It’s a day wasted. I was supposed to file my SSS retirement forms today but when I got there at exactly 8am, the slots for thirty people are already filled up. What a shame! The branch near our place opens at 7am and it was already full when I arrived. To think that inquiries and other transactions are categorized in five windows. Maybe tomorrow I have to be there and line up at 6am so I could be included in their 30 slots for filing of retirement/pension benefits. Too bad really. Government services in these areas are still so slow.
We are now officially under the amihan season with cold winds and long nights. The colder climate is always a welcome thing from the months of November until February the following year. It’s during November though that we are visited by stronger and more powerful typhoons and weather disturbances. There is a tropical storm named Meari being monitored by PAGASA and another tropical depression both on the eastern side of Luzon. I do hope they won’t become strong typhoons and won’t bring too much rain in those areas. Come to think of it, we are sometimes visited by typhoons too during December and they are as strong as those we usually have during November. It’s cloudy today.
Our country is teetering on the edge. News says that as of the first week of November 2016, there have been over 4,700 deaths, both from legitimate police operations and vigilante-style or unexplained killings since the president assumed office last July. It seems that this government is more focused on war on drugs than on other aspects like the economy which is slowly sliding down. And he is saying that these killings might reach up to 30,000. Again my question is where are we going? Investors’ confidence is at stake here. How could we encourage foreign investments if this government is only focused on one thing? How could we solve poverty which is the main reason why people down the line are into drugs? He is now the head a sovereign state and must not only focus on domestic issues but on foreign relations as well. He is against dictatorship but is aligned with the Marcoses. How could you believe in a foul-mouth, slut-shaming, uncouth and boorish man at the realm? Please God save our country. We are being divided instead of being one as a nation. It’s so sad 😦
I’ve been reading in our news about your president and your country’s economy. It is very sad, and I think of you often. We have a presidential candidate very much like him, and our election is next week. I pray that the American people will make a wise choice. (In my state we are allowed to vote early. I voted two weeks ago for Hillary Clinton.)
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am sad that this is happening. And yes, it seems that they are very much alike. Imagine those who voted for him still think he is the best. Still wondering how he could twist everything and makes it look like he has the best plan for the country. He is arrogant. May the best candidate wins in your election. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
4,700 deaths? That is incredible. We have had some news about the problems in your country, but they have focused on the economy, and the bad weather. This should be better reported outside, as it would surely cause widespread condemnation.
Your pension system appears to be archaic, Arlene. Over here, they contact the person at the time for pensions to be received, and use your employment and payment records to establish validity. Then it is paid into your bank or post office account. They have all the details they need, from the lifetime National Insurance number that you are allocated when you start work.
Much colder here too, and dark at 5 pm.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here, we still need to apply for it Pete, present your birth certificate and complete application forms, certificate of separation from your last employer and a new acct. (which I already have) where they will credit your pension. You can choose an advance 18 months of credit and it’s okay. I think international media know about the EJKs (extra judicial killings), even UN is worried. What saddens me are those victims who had nothing to do with drugs at all but are just collateral damage. The drug lords go scot free while those who are small time drug users and pushers are killed.
LikeLike
A pastor friend said there are two things we can do to help our country, and this would apply to yours, too. He said pray and vote. Pray for God’s blessing and vote for the person with the most honesty and integrity. The human part will take a while to fix. I’m praying for you and for your country.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have done the voting Anne. Prayers help a lot so these politicians would wake up and do their job and responsibilities in building a nation back to its feet. It’s only been four months since and everything seems topsy turvy.
Thank you so much for the prayers Anne, we badly need it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know much about this but it has been on the news here in Sweden. No wonder that you’re worried.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s in the news all over the world. I do hope, everyone wakes up from this nightmare.
Thank you so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel your woes, Ate. Both with the disappointment in filing your pension benefits and with the current state of the nation. The only thing that inspires me is the resiliency of the people after a storm, that is always a great metaphor for life. I hope and pray the coming year(s) will turn out good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thankfully I was done filing in thirty minutes but I waited for an hour and a half. Mabuti na rin yung maaga, natapos agad.
You’re right, we are resilient and still stand tall despite all the storms in our lives. Hopefully, sana magbago na rin ang dapat magbago for the betterment of the country. Thanks again Claire.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to know you had it all done. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Claire!
LikeLike
I’m so, so sorry for your country. I’m sending prayers and good thoughts across the miles and hope that tomorrow goes a wee bit better for you in that retirement line:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Luckily I am done with my requirements, thank you. Our country is in badly in need of prayers though. It would only take a gargantuan human effort for the whole citizenry to wake up.
Thanks Nancy for your comments and for visiting this site.
LikeLiked by 1 person