I think maybe the Article got it wrong, I was using information from the IATF that was given on Philippines News channel Friday night. I guess we will learn more as August 1 roles around.
I know at least one reliable source who vlogs regularly from Bohol and the US. He was able to enter the Philippines unaccompanied last week by showing his marriage certificate and a copy of his wife's valid Philippines passport (she is a US green card holder but still only a citizen of the Philippines, and was already in the Philippines). He did not have a 13A visa.
Could this be an 'outbreak' of common sense? The wife was not allowed to leave the Philippines so was not in the position to accompany her husband back in. I am assuming someone gave the man a BB visa (waiver) on that basis. If so, that immigration officer should be promoted - people who think are rare and valuable.
Very informative and useful Dutchie. Hope it would be ok to add that APOR status is also useful for those needing essential travel internationally for business purposes - particularly if said business is primarily occupied with essential, basic, daily supplies (um, tubig, for sure). Anyhow, it’s always a good idea to keep your peepers on the Bureau of Immigration press releases for updates. http://www.immigration.gov.ph/news/press-release
I think also perhaps that the article was only about foreigners ENTERING (not leaving) the country is pointing towards the article being correct. But I am willing to fight you at dawn to settle this. Unless we are talking about DIFFERENT articles
That's what I was thinking, and I asked on his on his vlog that exact question, are they temporarily waiving the requirement that the Philippine-citizen spouse accompany you in order to qualify for the Balikbayan stamp? But actually, to clarify, the wife would have been able to travel but remained in the Philippines by choice with their kids since they are in the process of (maybe) making the Philippines their permanent home. He went back to the US to handle some business-related stuff. Over several videos, he does a good job of detailing the entire process getting back to the Philippines. Right now he's still in quarantine in Bohol, at the Bohol Bee Farm. Their vlog is: "The V Family" https://www.youtube.com/c/TheVFamily/
Dawn is a bit early, but a sit down discussion over a beverage of choice is always welcome. Here's to civility.
