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Comelec to resume voter registration on November 10 — until July 30, 2027

📌 On Wednesday, October 28, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia announced that voter registration will resume on Tuesday, November 10, ahead of the 2028 general and local elections. The registration period is scheduled to run until July 30, 2027.

■ What's changing
· New registrations will be accepted from people who have not yet registered.
· Existing voters can also transfer their registration, reactivate or restore their registration, and update their records during this period.
· Registration is reopening ahead of the 2028 general and local elections.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· If you are a Filipino voter whose address has changed because you moved, make sure to transfer your registration during this period.
· Voters whose registration has been deactivated must apply for reactivation in order to vote.
· Foreigners are not eligible to register as voters, but it helps to let your Filipino family members and employees know the schedule.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/28), Inquirer (10/28)

■ Photos
· File photo · Comelec logo and office building — Inquirer

Hi everyone. I'm going to Manila in a month to look around for places to live. Which neighborhoods in Manila do foreigners tend to live in? Thank you for your help.

Are you in a meeting?

Strangely, I feel so relieved.

SSS to give eligible members up to P8,000 in UPLIFT aid starting October 30

📌 On Wednesday, October 28, the Social Security System (SSS) announced that, starting Friday, October 30, it will release up to P8,000 to members covered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)'s expanded UPLIFT assistance. The aid is for eligible members whose Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) is P10,000 or below.

■ What's changing
· The aid comes in four installments of P2,000 each (P8,000 in total) and is deposited directly into the disbursement account registered with SSS.
· Requirements: an MSC of P10,000 or below; at least one SSS contribution paid in 2025 or 2026; being on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)'s 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) list; and registering a disbursement account (DAEM) within the set period.
· If you have never received any aid, you will get the full P8,000; if you already received P4,000, you will get the remaining P4,000.
· Members in the P20,000 MSC bracket will receive the 3rd and 4th installments, P4,000 in total, on Friday, November 6.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· Having an MSC of P10,000 or below does not mean you will receive the aid automatically, so check the official notification in your My.SSS account to confirm whether you are eligible.
· If you employ Filipino staff or household helpers, it would also help to let them know about this news.

■ Sources
The Manila Times (10/28), Daily Tribune (10/28)

■ Photo
· File photo · A Social Security System official giving a briefing — The Manila Times

Passive Amber Pieces

How much does it cost to renew an ACR card in Davao?

BIR Suspends Requirement to Display "Registration Seal Badge" for Online Sellers — October 31 Deadline Halted

📌 On Monday, October 26, the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) suspended, until further notice, the requirement for online sellers and content creators to display the "Registration Seal Badge." The October 31 (Saturday) deadline has also been halted, and Senator Pia and Alan Peter Cayetano expressed their welcome on Tuesday, the 27th.

■ What's changing
· The basis is Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 113-2026, signed by BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza.
· Those who have already received the badge may continue to display it if they wish, and no one will be penalized solely for not displaying the badge during the suspension period.
· The badge was introduced under RMC No. 38-2026, which required it to be displayed on websites, social media selling pages, and the like.
· The BIR says it will take time to review the privacy and technical issues raised by taxpayers.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· If you are a business registered with the BIR as an online seller or freelancer, you do not need to display the badge right away. Only the badge display has been suspended, so check your other tax obligations separately.
· Check BIR announcements once a new implementation schedule is released.

■ Sources
The Manila Times (10/28), GMA News (10/26)

■ Photo
· File photo · Exterior of the BIR building — GMA News

Why do so many Westerners feel the need to over-analyze Filipinos?

I'm from Canada, and I've hung out with immigrants too, but they're not nearly as obsessed with lecturing Canadians about their culture.

Honestly, most of us don't work in the Philippines, didn't grow up here, didn't go to school here, and don't speak the local language fluently. Yet so many people keep going on about what Filipino culture is like, and some of them probably genuinely believe they know Filipinos better than Filipinos do. Seriously lol

I don't know if they actually believe their own intentions, but those posts claiming to be interested in "genuine reflection on Philippine society" are really just hiding contempt for the locals behind a pretense of observation. Do they really not realize they have deep contempt or a superiority complex? Just enjoy life here. You don't need to indulge in self-delusion on top of that. It's honestly pathetic, especially for people who are 60 years old and still need this kind of validation.

Begpackers in Manila

Posting this so everyone knows. These guys stopped in the middle of the crosswalk on Shaw Blvd while the light was red and unfurled this banner. One white guy in a bucket hat started knocking on car doors. He knocked on my car door too, and when the Grab driver rolled down the window, he asked for money in Filipino, saying "kahit magkano lang" (any amount is fine). The driver gave him a few coins, probably because of the pressure. Otherwise, who knows, not even Jesus could save that guy. I wanted to confront him, but it wasn't my car, and he wasn't really causing a scene. Still, it's not right to beg local drivers for travel money.

I'd heard of begpacking before, but this was my first time experiencing it myself. I think this is illegal and goes against what's allowed on a tourist visa. The banner was also low-effort, and it didn't say anywhere which organization they were with.

If we did the same thing in their country, we'd be surrounded by police right away, maybe deported, and have our visas revoked. That visa takes a ton of paperwork.

I feel like the Philippines is attracting the wrong kind of tourists.

31-year-old man arrested for impersonating a police officer at a Cubao hotel in Quezon City — fake CIDG agent

📌 At around 12:20 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, a 31-year-old man who wore a police uniform and claimed to be an agent of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) was arrested for usurpation of authority at a hotel in Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila. The man reportedly grabbed a 54-year-old businessman and said, "You're under arrest."

■ What happened
· A hotel security guard received a report from a 54-year-old businessman who said he had been grabbed by a man in uniform, and asked the police for help.
· When the responding officers from the Cubao police station (Police Station 7) checked, the man was wearing a police uniform with Police Executive Master Sergeant insignia and a Taguig City police unit patch.
· The man said he belonged to the CIDG at Camp Crame, but he could not show a police ID, and when the CIDG was contacted, they confirmed there was no such officer.

■ Investigation / current status
· The man is suspected of violating Article 177 (usurpation of authority) and Article 179 (illegal use of uniforms or insignia) of the Revised Penal Code, and inquest proceedings are being prepared.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· If someone claiming to be a police officer grabs you or demands money, ask for their ID and unit, and verify with the nearest police station or 911.
· If this happens at a hotel, tell the front desk or security guards right away. In this case, too, the man was caught thanks to a report from a hotel security guard.

■ Sources
Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook, 10/28), Daily Tribune (10/27)

■ Photo
· Police-released graphic — confiscated fake police uniform (face blurred) — Angeles City Police Office (official Facebook)

Undas Guide for Manila North Cemetery — No Vehicles Allowed Oct. 29–Nov. 2

📌 On Wednesday, Oct. 28, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno announced the operating schedules for Manila North Cemetery and the South Cemetery during Undas (All Saints' Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls' Day on Nov. 2). Vehicles will be banned from entering Manila North Cemetery starting Thursday, Oct. 29, and the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has raised a red alert.

■ What's Changing
· Burials at both cemeteries will be suspended starting Oct. 29 and will resume on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
· North Cemetery will be open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Oct. 29 to Monday, Nov. 2. City-provided vehicles will carry visitors from the main gate to the gravesites.
· Starting Oct. 29, vehicles and street vendors will not be allowed inside North Cemetery.
· Prohibited items: firearms and bladed weapons, liquor, pets, flammable materials such as alcohol and thinner, and gambling. North Cemetery also bans karaoke machines, guitars, and large speakers.
· North Cemetery has 125 CCTV cameras installed, and cemetery staff and about 200 Manila police officers have been deployed. About 97,000 people visited on Oct. 24–26 alone.
·

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· North Cemetery is expected to draw up to 2 million visitors this year, so the surrounding area may get very crowded. Try to go early in the day.
· Since cars can't park inside the cemetery, use public transportation, and don't bring any prohibited items.

■ Sources
The Manila Times (10/28), DZRH (10/27), GMA News (10/28) — Apart from the vehicle ban at North Cemetery, the detailed schedules and figures were confirmed by only one outlet each

■ Photos
· 1. Main gate of Manila North Cemetery and Undas information board — DZRH
· 2. Manila mayor announcing the Undas schedule — The Manila Times

DOLE cuts Alien Employment Permit (AEP) processing time from 15 to 10 days — paperwork and newspaper publication requirements simplified

📌 On Wednesday, October 28, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced Department Order No. 248-C (Series of 2026), signed by Secretary Francis Tolentino. It shortens the processing time for Alien Employment Permits (AEP) from 15 working days to 10 working days and simplifies the documents to be submitted and the newspaper publication requirement.

■ What's changing
· Processing time: From 15 working days to 10 working days. It can be extended once by 10 working days, for a maximum of 20 working days.
· Documents no longer required at the time of application: Construction license (PCAB), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) special temporary permit, Department of Justice (DOJ) permit for employing foreigners, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) permit for hiring foreigners. However, the laws of each agency must still be followed.
· The requirement for applicants to publish the labor market test notice in a newspaper at their own expense is removed; it will instead be posted on DOLE's online portal.
· A company's HR representative can file the application directly, and no fee is charged at filing.
· Effectivity: Takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· The new rules take effect 15 days after newspaper publication, so if you plan to apply for or renew an AEP, confirm the effectivity date with your company's HR representative.
· Philippine embassies and consulates abroad can also recommend AEP applications to DOLE's Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) or the Department of Foreign Affairs through a diplomatic note.

■ Sources
Daily Tribune (10/28), BusinessMirror (10/28)

For retired US citizens who visit the Philippines one month at a time, how do you handle health insurance? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Visayas Grid Red and Yellow Alerts on Wednesday, Oct. 28 — 186MW Supply Shortfall

📌 On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) raised a red alert for the Visayas grid from 5 to 6 p.m., and yellow alerts from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. With peak demand projected at 2,548MW and available capacity at 2,362MW, supply fell short by 186MW.

■ What's changing
· The large coal-fired plants TVI 1, TVI 2, and KSPC Unit 1 are offline, and power imports from Mindanao have also dropped due to scheduled maintenance at plants in Mindanao.
· 18 power plants are running at reduced output, with a total of 804.3MW unavailable.
· A red alert is issued when supply cannot meet demand and the regulating reserve; a yellow alert is issued when contingency reserves are insufficient.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· If you're staying in the Visayas, including Cebu and Bohol, charge your phone and power bank in advance in case of evening outages.
· You can check the outage schedule in announcements from your local electric utility.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/28), The Manila Times (10/28)

■ Photo
· File photo · Road in front of an NGCP substation — The Manila Times

Clark Development Corporation Revamps Job Portal 'TRABAHO' — Hiring and Workforce Reporting in One Place

📌 On Tuesday, October 27, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) announced that it has revamped 'TRABAHO', the job portal for locators in the Clark Freeport, so that hiring and mandatory workforce reporting can be handled on a single online platform. Representatives of 176 locator companies attended the online briefing on Thursday, October 22.

■ What's Changing
· Companies can post job openings, search for applicants by skills and educational background, view application status, and send interview invitations.
· Jobseekers can search for jobs and receive alerts for matching jobs and interviews.
· New additions include a company dashboard (analytics and submission records), expanded workforce reporting features, mobile screen support, and multi-factor authentication. A separate portal has also been created for Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) and schools to upload applicant information in bulk.
· Clark's workforce numbered about 151,000 as of August 2026.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· The portal is free for both companies and jobseekers.
· Locators that need help creating a company account can contact the CDC's responsible department (jobsportal@clark.com.ph).

■ Sources
Clark Development Corporation (official Facebook, 10/27), Punto! Central Luzon (10/28 — free use confirmed; only one contact point confirmed)

■ Photos
· 1. Conference room for the Clark Development Corporation TRABAHO online briefing — Clark Development Corporation (official Facebook)
· 2. Locator representatives attending via video — Clark Development Corporation (official Facebook)

San Fernando City uses about 200 cameras to manage traffic and emergency response — a citizen reporting app is under development

📌 It was reported on October 28 that San Fernando City, Pampanga has improved its traffic management and emergency response system with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)'s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP). The city's command and control center monitors traffic across the city with about 200 high-resolution pan-tilt cameras, and is also developing a mobile app for residents to file reports.

■ What's changing
· The city's Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Center watches footage from about 200 PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras around the city in one place to identify congested times and locations.
· The City Information and Communications Technology Office (CICTO) is developing an app that lets residents report incidents and request help, while the City Public Order and Safety Office (CPOS) tracks the dispatch situation on a dashboard.
· On Monday, October 26, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. and his party toured the center as part of the Central Luzon Science, Technology and Innovation Week events.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· If an accident or emergency occurs in San Fernando, report it and give your exact location. The city will check the scene via cameras and send response personnel.
· The release date of the resident reporting app has not yet been announced.

■ Source
Newsbytes.PH (10/28)

■ Photos
· File photo · Command center with traffic monitoring screens — Newsbytes.PH

This is my best shot of the night. The full moon is washing out the sky, and with only a small rig set up for lunar photos, this is about the best you can hope for in these conditions. Still, I couldn't resist trying to capture this ringed guy. For anyone interested, Saturn is right overhead at the moment, and it's the only bright object in that part of the sky.

Saw this on my way to work. I'm telling you, I turned the car around and pulled over just to take a picture 😂

Pampanga Police Provincial Office Issues Guidance on What to Do If You Encounter a Shooting Incident

📌 On Wednesday, October 28, the Pampanga Provincial Police Office (Pampanga PPO) issued guidance on its official Facebook page on what to do if you encounter a shooting incident. The police urged the public to "stay calm, get down, hide, and stay safe," and asked people not to approach the scene or film videos.

■ Police Guidelines
· When you hear gunshots, immediately duck or drop to the ground to stay out of the line of fire.
· Get behind solid cover such as a concrete wall, and avoid windows and thin walls.
· If there is a safe route, quickly move away from the direction of the gunshots, and do not run toward the sound.
· When hiding, put your phone on silent and keep noise and movement to a minimum.
· Do not peek at, chase, or confront the suspect, and do not film video.
· Once you are safe, call 911 and report the exact location, the number of gunshots you heard, the situation, and whether anyone is injured.
· When the police arrive, keep your hands visible, do not make sudden movements, and follow their instructions.
· Even if someone is hurt, do not approach until the scene is safe, and tell rescuers where the person is.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· The police stressed that life and safety come first, and urged people not to put themselves in danger to take photos or videos.
· Save 911, the Philippines' emergency hotline, in your phone.

■ Source
Pampanga Police Provincial Office (official Facebook, 10/28)

■ Photo
· Pampanga Police Provincial Office graphic on what to do during a shooting incident — Pampanga Police Provincial Office (official Facebook)