ExpatPH

Cable sat tv in Philippines.

https://www.mysky.com.ph/metromanila/products/skycable

https://cignal.tv

http://www.dreamsatellite.com/tv-channels/

https://www.philippinesplus.com/2017/02/06/best-tv-satellite-system-philippines/

1 hour ago, MeePeeMai said:

if a foreigner was to kill an armed self defense out on the street (as if say you were being robbed or the victim of an unprovoked attack)?

 

Since many in this thread have compared to Thailand, let me do the same.

While in Thailand I did carry a 'knuckle buster' for my personal protection, only after I once was attacked by a gang.

In Philippines I don't feel the need to carry one. I plan my life around traffic, weather forecast, and safety issues.

If I was held up with gun, I can replace my belongings, but not my life. I already mentioned that I wear shorts and jeans with inner pockets, that's where I place money and valuables.  Robbery on the street are usually over within a minute, not likely they have time to locate my inner pockets. Outside pockets only contain money less than 1.000 peso, let them have it.

If I was to kill a robber on the street, I expect thorough investigation would proof I was without blame (witness) and no further consequences.

That said, I would probably not put myself into that situation.

57 minutes ago, MeePeeMai said:

 if a foreigner was to kill an armed intruder inside his own house, or say cause the unintentional death of someone (while defending his own life) ... would he still (most likely) go to prison?

 

Home invasion is a issue here. Explains why majority of expats prefer condo living.

Expats who built a home also built a 10 feet concrete wall around their property. Most hire helpers, live in male driver / gardener, live in female housekeeper. In province one can hire helpers for as low as 3.000 peso per month. Also 1 or more dogs that would warn about intruders.

In case of home invasion, male driver would be the first who use a gun against robbers. Girlfriend wife would be second. Since foreigners are not allowed to own or use a weapon, staff would have weapon.

Would a foreigner go to prison, if he used a weapon against forceful home invasion?

Quote from forum:

"It appears we have the right to self defense and defense of our wives as well as our extended families.  The circumstances surrounding the self defense act will be strictly investigated, as can and should be expected.  In this light it appears to be similar to self defense laws in the US as well as many civilized countries.  The burden of proof falls on the person who takes this course of action.  This is understood and accepted.  The law does not give anyone the right to act without proof that the action taken is justified beyond any reasonable doubt.  In other words, if you should severely injure or kill someone who threatened you or your family, you had better have sufficient proof beyond any doubt that the action was necessary in order to prevent injury or death

And:

Bottom line: a foreigner has the right to defend his life and the life of his family.  In a situation where I confront a burglar in my house in the middle of the night, I won't be asking questions.  I'll take action and I'll defend myself to the full extent of my right to life.  But that's my choice.

* I got a warning on the following link, from which above quote came from.

** Click only if you have internet security running.

http://www.livinginthephilippines.com/forum/index.php?topic=27434.15

*** Else trust my copy paste quote.

Safe link about Home security:

https://www.livingincebuforums.com/topic/94800-home-security-advice/?tab=comments#comment-1246753

Revised penal code of the Philippines.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Penal_Code_of_the_Philippines

https://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1950/jun1950/gr_l-2907_1950.html

23 minutes ago, MeePeeMai said:

If you could speak about the self defense laws in the Philippines that would be great. 

 

I have heard that a (Filipino) husband has the right to kill his wife and her lover if caught in the act (which is kind of shocking to hear coming from a Catholic based society) but if a foreigner was to kill an armed intruder inside his own house, or say cause the unintentional death of someone (while defending his own life) ... would he still (most likely) go to prison?

 

Quote.

Art. 247. Death or physical injuries inflicted under exceptional circumstances. — Any legally married person who having surprised his spouse in the act of committing sexual intercourse with another person, shall kill any of them or both of them in the act or immediately thereafter, or shall inflict upon them any serious physical injury, shall suffer the penalty of destierro. chanrobles virtual law library

If he shall inflict upon them physical injuries of any other kind, he shall be exempt from punishment .chanrobles virtual law library

These rules shall be applicable, under the same circumstances, to parents with respect to their daughters under eighteen years of age, and their seducer, while the daughters are living with their parents.chanrobles virtual law library

Any person who shall promote or facilitate the prostitution of his wife or daughter, or shall otherwise have consented to the infidelity of the other spouse shall not be entitled to the benefits of this article.chanrobles virtual law library

Very interesting link regarding law and crime.

http://www.chanrobles.com/revisedpenalcodeofthephilippinesbook2.htm#.XK_y4ffmjZE

http://www.chanrobles.com/revisedpenalcodeofthephilippinesbook1.htm#.XK_0mPfmjZE

9 hours ago, swissie said:

But something doesn't match:
- Why does this docile/friendly society need armed security guards at every mom and pop grocery store and everywhere else?
There is a contradiction somewhere. Please elaborate as I am not capable of connecting those opposing "facts of life" in the Philippines.
"Poverty" alone could not explain it as there are a number of "poor-countries", where places of business can well do without armed security-guards.

Hi swissie.

Western mindset vs Asian mindset.

Many times difficult or interesting, to understand others culture. Depends of ones outlook of life.

Pacifist peace loving society, mixed with strict dominant catholic church, and accepted norms,

equals Philippines.

Why do they need armed security guards?

Extremist, bombs, extreme powerty many can't comprehend, drug abuse, lack of education, high unemployment rate, living conditions, homeless people, desperation, where do next meal come from, how do I feed my kids ... The reasons are endless.

Security guards are courteous, I don't have a issue with them, nor do I feel the need to worry. 

Immigration and NBI screen tourists, reports on their website. They had a 'bad guys out', going on for years. Many deportations and blacklisting.

Don't assume lack of screening of foreigners, you would be so wrong. People tend to underestimate gov employees.

Have a look at link below!

http://www.immigration.gov.ph

5 hours ago, MeePeeMai said:

Greetings ExpatPH

 

I just wanted to thank you also for such a well written and informative thread on expat life the Philippines.  I have been following it closely and have learned a lot and enjoyed it tremendously.  You have answered many of my questions regarding the P.I. and I look forward to more new content from you whenever you have the time.

 

The Philippines is definitely on my plan B list and I hope to go for a holiday there someday soon.

 

I am sorry to hear about your current health situation but I wish you all the best .... it sounds like you've had a great life experience here on this planet and I hope your next experience is even better.

 

Aloha and Mahalo!

Greetings MeePeeMai. Thanks for your kind words and best wishes, highly appreciated.

My health is my own fault, can't smoke 400.000 sigarettes without consequences. Had fantastic years in Thailand before, many good memories from my first visit in the 80s, and moved there late 90s, a totally different place then. Had a incredible time, that I will never forget.

As this thread continue, I would like to know what you all wonder about, not already mentioned here?

Questions?

On 4/2/2019 at 12:19 PM, thaibeachlovers said:

I think the years of ripping tourists off has come home to roost. Vietnam has apparently become the place to go to, offering what Thailand used to.

Pattaya's problem is that to fix it, the entire downtown area would have to be demolished to allow proper infrastructure to be built, and the entire council would have to be sacked and a "better" one put in. Neither is going to happen.

It used to be lovely in the 90s- a cheap and cheerful town, but then the high and mighty got baht in their eyes with the thought of a world class resort where the rich and famous would flock and the baht would flow like water. Of course the dream has ended in chaos and fiasco- could there have ever been a happy ending?

Even the nookie lovers are being turned away by bored ( and boring ) ladies more interested in their phones that the customers, and the prices!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have to be joking if they think the numbers of mongers are going to be like in the good old days if they want "how much"???????? Besides, many of them are just too fat and plain to be considered by anyone not wearing beer goggles. Used to be the best lookers were inside the Walking Street gogos, now it's the touts outside.

Best on spot post, of the year.

Vietnam is taking over, cambo and phils also get former los lovers, and defenders, they get less by the minute.

Finally Los has lost the fight for tourist.

The numbers talk for themselves, empty hotels reported by hotel owners, before 80%, now 8% occupated rooms only.

Over inflated baht against all currencies, and increased prices.

This years visa changes was the last, and made foreigners say enough is enough.

Foreigners has options, and now they ready to explore more friendly destinations, that welcome us with a genuine smile.

6 minutes ago, Carib said:

Me thinks this is the most comprehensive topic ever, for the ones interested in living in the Phill`s.  Thank you ExpatPH.

Thank you very much Carib.

https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/comparison/philippines/thailand

Vlogs

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Rx9HRmDoc5YmtcPOopmrA

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAG-2Rxv4iL0PMb6jM4PN5A

https://www.youtube.com/user/Jennermann

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrPo31V8wpuuCMseyzEDZMQ

https://www.youtube.com/user/enricosuave263

Websites for apartment condo rent and sale.

Thb = 0.6127 for comparison.

Image rent 25.000 peso. 1st link.

https://www.point2homes.com/PH/Apartments-For-Rent.html

https://www.lamudi.com.ph/condominium/rent/

https://www.property24.com.ph/condominiums-for-rent

https://www.dotproperty.com.ph/condos-for-rent

https://m.locanto.ph/m/Apartments-for-Rent/301/

Good intentions.

Fails every year.

1 hour ago, Eberhard said:

Hi, just joined this forum.

Living in Asia since 1996 and TH since 2000 and plan to move to PH next year for retirement.

I travel to PH also since 1996 for business.

I can subscribe Expat'sPH explanations, spot on.

Looking forward to more to come!

Hi Eberhard, thank you, please join in with your own experience from PH.

What part of PH do you consider?

1 hour ago, stravers said:

This is a terrific thread. Thanks for starting and maintaining it with new and interesting content.

 

I lived in Thai for 15 years from the age of 30 (I work online). As I am under 50, I would just get back to back education visas ($1kUSD/year). Like other visas, the goal posts changed frequently. I speak fluent Thai which enabled me to meet your average 9-5 working Thais. The bar girls never entered my life for most of my 15 years. I always figured it would be more fun and easier to meet the majority, than the minority (bar girls). 

 

A few years ago, I began souring on Thai (even with the delicious food and bum gun). What I heard and saw from locals, frequent assaults on YouTube, and from govt, made me think I was unwanted and I was bored and fed up with it all. 

 

I felt I had painted myself into a corner but where was the best alternative? Plan B was either going to be Vietnam (very likeable), Indonesia, or Phils. I like the other countries too but don't feel like learning a new language.

 

I'm caring for my parents now in Canada and planning my next move in Asia. 

 Hi stravers I appeciate more joining this thread, and positive feedback.

Would tested out Vietnam if I was single, and in your age. Seen many good reviews on Youtube about Vietnam, with brand new furnished apartments with everything one could need, for only 300$, large tv and fast internet. Outdoor reminded me somehow of BKK and the girls too.

Language barrier would be a issue, still one reviewer said 'that wasn't a big problem', another complained that he used google translate, still didnt get his correct meal. Part of city is modern highrise with large parks .

"Plan B was either going to be Vietnam (very likeable), Indonesia, or Phils."

You have a good list and ranking there imo.

Intend to continue this thread with new and interesting content, but need good questions from you readers.

48 minutes ago, Larssonn said:

Not a big writer but more of the reading type and must say .....

 

absolutely one of the best threads ive read on theese forums .

 

great job both to the op and the others informative postings .

 

one thing i feeel missing about ph is about investment ....does ph banks give anything and are there and market for condo rentals ?

 

i did read about the problems buying but are there agencys sorting all or anyway to make it abit easier and quicker buying condos ?

 

also is it a safe procedure to buy ?

It feels very good when I receive so nice feedback, so a big thank you, Larssonn.

Can't reply on investment, don't know any who play the local stock market.

I would estimate its 50 new high rise buildings going up at the moment in Cebu, aimed at higher mid class up to luxury.

Will tourist continue to visit Cebu, longstay, and increase in numbers, who knows?

I'm concerned about the previous demise of nightlife in the city. Tourists want to go out at night, and they have limited options these days. Single men used to come here in numbers just for the infamous nightlife. They dont come anymore, they go to Angeles now.

Its oversupply of vacant condos in Cebu. All owners seems to stick to their set rental price, so not much movement on the rental market.

I see new white faces in Cebu but not enough to make condo market move even the slightest.

Influx also of tourist from Japan and Korea who stay for longer time.

Cebu property market lack apartments that can rent out for between 10.000 to 18.000 peso. If I still was to invest in Cebu, that segment would be my one and only aim.

Although never been to Angeles, I feel strongly about its future. With cebu less entertainment area, Angeles do get more tourists. If I was to invest in condo market, Angeles would be my own choice.

To sell a condo here takes considerable time, unless you invested in unique properties.

Unless you been in country 5+ years, don't invest in condo here. You must have feet on the ground and make your own opinion about the market for condo investment.

Rental agents can fix all paperwork, mostly it goes ok but oh so slow. Even money can't fix quick.

It should be safe, within limitations set by laws regarding ownership.

If you don't have extensive time on the ground here, don't take the risk.

25 minutes ago, Frankri said:

The rentals car company in PH  hold your passport for the rental period ?

 

Thanks

Dont know, never met 1 expat or tourist who rented a car.

Would guess that Avis don't, while locals do.

Edit: Car with driver is only 2000 - 2500 peso per day here. Thats what most do because you avoid personal problems in case of accident.

Quote: but the traffic in any major Philippines city is worse than the worst time of day in Bangkok. Period. 

End quote.

2 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

What is that? is that an American thing?

 

What is an ACR I-Card?

An ACR I-Card is a microchip based, credit card-sized, identification card issued to all registered aliens whose stay in the Philippines has exceeded fifty-nine (59) days.  It also has an embedded computer chip with biometric security features capable of data management and can be updated electronically.

2. Who are required to apply for an ACR I-Card? 

All foreign nationals under immigrant and non-immigrant visas including holders of Temporary Visitor’s Visa, who have stayed for more than fifty nine (59) days in the Philippines.

http://immigration.gov.ph/faqs/acr-i-card