A lot of people who read this site are foreigners who are married to Filipinas (or Filipinos). Did you know that if you belong to that group, you might be a criminal? That’s right, and it’s something I’ve known about for some time, but learned more about today. You see, back in the early 1990’s President Corazon Aquino made a Presidential Proclaimation that “Mail Order” Bride services were illegal. Furthermore, a law was enacted later in the 90’s, Republic Act 6955, the “Mail Order Bride Law”. To strengthen the fight, a few years ago the Philippines enacted a new law, which is much stronger, Republic Act 9208, the “Human Trafficking Law”. RA9208 has provisions dealing with “Mail Order” brides.
What is a “mail order” bride? According to law, any service who introduces foreigners to Filipinas for marriage is enabling mail order brides. Let’s face it, there is no such thing as a true “mail order” bride. You can’t open a catalog, place an order and have the delivery made to you. It simply is not so.
Today, I was watching a news program, “Mornings at ANC” and they had a guest, Attorney Carolina Ruiz-Austria from the UP College of Law. She is an “expert” on the mail order bride issue. In my opinion, most of what she had to say really had no basis in fact, and was frankly not very intelligently thought out.
One of the things that Attorney Austria said was that some time back, she knew a woman who came to know an Australian man over the Internet. The couple got serious, and the man proposed marriage. The woman was nervous whether the man was for real or not. The attorney advised her to check the man through the Bureau of Immigration. They found out that the man had visited the Philippines before, and he once sponsored a woman to come to Australia for marriage. Because of that, Attorney Austria said that it proved that this man was up to no good, and should not be trusted! I see nothing to not trust the man! What if he had married the first woman and she already passed away? Should that mean that he is not to be trusted? I think not.
Frankly, when two people are introduced to each other, and they mutually decide to marry each other, I don’t see how that can be considered “human trafficking” in any way, and I see no reason why it should be illegal. However, the way that the laws about this are written, it indeed is illegal!
Anyway, did you know that if you operate a website that introduces foreigners to Filipinas you are breaking the law? It’s true. That is one of the reasons that I don’t get into the whole issue here on LiP – it’s illegal! If you operate such a website, or if you even make a personal introduction, you are liable for a penalty of up to P2 Million, and even up to life in prison, if you were to be convicted! Is that crazy or what? The good news is that Attorney Austria said that there has never been a case that was successfully prosecuted for violation of this law.
I confess. I met Feyma almost 19 years ago through an introduction service. We wrote to each other through the mail (there was no internet at that time for most people), talked on the phone, and ended up coming and marrying her. Because of this, I am a criminal under Philippine law.
I hope that they don’t come and arrest me!
I did read a post that having a dating site was illegal. Never had a thought of starting one but the law does not seem clear to me. Also how deep does it go?
>>>> any service who introduces foreigners to Filipinas for marriage
Can a service introduce foreigners to Filipinas for the purpose of friends?
If someone were to use craigslist or something to meet a Filipina would craigslist be guilty? I understand they could not arrest anyone in this case but under law would it be true?
Still in the planning stage of moving to the Philippines and don't have any intention of meeting a Filipina until I live there but I did have a Filipina email me and tell me she would like to find a wife for me, without a fee or course. Wonder if she could be arrested for this or only arrested if I were to marry someone she set me up with.
I did respond to this request but I politely declined. I thought about posting such emails on my Blog about this but I am not sure I should. What do you think?
Hi Bob,
Well, I guess I'm guilty too, eh? I meet my Jeanette through an introductory service as well. Now I was initially cautious of meeting someone online, but I proceeded. After several months (seems longer) of talking on the telephone, countless letters and internet chat, we both decided to further our relationship. I don't see how that makes people like us criminals, but it won't affect my feelings for Jeanette. We're consenting adults and that's what matters.
Good Morning Bob – The intro (Internet) services have created both good and bad with people on both sides up to Good and NO Good. Hopefully more good and sincere participants resulting in positive outcome either in bf/gf or marriage occuring. I am curious when you talk about operating an intro site is Illegal here in the Philippines. It would seem that would be only if you are hosting your site in the Philippines. I can't imagine jurisdiction or prosecutorial ability outside the Philippines? Seems most of the bigger reputable ones don't operate here anyway.
Hi Mike McMahon- Under Philippine law, any of those kind of introductions are illegal. It's weird, and a crazy law, in my opinion! 😯
Hi Henry- That's what I think too…. for two adults who each consent, the government has no business getting involved at all!
Hi richard- I think that anybody who is living in the Philippines, regardless of where the site is hosted, is not in a good position, and could end up in some real trouble. For those who don't live here, I have heard of cases where they were apprehended if they came here to visit. If such a person doesn't live here, and doesn't plan on visiting, I don't see how they could be affected.
Well I met Venice through MySpace but the way the law is written I suppsed even MySpace is doing Illegal activities. Well, somtimes politicians have nothing better to do than write laws that make no sense… a red herring so to speak that distracts the people from the real issues.
Hi BrSpiritus- Maayong Buntag! Yes, I agree with you on that. There are a lot more important issues that lawmakers could be looking at!
Hello BRSpiritus — I agree and I mentioned the same thing about craigslist. Would be curious to see the actual reading of the law. Does anyone know where it might be posted?
I suppose the intent of the law is good but as it sounds the execution is poor. Trying to protect women of the Philippines from money hungry unprincipled people is a good thing. My guess is the law makers were just to lazy to write a proper law and left many morally good intentioned people unable to offer a good service.
Maayong Buntag Bob
The way I understand the law, dating sites would need to prohibit Filipina from posting on there site to be legal. The funny thing is that I know of introductory services operating in the Philippines. Maybe it is just a matter of time before some one decides to prosecute them.
Hi Mike McMahon- For me, I believe that each individual should be able to decide for themselves on who they should marry, date, or be friends with. It is not an area for the government to get involved at all. I simply don't think that it is a good intention at all.
Interesting article. I can only say that I enjoy being a criminal. Chosing to break the law in this manner was with out a doubt the best decision I have ever made. I just had a thought-remittances from the wives of these criminals must in some way benefit the Filipino economy. Maybe if they realized there was a benefit the legal beagles would encourage the practice of meeting online.
Hi Larry- You are right, there are a number of such sites operated from here. The impression I get is that as long as they are operated by Filipinos, the government here doesn't seem to have a problem with it. It is the foreigner operated ones that they don't like.
Hi Ron LaFleur- I agree with you – (although it wasn't illegal when I married Feyma), breaking this law was the best thing I've ever done to improve my life! Such remittances are the foundation of the Philippine economy!
It's good that you brought this up, Bob. Like you, I try to stay far, far away from the issue … I've ha dmany offers and could certainly make money n my own sites with dating or introductory service referral fees … some of those companies pay alot just for member referrals …but under the exisitng law it could certainly be construed as violating Philippine law and hey, I live here.
I both shook my head and chuckled when you relayed the story about BID checking the man's record. Since the BID does not keep identifying information identifyng a person aside from name .. such as their SSAN or its Australian equivilant there's no way to even know if they got the story for the same man the lady was worried about. (just as the ferquently mentioned apparent screwups in the USA with mis-identified airline passengers … it's name only and thus even Senator Ted Kennedy couldn't fly without hassle for months)
This is one of those issues people just have to think about and make their own decisions on … the Philippines is _not_ a miniature USA with lower prices, it's a sovereign country with laws that may be a lot different to US laws.
Hi Dave- Very true indeed. I avoid this subject at all cost mostly. I even worry a little bit when Google inevitably puts ads for dating services on my site, which happens often.
"Wow, you mean i could be arrested " ?…Phil R….:)
Hi Bob and All
I have been blessed to know both my first wife and second wife, both filipinas long before marriage was even an issue. However since there is no divorce in the Philippines I'm wondering if I am a bigamist even though I married both in the states.
Hi Phil R.- Don't worry… I'll keep it quiet! 😆 Just between you and I! 😯
Hi Dan Mihaliak- It depends…. Under Philippine law, if a Filipino is married to a foreigner and migrates outside the Philippines, they are still not allowed to file for divorce. However, if it is the foreign spouse that applies for the divorce, the divorce is recognized by the Philippine Government. However, if it was your wife who filed for the divorce, it is not recognized as legitimate by the Philippine government.
Bob:
In a previous life, I worked for a company that had a web site that was a "gateway" of sorts. In one small, not very prominent, section, we had a link called "Penpals". Though the site (now defunct) received 250,000 visitors per month, over 30,000 of them were in that section. (It was a free service targeting US ex-military).
We never did figure out how to make money with it, though!
Hi JohnM- With that many visitors, it would seem that it was a money making opportunity. These days, advertising would probably be the way to go!
Bob: Yes, it was an opportunity, but I had numerous constraints by management, etc. The site was designed as a referrer to our primary site, which it accomplished well.
Hi Bob – Well, guess I'm safe. 😉 Emy and I met at a mutual friend's party in London, England about 32 years ago.
I'll still have to read the laws, though, as we've introduced a number of Phil-Am couples to each other over the years, including "pen-pal" arrangements. We could be part of this criminal gang! 😆
kamusta bob
interesting topic u have here,although i did meet my fiancee online chatting we didnt meet through a dating servise or introduction site.i guess the internet has been a connection for foreigners to meet women in philippines.i really like the changes u have done to the site here.its been awhile since i have been online to come here again.here in usa right now the economy is so terrible.last year our lobsters were 4.50 per pound and is now to a record low of 2.00 per pound.im really worried whats gonna happen next.hope all is well with you my friend.
salamat bob
Hi JohnM- What are you doing posting comments here on the site? I would have thought that as a newlywed you could come up with better things to do!!! Either that, or your wife would have you too busy doing household chores! 😯
Hi Paul- If we end up in the same jail cell, at least we can keep each other company. No funny business though! 😯
Hi Ron W- I know what you mean about being worried about the economy. I think we are all there! Isn't it funny how prices on everything are sky high. Except the things that keep you and I working… those are at record lows! It doesn't make sense, does it?
Bob…. Hee Hee…. We were like newlyweds before the wedding! One of the "benefits" of a home office!
Been trying to catch up on e-mails after being gone for a week, so I've been chained to my computer since we returned Monday. LiP makes a nice break.
We are actually really busy… I leave for Pakistan today and Becky is working on stocking the fish ponds before November.
Hi JohnM- Newlyweds before the wedding? 😯 I've never heard of such a thing! 😉
Good luck on your trip to Pakistan – so you decided to go ahead with it?
My two cents: just think of the many families that are no longer in poverty due to the relationship with a foreigner. Can't say the government will help the poor in our lifetime.
Hi Ed Griffin- I was thinking the exact same thing!
It is a shame that all ths was probably brought on by a verry small percentage of western men that mistreat women and gave a bad name for the rest of us I met my wife through a freind, but i dont see anything wrong that brings a man and women together what ever nationalty they are
Hi James Browning- Absolutely! No matter how a couple comes together – if they are happy, more power to them!
I am not familiar with Republic Act 9208 but there are clearly abuses and there is human trafficking. So yes… I think every government should take serious action.
Belgium took action 15 years ago when a lot of Filipinas ended in brothels in Gent and Brussels.
We definitely need tough anti human trafficking laws everywhere… this is serious business for some mafia gangs… and the victims are not only Filipinas… but also African girls, women from former East bloc countries… in fact everywhere where there is poverty.
Hi Sidney- In the cases you mention, I agree fully. However, in a case where somebody introduces two adults for dating or marriage, that is simply unreasonable. My Opinion, of course.
Hi Bob & all Longtime. I,ve been away,but great to back,reading your great blog. Some of the fellows were wondering where to find information on laws concerning mail order bride services. Maybe they should go ahead & start up such a service. I am quite sure the authorities would be more than happy to provide them with such reading material, & quite possibly time to read it. Good Luck. Guy
Great article, Bob. Let's all go to jail!!! Anyway, the point is indeed as you explain it. We are operating a service office here in Davao for "processing civil weddings' – and we have been informed many times by our lawyers, that we should avoid 'to introduce' people to each other. Funny thing are many website operators, who are still promising to find the "right Filipina/Filipino partner"…
I always knew you were part of the criminal element, Bob! Shame on you!!!
Funny. With all the serious problems that need to be dealt with in the Philippines, this is what they deal with. 🙁
Hi Bob! I really like to put my two cents worth about this hot issue but I can't–I have not read the law in question. In the interest of fairness, can you please provide a link to copy of the law so readers here can take a look at it?
Thanks a bunch!
Hi Guy- Yeah, nice to see you again! Good idea, maybe somebody here could put up such a site, and we can all watch and see the law in action! 😯
Hi Klaus- Yes, I had not thought about your business. It is an area where you indeed need to be very careful!
Hi Tom N- I agree with you. There are certainly more pressing issues.
Hi roy- to be honest, I have not read the law. I based my writing on the discussion that I saw on TV – they were attorneys discussing this issue.
Hi Bob!
It's been a long time since I last posted a comment… was just lurking. 🙂
Just wanted to say good work on the new layout!
Here's a link to the law:
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2003/ra…
Hi Bob! Not sure if my comment went through, so am trying again. Apologies if this will result to double posting.
I just wanted to say good work on the site's new lay out.
I also found this link about the law you are referring to on this post.
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2003/ra…
Hi Dex U.- Nice to hear from you! Thank you for posting that link!
Funny thing is the lawmakers will make a silly law like this to prohibit legitimate marriage but yet they allow webcam sex sites to operate from the Philippines.
Hi BrSpiritus- You are going way overboard now, Louis! Come on, it wouldn't be right to cut into the entertainment time of the lawmakers! 😯
iBob glad I met my 31 years ago I also believe that if 2 people that have been introduced by a mutual friend over the internet and decide to tie the knot whats the harm. My 2 cents worth. Oh! and the new site looks great,hopefully will meet up in davoa for coffee soon.
Hi andyp- I'm completely with your thinking! 😆
Looking forward to that coffee!
Hi Bob.
First, nice layout of your new site, congratz.
I have cut/paste a comment from you:(although it wasn’t illegal when I married Feyma)
Does that mean that the law can be used even for marriages from before the law were passed. If so, does`nt that make the judge, that married me and my wife, a criminal?We were married 32 years ago.
It is to me a silly law, however if the law is ment to protect innocent female that does not realize the possible danger they put themselves into by marrying a foreigner they only know by correspondence, it is allright.
I do not imply that all are bad, far from that and since I have not read the law I cannot comment on that.
I know a lot of people who met each other as penpals or via the net or via dating agencies and they are all happy.
Came to think of a saying here: if you have a sack of potatoes, and there is one rotten potato, they are all bad. Is it not always like that, a few bad people makes us all suffer?
As soon as I read the Human Trafficking law I wondered about Filipina Heart! I saw some clever wording on the site that was probably an attempt to get outside that law. Though what you've done and Filipina Heart has done is not within the intent of the law, I'd hate to rely on that in a country that operates without jury trials.
Hi Preben- Thank you Preben, I'm glad you like the new place! 😆
I do not believe that such a marriage is illegal, I was even kind of taking a little license with the wording… But, the act of introduction, or making the match between two people is indeed illegal under the two laws that I cited. One thing that is funny, though, under the Human Trafficking act, it is only illegal if it is a Filipina who is marrying a foreign husband. There is no reason to think that a Filipino could not be involved in trafficking either, and is frankly just as likely as a foreigner is. Frankly, I feel that the law is not only crazy, but it is also discriminatory.
Hi Rusty- I don't think that my site could be aligned with that act in any way. What I have here is about living in the Philippines and I really don't get into marrying, introductions and such at all.
I fully agree with you on the legal system.
Hi Bob- When I met Marilou there was none of this internet malarkey only good old fashioned pen and paper and the postman.
Since then I've been her personal slave so who's doing the trafficking now?If it was not for the fact that I love her so much I would have sued the Philippines government for fraud hahaha!.
When two people come together and are in love let no man put assunder lawyer or otherwise. So many more years of happiness to all married and about to get married readers of this site.
Kind regards.
Jim.
Hi Jim Cunningham- Ha ha… you forget, Jim… I've met Marilou! She is such a nice lady, I know that you are pulling my leg!
(also, just in case you are telling the truth, I want to be real nice to her, so that I don't get on her bad side!) 😯
I feel like im the only youngster posting here, haha. Well I met Anna Lou with http://www.cebuanas. com and it seems that being introduced via websites is illegal. However, you would think that the Attorney Carolina doesn't know very much does she because some people pay the the website to meet the girl (packages) and others consent to meeting each other. I don't see why meeting a woman would be a crime for a chance to be happy a crime. I do understand the law though because I have read articles about filipinas being pushed into prostitution once in another country.
All I have to say is that Anna and I are happily married since June 2008! We are only 25-26 years old respectively, so you all guys have much more experience in being married than I am 🙂
Hi Jason- I was 28 when I married Feyma in 1990, so similar in age to where you are today. We have been married for more than 18 years now, and it's been a great adventure. Congratulations to you and Anna Lou, I wish you the very best.
You know Bob I'd invite you out for coffee but everytime we go we end up with lemonade… so maybe we should meet for lemonade some time 😆
Hi BrSpiritus- I was thinking that the last time we got together! My schedule is pretty tight the rest of this week, though. Next week, na lang?
The laws go far beyond marriage agencies.
When my wife left the Philippines she had to spend half a day at the CFO (Commission for Overseas Filipinos) in Manila, informing her about the dangers of a relationship with a foreigner. We all seem to beat, rape and exploit…
Instead the Filipino government should do something to protect OFWs. On a regular basis I see horror stories of abused Filipina's pass by on TFC. Obviously the government won't take action; they rather sacrifice a few people in exchange for $$$. The same also applies for the adult entertainment sector in the Philippines.
BTW – George W has also introduced legislation related to protect "mail-order-brides" (International Marriage Broker Regulation Act ). I don't think this will bring major change though.
I think it's a stupid law… geez! It's none of the governments busines!
And this is even stranger!
Hi Dan Mihaliak- It depends…. Under Philippine law, if a Filipino is married to a foreigner and migrates outside the Philippines, they are still not allowed to file for divorce. However, if it is the foreign spouse that applies for the divorce, the divorce is recognized by the Philippine Government. However, if it was your wife who filed for the divorce, it is not recognized as legitimate by the Philippine government.
*me* FAINTS!
Hi Erwin- Yes indeed, that CFO seminar has always been sort of "anti-foreigner" from everything I have ever heard. Not good…
Hi Cheryll Ann- Yeah, these are crazy laws! Of course, I can't talk too much, the US lawmakers do crazy things too! 😯
Hello Bob! Wow… Nice article…. and nice new layout you got here!
I'm a young Filipina and very much interested in your site and your blogs, nice gesture I may say.
The government maybe trying to protect Filipinas from human-trafficking like white slavery and prostitution but I believe that if both a Filipina and a foreigner decide to get married, whatever the manner of meeting each other, it's their own decision and responsibility. There are risks involve of course but it's normal in every couple, may it be both Filipinos or inter-race relationship.
Good luck and more power! 🙂
Hi marie- Thanks for your comment, and I'm glad that you enjoy the new site layout!
Yes, I agree that this is a mutual decision that is not the business of the government.
Come back and visit often!
Hello to all,
Most of the time I'm just a reader of the site, every once in a while I do feel like adding my 2 cents. Residing in the US I spent some time reading the IMBRA laws just to see what the effect would be on marrying a woman from outside of the US. Seems strange now referring to my fiance as a foreigner. As far as IMBRA goes, as long as the website isn't charging a fee for the introductions or arranging marriages you are OK. I was concerned when all this legislation passed because my fiance and I had met through an introduction sight, but it is a free sight. I didn't want to get to the embassy in Manila for the visa interview and have them turn us down for a fiance visa because we had met on-line. Two years have passed since that first email and we will be going for that interview in Manila in a couple of weeks. I'm getting ready to make my third trip to Mindanao in the next couple of weeks also. It seems the biggest thing they (US Immigration Services) seem to be concerned about is sham marriages. Besides verifying you have all your documentaion in line they are the gate keeping in determining if you and your significant other have a legitimate relationship. My personal take on the IMBRA push on the US side is that so many US men are now marrying foreign women that the middled aged overweight baggage carrying American woman with an attitude in the US can't buy a date on most nights of the week. They complain to their female feminist lawyer friends and the next thing you know we have legislation passed making it harder for American man to marry a woman not born in the states. In the US men seeking a wife from outside the country are portrayed as seeking out poor uneducated foreign women, because they haven't got what it takes to maintain a relationship with your average femist nazi. In my case, my fiance has two college degrees, has a good job and will be pushing the big 30 soon. She is not some young nieve street urchin willing to do anything to get out of poverty as the media here in the states likes to portray most women marrying US men. I realize their is a lot of poverty in the Philippines, I have seen it first hand. Poverty does cause a lot of the problems related to human trafficking and abuse of OFW's. I don't understand the rational of most of this legislation in the Philipines or the US when it comes to two adults decideding to share a life together. Take for instance two unemployed 16 year old high school drop outs can marry and start a family in the US and all they need is their parents permission. But when two mature adults want to have a relationship and one is from outside the US border, well then its time to get the FBI involved. They want background checks, bank account records, copies of tax returns, employment records, travel documents, birth certificates, receipts, photos, notorized statements, divorce records and other documentation. I would agree that their should be some things in place to protect people, protect people from this type of legislation.
I just want to get through the paperwork jungle before they decided to pass even more laws relating to foreign marriages.
OK that might have been 4 cents worth.
Cheers.
Hi Big Murry- Good luck as you go through the immigration process. I hope that everything works out for the best for you and your wife!
Thanks Bob,
Hopefully everything will go smoothly at the interview. So far we have cleared all the hurdles. My fiance passed her medical this week and is now back in Ozamiz. We should have all the T's crossed and the I's dotted when we go for the interview. I plan on attending with her, for the most part the interview has to do with the proof of relationship requirement and submitting the affidavit of support. Being there with her takes care of most of that. The one thing I didn't really take into account when we started on this journey was the cost. I had read on another site that you should plan on about $10,000 to go through the process of meeting, courting and marrying a pinay. This might seem strange to want to know but I guess I wanted to be sure that if I did meet the right one that I could follow through on my commitment. By the time my fiance walks through my door in the US it will be more in tune to about $16,000 and I did most of the petition paperwork myself. That may be a little high for some because it includes the money spent traveling together in the philippines on my first two trips and I stayed for several weeks on each trip. I can't even begin to tell you how glad I am to see the exchange rate reaching 49:1 in the Philippines. I have exchanged many dollars at the 40:1 rate. How is it possible to spend that much? Just the flights to PI and our traveling account for about 8K ( that includes her flight here), sending suport after our first meeting (yes, I wanted to after seeing what a difference the money will make in the life of the average Pinay), dental work, driving lessons, clothes, gifts and all the costs associated with the visa process (passport, Cert of Non-Marriage, NBI check, birth certificates, petition fees, medical fees, visa fees). Oh, and not to forget that phone bill, over the last two years that has creeped easily over a $1000. I know I'm just getting in on the end of the thread but hopefully it can shed some light on what the realistic expenses are. As I said in the beginning the cost was kind of a surprise. I don't think there is any way to put a value on love and commitment, although lawyers here in the US have tried. I can say the last two years have been some of the most exciting in my life. I had traveled some outside of the US before, but never to the extend that I have lately. Learning about other cultures, meeting new friends and just seeing how other people live has been enlighting. Looking back the money is actually the easiest part of the process, meeting the right pinay was the hard part. The real investment was one of time, writing letters, emails, chatting, phone calls and then being able to spend time together. Do I think it was worth it, yes, every minute and every peso. I still owe Bob another thank you, if it had not been for the things I had read here I would have never ventured Mindanao.
Like the new format of your site Bob. Your insight has helped me alot over the last couple of years. I should include that also goes for your contributing column writers.
Keep up the good work.
Hi Big Murry- The expenses can certainly add up quickly when you are in such a long distance relationship! No doubt there. I wish you the best of luck, and hope that it all goes smoothly for you, though.
It's just not crazy, it's plain hypocrisy! My husband and I met through a mutual friend, so, it doesn't even apply to us.
However, if she thinks that it's really illegal, it's easy to catch these – go to any embassies that process fiancee/fiance visas – interviewers asked applicants how they met their fiance/fiancee – and if it's from introductory site – then they should prosecute them. But no, it never happened and will never happen – why? because it has no legal basis. Evidently, she's not an expert at all. I do believe there are exceptions to the rule. And since, I haven't seen the show personally, I guess I don't have the right to judge her.
Also, I do want to hear what will that lawyer say about the remittances that these "mail-order-drides" sent to their families in the Philippines.
Sorry for my comments – I just have to vent. I just hate hypocrites, that's all.
I wish they will create more laws about child trafficking there – I've seen a documentary before – and it wasn't pretty.
Peace!
Hi Lea- According to the show that I saw, there have been prosecutions, but never a successful one. What a waste of resources!
Bob, you are still lucky. After 30 years living in the Philippines, a evil judge filed a case against me and have me deported. Blowing the horn of a car is "unjust vexation" and this is a criminal case. Once you have a criminal case as a foreigner you can be deported. The case was very unfair, no witness and corrupt fiscals. First you loose all your money to lawyers and when you are finish they kick you out. The impact of my case was, that 880 Pinoys have now no more job since we transferred the plant to Thailand.
Hi Allan- I am sorry to hear of your troubles. Unfortunately, I feel that the Philippine government is quick to deport foreigners, and often for very little reason. Good luck in Thailand!
Hello Bob,
Enjoyed your website very much and also your frankness and humor, look forward to reading your books. You're a breath of fresh air, keep up the good work. Tx. Frank
Hi Frank- Thank you very much for your words of encouragement.
Very interesting articles!
I was hoping to come to GS to see if I could get another small yacht and possible a female companion for sailing in the Pacific, how would I stand in such a situation?
Please reply privately
Thankyou
Hewie
Hello Hewie – I prefer to communicate over the Magazine site rather than privately, so that I only have to answer questions once. If I answer privately, then I have to reply again every time a similar question arises.
There is only one potential problem with your plan that I can think of. The lady would have trouble traveling to other countries without a visa. For example, you as a British citizen (I assume, given your e-mail address) can enter most countries without need for a visa. The same is not the case for a Philippine citizen. So, I am just unsure how that part will work.
Enjoy your travels.