Report Corrupt Tourism Company & Police in Oslob

[Notright]

I had a very disturbing incident happen to me in Oslob yesterday. I went to see the whale shakes. I was having some difficulties on the way with my now less than signifcant other on the way. I asked the driver how much to cancel and go back to Cebu? He said he had to talk to his boss. When we got there the owner said there were no refunds (as is usual) I agree and I got to pay and the clerk asks for 50 pesos more than we agreed to. I say forget it just give me my money back. He starts yelling and cursing and I yell back. He calls the police my companion offers to pay the 50 pesos to settle but the owner declines. He said that he didn't like my attitude. The tourism police convinces him to refund 4000 pesos. He refuses to refund all of the money because he said the transport is 4000 which he says is the transport from Cebu to Oslob one way. That's a pure lie. I go to the regular police station and file a complaint. The owner then says he wants to file a complaint and have my 'ass' deported blah blah. I tell him I will file a complaint with the tourism board and ask him he would like me to dial the BI for him. The police officer then says I need to sign a compromise agreement that I won't file a complaint with the tourism board and he won't file a complaint with BI. I said I'm not afraid of BI. The officer says if I don't sign they will detain me. I reluctantly sign. I still want to file a complaint as I feel the signature is under duress.

My questions are: Where should I file the complaint? Does the Philippines have a duress nullification statute? I also want to complain about the police for their corruption.

Edited November 19, 2017 by Notright

[hk blues]

Sorry to hear about your trouble.

Honestly speaking, is it worth the hassle? What would you achieve? It's probably one if those situations where you take it on the chin and move on. Fighting the system is tough anywhere, more so here as far as I can tell.

[MikeB]

55 minutes ago, Notright said:

Where should I file the complaint?

You shouldn't. Read about another foreigner who spent 5 years in jail on a bogus rape charge after he foolishly filed a charge against a local woman. He would still be there were if not for the efforts of his US congressmen and the U.N. to get him out. Filing a case, though sometimes necessary, is an absolute last resort. The deck is stacked and it's not in your favor. The details of your situation aren't important, walk away while you can.

59 minutes ago, Notright said:

Does the Philippines have a duress nullification statute?

Not that I could find but do you have several years to fight a case involving the equivalent of $80??

1 hour ago, Notright said:

I also want to complain about the police for their corruption.

It's a 3rd world corrupt country. It is what it is, accept it or stay away. 

Sorry to be blunt but I can't help but think that the trouble between your ex-gf (or whatever) on the drive down had a big effect on this whole situation. That's understandable but now it's time to move on. 

[sonjack2847]

3 minutes ago, MikeB said:

Filing a case, though sometimes necessary, is an absolute last resort. The deck is stacked and it's not in your favor.

I have seen how the deck is stacked involving 2 expats in Dalaguete.Let it go it will be like opening a can of worms and it is highly unlikely that you will get justice.

[Dave Hounddriver]

1 hour ago, Notright said:

Where should I file the complaint?

With the Philippine embassy when you are safely back in the USA.  The locals don't play nice here.

[Jollygoodfellow]

1 hour ago, Notright said:

I got to pay and the clerk asks for 50 pesos more than we agreed to. I say forget it just give me my money back.

50 peso, less than a dollar US.  So reality you had an argument, a visit to the police station, a threat of deportation and a threat of being detained and possible lost hours doing so.

It may be NOTRIGHT but you will live longer without filing any case. 

[Old55]

Frankly I'm shocked this happened to you. Just how long did you plan to stay in the Philippines? 

[Clermont]

Notright: you've asked for advice, read it, let it sink in, go and have a beer then forget it, then scroll through the forum, there's lots of injustices written in here and I haven't read one yet that says they've had a win over the system. 

[Mike J]

Your significant other was trying to keep you out of trouble.

The tourist police was trying to get you out of trouble AND was able to convince the owner to give you at least a partial refund.

The police tried to find an equitable solution between you and the owner to defuse the situation and keep you out of jail.

Now you seeking advice on how to turn a disagreement over 50 peso into some kind of major incident with the courts.  A battle you would certainly lose.

Life here for expats with a low tolerance threshold just does not work out in the long (sometime even short) term.

Are you sure you want to live here in the Philippines? 

[RBM]

Yes there are many times here when we have to bite the bullet, happened to me a few times.

No matter how unjust, corrupt it is the bottom line is IT IS WHAT IT IS........Although not impossible to score a win its tough as others have said and frankly just not worth the stress and hassle. Apart your going to have an enemy for life.....Filipinos that loose face will NEVER forget, NEVER.

Move on, live under the radar, do not get involved in any issues here, there is much to do and enjoy.