 2.4 billion euros, covering 73 percent of needs.
Greeks and Filipinos can wire  €500 a month abroad as worries over flow of cash out of country ease but ATM withdrawal limits remain

Teachers From Philippines are planning to add Facebook as course so Filipino student may learn how to Avoiding cyber bullying and lack of awareness

Pabebe girls, non-sense replies, 1 like=1 pray, cyber bullying and lack of awareness in using the social media correctly, that is one of the most difficult problem that we are facing right now.  A Teacher Esteban said to our source. Teachers From Philippines  are  planning to add Facebook subject in the Philippines and it required to teach this subject in all High School students. Because of the Free FB and easier way to use this social platform, we can now teach every High School students to be a responsible student. He added. They are not considering this plan as a joke, some people were affected by problems that their facing by using the social media giant and it maybe solved by educating them. This is what the student may learn on the Facebook subject
Avoiding Cyber Bullying, Preventing Cyber Bullying and how to report them on the authorities Avoiding sharing bad things on Facebook Avoiding being Pabebe Learning how to reply with sense on different posts on Facebook. Teaching them to post appropriately Learn how to use hashtags correctly Teaching them the rules and guidelines of Facebook
According to some professors, this is a good idea and they are hoping that this subject will be added on High School or Senior High School soon

Reporting for tsismosaonline.com 7-9-2015 Filipino Gr

Remittances centers in Marousi and Omonia are open, Filipino remittances still closed. find who is the first money transfer business in Greece who open today

THIREOS EXCHANGE S.A. offices in Marousi area Athens  and in Omonioa square Athens -Greece are open today and you can send money abroad to any physical person untill the amount of 500 euro in a month per person.That means your relative in Philippines  need to go in personal at the shop and pick up the money  from Greece, not throught bank. Yes is true . we in tsismosaonline.com called those two numbers +30210 8016952 and +30210 3215711 and asked. the persons who answered confirmed the information is true. As they said the rate today for Philippines  is 53.49, service charged for 500 euro is 6 euro. Reporting for tsismosaonline.com, 26-8-2015 Filipino Gr

Why Filipino Remittances centers in Greece denied to open for 500euro limit per client, How you will transfer money abroad now , Read the true story find answers

Over a month is Greece under capitals contols and we been receiving thousands txt messages on facebook, from filipinos, asking when the remittances centers in Greece will open again. August 18 -2015 after a meeting in the Greek parlianment,  Greek finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos announced new adjustments to the capital controls on the Greek economy. The law Published, the same date at 3 am in the morning,  at Greek Government Gazette with number V'1721 and allowed to send 500 euro per person outside Greece, in a month, starting  immediately  effect. Good news you will say. Yes . We also in the tsismosaonline.com , the founder and the personnel, we thought the same. God bless, its over , filipinos in Greece can send  500 euro , in a month, to their families back. Certainly better than nothing.
Noooo, wrong again. untill now, Filipino remittances center, the money transfer business in Greece for OFW denied to open. Even when the Greek law Published, their excuse untill now  is "we STILL waiting for the official instructions from the Greek Authority as to when we can start operating again." How is that possible you will ask? who denied business? its not true you will say. Lets see the facts here Have you ever heard for any Authority, everywere in the world, that comes to your door if you dont do a crime first? really ?? Do you think Greek Authority, Greek public workers will come to your filipino door , to say hi, kumusta ka na? , we are from the Goverment, we  came to tell ,you can start operating again, collect money, get rich, pay your personnel, your bills etc etc. Realy ??? People of remittances centers, ownwers and personnel here is the truth, you dont need to waiting for the Greek Authority to come to you, If you really want to operate your business again, you can do it for 500 euro per person in a month , just send your lawyers to bring you the Greek Government Gazette with number V'1721 . so simple. But ofcource , that means you will need to pay extra money to update your computer system for working with 500 euro limit. You as money transfer business,  you will need to change the rate commission, you will need to print other reciepts with low commission and high taxes , you  as money transfer business , you will need to pay your personnel extra for only 500 euro per person in a month coming from your clients back to you? Thats no business, you will lose money. and there is no profit enough. Right? You cannot do it right? Because you know that the capital controls maybe remain for 2 0r 3 years , you choose as business to remain closed, typical you choose to wait until Greek parlianment,  the Greek finance Minister after the Greek elections ends,  will  announce new adjustments again  and may increase the limit of 500 euro in a month. How can i managed to transfer money abroad Now? today?  Has anybody managed to transfer money from Greece to Philippines?  Very Good question. There are several other ways to transfer money abroad, today without going to any remittances center . You just need to think about it. If your filipino in Greece you dont realy need to depend on any remittance center here , and wait when and if  open again. Yes ofcourse you must not choose any illegal business to transfer money abroad.We dont say that. 

option no 1 Greek banks send money abroad , 500 euro per person in a month, with your Swift Code(Swift Code is a  unique identification code for your bank in the Philippines.If you dont know the  Swift Code of your bank in Philippines, please read bellow -All Philippines Bank SWIFT Codes)

Note: You are allowed to transfer up to €5,000 in 3 months if it is for students studying abroad. You need proof it is for tuition fees, an application form from bank and upefthini dilosi. We in tsismosaonline.com managed to transfer money to Philippines yesterday August 25 -2015 with succsess.using Greek bank
Option no 2 Transfer money online, yes we will not hide Banks charge hidden fees when you send money abroad, so why dont you use an online service to transfer money to Philippines? If you are in Greece you can tranfer money to Philippines online.

We in tsismosaonline.com managed to transfer money to Philippines yesterday August 25 -2015 with succsess. using online money tranfer

service no 1

for TransferWise click here

service no 2
for CurrencyFair click here

Option no 3

Use cheque or credit/debit card to transfer money to Philippines. If you dont have cheque or credit/debit card , ask from your employer to use his/her cheque or credit/debit card and keep the money from your salary later. I mean you work here in Greece to support your family in Philippines right? Time to stop the cheap excuses and ask help from your Greek employer.

We in tsismosaonline.com managed to transfer money to Philippines yesterday August 25 -2015 with succsess using our employer and founder of this website,  cheque or credit/debit card



Note:
Swift Code is a standard format of Bank Identifier Codes (BIC) and it is unique identification code for a particular bank. These codes are used when transferring money between banks, particularly for international wire transfers. Banks also used the codes for exchanging other messages between them.

All Philippines Bank SWIFT Codes

Below are two websites with the SWIFT codes for all banks in Philippines. These SWIFT codes are only the active participants who are connected to SWIFT network. The passive participant’s codes are excluded from the list.

website no 1 click here

website no 2 click here



Reporting for tsismosaonline.com
26-08-2015
FilipinaAna maria

Philippine President Benigno Aquino said Stop random inspections of balikbayan boxes, Watch What are balikbayan boxes

There will be no random or arbitrary physical inspection of balikbayan boxes."
This was the first point made in a statement released on the website of the Department of Finance regarding the issue of customs officials inspecting care packages sent by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to their relatives in the Philippines.
The statement was released on Monday evening (August 24) after President Benigno Aquino III met with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisma and Customs Commissioner Albert Lina.
According to the statement, some 7.2 million balikbayan boxes are sent per month and that inspections are made on the basis of actual intelligence of a potential violation or threat.
The Department of Finance (DOF) said the president has ordered the Bureau of Customs to immediately stop the random or arbitrary inspection of balikbayan boxes and that these should undergo mandatory X-ray and K-9 examination at no cost to the sender.
Only in cases where there are derogatory findings from the X-ray or K-9 examination will there be a physical inspection of goods.
Should a physical inspection be needed, the BOC will request that a representative of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) or a designated officer of an OFW association be present, with provisions for CCTV monitoring of the proceedings.
Employees who violate the protocol or "engage in pilferage" will be prosecuted and punished.
The DOF also encouraged the public to submit videotaped or photographic evidence of such acts to the Customs chief.

 Elmo de Guia spent only two years working as a mechanic in Saudi Arabia, but he sent well over 10 boxes over that period. 
He says it has become part of his routine, just like the other Filipinos he met abroad.
He said he'd go to shopping malls after receiving his pay and buy things to send home.
Jaime Cosco, on the other hand, spent 17 years in Japan. He says he has mastered the technique of filling a box to the brim.
Always at the top of his shopping list are clothes – but not because Tokyo is known as one of the top fashion capitals in the world.
Cosco says he would use clothes to stuff empty spaces in the boxes to prevent fragile items from breaking.
A study by anthropologist Dr. Clement Camposano says the balikbayan box is a way for overseas Filipinos to feel they are still part of their household
Another study, published by international librarian Jade Alburo, says that the balikbayan box not only shows how much Filipino workers abroad care for their loved ones, they also provide bragging rights for brand-conscious Filipinos.
Just like Zenith Asuncion who looks forward to the balikbayan boxes of her eldest son in Germany because of the European items he sends which she can't afford locally.
One time, she asked for a bag, and her son went the extra mile sending her a signature bag.
Social status symbol or care package, the balikbayan box is no doubt a part of Philippine culture that will stay for generations to come.
Watch on youtube What are balikbayan boxes click here

2015 Census of Filipinos Population started August 10, The Philippine Embassy in Athens Greece supports the survey that will last for 25 days

On Monday, August 10, the Philippine government started with its new round of house-to-house and institutional surveys to determine the country's latest population.
This is the 14th census of population to be undertaken in the Philippines, with the very first census conducted in 1903.
The most recent census – the May 2010 survey – revealed a total population of 92,337,852. Based on projections given this most recent population, it is believed that the 2015 population could reach over 100 million.
In fact, the country's population had already reached 100 million in July 2014.
Here's some information you need to know about the 2015 Census:
1. What agency will facilitate the census?
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is tasked to take an inventory of the population in the Philippines.
Republic Act 10625, or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, states that PSA "shall prepare and conduct periodic censuses on population, housing, agriculture, fisheries, business, industry, and other sectors of the economy."
Based on the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA), around P2.13 billion of the total budget allotted to PSA was assigned to the 2015 Census.
2. How long will the survey be conducted?
The 2015 census starts on August 10. It is expected to last for 25 days (including Saturdays and holidays) up to September 6 in most provinces, and may be extended in big cities.
Each household census interview will take from 15 to 30 minutes. Among the questions to be asked by enumerators are household members’ age, sex, marital status, education, and occupation.
3. Who will conduct the surveys?
PSA will send about 90,000 enumerators to conduct the house-to-house interviews. Enumerators will be wearing their standard uniform: they will wear T-shirts and ID cards, and will bring clipboards, umbrella, and rain coats, all with the PSA logo and design.
Also, the IDs of the enumerators will bear the signature of PSA National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Lisa Grace Bersales.
About 23,000 supervisors were hired to supervise groups of enumerators.
The statisticians of the provincial offices of PSA will serve as census area supervisors. Other regular personnel from the PSA central office and field offices shall also serve as supervisors during the census.
4. Who should respond to the surveys?
For house-to-house surveys, enumerators will use the Household Questionnaire (CP Form 2), to be answered by the head of the household or his/her spouse, or any responsible member of the household who can provide accurate answers to the questions, or can give correct information for the household and all its members.
Other types of surveys include:
the Institutional Population survey (CP Form 4) for the manager/administrator/individual members of the institution or institutional living quarter the Barangay Schedule survey (CP Form 5) for the Punong Barangay or any incumbent barangay official RA 10625 requires a truthful response to the survey. Any individual who refuses or fails to give truthful and complete answers to statistical inquiries shall be penalized with one-year imprisonment and a fine of P100,000.
5. Is it safe to divulge information in the survey?
All census personnel are required to keep in strict confidence any information obtained during the survey. RA 10625 states that the data provided by survey respondents "shall be considered privileged information and as such shall be inadmissible as evidence in any proceeding."
A breach of this confidentiality of information will yield a fine of between P5,000 and P10,000 and/or imprisonment from 3 months up to 1 year.
6. When will the final statistics be released to the public?
The population count by province, city, municipality, and barangay will be submitted to the Office of the President for proclamation as official census counts in January 2016.
Other detailed data will be released on a staggered basis starting the last quarter of 2016.
PSA releases data only in the form of summaries or statistical tables. Information to be released will have no reference to any particular individual or institution. 
The Philippine Embassy in Athens Greece supports the survey What is the 2015 Census of Population? The 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN 2015), which is a complete enumeration of households in the country, is designed primarily to take an inventory of the population of the entire Philippines. It also collects information about some characteristics of the population such as age, sex, marital status, and highest grade completed. It will be the 14th census of population to be undertaken in the country since the first census in 1903. Moreover, it will be the 3rd population census to be conducted in between two decennial censuses. Previous to POPCEN 2015, mid-decade censuses were carried out in 1995 and 2007.
What is the main objective of the POPCEN 2015? The POPCEN 2015 aims to provide government executives, policy and decision makers, and planners with population data, especially updated population counts of all barangays in the country, on which to base their social and economic development plans, policies, and programs.
What are the legal bases of the PSA for conducting the POPCEN 2015? The authority and mandate of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to conduct the POPCEN 2015 emanates from RA No. 10625 and Executive Order No. 352.
Approved on September 12, 2013, Republic Act (RA) No. 10625, also known as the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, states that the PSA shall be primarily responsible for all national censuses and surveys, sectoral statistics, consolidation of administrative recording system, and compilation of national accounts. Specifically, Section 6(b) of this Act mandates the PSA to prepare and conduct periodic censuses on population, housing, agriculture, fisheries, business, industry, and other sectors of the economy.
Executive Order No. 352 – Designation of Statistical Activities That Will Generate Critical Data for Decision-Making of the Government and the Private Sector, stipulates the conduct of a mid-decade census primarily to update the population count in all barangays nationwide.
What are the basic uses of the statistics that will be derived from the POPCEN 2015? The uses of POPCEN data encompass all sectors. Among the important uses of the data from this census are the following:
In government:
$1·         redistricting and apportionment of congressional seats;
$1·         allocation of resources and revenues;
$1·         creation/conversion of political and administrative units;
$1·         formulation of policies concerning various segments of the population (children, youth, elderly, women of reproductive age, voting age, and working age); and
$1·         formulation of policies and programs relative to the delivery of basic services, such as on health, education, employment, housing, infrastructure, disaster relief, and other socio-economic concerns.
In business and industry:
$1·         identification of sites for establishing businesses;
$1·         determination of consumer demands for various goods and services; and
$1·         improvement of supply of labor for the production of goods and services.
In research and academic institutions:
$1·         conduct of researches on population and related  disciplines; and
$1·         study of population growth and geographic distribution as bases in preparing population projections at the national and sub-national levels.
When will the census enumeration be conducted? The listing and enumeration for the POPCEN 2015 will last for about 25 working days (including Saturdays and holidays), from August 1 to 31, 2015.
Who shall be the respondents in the census? There are 3 types of questionnaires to be used in this census: the Household Questionnaire (CP Form 2), the Institutional Population Questionnaire (CP Form 4), and the Barangay Schedule (CP Form 5).
The respondent for CP Form 2 shall be the head of the household or his/her spouse, or any responsible member of the household who can provide accurate answers to the questions or who can give correct information for the household and all its members. For CP Form 4, the respondent/s shall be the manager, administrator or the individual members of the institution or institutional living quarter. The Punong Barangay or any incumbent barangay official, meanwhile, shall be the respondent for CP Form 5.
Are census respondents obliged to provide truthful and complete answers to the census? Yes. Section 27 of RA 10625 states that respondents of primary data collection activities such as censuses and sample surveys are obliged to give truthful and complete answers to statistical inquiries. The gathering, consolidation, and analysis of such data shall likewise be done in the most truthful and credible manner.
Any individual who refuses or fails to give truthful and complete answers to statistical inquiries shall be imposed a penalty of one (1) year imprisonment and a fine of one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00).
What will be the assurance of the public that the information given to the census enumerator will not be used for other purposes? All personnel involved in POPCEN 2015 are required to keep in STRICT CONFIDENCE any information obtained during the census that pertains to any particular household or person.
Section 26 of R.A. No. 10625 stipulates that individual data furnished by a respondent to statistical inquiries, surveys, and censuses of the PSA shall be considered privileged information and as such shall be inadmissible as evidence in any proceeding. The PSA releases data gathered from censuses only in the form of summaries or statistical tables, in which no reference to an individual, corporation, association, partnership, institution or business enterprise shall appear.
Likewise, Section 27 of RA No. 10625 states that a person, including parties within the PSA Board and the PSA, who breach the confidentiality of information, whether by carelessness, improper behavior, behavior with malicious intent, and use of confidential information for profit shall be liable to a fine of five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) to not more than ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) and/or imprisonment of three months but not to exceed one year, subject to the degree of breach of information.
What data or information will be derived from the POPCEN  2015? The following information will be asked in the four main census instruments or census forms that will be used during the census:
CP Form 1 – Listing Booklet
Basic Data Items
$1·         Name of the household head/Name or type of institution
$1·         Address of the household/institution
$1·         Number of household/institutional members by sex
CP Form 2 – Household Questionnaire
Demographic and socio-economic characteristics
Registration of deaths among household members
Selected housing characteristics
CP Form 4 – Institutional Population Questionnaire
Demographic and socio-economic characteristics
CP Form 5 – Barangay Schedule
Barangay Characteristics
Who will act as census enumerators and supervisors? The PSA will hire enumerators (ENs) and team supervisors (TSs) during the census.
Each EN will be tasked to conduct the house-to-house interview. Each TS will supervise a group of ENs.
Regular personnel of the PSA, particularly the Statisticians of the Provincial Offices of the PSA will serve as Census Area Supervisors (CAS). The PSA will hire CAS to augment the number of regular personnel who will act as CAS. The CAS will supervise a group of TSs and ENs.
Other regular personnel from the PSA central office and field offices shall also act as supervisors during the census.
Census Reference Date August 1, 2015 will be the census reference date for the POPCEN 2015, on which date the enumeration of the population in the Philippines shall refer. This means that all persons to be enumerated as members of a household or as residents of an institutional living quarter will be as of August 1, 2015.
You can go online at : https://psa.gov.ph/  or on facebook at : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Philippine-Statistics-Authority/134813476552257

Changes to Capital Controls in Greece, Remittances centers need to update their computer system and reopen

Greek finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos announced new adjustments to the capital controls on the Greek economy. Government Gazette (V'1721) (Published late yesterday 18-8-2015 at 3 am) and allowed to send 500 euro per person outside Greece, in a month Capital controls have restricted transactions and liquidity in Greece since June 28, a day after the July 5 referendum was officially announced. Since then, the government has eased certain restrictions but the bulk of limitations remain. Remittances centers in Greece MUST send their lawyers to take the Government Gazette (V'1721) (Published late yesterday 18-8-2015 at 3 am) and start business again. According to the latest changes, debt-holders can now repay old loans with either cash and funds that are currently abroad or by taking out a new loan from a bank. The new decree also allows individuals to open new bank accounts but without the ability to withdraw funds from that account. The account can be used to pay money owed to the Greek state and social insurance agencies which have the option of setting up new bank accounts to receive such payments. An additional new bank account, also without the option of withdrawal, is permitted if that account is used to repay loans in Greece. According to the new decree, Greek students studying abroad can receive 5,000 euros per trimester. The announcement does not clarify the relationship of the sender to the student. In certain cases the permitted amount could be up to 8,000 euros. Finally, each individual bank depositor can transfer 500 euros per month to a foreign account. Greece's parliament on Friday approved the country's third international bailout after an all-night debate, hours ahead of a critical meeting by European finance ministers. A majority of 222 lawmakers approved the 400-page document over 64 who voted against and 11 abstentions. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had earlier urged the chamber to approve the deal "to assure the country's ability to survive and keep on fighting." Over 40 lawmakers from Tsipras' radical leftist Syriza party including ex-finance minister Yanis Varoufakis and other senior cadres refused to support the three-year deal, a factor which the PM had previously warned would force him to call early elections. Greece's parliament had to approve the deal before the Eurogroup of finance ministers meets later Friday in Brussels to decide whether to rubber stamp the 85-billion-euro ($94-billion) rescue plan.

Open the Remittances Centers in Greece, from today allowed to send 500 euro per client outside Greece

Published late yesterday in the Government Gazette (V'1721) order of the Minister of Finance Euclid Tsakalotos (G.D.O.P.0001133EX2015 / CH.P. 252 / 08.17.2015), which made seven changes to the Act of Legislative Content of capital controls .
Starting from today 18 of August 2015 All Remittances Centers in Greece allowed to send 500 euro per client in a month abroad. 
The money transfer companies in Greece temporarily suspended its services for  more a month of capital controls in Greece on June 29, after the closure of banks and imposing capital controls with the law -Article # ΓΔΟΠ0001027ΕΞ 2015/ΧΠ 2364/24-7-2015 Ministerial Decree of the Minister of Finance of Greece (Gov’t Gazette B’1561
From today the Greek law  allowed to to send 500 euro per client for a month abroad. Thousands filipino are expected this law to start senting money again to their families back in the Philippines 

Remittances from Filipino in Greece Possible will open after August 20-Athens stock market loses further 3.6%, Greek banks down sharply

The money transfer companies in Greece temporarily suspended its services for  more a month of capital controls in Greece on June 29, after the closure of banks and imposing capital controls with the law -Article # ΓΔΟΠ0001027ΕΞ 2015/ΧΠ 2364/24-7-2015 Ministerial Decree of the Minister of Finance of Greece (Gov’t Gazette B’1561)
A bailout worth up to 86 billion euros ($94.5 billion), needs to be settled by Aug. 20 if Greece is to pay off debt of 3.5 billion euros to the European Central Bank that matures on that day, said the Greek finance and economic minister to tsismosaonline.com reporter.
After a meeting at the Bank of Greece, Minister of Finance Efklidis Tsakalotos decided the following:
Shipping companies can withdraw up to €50,000 in cash a day. The commission for approval of banking transactions can allow cash withdrawals and limits on the amount withdrawn per day for other sectors as well. Approval of capital transfers overseas and cash withdrawal shall be carried out by the banks themselves. Carrying up to €2,000 worth of any currency is allowed for individuals when travelling abroad. Foreign nationals are exempt from this restriction. A person accompanying someone going abroad for treatment is allowed to withdraw from a bank account and take up to € 2,000 overseas. The ban on withdrawing cash in Greece and abroad through credit cards issued by Greek banks will remain. Receiving cash, regardless of the currency, against cheques or letters of credit is disallowed. Such funds should be credited to a bank account, which is subject to the existing restrictions on withdrawals.
 The daily limit of €60 per person, or a total of €420 per week, will remain.
In the Philippines. The Top 10 sources of remittances from Filipino sailors in the first semester were the United States ($1.326 billion), United Kingdom ($237.583 million), Germany ($194.844 million), Norway ($183.529 million), Japan ($149.295 million),  Greece ($141.452 million), Hong Kong ($123.084 million), Singapore ($110.194 million), The Netherlands ($45.726 million), and Italy ($23.511 million).   The $223-million jump in remittances from sailors accounted for 36 percent of the aggregate increase in cash transfers from all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs),  both land- and sea-based, in the first semester.    The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas previously reported that remittances from all OFWs hit $11.421 billion from January to June, higher by $621 million, or 5.75 percent, versus the $10.800 billion that they sent home over the same semester in 2013.
In Greece. The Athens stock exchange is once again in the red, for the third day running since reopening on Monday following a five-week suspension. It has lost 3.6%, with the banks posting further sharp falls.
Piraeus Bank -29.59%
Alpha BAnk -29.56%
Eurobank -26.76%
Attica Bank -16.67%
National Bank of Greece -15.14%

Latest Update-Some money transfer companies announced Monday August 3 will restarted services in Greece, but only to receive remittances from abroad and not to send

The international money transfer company Western Union Co announced Monday it restarted its services in Greece and its customers can receive remittances from abroad in some places.   The Western Union said to have reopened 270 of its network of 1,000 agencies in Greece and that the money received by customers will not be subject to by capital controls imposed in the country That means foreigners who live and work in Greece or local citizens can receive money from abroad (the limit depended on the country) but they cannot send money to other countries from here yet, also as the Greek bank announced remittances centers they can send money to other cities inside Greece only.
The Western Union and other filipino money transfer companies (Cbn Greece and RCBC) temporarily suspended its services for a month of capital controls in Greece on June 29, after the closure of banks and imposing capital controls with the law -Article # ΓΔΟΠ0001027ΕΞ 2015/ΧΠ 2364/24-7-2015 Ministerial Decree of the Minister of Finance of Greece (Gov’t Gazette B’1561)
The Filipino money transfer companies (Cbn Greece and RCBC) have not yet announced if they open for  inside Greece only transactions. We have to wait and come back with new post. Furthermore, according to sources, those traveling abroad can carry a maximum of 2,000 euros per person. (it was 10.000 and now is 2000) For tsismosaonline.com Filipina Anamaria, News reporter Athens- Greece 30-7-2015

Closed the Remittance centers in Greece untill Greece seal the third one deal, with the European Central Bank, the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund

Closed the Remittance centers in Greece untill Greece seal a new bailout deal, the third one, with the European Central Bank, the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund, that means all the Remittance centers in Greece will remain closed untill August 5. Representative from Remittance centers in Greece  talked with the Greek government yesterday morning (Wednesday 22 of July 2015) to solved the problem  and asked  the Greek Finance Ministry if the Remittance centers in Greece will open again and when . Deputy Finance Minister Dimitiris Mardas said to Representative from Remittance centers in Greece and to tsismosaonline.com reporter that the Greek parliament will reportedly vote on a third set of prior actions on August 5, that means all the Remittance centers in Greece will remain closed untill August 5. The Restrictions on transfers abroad and other capital controls remain in place because the Greek  banks’ financial health remains critical. Transfers of money to other countries are allowed only with permission from the Greek central bank and the Finance Ministry who examine requests on a case-by-case basis  he said. The head of Greece's banking association Louka Katseli said that the foreign people who holds Credit and bank cards issued abroad can be used at the Greek ATMs with no restrictions. This will benefit foreign visitors to Greece and the tourist industry. Web banking transactions will be mostly free, allowing people to pay their bills online. However, they cannot move money to accounts abroad.  stay connected for more news regarding Filipina Ana Maria News reporter for tsismosaonline.com