Expats’ Guide to 911 and 8888 Hotlines
In this current Duterte administration, various changes have been made as part of his promise during the campaign and also at his State of the Nation Address (SONA). Part of his mission was to put up a national hotline system, which is now on the works launched on August 1. These 24/7 hotlines, the 911 and 8888, can now be publicly accessed in the Philippines. Read on to know more about what these hotlines are all about.
What is 911 and 8888?
These numbers are hotlines which the public can use for voicing out concerns. The 911 shall only be used for emergencies. Previously, the country uses 117 but is now changed to 911. Concerns where 911 can be accessed are connections with emergency response resources like “fire, typhoon, earthquake, landslides, tsunami, flood, terrorist attack, hazardous material emergencies, civil disturbance, riot control, search and rescue, vehicular accident, and other emergencies.”
Also read: https://primer.com.ph/blog/2016/07/28/bfp-now-ready-for-911-response/
On the other hand, the hotline 8888 shall be used for voicing out government concerns such as reporting corrupt activities made by government officials. Complaints against fixers, trouble-making officials, and poor customer services can also be reported through this number. As a caller, you shall identify the government employee, the agency, proposed solution, and other important details to further help in the case.
How much is the charge per call?
When using landline, the calls are free of charge. However, when using mobile, callers are charged regular rates. For 911, an additional P5.50 on top of the regular rate shall be charged. Studies are still being made on how to make calls for these hotlines free of charge.
As a caller, what is your responsibility in these hotlines?
The Philippine government has already taken a step to further enhance the systemic process of hotline assistance in the country. In this regard, the government is asking the public to refrain from making prank calls which can hinder any assistance that can be provided to needing callers. One should definitely not treat this hotline as a joke, as important matters are needed to be attended to every day.
What do you think about this new hotline system in the Philippines? Comment your thoughts below!
Source: Interaksyon, philstar.com, Inquirer.net
