If I am reading this correctly I can go to the Consulate in Chicago, show "proof of financial capacity" AND an onward ticket (need to show it to get the Visa so at the airport would be redundant), then get a multiple entry 12 month Visa for $90 Embassy of the Philippines - Consular & Other Services
Yea, I would be wary of this, I done the same thing in aus , the second time I come over here, had 12 month multiple entry visa so thought all was good, nothing was said about the visa, which was attached to a page in my passport and was seen by the immig when I entered, when I went to leave 6 months later I was told to go to the naughty line as I had overstayed..i pointed out the visa in passport,and was told..no sir...no such thing sir...they didn't honour it, and had to pay big time as my plane was leaving ...
I think I figured this out. The VISA is valid 1 year multiple entry HOWEVER length of stay is 59 days. So while your VISA was good you had overstayed 4 months. So this would be helpful only if exiting/entering somewhat often.
Acquiring a 59-day tourist visa in advance of coming gives some confidence and saves a renewal visit to immigratiion. But it is not an assurance of admittance. That is still up to the immigration officer at the airport. Therefore, the airline still wants to see a return or onward ticket.
Which is my my personal feelings went from "I gotta get me one of these" to "big whoop, waste of time"
I was thinking about it to save some pages in my passport if it was just a sticker they put in there. Not really worth the drive up to Chicago if I still need to have the stamps put in my passport come extension time. I'll do the 6 month tourist extension in Manila when I fly through there this time instead.
I could appreciate a large stamp if a little thought was put into it. Top Tens: Prettiest Passport Stamps in the World - GoBeyond.SG