The fellow who vlogs replied to my question, and said he only received a one month (presumably tourist) visa. Which I would assume can be extended as normally. No waiver on the Balikbayan stamp (he asked). But he's still very grateful for being allowed entrance without being accompanied by his wife.
You might consider to follow an endurance training for the more benefit of your wife. Cannot recommend you one unfortunately. To avoid any misunderstanding, the recommendation refers to a course, not into any naughty ideas that would arise to your mind. Don't get me wrong.........
"Naughty ideas" - what?? In my mind? I could not think of one even if pushed. I will ask @jimeve friend. And, yes, I have got my wife into endurance training. Good idea.
Going back to the original subject (and yes, I know I am as guilty for going off-piste as anyone else!), I have added a link to today's clarification update ("BI clarifies only foreigners with permanent visas could enter PH starting Aug 1"). I believe it concurs with my original posting but the new article does state that many foreigners think the Philippines is soon to fully open to ALL of them - and that is NOT the case. https://philippineslifestyle.com/bi...ermanent-visas-could-enter-ph-starting-aug-1/
So if a foreigner left two weeks to go to the US for surgery, holding a valid tourist visa, and planning on returning in August, be allowed back in or only those holding an immigrant visa?
From what I'm reading no he wouldn't be allowed back in yet. One of the pitfalls of opting to stay long term on a tourist visa. You definitely are the low man on the totem pole.
Unfortunately then, many (majority?) of foreigners here can not continue the “leave at tourist visa at expiration” and return! Seems too unreasonable. Hopefully, just a short term issue. Loss of much needed income for the country.
I'm not sure what will happen after a 3 year stay. Maybe if they were American and elderly or immunocompromised they could apply for refugee status given the US is a complete joke and downright dangerous for them. Being forced to return to Trumpistan could very well be a death sentence for many people. I doubt that would work though, best bet may be just to overstay and hope for leniency. (Not legal/immigration advice.)
