Vaginal Realm

PLDT was awarded as Best Managed Company for, I dunno, two or three years in a row. Some people may agree, especially those who enjoy up to 20 months bonus. But you know, life is not all daisies here, in fact I found a rather odd exception in PLDT's health benefits for its regular employees.

Health benefits extends limitedly to immediate members of the employee's family. For the employee himself/herself, all hospitalization and other medical-related expenses are shouldered 100% by the company. Go to Makati Med or Asian Hospital or Medical City for a sprained ankle, without a single penny in your pocket, and the hospital staff will even thank you for availing of their service as long as you bring your company ID with you. No hassles, just fill up this form, sign here, and you can go! They'd even give you a free lollipop after every visit.

Yep, they got you covered inch by inch up to the last tooth and hair. Except your uterus.

You pay for each cent you pay the hospital, doctor's professional fees, pre- and post-natal care, everything, as long as its related to childbearing, miscarriage or abortion. You'll just get your usual maternity-leave-with-pay for 60 days. It's like they are discouraging their female employees from bearing a child, and having a baby doesn't really need benefit.

"Hi. I need to see a doctor. And I may need a room. Here's my PLDT ID."

"Surely, madam. May I ask what kind of doctor and/or service you need?"

"I'm about to give birth any minute now."

"Oh sorry, we don't honor PLDT IDs for deliveries. You'll have to pay us for everything."

"But...but I thought..."

"Orthopedic services are free, though. We have a physical therapist coming in in 5 minutes. You have got to see him, he's the best doctor in town."

Labels: gripe