Pag-IBIG is way backward than the SSS. In SSS you will have no trouble if you transfer work anywhere within the Philippines (that is what I know). But with Pa-IBIG, you need to consolidate your contributions from different branches (if you happen to work with companies belonging to different Pag-IBIG branch).
I had a strange encounter with this. The HR of my latest employer was very poor on administration and low on information. At that time, I didn't bother to ask anyone or call the Pag-IBIG hotline. I just simply follow her (the HR officer) advice that I have to go to the respective branches and ask for transfer of records. I did so, but I did not follow up. In my personal opinion, I shouldn't be doing this because it's their job! I am busy because I hold a critical position, I believe after months, my records are transferred.
I tried to file for a Salary Loan. Employees has to file for their own because the HR only goes once a month to our Pag-IBIG branch to remit contributions.
To the surprise of my life, I got denied!
I have options to follow up from the branches or file another request for records transfer. In the latter's case it is the branch I belong now who will get my record from other branches. I also called the hotline, they advise that it will be better for the current branch to ask for the record than the previous branch to forward the records.
Whew! I should have gone to the hotline first than going to HR whom you'll only hear "Hindi ko alam kung pano eh." ("I don't know how.").
Records should be consolidated first before filing for a loan. The loan officer told me, even I have enough number of contributions (24 mos.) with my present employer, the reviewing officer will know that I have not consolidated my records and my loan application will also be denied.
The HR I think is not doing enough to serve us, employees. They should go to more seminars to be able to help us in the proper way. Not the "discover yourself" way.
What are they doing behind computers by the way? They should be googling more!
As for me I have to wait for 3-4 weeks to get my record consolidated and hence file my salary loan! And I will never forget to follow-up and try to be an HR officer to myself :)
Picture from: http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/
