The COVID pandemic has caused a lot of people to go bankrupt due to loss of jobs or salary adjustments.
Among OFWs in a bind due to credit problems is Andrea Humogan (not her real name) who is currently in talks with the bank to ease payments for her loans which totaled Dh312,000 that she obtained back in 2014.
“We are trying to negotiate the amount,” said Humogan, marketing manager at a free zone garment factory before she lost her job.
“Sana mapababa pa ng bank at ma-reconsider ang situation ko since I’m jobless naman, naka-spouse visa lang ako at walang assurance ang work ng husband ko dahil non-stop ang lay off sa company nila,” Humogan said.
She said her debt consisted of a car loan and credit cards where Dh146,000 was for the automobile itself and the rest for other purchase using the plastic card.
“I was a marketing manager back then nang na-bankcrupt ang company,” she said.
“I have paid the car, almost more than half, as well as the cards. But, unfortunately the bank was still insisting na napunta lang lahat sa interest ang binayad ko for almost two years dahil ganun daw talaga ang policy,” said Humogan.
She said the police filed a case against her back in 2016. “Natapos ko ang police case, almost Dh40,000 ang naubos ko. Last year nag-file ng civil case ang bank,” Humogan said.
She said she represented herself at the hearings. “Nag-try akong mag-appeal but due to lack of finances, where I needed to hire a lawyer, ako lang humarap sa hearing. Unfortunately, I lost the case,” Humogan said.
The same thing happened on the second appeal, she said.
“In the end, the current status of my case is closed and they gave a final decision to pay the full Dh312,000,” said Humogan.
She said the credit card loans were used “para mapaikot lang din ang negosyo and not for any luxurious stuff.
“But, unfortunately hindi naging successful.”
Humogan has sought help from a law firm which is now assisting her with the negotiations.
The Daily Bread 