For transactions in the consular section and during consular outreach operations within its jurisdiction in the US, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC, is now accepting electronic payments.
The press statement stated, “The Embassy embraces the digital age; the days of cash-only transactions are long gone.
The embassy’s collaboration with San Francisco, California-based IT startup Cliqbux LLC is what led to this improvement in payment processing.
Established by digital visionary Levi Bondoc, a Filipino American, Cliqbux focuses on creating innovative solutions to address the changing needs of enterprises.
Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez stated, “We are excited to introduce this new e-payment system, which aligns with our commitment to enhance the overall experience for our constituents.”
We hope to increase public convenience, increase efficiency, and streamline procedures by updating our payment infrastructure.
To satisfy individuals who would rather use conventional payment methods, the embassy will still take cash and money orders. To offset processing expenses, electronic payment users will be assessed a 4 percent convenience fee.
The utilization of the Cliqbux system extends to the Filipino populations across the United States, as it is employed at the Philippine Consulates General located in Los Angeles and San Francisco.In March of this year, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles began to accept electronic payments.
Consul General Edgar B. Badajos stated, “I am happy to witness this milestone just before I conclude my tour of duty here in Los Angeles.”
October of last year marked the beginning of the e-payment system’s implementation by the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.As a result of client feedback, the Consulate has made accepting electronic payments a top priority, according to Consul General Neil Ferrer. “This project also aligns with the Consulate’s goal of digitizing consular transactions to improve process convenience for our Kababayans.”
