I do not have any first hand information.

I do not believe that it is local to Bonbonon only. There is a reference on Noonsite stating that Cebu and Dumaguete are the most strict in implementing the new rule.

You would probably be better off posting on Noonsite, CruisersForum or one of the other cruising boat websites.

From Noonsite below, proof of foreign registration may be sufficient.

Arriving by Yacht:

There is no specific rule on length of stay at this time, however, a yacht that has been in the country for more than three years may be subject to question.

In 2019 the MARINA department of the Philippine Government finally accepted that Pleasure Craft were different from Commercial Vessels and issued guidelines for registration of such in the Philippines. The new regulations cover everything from a kayak or tender to a super-yacht. There is currently an amnesty that allows pleasure craft owners to register without penalty. So if your boat has been in the country for some years and its foreign registry has lapsed then now is the time to get it registered.

The Philippine Coast Guard in Cebu and Dumaguete are the most strict in implementing the new rule. Make sure your yacht is registered somewhere.

https://www.noonsite.com/place/philippines/formalities/

 

Friend of mine told me about this. He opined that they are looking at it as if you were importing a vehicle, the Customs tax needs to be paid. He said in this case, the ability to avoid the Customs Tax is tied to the Visa stay, meaning as a regular visitor with no import privileges must leave the country every so often, so must the vessel.

Personally, we both believe it has to do with a reduction in tax collections due to lock downs and tourist restrictions.

 

In other words, they are finding ways to deter tourists!

 

What you describe is the way most countries handle yachts. There is usually an import waiver given if the vessel leaves in a certain period of time. 12 months (Australia + extensions) - 10 years (Mexico).

The challenge here in the Philippines is that the rules have not been published. For now I think that if you are not a resident and prove the vessel is registered somewhere else then you do not have to import it.

 

Not exactly, tourists are temporary visitors, not permanent residents. If you sail into the country with your home, and then stay here for years on end, I am not seeing the 'temporary' part of it.

 

Agree - I thought these were people sailing from country to country but staying here now due to travel restrictions. So, yes, tax them 200%!

 

hmmmm. I have a friend who is trying to register a speedboat but so far without success. It seems that the Marina authority are saying he must get a builders certificate for a 20 year old boat when he cant even find the company who built the boat any more somewhere in Manila I understand. And the regulation for second hand boats does nor mention this certificate. Only for a new boat, not an unregistered second hand boat Any one got any ideas on this?