Aquino to Inaugurate Lufthansa Technik Facility

President Benigno Aquino will lead the inauguration  of the Lufthansa Technik, Philippines' new maintenance hangar for Airbus aircraft in Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

The maintenance hangar, located at Macro Asia Special Economic Zone inside the Villamar Airbase, is intended for Airbus 380 aircraft.

Upon his arrival at the venue, the President will simulate operating an Airbus  A 380 aircraft. He will then pull the throttle that will signal the opening of the new maintenance hangar.

After his speech, the President will tour  the existing hangar servicing the Airbus A 380 aircraft. The inauguration of Lufthansa Technik Philippines is considered a milestone in the Philippine aviation industry, making it one of the world's nine locations capable of maintaining, repairing and overhauling the Airbus A 380, the biggest air craft in the world today.

For more than a decade, Lufthansa Technik Philippines, a German-Philippine joint venture, has placed the Philippines in the global aviation map by having German technology, precision, and innovation in addition to Filipino crafts-manship.

Lufthansa Technik Philippines' million new investment, as one could learn from a Philippine News Agency report, is expected to expand the company's capacity, create more local jobs and contribute to nation building.

Philhealth to Increase Members' Contribution from 1,200 to 2,400 Pesos

I am an expat in the Philippines since 1999 and also a member of PhilHealth.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is looking at increasing contribution of its members from 1,200 to 2,400 Pesos (from 20 to 40 EUROS) per year. effective July 1, 2012. One could learn this from Dr. Eduardo Banzon, president and chief executive officer. Banzon said the increase on contribution is based on Circular 22 approved already last December. Under this circular, members can avail of the old rate by paying their contribution before June 30. They can also avail if they pay their 2012 contribution before the deadline.

By July 1, members, including those newly - registered will have to pay the annual contribution of 2,400 Pesos. Self-employed professionals earning an average monthly income of more than 25,000 Pesos will continue to pay their annual premium contribution of 3,600 Pesos. 

PhilHealth also implemented already the "No Balance Billing Policy to provide financial protection to its members, including indigent families. This means the patient does not need to shell out money for other fees or expenses. All government hospitals are reminded not refuse admissions to PhilHealth members, Banzon said.