Retired Activities Office
Subic Bay, Philppines
RAO Subic Bay is an Independent Retired Activities Coordination Office which provides vital services to U.S. military retirees living in this area, remote from any Military installation.
Authorization & Support
The RAO is authorized by SECNAVINST 5420.169J and OPNAVINST 1720.3F to tailor its services to the needs of the local retired community, and bears full responsibility for financing its operation and maintenance costs. The RAO receives the same DoD support offered to any retiree or patriotic organization.
Corrections, Additions & Deletions
This informal and unofficial information was prepared by members of the RAO who are also members of the VFW, FRA and American Legion. If you note any errors, want to contribute, or would like to see something revised, added or deleted, please pass your comments to RAO Voice or call/email the RAO Director at the address listed below.
HOURS OF DIRECTOR
0900 to 1500 Monday through Friday |
Closed on US and Philippine Holidays |
Director
Jack Walker | OR: PSC 517 Box 5000R |
USMC (Ret.) | FPO AP 96517 |
Director | Phone: [+63] 47-222-2314 |
P.O. Box 075 | Fax: [+63] 47-222-2899 |
Olongapo City, 2200 Philippines | Email: dir@raosubic.com |
June NewsLetter
(June 2023)
January NewsLetter
(January 2024)
PHOTOS:
RAO Subic Christmas Party
December 22, 2023 (Saturday)
RAO Subic Christmas Party
January 10, 2024 (Wednesday)
New Year's Day | U.S. & PHL | Mon, Jan. 1 |
M. L. King Jr. | U.S. | Mon, Jan. 15 |
1st Phil. Republic Day | PHL | Tue, Jan. 23 |
Chinese New Year | PHL | Sat, Feb. 10 |
President's Day | U.S. | Mon, Feb. 19 |
EDSA People Power Revolution | PHL | Sun, Feb. 25 |
Maundy Thurs | PHL | Thu, March 28 |
Good Friday | PHL | Fri, March 29 |
Black Saturday | PHL | Sat, March 30 |
Easter Sunday | PHL | Sun, March 31 |
Bataan & Corregidor | PHL | Tue, Apr. 9 |
Eid-al-Fitr | PHL | Tue, Apr. 9 |
Phil. Labor Day | PHL | Wed, May. 1 |
U.S. Memorial Day | U.S. | Mon, May. 27 |
Philippine Independence Day | PHL | Wed, Jun. 12 |
Eid al-Adha | PHL | Sun, Jun. 16 |
U.S. Independence Day | U.S. | Thu, Jul. 4 |
Ninoy Aquino Day | PHL | Wed, Aug. 21 |
National Heroes Day | PHL | Mon, Aug. 26 |
U.S. Labor Day | U.S. | Mon, Sep. 2 |
Columbus Day | U.S. | Mon, Oct. 14 |
All Saints Day | PHL | Fri, Nov. 1 |
All Souls Day | PHL | Sat, Nov. 2 |
Veterans Day | U.S. | Mon, Nov. 11 |
Thanksgiving | U.S. | Thu, Nov. 28 |
Bonifacio Day | PHL | Mon, Nov. 30 |
Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion | PHL | Fri, Dec. 8 |
Christmas Day | U.S. & PHL | Mon, Dec. 25 |
Rizal Day | PHL | Sat, Dec. 30 |
New Year's Eve | U.S. & PHL | Sun, Dec. 31 |
RAO Subic Office will be closed on the following Philippine and/or U.S. Holidays below:
March- March 28, 2024 (Thursday) - Maundy Thurs
- March 29, 2024 (Friday) - Good Friday
- March 30, 2024 (Saturday) - Black Saturday
- March 31, 2024 (Sunday) - Easter Sunday
- April 9, 2024 (Tuesday) - Bataan & Corregidor
- April 9, 2024 (Tuesday) - Eid-al-Fitr
Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance
This is an oldie but goodie, but it seems now is a good time to revisit. Every Veterans knows exactly what it is all about, but it never hurts to have a reminder, particularity as we near election time.
Click here to watch the video.
Date: 03/05/2024
SNAKES SEASON! BEWARE, IT IS SNAKE SEASON!
Due to the heatwave and high temperatures currently experienced, snakes, especially cobras, seek refuge in cooler places like inside home.
Date: 02/29/2024
Mabuhay Kababayan
Date: 02/27/2024
'Millions' of Veterans Exposed to Environmental Hazards Will Be Eligible for VA Health Care on March 5
Millions of U.S. veterans will be eligible beginning March 5 for health care with the Department of Veterans Affairs under an accelerated effort to provide benefits and services to those exposed to toxic substances while serving.
The VA announced Monday that all veterans who have served in a combat zone since the Vietnam War, as well as those who participated in training or operations and came into contact with hazardous materials, will be able to enroll in VA health care.
Date: 02/25/2024
Beware of a new Android threat targeting your photos and texts without even opening them
Malware is technically any software that's designed to disrupt the system of its intended target. With malware, the person or entity behind the attack can gain access to your data, leak sensitive information, block you out and take control of other aspects of your privacy and security.
Date: 02/24/2024
VA will no longer send veterans’ benefits to multiple bank accounts
Veterans will no longer be able to use multiple bank accounts for different Veterans Affairs benefits under new anti-fraud measures being rolled out by department officials over the next two months.
The move is expected to affect about 50,000 current GI Bill users who also receive other veterans stipends, but VA leaders are promising they will not cut off benefits to anyone as a result of the changes.
Date: 02/18/2024
With a very heavy and sorrowful heart
It is with a very heavy and sorrowful heart we announce the passing of a long time RAO member and very good friend, and the great woman behind our brother Frank Miller. Winifred, his loving wife returned to heaven this past week, and will be sorely missed. Services will be held at 10:00 Monday morning at the Memorial Park in Olongapo.
Marine Corps’ deadliest sniper, Charles ‘Chuck’ Mawhinney, dies at 75
Ask any Marine about the service’s greatest snipers, and a flurry of references to the legendary Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Hathcock are sure to flood the conversation. Yet it was another sniper, Charles “Chuck” Mawhinney, who quietly surpassed Hathcock as the Marine Corps’ deadliest.
The Lakeview, Oregon, native recorded 103 confirmed kills in Vietnam over the span of 16 months in 1968 and 1969. By the time he returned home, he’d also been credited with another 216 “probable kills,” a classification for incidents in which the act of confirming a kill in an active war zone would jeopardize safety.
Date: 02/06/2024
SSA Payments for February
There are many posts all over FB and we are receiving a lot of emails regarding SSA payments for Feb. For the most part the suspension of SSA payments is reportedly due to FBU not receiving the SS 7162 "are you still alive letter" This happens when you may not have received it because you use a local address and Phil post doesn't deliver it, or your address has changed and you have not notified SSA. Regardless we can discuss all that at length but that doesnt get you your money. Download a copy of the SS 7162, you can fill out and mail to the shown address. (NO you cannot fax or email, your original signature is required on the form.) If you want a little better feeling it has been received by SSA you can send via courier. Happily we have found that they are staying pretty close to the advertised 7-10 business days to reinstate.
Date: 01/31/2024
USA Military Directory
Hi folks, just wanted to pass on a link for an organization that assist in finding guys you served with have lost contact with and its free. I was a doubting Thomas as I had little info on my friend, but new where he grew up and his rank etc. I submitted the search on monday and couldnt believe when I got a reply on Tuesday, giving me emails and contact numbers for him. I've used a lot of search programs thru the years looking for him, but to no avail. In one day I got contact info and have resurrected our relationship that was lost for about 40 years. I was so amazed they could find him after all this time. Not sure what their source programs are but they are effective, Go ahead and join and search for a long lost buddy. I just sent a new one for another close fiend, waiting to see what happens there. Hope you have the same results!
Date: 01/12/2024
Rumors
It has been passed that a member has had life support removed. That is not the case, if and when that should happen we will provide notification. This rumor has had a detrimental effect on his spouse.
A VSO has notified me that a call was received asking about RAO service costs., and also the caller made accusations that I had charged widows to file their DIC claims and had charged a family 20% for handling the estate of a fallen Veteran. The caller is obviously a he she it, as they wouldnt give a name and had a blocked number. They also stated they were going to make a complaint with the Embassy. A word to the caller, Please do lodge a complaint with the Embassy, their number is 0253012000 ask for Director of ACS. Then we will find out who the gonadless wonder is who is trying to besmirch my reputation. Firstly I dont do the Widow paperwork, that is all handled by the Deputy Director, and we do not charge for it. Secondly, not a penny or peso has ever and will never be charged to a grieving family of a veteran in the handling of his estate. I do that as a volunteer and have done hundreds of them at no cost to the family. If the he she it, is among our readers, please come forward so I can have the opportunity to make you public as the prevaricator you are. Oh sorry your pea brain likely wouldnt know what that means.
Have a great long weekend and stay safe guys.
Jack Walker
Date: 01/05/2024
A MESSAGE FOR ALL VA BENEFICIARIES
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Manila Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic will provide services to our Veterans and beneficiaries
Date: 01/03/2024
Questions regarding Annual B I registration here’s your choices
From a fellow Vet I decided to do my annual report and decided to participate in the clown show Local B I office this morning. I'll admit I didn't do pre online registration before heading to the clown show. Once there, SECURITY GUARD told me to go to internet provider across the hallway and have internet provide do my online registration. Once completed you get a reference number for Immigration to complete your annual report. Internet service charged 150 pesos to register. Annual report fee 310 Pesos. Took approx. 3 hours in total. Immigration office/officers extremely rude would entertain and questions just pointed to Main office if you had any questions and concerns. Mission accomplished.
I went to the field office in Balanga this morning… but I already read the new requirements and had my reference number ready to go… along with 310 php in exact change… took about 5 minutes for them to pull up my reference number, take a picture, review my ACR card and passport… and I was out the door with a receipt as I have the previous seven years. They were checking to ensure the ACR card was not expired, that the passport had the immigration visa stamp in it, and that all annual reports were there and no missing… if so, this would be the time to settle the outstanding fines… Got my receipt and was done.
B I office location Olongapo. Strategically located on the 6th floor of SM City Olongapo Downtown, at the intersection of Magsaysay Drive and Gordon Avenue, the new office will function as a central hub, (047) 224-2766
Date: 12/14/2023
Good Morning, please note the end of the year operating hours for RAO Subic.
-
December schedule
- 22 Dec Friday, Closed at 12:00 noon
- 25 Dec closed in celebration of the birth of Christ
- 26 Dec closed as declared non working Holiday
- 27 Dec open, will be mail day
- 28 Dec open 9-3
- 29 Dec open 9-3
-
New Year sched.
- 1 Jan New Years day closed
- 2 Jan closed declared non working holiday
- 3 Jan Open 9-3 Mail Day
Date: 12/10/2023
Remote Services in Angeles City
Update Regarding Remote Services in Angeles City on December 12, 2023, and Olongapo City on December 13, 2023. This message contains additional venue and scheduling details for upcoming remote services events. Please read carefully if you are interested in attending one of these events.
Date: 11/29/2023
COVID19 Vaccine
Manila VA OPC has received a small amount of COVID19 Vaccine. Due to this limited supply, beginning December 4, 2023, anyone with a current scheduled clinic appointment will be offered the vaccine during their visit until our supply runs out. Please understand we will NOT have the ability to provide vaccine on a walk-in basis.
Date: 11/15/2023
How to use cool features in VA’s official mobile app
The videos also include insights from other Veterans sharing how they’re using the mobile app to help them manage their VA health care and benefits—anywhere, anytime!
The flagship mobile app is VA’s official all-in-one, on-the-go, easy-to-use, accessible, on-demand app, enabling you to manage your VA health care and benefits services at your fingertips.
VA shares tips to protect Veterans’ benefits from fraud
VA Secretary Denis McDonough is sharing an important message during International Fraud Awareness Week from Nov. 12-18, 2023, to raise awareness and provide Veterans tips to stay safe from predatory behavior of “claim sharks.”
Claim sharks are professionals who use aggressive tactics through the mail, telephone and online tools to take advantage of Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.
Parkinson’s disease now covered under Camp Lejeune Family Member Program
VA makes another historic move to provide coverage for Parkinson’s disease as a neurobehavioral condition under its Camp Lejeune Family Member Program (CLFMP).
Family members of Veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. from Aug. 1, 1953, to Dec. 31, 1987, are now eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket health care costs associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Date: 11/14/2023
TRICARE Open Season Is Here: Explore Your Health Plan Options
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – TRICARE Open Season begins Nov. 13. For many TRICARE beneficiaries, this is your chance to enroll in a health plan or change health plans for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2024. You can make these changes through Tuesday, Dec. 12.
Meds Help
Some of our members are running into problems getting meds now that VA is closed down. A member has forwarded the below info regarding a Dr friend of his who is interested in helping our vets. The member has known him for years and vouches for him enthusiastically!
The RAO does not know him and can't endorse but if you need help give him a try and see.
DANIEL SALVADOR L. REDOÑA, MD
Ophthalmologist-Natural Medicine
09281952272
Clinic Address: JH ORIENTAL MEDICAL CLINIC Blk 48 Lot 10 Friendship Highway Bgy Cutcut, Angeles City 2009 Pampanga
Great Information for Subic Bay Area
Making Subic Experience Awesome! SubicGo.com is a tourism portal designed for local and international tourists visiting the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
Its official, as of today 16 August 2018, Ace/Baypointe is authorized to accept Tricare patients under the Preferred Provider category. You will have to check with the HMO office to ensure your Dr. is also on the Preferred Provider list. There are currently 31 Dr's who are, but check to be sure or you will have to pay the Dr's fees.
And oh by the way, please resist the urge to repeat the bad news bears (you know the ones who have their names stenciled on the back of their bar stool) who are spreading rumors about ACE BAYPOINTE and Medical City Clark suspending FMP due to non payment. IT DIDNT HAPPEN! Medical city Ortigas did due to non payment by FMP. Come to find out they gave FMP the wrong mailing address to which FMP mailed the payments. All is fixed now and they have withdrawn the suspension.Â
Old saying better to be quiet and be thought a fool, than opening mouth and leave no doubt.
I have taken the opportunity to compile a list of what Drs, and Specialties AT ACE BAYPOINTE, to the best of my knowledge are also certified as preferred providers. The hospital is in the process of adding to this list. As you all are aware this list changes without notice, so before getting treatment it would be to your benefit to check with the hospital HMO office to ensure the Dr you will receive treatment from is in fact still certified as preferred. The HMO can be reached at 047-250-6070 ext 283 or 507.
Name | Specialization | Gender |
---|---|---|
Ablang, Alberto Mariano, MD | Pediatrics, Critical Care | Male |
Ablang, Marietta, MD | Internal Medicine, Cardiology | Female |
Aguila, Beverly, MD | Internal Medicine, Cardiology | Female |
Aguila, Beverly, MD | Internal Medicine, Cardiology | Female |
Aguilar, Rodrigo | Gastronology/Int Med | Male |
Alconga, Rudy | Pediatrics | Male |
Bernal, Gerald, MD | Internal Medicine, Cardiology | Male |
Bongco, Jesusa | Anesthesiology | Female |
Bongco, Rosario | Endocrinology | Male |
Bustamante, Rodrick | Anesthesiology | Male |
Calapatia, David, MD | Family Medicine | Male |
Cepeda, Armando, MD | Surgery, General | Male |
Cepeda, Monette, MD | Neurology | Female |
De Castro, Felicisimo, MD | Ophthalmology | Male |
De Castro, Ma. Gloria, MD | Obstetrics & Gynecology | Female |
Dela Cruz, Anthony, MD | Internal Medicine, Diabetology; Occupational Health | Male |
Dela Paz, Emmanuel, MD | Orthopedics | Male |
DeLeon, Roberto | Gen Surgery | Male |
Edejer, Karl Erjon, MD | Anesthesiology | Male |
Guevara, Luis, MD | Radiology | Male |
Hipolito, Charina | Internal Medicine, Pulmonology | Female |
Mallari, Lourdes | ENT Ear, Nose,Throat | Female |
Mangahas, Rolan | Opthamology | Male |
Manuel, Jesse Jewel, MD | Surgery, Orthopedic | Male |
Mendoza, Arturo, Jr., MD | Surgery, General (Laparoscopic) | Male |
Ocampo, Armida, MD | Internal Medicine, Pulmonology | Female |
Pasqual, Jeanette | Orthopedics | Male |
Rojo, Margaret, MD | Anesthesiology | Female |
Santos, Wilfredo, MD | Surgery, General ; Surgery, Oncology | Male |
Soriano, Maria Agnes, MD | Internal Medicine, Diabetology | Female |
Tablan, Apolonario Jr | Urology | Male |
Velchez, Carlos | Hematology/Int Med | Male |
Hipolito, Charina | Internal Medicine, Pulmonology | Female |
Villareal, Paolo, MD | Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology | Male |
We continue to see vets who are receiving EOB's and checks for treatment at Medical City and Baypointe (ACE). Please be aware you should not cash these checks. They should be given to the hospitals. Should you cash the check a few things can happen, 1st FMP or Tricare may demand repayment, if you don't they can notify the IRS and either a garnishment or 1099 will be received and they get their money in the end possibly including interest. It can also be placed on your credit report. Secondly, you may be refused future treatment at the hospitals as you have an outstanding balance. Worst of all we may lose the hospitals as providers for FMP or Tricare. Sure wouldn't want to be the guy who causes all your fellow vets to lose that, they might be a little pissed when they find out it was you! You know how quickly word spreads around here!
Just want to draw your attention to some very useful videos being offered for free through va by psycharmor. View their catalog at PsychoArmor Institute.
It appears there is a malfunction with both TRICARE and FMP regarding reimbursement checks. They incorrectly recently have been sending the checks to the veteran vice the provider. Both have been notified this is the incorrect way to handle these checks! If you receive a check for a claim that was filed by the Hospital, please do not cash it. The hospitals participation was negotiated so that the hospital would receive payment. If they do not we will lose their services. The payment must be taken to the hospital and signed over to them to be encashed.
Special thank you to police station 6 Barrio Baretto for notification of recently deceased American Citizen! Their handling of situation was extremely professional, thanks SPO De Leon.