This is to prove that even I had trouble getting my ACR card.
Last week I told you about how I had to prove I was me to the U.S. Government, the time before that in 2001, I had to prove to the Philippine Government that I’m not him. This time I go to Manila because I had to finish up the paperwork’s on my application, for a permanent ACR, this was a few years ago. I received my temporary ACR, which was good for one year, on probation. I assumed that since I received all these official papers from the Department of Immigration that I had jumped all over all the hurdles, slipped between all the cracks, and was on the road to easy times.
Wrong again! The next year I had to prove for the second time that I was not someone else. How would one do that? Can you prove a negative? Yes by using the “Affidavit of Not Same Name” unlike the “Affidavit of Loss” (To prove a lost car tag) which I submitted to the LTO that same month.
Mr. Computer man informed me that my name was on the bad list in their computer. (I was hoping it was listed in the big book, no such luck. There was a name somewhat (note “somewhat”) like mine, belonging to a man from Great Britain.
I smiled and explained that this came up last year and the year before and we’d solved the problem. How could I be standing here with a valid ACR if this had not been solved? I was informed that I had to speak with the “Director” of the records section to solve this dilemma. Now again, the quest begins anew! Down the yellow brick road to see the Wizard! The wizard informed me that I must return to Olongapo City and visit the local office of the NBI to clear my name or the name of the guy from Great Britain. Thinking fast and working to inflate the wizard’s ego I smiled and said that I fully understood his need to insure that the Republic of the Philippines be protected from these nefarious types of people, and I for one agreed, and would help to the limits of my abilities! (Hey! It sounded real good to me.) Then I showed him my new plus old passports, which I hoped, would prove that I was never been a citizen of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island. Then I showed my U.S. Merchant Seaman’s Card, my retired U.S. Military ID Card, and then told him I had visited Great Britain and that Pub Grub is good. I felt the food comment was the winner.
He waived the NBI stuff, and all I had to do was cross the street, see one of the shade tree Lawyers and type up my “Affidavit Not Same Name.” And of course pay 500 Pesos! Set to go? Oh ye of little faith! I now have a valid ACR good for one year, and then was then informed that we are now going to the “I-Card or E-Card” or whatever was in style that year. So let’s start again. I choose to live here, and it’s still good.
Continued next week, oh yes there is more.
Hi, Paul T, with a common name like yours, it looks like you’re going to be making the yearly trip to Manila, until you get your permanent ACR, to prove you’re not the same bloke:) from the UK, and pay the “shade tree lawyer” 500 pesos each time he types up the affidavit of not the same name (shouldn’t it be affidavit of not the same person, instead of not the same name?), a simple task that could have been done by a notary public, probably at less the cost LOL. Yeah, I forgot, you’re not in the States, where you can just walk in to your bank and they’d be happy to notarize your statement for you for what a cup of coffee costs at Jollibee.
If it’s any consolation, the “other” Paul Thompson may be undergoing the very same hassle you’re going through every year. LOL
OMG! – That would be heart attack time for me. How do you teach an old dog like me to jump through hoops? I sure hope you have good news next week. Maybe I should just stay a tourist??? Nay, sigh! What a life I am going to enjoy. If I can just learn to smile and not be a smart mouth. Thanks for the insight on a expats life in the RP.
Btw, did everyone see that ad up there beside Paul T’s article that advertises round trip to Manila for $665? What’s the catch, I wonder, may be no suitcases?
Hi John;
I first applied for my ACR in 1997; it took until 2001 to receive it. I now have the E-Card or I-Card, (everyone has a different name for it) and next week I’ll finish that subject.
The British guy had my last name, but not my first name, but his middle name was Paul. And that’s where the problem was because the other Thompson was banned from the Philippines. All is well to date, or at least until I have to renew!
Gary;
Sometimes I do feel like a trained seal, but with a smile on your face you can make hoops fun. First rule is to never, ever try to inject logic into the situation, for that will cause heartburn, or at least acid reflux. From what I’ve read here on LIP, it has gotten better at Immigration in Manila. If the gods remain on my side I’ll never have to go there to find out. Smart mouth, say nay. Smiling and joking, say yea.
Hi Gary – One thing about it… if you get smart mouthed with the immigration people, that’s a very possible ticket out of the country. You will be deported if it goes too far. Also, if you remain as a tourist you have to go deal with the immigration people every 2 months forever… if you get a resident visa you have to go see them just one time per year! 🙂
Hi Paul,
You tell a mean story….I am standing by for part 2.
Tyreen;
Me and my ice cold beer thank you; Part II will be here on LIP, same time, same channel, next week. Excuse me, my beer is empty!
but ytou all look the same paul ! 😆
Paul,
What did you do? You must be on lots of naughty (bugoy) lists. Santa never visits. Wala sabaw for you!
Hello Jack;
I’m fairly sure I was on Nixon’s enemy list also, when I was a kid the coal I got in my socking at Christmas, helped my family during those cold New England winters. As long as it’s never “Wala SMB” they can put me on any list they want! (LOL)
I knew there was a “T” in “stocking”, now I’m on the bad spelling list!
Hello Paul,
This is me Gilda,how are you and Mayang.It’s been a long long time since we hear each other.I hope you are fine.By the way last September 12 I had sent a mail that includes pictures and video of Paulyn’s 7th birthday.Did you recieve it?
Do you Still have the same address?I even mail Mayang in her Yahoo mail, but her yahoomail is not working anymore, also your conatcts its not working anymore?
Here is the address that i had use to sent you the mail: Paul Thompson PCS 517 Box Rs FPO AP 96517-1000
Here is my contact number: cell#:09196125456, phone#: 887-0315
Say hi to Mayang.GOdbless..
Hi paul,
here is my e-mail add. [email protected]. Let me know if you have recieve the mail with pictures and video of paulyn’s birthday.. thanks..I got your address from Jerry Bristle the one who’s working in RAO.