The rules and instructions of the BoI regarding ECC are very clear. You must secure it 2 weeks before departing!

That it could be done a day before is a different page of the book.

You go there a day before and they have a seminar, party or outing, you might miss your flight or pay a "little extra" at the airport.

They will tell you about the 2 week rule again.

 

You are completely right. Often think about a situation that a fire break out in that office when looking @all the papers piled up against the wall. No need to explain that even the slightest flame or spark can do it and that the Dumaguete fire brigade can only watch how the building will burn down and turn into ashes.
Next time better safe than sorry but no more overnight stay for my passport in view of the possible calamity such as a fire etc.

 

When I picked up my passport yesterday and had a look on the attached bill I noticed the higher amount amount of 3140 against the 2830 was due to the fee charged for the annual report. I always thought that an annual report was not applicable with respect to a tourist visa but only for a 13A and similar.

 

That is totally correct.

In the BoI office Dumaguete it is possible to have it done. BUT.... they do not process the extension with having the copies there only. They ONLY process it with the passport in their hands.

Of course one can go there at 8 am and waits there until afternoon 4 pm until the extension is processed.

Toblerone etc is a good way to speed up the process.

At present many suffer from the chaos, the former Head of the BOI Office in Dumaguete left behind.

Always happily handing out papers, issuing receipts, collecting fees, famous with everybody... Just to find out now, that there are not many proper records existing. I am sure some permanent residents know only too good what I talk about.

 

Sounds like a good idea?

 

Actually that building DID catch on fire in 2004 or 2005, and the entire place clear down including POS marketing burnt down, EXCEPT the BI office. Go figure.

Larry

 

After all is said and done, my extension without ACR card in hand was uneventful and easy. The lady also told me I would not need my ACR card to get my ECC, that my ACR info in my passport would suffice (I will not rely only on what she told me, but will research that one further). I am still curious as to why I had to pay the annual report fee as a tourist, but I'm letting that one go, just happy to get out of there with my extension stamp!