I'm a bit of a hothead when it comes to customer service and dealing with BS from business's and offices. I know quite well to be a total nice kiss @ss when it comes to immigration. They are the 1 place that can quite easily f*ck you over without a second thought. Were it me before going in I'd probably send a few pizza's a couple hours ahead at lunchtime prepaid to their office. Make sure they are in a good mood. Gotta do whatever it takes to keep immigration smiling at you.
Agree, so this may be the fundamental reason to employ a good Filipino lawyer who will know how to approach them with the correct attitude and possibly with the right 'connections'. It seems it will not be a 'point of law' as that point has been passed - so it is all about approach and negotiation.