MRP – Maniolas

Non-machine readable passports to be phased out by late 2015 – DFA

Jan 052014

Philippine Passport Biometric Data Page from Wikimedia Commons. The Department of Foreign Affairs said on-machine readable passports to be phased out by late by 2015.

MANILA (Mabuhay) – The use of all non-machine readable passports will not be extended beyond 31 October 2015 and must be completely phased out by 24 November 2015, the Department of Foreign Affairs said recently.

Citing its own regulations and the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), DFA said all Filipino nationals holding machine readable-ready passports (MRRP, green passports) and machine readable passports (MRP, maroon passports) will no longer be allowed to apply for an extension of the validity of these passports after 31 October 2014.

All Filipinos are told to apply for a new e-Passport as soon as possible before the expiry of their current MRRP (green) or MRP (maroon) passports. Those who fail to do so will likely encounter difficulty at immigration checks when traveling through any ports of entry around the world after October 2015, DFA said.

Passport holders are also reminded that there are strict rules for applying for an extension of the validity of expiring or expired passports. Passports that are valid for less than six months or those that have already expired may be extended once only in the following instances:

death in the family requiring the OFW and members of his/her dependent family to urgently travel to the Philippines;
medical emergencies requiring the OFW and members of his/her dependent family to urgently travel to the Philippines or another country for medical treatment;
OFWs returning to their employers abroad with valid employment contracts processed by the POEA; and
those going home on final exit visas (for Filipinos in the Middle East).

In these instances, proof of urgency such as a copy of the death certificate, medical certificate, valid employment contracts processed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or any of the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO), along with plane tickets with confirmed flight details, should be presented. (MNS)

Almirante: Unfair labor practice

Economy

Jul 122013

PETITIONER Bankard, Inc. has resorted to job contractualization or outsourcing or contracting out of jobs. Among other programs, it also implemented a Manpower Rationalization Program (MRP), which was an invitation to the employees to tender their voluntary resignation with entitlement to separation pay equivalent to at least two months’ salary for every year of service. Majority of its Phone Center and Service Fulfillment Division employees availed themselves of the MRP. Respondent Bankard Employees Union-AWATU (Union) contended that Bankard committed unfair labor practice (ULP). Is there merit to this contention? Ruling: No. The general principle is that the one who makes an allegation has the burden of proving it. While there are exceptions to this general rule, in ULP cases, the alleging party has the burden of proving the ULP; and in order to show that the employer committed ULP under the Labor Code, substantial evidence is required to support the claim. Such principle finds justification in the fact that ULP is punishable with both civil and/or criminal sanctions. Aside from the bare allegations of the union, nothing in the records strongly proves that Bankard intended its program, the MRP, as a tool to drastically and deliberately reduce union membership. Contrary to the findings and conclusions of both the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and the Court of Appeals (CA), there was no proof that the program was meant to encourage the employees to disassociate themselves from the union or to restrain them from joining any union or organization. There was Read More …