Maybe, one of the positive things that the current situation gives is that we can transact most of our government businesses online, convenient and safe.

Getting our transactions done without leaving our homes eliminates the usual face-to-face interaction. Moreover, the new set-up allows us to accomplish more tasks and chores given the busy schedule we maintain  for our corporate and household duties.

We love that two of our government institutions, the Social Security System (SSS) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), have updated their systems and processes. The SSS is going in the direction of making all its services online in the next few months. Thus, savings a lot of public funds, which could improve the pension benefits of the members.

Related Post:  Two ways of Online TaxFiling and Payment in the Philippines

The BIR, on the other hand, is slowly adapting the digital collection system, which eliminates bureaucratic red tape and corruption in public service. The positive development in our government institutions will directly benefit most of us. And we cannot thank enough the people behind these laudable projects.

Recently, another public institution, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), announced that they are converting their premium payment collection system to an online platform – the Electronic Premium Remittance System (EPRS).

The EPRS provides real-time posting of premium contributions; thus, misposting and dishonored payment can be detected immediately.

How does the Philhealth’s online payment facility  (EPRS) work? 

1. Starting June 2020, employers shall make their employees’ premium contribution payments thru the online payment facility of the EPRS.
2. Employers are required to sign up for an EPRS account at any Accredited Collecting Agent (ACA) of choice with a payment gateway/ facility interlinked with EPRS to remit premium online.
3. Minimum wage earners such as the kasambahays, Family Drivers, and those located in areas classified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS) may still pay the premium over-the-counter and cash basis only.
4. Over-the-counter-payment may be allowed during system downtime, especially during deadlines and payment of adjusted premium contribution.

List of Accredited Collecting Agents – EPRS

1. Bank of the Philippine Islands (via Bizlink)
2. Citibank N.A. (Citidirect)
3. IPAY-MYEG Philippines, Inc.
4. Land Bank of the Philippines (via EPS)
5. Security Bank Corporation (via Digibanker)
6. Union Bank of the Philippines (via OneHUB)
7. BancNet Inc.(via e-Gov facility)

• Asia United Bank Corporation
• Bank of Commerce
• BDO Unibank, Inc.
• China Banking Corporation
• CTBC Bank (Philippines) Corporation
• Development Bank of the Philippines
• East West Banking Corporation
• Maybank Philippines, Inc.
• Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank)
• MUFG Bank Ltd.
• Philippine National Bank
• Philippine Veterans Bank
• Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
• Robinsons Bank Corporation
• Standard Chartered Bank
• United Coconut Planters Bank

List of Over-the-counter Collection Agent – Local Collections

1. Asia United Bank Corporation
2. Bank of Commerce
3. Bank One Savings Corporation
4. BDO Network Bank, Inc.
5. .Camalig Bank Inc. (A Rural Bank)
6. Century Rural Bank, Inc.
7. Century Savings Bank Corporation
8. China Banking Corporation
9. China Bank Savings, Inc.
10. CIS Bayad Center, Inc.
11. Citystate Savings Bank, Inc.
12. Development Bank of the Philippines.
13. East West Rural Bank, Inc.
14. Land Bank of the Philippines
15. Local Government Units (selected LGUs only)
16. Money Mall Rural Bank, Inc.
17. Penbank, Inc. (A Private Development Bank)
18. Philippine Business Bank, Inc.
19. Philippine Veterans Bank
20. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
21. Robinsons Bank Corporation
22. Rural Bank of Bambang (N.V.), Inc.
23. Rural Bank of Jose Panganiban (CN), Inc.
24. Rural Bank of Sta. Catalina (NO), Inc.
25. Saviour Rural Bank, Inc.
26. SM Mart, Inc.
27. UCPB Savings Bank
28. Union Bank of the Philippines
29. United Coconut Planters Bank

List of Over-the-counter Collection Agent – Foreign Collections

*banks with overseas remittance partners

1. Bank of Commerce
2. CIS Bayad Center
3. Development Bank of the Philippines
4. iRemit Inc
5. Ventaja International Coporation

Source:  Accredited Collecting Agents: Collecting Partners | PhilHealth. https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/partners/collecting/

 Final thoughts

The implementation of the EPRS online payment is a lot better than the traditional method. The new collection system reduced processing time, cut bureaucratic red tape, and eliminated government service corruption.

With just a bank account and an internet connection, business owners can manage and pay their premium contribution online, anytime, and anywhere.