regards Chas.

In Cebu the prices are posted on the wall for each month.

To be honest, what your describing sounds more like someone that’s never been here but thinks they know what it is like. You’re message seems sincere though.

Just amazed at how different your experience is. Are you in Luzon?

The first time i came to the Philippines many years back and i needed to extend my visa for just another three days, which we know they give you either one or two months, but what really got me culture shocked was when the officers demanded, in an insulting way as in showing no emotions of concern in helping us do what is right, he asked me for $50 US dollars instead of 2,000 to 2,500 pesos, depending on what the dollar might of been.

I had plenty of pesos to give since i was inside the country and if you think logically it just does not make any sense unless the officers was taking it for himself which might of been what he did since the receipt he gave me was written by hand and not in their printing machine.

My first visit to this wonderful country and that was how i got treated.

The saddest thing was that even those sitting waiting their turn encouraged me to just pay it which interprets it in meaning “we know they are corrupt so just pay it.”

As much as a person can be held liable for what he does, at the same time he can be held liable for what he does not do. When a person is being assaulted on the street by a group of thugs in plain sight and no one does anything to stop it, all are guilty.

—- Mark Glenn

Also, i faced over charges on a few of my stamps, which i have proof of, and I was told by law officials that if i do not want to pay their express lane fee i do not have to and even an immigration officer said it as well but you run into these other officers at times who just out right refuse to stamp you unless you do it their way not the law’s way.

About the “Tourist Visa & 16 Months” issue, i was informed of it by an Austrian friend so i went to go ask about it and what did the officer reply “oh that is easy to under stand for a kindergartner” instead of explaining it he insulted me instead as if he was maybe too shy to admit he did not know anything about it yet and did not want to at least ask if he could have time to look into it and i report back later.

To be frank with most of you other foreigners, the immigration is the most laziest place unless you show them money. They deprive the people. I only met one honest officer who was more willing to explain matters to me even if i might of not of liked it he made it easy to understand.

If you find an honest officer, i advise you stick with that officer and if he gets transferred take the time to travel to his new location if it is not too far for you…one best way in keeping the peace.

You wont be able to say he insulted you in the USA, in the USA foreigners have freedom of speech too. Unless he broke a law, you’re just have to move on.

I hope you’re okay.

There are a lot of women in there, though I don’t know how many deal with the public. There was one fine Filipina that I wish would work with me. LOL Poor girl, I’ll flirt with her and she can’t even see it. I’d never do it there, I be scared. LOL

There is one girl that works the complaint desk, that alone should tell people something. Their is a desk set up with no line that is labeled “complaint desk.” I doubt they are interested in complaints about the BI.

How long ago was that that you were there all day?

Yes you can be jailed for raising your voice to anyone. Jailed, blacklisted and if you have enough money to pay your way, deported. Otherwise you’ll probably site there until you do. It is my understanding that the Philippines doesn’t usually pay for some one’s deportation. BUT, I didn’t get that from the BI, other expats said that so it may be untrue.

I have a story coming out here tomorrow that will likely blow people away. Its easier than you might think for someone, especially a foreigner, to get thrown in jail and for child abuse, no less.

OMG…you know reading your article made me remember that there are only two girls that usually work at that office! I have to admit that raising your voice expecially to someone who is going to help you get your papers mmmmmmm….not really a good idea. If I remember correctly, just about anyone can get thrown into jail for raising their voice (to the wrong person). Last time I was there…my wife and I ended up waiting almost the entire day!!