Dev Flores

The Social Security System (SSS) is warning the members against circulating messages regarding the mandatory installation and activation of MySSS mobile app.

According to the SSS, these messages are a scam. They also clarified that they have no technical support representative to assist the member in installing and activating the app.

The SSS advises members to get the MySSS app on legitimate platforms like Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery. Do not click suspicious links or provide personal information to avoid falling victim to scams.

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The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has shut down the illegal recruitment agency found in Binondo, Manila, for allegedly offering overseas employment without holding a necessary license.

The illegal recruitment agency was discovered during the entrapment operation conducted on March 25, 2026, headed by the DMW, together with the PNP CIDG.

The recruitment agency, namely Maxilum Recruitment Agency/Cell Venus Elite Workforce Manpower and Recruitment Agency (Maxilum) is allegedly offering job positions, such as factory workers, to deploy in countries like New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, with a three-year contract and a salary ranging from ₱90,000 to ₱100,000. 

It was also discovered that the firm allegedly charged a processing fee, ranging from  ₱35,000 to  ₱72,000.

Following this concern, the DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Program offers free legal assistance for potential victims of a recruitment agency.

Department of Social Welfare (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian admitted that the distribution of cash relief assistance may be possible through digital platforms, similar to their other programs like 4Ps. However, in this situation, they have to make sure that there will be no ghost beneficiaries involved in this program.

“We have to have a form of validation and verification dahil ito yung unang bugso,” he said

He also explained that the lists of claimants didn’t come from the DSWD but from the Local Government Units (LGUs), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Transport Network Companies (TNC). So, the DSWD has to verify that the individuals in the list truly exist and are legitimate drivers to ensure that benefits reach the right claimants.

The Secretary also admitted that they are avoiding a repeat of the issues regarding the Social Amelioration Program under the previous administration; the aid was distributed via digital platforms, yet there are some incidents saying that it didn’t reach the claimant.

“Dahil nilo-load nalang at kine-credit nalang sa mga financial service providers, yun pala yung iba nagpalit na ng cellphone number pero siya pa rin  yung nakalista. Namatay na pero nalalagyan pa rin yung account niya,” he explains

[“Because it was simply loaded and credited to financial service providers, it turned out some had already changed their cellphone number, but were still on the list. Others passed away but are still receiving benefits in their accounts.”]

He also mentioned that aside from gathering lists from the trusted source, the LTFRB and DSWD also conduct their own cross-matching.

“Kaya natandaan niyo, may mga complaint, hinihingi namin yung birthday, address, yung Jr., Sr., kasi kailangan namin malaman kung yung taong yon ay parehas sa isa pang kaparehas ang pangalan,” he explains

[“That’s why, as you may recall, there are complaints, we are asking the birthday, address, Jr., Sr., because we need to know if that person is the same as another individual with the same name.”]

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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) plans to begin the special payout sessions for those legitimate drivers who have not yet received their cash assistance after the long holiday.  

“We will be doing a special payout session in Metro Manila after Holy Week,” according to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian

Secretary Gatchalian assures that in the special payout session, drivers may claim their cash assistance if they were unable to receive it previously for some reason. The special payout also covers drivers who were not included in the initial list.

Aside from Metro Manila, the DSWD plans to distribute financial assistance to other regions.

The Department Secretary also calls on the respective groups and Local Government Units (LGUs) to make sure their lists are complete and organized so all legitimate drivers may receive the benefit.

With reports from Jed Nerecina

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The long holiday is approaching, and with this, the influx of passengers in different terminals is expected as they travel to their intended destinations.

To ensure public safety, the Philippine National Police (PNP) previously announced the deployment of over 50,000 personnel across the country.

“The PNP has intensified or maximized the police visibility through full patrol and establishment of assistance desk and coordination with our local government agency and tourism stakeholders,” according to PCPT. Amie Tiu, Directorate for Operation Tourist and Safety Protection Section Chief 

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will also conduct random drug testing and inspections at various bus terminals nationwide to ensure passenger safety during long-distance travel.

For those travelling this Holy Week, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issues the following safety reminders to ensure a convenient and secure travel experience:

1. I-check ang schedule ng biyahe at mag-advance booking kung maaari upang maiwasan ang abala sa terminal.

(Check the trip schedule and book in advance if possible to avoid delays in the terminal.)

2. Planuhin ang oras ng pag-alis at iwasan ang last-minute na biyahe.

(Plan your departure time and avoid the last-minute trips.)

3. Ihanda ang mga kinakailangang dokumento at ticket bago umalis ng bahay.

(Prepare the necessary documents and ticket before you leave.)

4. Mag-impake nang maayos at magdala lamang ng sapat na gamit para sa mas maginhawang biyahe.

(Pack and bring what is only needed for more convenient travel experience.)

5. Siguraduhing awtorisado at lehitimo ang sasakyang sasakyan para sa mas ligtas na paglalakbay.

(Make sure that you are riding an authorized and legitimate vehicle for a safer journey.)

The LTO calls on travelers not to use colorum vehicles to avoid complications.

“Para po sa mga babiyahe na nagtatangkang magbiyahe as a colorum, please don’t kasi nga po you’ll face a criminal offense at the same time, a fine and an impounding,” ayon kay Mr. Jerome Rodriguez of LTO Traffic & Safety Management Department

[“To those attempting to proceed using their colorum vehicles, please don’t because you’ll face a criminal offense, at the same time, a fine and an impounding.”]

Rodriguez also noted that passengers may report to LTO if they notice that their driver is not paying attention to the road.

Have a safe vacation experience, mga Kasangbahay!