Opinion Only: Do I Think Filipino Employees in General are Underpaid?

I used to think Filipino employees were way way way underpaid. But when I worked here vs. overseas, I realized why the relatively lower salaries: 1. ABSENCE WITHOUT LEAVE (AWOL) IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM Hindi papasok kasi walang magaalaga ng anak. Gusto mag give up agad. Magprovince daw bukas, etc. Overseas, NOBODY knows what AWOL […]

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My Practical Views on “Bale” or Cash Advance

Allowing cash advance in company = Inviting more headaches. We have a “No cash advance or bale” policy in place. It is contained in our rules and regulation and also written in the employment contract. If staff wants a cash advance, they can borrow from SSS and Pagibig. Basta ang policy namin, buo ang sweldo […]

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HR Talk: SSS Members with Over 36 Hulogs Can Now Apply for the SSS Calamity Loan Program Online (Max: Php 20,000 Loan)

1. What is the SSS Calamity Loan Program (CLAP)? The SSS has launched another awesome initiative to help members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic — the Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP). Qualified applicants can borrow up to one month  of their Monthly Salary Credit and pay for it over 2 years + 3 month period at […]

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Business Hack: Always Check the Breakdown (Version 2)

Problem 1: Requisition Request for Disinfecting Materials  My relative is the Treasurer of the Condominium Board of Trustees, and has asked me to double check the replenishment report of the administrative secretary. The administrative secretary asked for Php 30,339.50 to replenish some disinfecting supplies for the condominium. Here was her request: Let me give you […]

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10 Simple Steps to Apply for the DoF’s Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) Program

The Department of Finance’s Small Business Wage Subsidy Php 51 billion program offers employees cash subsidies to formal workers of small businesses affected by COVID-19. The subsidy is quite generous reaching up to Php 8,000 for NCR, payable in two tranches: This is a great help to many employees especially those whose companies are closed […]

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10 Invaluable Lessons for Employees During the ECQ (And Things to Prepare so We Don’t Panic Again)

Hindsight is the greatest teacher. While people are suffering due to the no work no pay policy during the ECQ, I cannot help but think that there’s invaluable lessons for employees from this ECQ experience. Not everyone goes through the same ECQ experience. Some people suffer than most. While many complain about not having any […]

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HR Hacks: How to Support Staff During the ECQ Lockdown

HOW TO SUPPORT STAFF DURING LOCKDOWN It’s all about money disbursement. Management can get money from the four ways: 1. Pro-rated 13th month pay 2. Salary loan with or without interest 3. Financial aid or “free” money. This is also what no work with pay is all about. Or gifting an allowance. 4. Leaves if […]

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Mien Bao (Bread) huo Ai (Love)?

In Taiwan, there’s a saying, “面包或爱.” This literally mean, “bread or money.” This implied that if we’re lucky, we can have both. But if we’re not, we may have to choose between marrying for love or money. By ourselves, we are complete romantics. The romantic fiction and rom-com movie industry wouldn’t rake in hundreds of millions of […]

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