Last week, I had a little errand to run. I needed to go to Union Bank and pick up my “Eon” card. You see, an Eon card is basically a Visa branded Debit card. The reason that I decided to get one is because Paypal is now set up to work in the Philippines using an Eon card. When you want to get your money from your Paypal account, they transfer the money on to an Eon card. There are other ways to do it too, but the Eon card is probably the most popular way that people are doing it here.
Anyway, I received notice that my Eon card was now at the Union Bank branch, and that I should pick it up. I was told that I needed to bring two types of Government issued IDs, so I brought my Driver’s License and my ACR I-Card. For those who don’t know what it is, the ACR I-Card is basically like a Green Card in the USA, it is the ID that a foreigner who lives here is issued by the Bureau of Immigration. It proves that you are a legal alien in the country.
So, I got to Union Bank with my two IDs in hand, waited in line at the “New Accounts” area, and when I got to the front, I presented the letter that had been mailed to me informing me of my card’s availability. “Sir, you need two kinds of ID” the lady told me. OK, no problem, I hand her my Driver’s License and my I-Card. She looks in the box containing maybe a couple hundred Eon cards, pulls mine out to look at it. But, she didn’t give it to me. Instead she turned to me and said “Sir, where is your Passport?” “What” I said, I was told to bring two types of ID, which I have. “My I-Card contains all the information that my Passport has, and is the legal ID that shows that my stay here in the Philippines is legal.” “No sir” she said, “all foreigners must also show a Passport.” Well, there was no reason to fight about it, I can’t win that fight anyway. So, I ran home and got my Passport too.
Well, after getting my passport, all was well, I was issued my Eon card, and I’m in business.
This incident kicked off a little thought in my mind, though. From time to time, I hear from other foreigners here who tell me that they intend to obtain Philippine Citizenship. I never am quite certain what their reason is, or what benefits they expect to gain from such citizenship here. But, here is the question that came to my mind when I thought about this incident:
Does anybody believe that if they were a Philippine Citizen (naturalized), if they went and picked up an Eon card they would not need a Passport?
I simply do not believe that a naturalized citizen would not be required to present a passport, if they were (by looks) a foreigner. I have asked this question of many foreigners over the last week, and a few Filipinos too. So far, every person that I asked agreed with my theory that even if a foreigner had become a citizen here, he would have to present a Passport to pick up that Eon card that I mentioned. What do you think?
The thing is, I have no problem if somebody wants to become a Citizen of the Philippines. I just don’t understand the reason why they would desire that. Maybe somebody could explain it to me. What advantages are to be gained? I suppose that if somebody were very “gung ho” about the Philippines, maybe it’s just a sense of patriotism or something like that. I consider myself to be strongly pro-Philippines, though, and I have no desire to become a citizen. For somebody from the first world (USA, Europe, Australia, etc) they would actually be giving up a lot of benefits if their naturalization meant that they lost their former citizenship. As an American, you can travel to virtually any country in the world with either no need for a visa, or very minimal requirements. As a Philippine citizen, travel outside the country can be quite difficult.
What do you think? Can you share with me any benefits of becoming a Citizen of the Philippines?
Hi Bob and Dave Starr – THAT’s TRUE. As I said, everytime I present my I-card, NOBODY asked me to show also my German passport. Bob, really funny your experiences in the bank.
And one more thing after a meeting in the Immigration this morning: If my wife Rose (former Filipina and now German citizen) would apply for a “dual” citizenship -or, in other words a Philippine citizenship (BACK AGAIN!), I WOULD LOOSE my permanent residence status (13a marriage to a former Filipina) for the meantime (!) and I would be required to “start from the beginning” – in other words: application for a permanent residence visa thru marriage to a Filipina (NOT FORMER Filipina!). Difficult to understand? YES. Guys, leave everything as it is or was…
Hi Bob
What exactly does becoming a citizen mean, I didn't think a Foreigner could become a citizen of Philippines, complete with passport and all that. I may be echoing your question here Bob but does it mean for instance that you will be able to purchase and own property, land etc and have all the entitlements (whatever they may be) that a natural Filipino is entitled to, or is it just a glorified Residence Visa. If the person can have a duel citizenship and have all rights of a natural born Filipino then definetly as far as I'm be concerned it would be a asset. Otherwise I also cannot see the point.
It may be that you would still have to carry your "foreign" passport for official business simply because different officials would have different ideas of the requirements, like your experience Bob, you were told two documents were rerquired but still the "official" was able to decide which two were acceptable, or would she have asked for another, if you brought your passport as one of them.
This is a very interesting topic and I think one that give a lot of readers something to think about. I will certainly be very interested in the replies. Give yourself another star Bob.
one of the largest & most sophisticated cities in the country: still wallowing in village mentality. The hallmark of a civilization that will never go anywhere
i bet that Feyma wouldn't have been asked for her passport….
Only a person born to an american-foreigner marriage can claim dual citizenship. I would never become a Philippine citizen because of the travel difficuties. Point in case, my wife's friend (Phil citizen) wants to go to Saipan to meet a chat friend of hers. Now if I want to go to Saipan I just hop a plane and go and get my visa stamp there. She on the other hand has to get a Pre-Entry Visa, a special permission form allowing entry and upon entry has to prove she has $100 spending money per day of her stay in Saipan. Wow, that's alot of paperwork. My job is in the US so I would have to get a work visa to work in the country of my birth? hahaha no way. As far as I am aware, the us embassy makes it very hard to renounce your us citizenship anyway.
Just exit the Philippines with your USA passport and enter with your Philippine Passport. Never thought of that one, eh?
Tristan – You are obviously having a hard time understanding what the article is about, eh? The whole article is about that even if I were to become a Philippine Citizen, which I may, in the eyes of Filipinos, because I don’t look Filipino, I would still be a foreigner. Eh?
Hi Bob. This is another good topic to discuss. I'm a Pinoy and from an objective and practical point of view, there's not much to gain in obtaining Philippine citizenship for you and other expats. As long as you are already a legal resident in the Philippines, that's a good enough. I remember that you gave a good advice in one of your articles that expats should not burn their bridges. And I agree 100% that citizens from First World countries will lose a lot of benefits if they give up their current citizenship unless their home countries accept dual citizenship.
On the other hand, as far as I know the Philippines now accepts dual citizenship. You can double check this with local lawyers there. So you dont have to give up your American citizenship to gain Philippine citizenship. You can legally have two passports. But will the US government and other Western countries accept their citizens to have two passports? Even if they do, having a second passport is just another unnecesary paper work to worry about.
This is a good article and an interesting thought. No, I can't think of any reason, except to own land, and there are ways around that if you have trustworthy Filipino friends. We do and have bought our house as the 'investors.'
I imagine if one did take Philippine citizenship, you would still have the same situation for presenting documents, and it would probably be a real hassle if you decided to try to vote!
Hi Bob and to all of you! Very interesting topic. It has been discussed many times in our surroundings during the last weeks. Only to own land would not be a reason for me to apply for Philippine citizenship. On the hand, I am a German and our government doesn't allow dual citizenship. If I would go for Philippine citizenship I would loose my German and all benefits including a good pension. Rose and I are Germans and why not in heart and mind Filipinos??? – And be the way, Bob, I am not sure, if you really need to present your passport in the bank. In all my deals with banks or other companies my I-card was enough… – Really just wondering….
"Conclusing remarks": Let's keep our citizenship and enjoy living in the Philippines and try to understand Filipinos and act as them in our daily life dealings with them.
hi bob.. a sidse from owning a land when you are a filipino citizen, you also need to be a citizen to own majority shares of a corporation if you plan to put up a company here.. most foreigners purchase some properties under the name of filipina wife … and if things goes wrong in your marriage… i doubt it if you can get a piece of your property..
maybe if the money you invested or purchase is not so big then i guest its okey to put it in other peoples name but if we are talking about huge amount of money then , you are taking a big risk…
Can't think of much in the way of benefits, Bob. becoming a naturalized Filipino citizen does _not_ convey the rights of property ownership … that is clearly reserved for _natural born_ Filipinos by the constitution.
I haven't yet run into the little impase you described at the bank, but that is one of the oft-ignored rules ,,, foreigners must carry their passport with them … I almost never do and most foreigners I know do not as well … but if 'cuaght' on the subject, nothing to do except back up 10 and punt.
After I am here 5 years as a legal resident ailien, which hasn't started yet for me, I might explore naturalization, but the 'might' is very nebulous. Even if a foreigner becomes naturalized, s/he is still a foreigner, in my view, so why would I bother? I will say that there are afew countries … China as one example … where it is a distinct advantage to have a Philippine passport rather than a US … but certainly the ''blue' passport has unrestricted access to more countries overall.
Hi Bob. If you did become a phil passport holder. You would have the pleasure of being a citizen of the only country in the world that charges its citizens an exit fee to leave the country.
Hi Jack – It is indeed an interesting thing to explore! Regarding dual citizenship, the Philippines allows it, and the USA does not disallow it. However, the Philippine law is that you MUST renounce your Citizenship before becoming a Citizen here. The USA makes it almost impossible to Renounce your citizenship. Thus, I feel that while a person might be issued Philippine citizenship, it is not valid, because you have not complied with the law. It's a gray area, for sure.
Hi Alan Mark – Exactly. While Feyma is a naturalized US Citizen, there was not even a question or request of her to show a Passport.
Hi Louis – I am in full agreement!
Hi Eric – Thanks for sharing your view. It's interesting to get a Filipino view on it. By the way, the Philippines accepts Dual Citizenship for Filipinos who have naturalized elsewhere. However, Philippine law specifically says that for a foreigner to become a Philippine Citizen, he MUST renounce his foreign citizenship first! Philippine law has no provision for Dual Citizenship for non native born Filipinos.
Hi AmericanLola – The Philippine Constitution explicitly reserves the right of land ownership for "Natural Born Filipinos" so a foreigner who naturalizes in the Philippines would still be exempt from owning land.
Hi Klaus – I agree with you. I'll be keeping my citizenship as it is now, and enjoying my life in the Philippines!
Hi Athena – Since I would still not be a "natural born Filipino" even if I obtained Philippine Citizenship, I still could not legally own land here.
Hi Dave Starr – I was told by the local Bureau of Immigration office that as long as you have your I-Card you are not required to carry a passport. Do you have other information on that?
Hi Frank Fealey – Don't worry, Legal Residents, like me, get to pay an exit tax too! They didn't forget us! 😆
Hi Klaus – Hoy, Sus! You mean to tell me that if Feyma gets Dual Citizenship, my 13g is no longer valid? That is something I didn't know! 🙁
Hi Frank Fealey, – Philippines is not the only country that charges its citizens an exit fee, Indonesians had to pay 1,000,000 rupies (US$110) a few years ago, I am not sure what it is now. And also if you, the foreigner got your permanent visa in Indonesia you will have to pay this fee as well. As Far as I know Philippines has the best visas for expatriots in Asia.
Hi Bob, that's the information we got this morning…
All fine points being discussed here. One thing that isn't mentioned (and partly off-topic), sometimes rules & requirements differ in the Philippines depending on the person you are dealing with or the branch you are in.
Many times there is no set rule and people seem to make things up as they go along there. It can be just the luck of the draw when dealing with an employee/manager in a bank, hospital or government office.
Maybe that one bank employee who would be ok with your I-card was on a lunch break 🙂
Hi Klaus – What else can I say, but – 🙄
Hi macky – Yes, this is what I have observed too. A lot of what happens in the Philippines depends on which person is serving you – and also who you know! 😆
HI bob, You just had to know that I'd leave a reply to this particular subject after our few e-mail exchanges.
Since I have been reading your posts, and those of the other writers on your Web Magazine, I've learned that the way things are done can be so different from area to area. Most of the information and advise you give is more than likely very helpful for those who are living (or planning to) in your area but it seems that some just doesn't fit outside the area. For instance; you dealing with the bank is something I haven't encountered her in Pagadian City. I had to show my passport and current visa when I went to get my name added to my wifes account but, after that, not at all. Since then, I've opened a direct deposit account, a separate savings account and an account for our child's education. In none of those transactions was I asked to show a passport. Matter of fact, the last time I was required to show a passport was 2 years ago when we flew to Manila to get my SRRVisa and at that time my passport was at the PLRA office awaiting my presence for the 'oath taking'. I did, however, have a photocopy that was accepted.
Now, for the citizenship issue you wrote about (Oh, btw, nice segue from the banking issue to citizenship issue).
As I wrote to you in the e-mail, other than for the most obvious reasons, we all come to this country for reasons that may be very personal and not meant for open discussion. You asked in your writings, what are the advantages of acquiring Philippine Citizenship. I have several but, the ones I am willing to discuss begin with the problem that Klaus has mentioned.
When I return to the US with my wife to live there long enough for her to get her US Citizenship, she will then be eligible for benefits under my SS pension. And for 50P and her signature, she will re-acquire her Philippine Citizenship ( Thanks to Gloria and RA9225). If I were a holder of a series 13visa, I would have to re-apply, hence the SRRV. Upon my return here, If(and only if) I decide to apply for Philippine Citizenship, I know from my inquiries to the PLRA, INS, and The US Department of State, I will not lose my US Citizenship but, most importantly, I can withdraw from the PLRA and, own the other 60% of my ivestment properties. I can then also withdraw the cash that is deposited in the US Dollar TDC account and invest in a greater range of investments than are allowed by the PLRA.
If you could go to the web sites that I researched, you would see that the US Government does not recognize the part of the oath taken here, renouncing the home country, as a clear intention of renouncing US Citizenship and therefore does not take away any rights to citizenship.
And, you are right…the US does not encourage dual citizenship but, on the other hand They do not disallow it. If the wife, or I, leave this country on a Philippine Passport we must enter the other country and return on that passport and the same holds true if we leave on the US Passport. In either case, we would have to pay an exit fee.
frank
Hi,
totally agree why would anyone want to become a citizen. I believe that being a permanent resident allows all the "benifits" without losing ones own statehood.
Permanent residents don’t have the benefits. Citizens do not lose their original statehood.
bob, dont, i repeat, DONT GIVE UP YOU RAMERICAN CITIZENSHIP IT HAS MORE BENIFIT THAN PHIL. CITIZENSHIP.GOOD LUCK……
Why would he give up their USA citizenship? He was talking about becoming a Filipino.
Philippine law requires a person to renounce citizenship as part of the process of becoming a Philippine citizen. You can see the law here. Check Section 12.
Hi TV – Dont worry, Bob did say he wont give up his American citizenship. There's no need to.
Hi Frank – The Philippine govt charges exit fee on its citizens because they "discourage" them to leave or do they….LOL
Hi Eric – I remember my son coming home after the first Gulf War (he was stationed at Cubic Bay), and telling me how great the Philippines was. He said then that the most important and largest export of this country were the people. I believe things are the same today. What would happen to the economy here if it was to lose the OFW money? Discourage them from leaving????……….ditto on the LOL.
Hi Bob the frank fealey spea the truth I look one
Greek man hear in Athens before 2 months and he is live
philippines 15 years and have philippino nationality and Greek
nationality. And tell me he is pay it's very big tax when travel
manila to Athens. Yes Bob I think so if I come in philippines
I no need fhilippine nationality I keep the Greek nationality.
If you can to explan if there is something new system for visa
for foreigners in philippines. And also foreigner he is can't
to buy house no there is new low.
regards
Bob
My question is probably way out of the left field. But I'll just go ahead ask you. You mentioned "EON" card is what Paypal uses to credit you for any transactions you made through Paypal. I am wondering will this work also with remiting money to a relative in the Philippines. Since I already have a Paypal account and it seems like I just need to transfer some money to an "EON" card. Will an EON card holder cash the money in the Philippines as dollars and will there be any charges for doing that? I'm just tired of remitting money to my wife's relatives. I just hate waisting that extra money for fees which is 10 to 15 dollars. Thats extra money that I could include when sending money. Please advise.
V/r
Feds
what is that EXIT FEE? how much? i carry US passport. what other fees you have to do when you go visit the phil. any info. is greatly appreciated…muchos gracias…. is there arrival fee also just wondering.
WELLS FARGO BANK HAS WHAT THE CALL REMITTANCE ATM CARD.
Hi Francisco – I understand 100% that the USA does not require you to give up citizenship and they recognize (begrudgingly) dual Citizenship. That is not my argument, and never has been. My argument is that the Philippines requires you to renounce your US Citizenship before you can gain Philippine Citizenship. The USA makes it almost impossible to do that. Thus, you are not complying with the Philippine law. Yes, I know that it can be done, and it will work, I am saying that technically it is not legal, though, because the law of the Philippines is not being complied with. It would be sort of like applying for an SRRV, having it issued, and your check bouncing. That is my argument. I wish you nothing but the best of luck, it is just not the way I would do things. We are all different, and we make our own decisions, there is nothing wrong with that. 😀
Hi Ken – I fully agree with you! Permanent residency is the way to go in my book.
Hi TV – Don't worry, I have no plans to give up my US Citizenship.
Hi Eric – Yeah, they discourage them to leave, but they sure love that OFW money propping up the economy! 😆
Hi Zois – I don't know of any new visa laws, except that you can stay up to 2 years on a tourist visa now.
Hi Feds – It is possible to do that – remit money through Paypal to an Eon card for your family. I know of people who are doing that. I don't know all the mechanics yet, but I do know that it can be done. And… fees to do it are quite small.
Hi TV – Yes, there is an exit tax on Filipinos leaving the country. It also applies to Permanent residents here. As I recall, a permanent resident must pay around $100 to exit the country.
Wow another great comment thread … nearly every comment filled with 'juice' not 'jabber' 😉
I will pull back/modify/hold in abeyance my comment on 'must carry the passport'. I was actually relying on US law which requires all ailiens to carry their passport but which now does allow substitution of the Green Card … effectively the same thing as the ACR-I. So maybe, legally, and ACR-I card holder doesn't need to carry his/her passport … but if the bank says you must, then off you go to get it … sigh … nothing is ever really the same from day to day, is it?
Buy the way I note that PayPal now makes direct deposit transfers to Philippine banks … much preferable to yet another ATM card to me.
An interesting issue regarding the 13 series visa … apparently what Klaus is saying is that if one has a 13g visa .. sponsored by a former Filipino and that person then reacquired Philippine citizenship the visa is lost? Hmmm, never thought about that … very good tip to know … but when I finally get round to doing my permanent visa it will be a 13A, 'true blue; Filipino-sponsored all the way 😉
Good discussion! I'm two years away from moving to the Philippines. There's so much to learn at a later date. My question is what happens to the exit and return to the country when I am too old or sickly to leave?
Hi Ed – If you get a resident visa of some kind, no exits are required. Like me, I've been living here 8 years and have never left the country, yet I am perfectly legal here. I never have to leave.
Hi Dave Starr – You are right about paypal doing bank accounts now too. They just started that last week for bank accounts in the Philippines.
Hi Bob,
I could feel your frustration about the silly requirement by that bank.
No matter how long you live there and how much you've done to popularize Mindanao and especially Davao internationally, yet instead of giving you a honorary citizenship… somebody gives you an extra hassle instead. I know it's only one person at a time, but still it bothers.
That's what bothered me on my visits to Ph. Any silly official can make own rules on too many occasions. As long as it keeps happening it will be a backwards Country unfortunately.
I was thinking to retire there but with all I know already… I might just have an extended visit once in a while there.
Philippines need desperately get out of medieval ages rules and start really welcoming foreigners and retires. Right now Ph. is losing probably billions of $$ every year by having so many… lets say it honestly… stupid rules. Millions of potential visitors is quitting to go there. Especially those better financially off. We like to feel welcome.
There are so many nice places around the world without any hassle to foreigners.
I have ties to Ph. because of my wife but am thinking that maybe she could just go alone there the next trip and I might just visit Europe in the meantime… 😉
PS. Bob, with your talents you could be a millionaire in US. You'd succeed just about anywhere. You don't deserve any hassle from anybody.
But like you said often… if one decides to live somewhere…
Hi Bob you know if there is new fhilippine low for foreigners
if like buy house.
Ted Johnson well put i can only but agree with you 100%.
Hi Zois – Any houses that I know of would be in Davao, I think you would be looking up north, though, right?
Hi Ted – Thanks for your kind words, I really appreciate it!
Hi Frank – Thank you too!
hi bob
i live twenty years in the philippines, but never needed my passport outside of the airport…. not even in the immigration office…. i keep my passport in the safety deposit box in the bank……
kai
Hi Kai – I've been living here for 8 years, and this is the first time that I've been asked for my passport, and it wasn't even by Immigration officials! 😆 Oh well…
Bob, Sorry for the late posting!
As a retired lawyer, I know this to be a fact:
1. Yes, to have 100% ownership of land.
2. Yes, to have 100% ownership of a business to include sensitive type businesses i.e. media, power sector.
3. Yes, to vote and hold LOCAL office (National level would be a conflict with US Citizenship)
4. To gain access to certain types of local employment that is deined to foreigners.
Now, even though many, many people believe you can't hold dual citizenship as a US citizen but that is NOT the truth. You can hold dual citizenship as long as you do not serve in the foreign military and do not hold national office.
Hope that helps.
John
Hi John – The Philippine Constitution specifically says that land can be owned only by "Natural Born Philippine Citizens." If you are a naturalized citizen, how do you get around that? ❓
One last remark. The Philippine government doesn't reuire you to give up your US citizenship because of a mutual agreement between the US and Philippine agreement on dual citizenship. As you know Filipinos can now hold dual citizenship with no problem from the US governement. What you heard was a long time ago. Yes, you are required to take a "pledge of loyality" to the Philippines but that means nothing from a legal standpoint to the US government. Only if you hold national office or serve in the PI military.
John
Hi Bob I write error for the before my comment . You know if there is new fhilippine law for foreigners if like buy house.
I can buy house in philippines and belong to me
Hi zois – No, there is not such law. For a foreigner to be able to own real estate, it would require a change in the Philippine Constitution, and no such change has been made.
@ Ted Johnson, i found your assertion about Bob being a millionaire in the US interesting. I wonder, a., what makes you think he's not a millionaire now, and b., why would it be easier to be a millionaire in the US as opposed to in the Philippines?
I came to the Philippines essentially to retire, but frankly I find (as I think Bob has said also) that it is substantially easier to make money here than in the US. Not an argument, just a conversation-starter.
Hi Dave Starr – First, let me just be clear – I am not a millionaire! Well, if you count it in Pesos I guess I am, but not in Dollars! And, what you say is very true, Dave. I feel that earning money is much easier to do in the Philippines than in the States. I do make considerably more money here than I ever did in the USA. You need to have an entrepreneurial spirit to make money here, though. For somebody who is not entrepreneurial, it is probably quite difficult to make money here.
Great topic, Bob! These entries from your contributors gave me a lot of insight as to what my husband has been so reluctant about retiring in the Philippines. He, as a naval officer retiree, the privilege of a good medical and dental insurance is something we cannot ignore. On the other hand, I have the vision of owning a small home back there in Davao with a good size lot around it with fruit trees, etc. a place for the grandkids to stay when the visit. And, NO, we would not want to hold dual citizenship- my husband is American, and we're quite happy with our US citizenship.
My question is… if we were to buy a piece of property on my son's name, a non-US citizen but is living here in the US, would I be able to make all the legal negotiations without him? At least prior to the signing of the papers? I appreciate an input. Thank you!
Hi MarcelinaWW – Thanks for visiting my site! I understand you and your husband's feelings and thought process. For me, I really enjoy my life here in the Philippines, and wouldn't even consider going back to the States.
Regarding land ownership, if you wanted to put it in your son's name, that should be quite possible for you. I would suspect that you could take care of all the negotiation, and even just send him the papers via FedEX or DHL for his signature. It would all depend on the land owner and his willingness to do something like that, but I think it would be quite possible.
RE Marcelina's property question … a former Filipibo … one who gave up Philippine citizenship to become a US citizen and choose not to reaquire Philippine citizenship most certain _can_ own land in her/his own right in the Philippines. There are size limits but their relatively generous for either urban or rural land. No need for some sort of 'deal' involving a minor, just buy in yur own right.
Also regarding the medical insurance issue … as a military retireee family you are fully covered by TRICARE in the Philippines, a real benfit … TRICARE saves me hundreds of dollars amonth over living in the US.
Hi Dave Starr – Thanks for jumping in on this discussion. I neglected to mention to Marcelina that as a former citizen of the Philippines she could indeed own property. She is eligible to own up to 1,000 sq. meters in a City, or 1 Hectare in the Province.
And, yes, Ticare can be used here too, and there is also a VA facility in Manila, if that is a concern.
Thanks again, Dave.
Hi Dave,
Sorry for late reply to your comment, questions.. I don't log on daily here.
Reg. 'millionaire' – Bob wrote at least once something like: the best way to make a small fortune in Ph. is to bring a big fortune with…'
So I remember that.. 🙂
But if you or he found an honest way (as you both did), to make a good living there and more, then I'd say it's an exemption, which only supports the general rule there, as per Bob's statement.
Now, why I think it's easier to make good, honest money in US or Canada where I live… Lets look at somebody like me.
If I try anything there… well, I'm so honest, truly, sometimes I think am just almost naive, that I could only lose money in Ph. with all the bribing and corruption there I heard of.
My Phil. wife, even though she grew up in an extreme poverty, in Malate slums, with rats and roaches running everywhere, 15 people in a small, falling apart place – yet, she is just so totally honest, it's almost unreal. One can put any money around her, thousands of $$ or millions for that matter if I had so much – and she will not touch anything ever.
Once in the Sears store I had to wait almost half an hour when she was trying to return some money to the cashier saying that he gave her too much change. He was saying that he can't take it back any more, she was insisting that she got too much so eventually a supervisor had to come over and accepted the money back.
So, we both being like that wouldn't probably succed in any serious business in Ph. But we're doing ok here in Canada and same probably in US, since normally there is no corruption or bribing here I'd know about at least.
Hi Ted – I find that it is much easier to make money here in the Philippines than it was back in the USA. In the States, things are so developed up that you need to have a lot of money in order to be able to leverage that to make money. Here, with only a small investment you can make a good amount of money. Less regulation, etc. It's an entrepreneur's dream location, IMHO. Yes, I have said the old joke – "How do you make a small fortune in the Philippines? Bring a Large fortune." But, for anybody who is able to think outside the box, this place is a great place to make a living. And, all of the ways I make money here are quite honest, I assure you! 😉
I have never paid a bribe here in my life. I tried to one time about 15 years ago, and it was refused. After that, i decided that I'd never do it again. I think that a lot of what you hear about bribe payments and such is a bit over-exaggerated myself.
Bob, thank you for the information. 1,000 sq meters is plenty enough for me and my family.
Dave Starr, glad to know that TRICARE and VA hospital are accessable still in the Philippines. I thought since all the US Bases had been abolished in the Philippines, non of these privelges are available anymore. I am so 'out of touch' of what's going on there, sorry. This info is one of the major factor in making our decision to retire in the Phil. As far as my son being a minor?… definitely not, he's over 30 years old. But, thanks all the same 🙂
Hi Marcelina,
Glad to be of some help. Sorry about assuming your son was a minor … it is a whole different issue in that sense … one might want to put property in a child's name, keeping a lifetime estate, and aviod alot of probate type issues in the future … as usual I made an assumption … and there's always danger in that.
Don't make the same mistake with the information from Bob and I. There is _not_ a US VA hospital in the Philippines. Many people get confused between the fact that there is a US VA _clinic_ in Manila (the only one on foreign soil) and a RP Veteran's Hospital in Quezon City. The hospital belongs to the RP and serves Filipino vets, the Clinic belongs to the US and serves US vets … only if they have a service connected disability … not the same as VA clinics/hospitals in the States which treat all entitled vets. Important shade of difference there.
TRICARE covers all retirees world-wide … it has nothing to do with US bases or with the VA, it is a DoD program. The problem some follks have is that TRICARE Standard 9which you have to use in the Philippines) uses the model that you pay a doctor and then get reimbursed. You don't go to a clinic/hospital and get care by showing a card. This works fine for me but is a _big_ thorn in the side to many, so make sure you understand the programs … I recommend all vets research their particular coverage because both VA and TRICARE benefits vary greatly from person to person.
Great information Dave!
Now, I feel like I'm back to square one in trying to convince my husband that it is quite safe to retire in Davao. I found your blog by the way, that adresses on military issues – thank you for that. I guess I'll be visiting it again for more information.
Not to worry about the 'minor age' assumption. One can appreciate a momentary illusion of being young again. 😉
@ Marcelina … at my age when I hear about someone putting property in a child's name I think in terms of them getting th kid to fund their nursing home stay *smile*. I met a fellow on one of the Yahoo groups once who had rtwo small children living with him and his Filipina wife here in the Pinas and he was not registering his children as US citizens so that he could put oroperty in thie names. Strange, strange thinking seems to abound on the 'former Filipino' issue … I guess t's worth some more blogging about.
@Ted … a htousand pardons, I had someohow blown right by your kind response to the millionaire question, luckily Bob broight it to my attention.
With respect to the relative ease, corruption, etc. What is happening here is that we are reading _past_ each other. If I were going to start a brick and mortar business … let's say … oh a retail store in a mall in the US or Canada, I would need a lot more money to get something substantial started … but I would certainly have less red tape and a lot less chance of losing out to some crooked politican or going broke paying bribes.
But neither Bob nor I are talking at _all_ about making money in that way. I am talking about making money via online endeavors where the business is not based in the Philippines at all … it's no wonder we are looking at things a little differently, that's because we are thinking along different lines. Your points are well taken and now, understood.
I will opint out though that Bob got tarted here with a brick and mortar business …Internet cafes … and you read what he said about bribes and lack of same. He moved on from that business because of changes in the technology/market place, not necessarily because those businesses were in the Philippines … in the US thousands of dail-up ISP's, as an example, have closed up shop or changed their business model, not because they were in the USA (or Canada), but because the technology changed.
There seems to be some confusion about dual citizenship.
Filipinos who obtained another countries citizenship are allowed to
reobtain their Filipino citizenship and become dual citizens. However
if you were born in the US (an example) and want to become a citizen
of the Philippines you most give up your US citizenship. If dual
citizenship was an option for me I would do it, but I checked it out with
both the US Embassy and BI and was informed dual citizenship is only avaiable for former Filipinos.
Rick
Oh, dual citizenship is also available to those who had one parent who
was/is a Filipino citizen
Rick