boyee

Art. 996. If a widow or widower and legitimate children or descendants are left, the surviving spouse has in the succession the same share as that of each of the children. (834a) So since we only have one child together. My child and I would have equal rights to the land. I am just not sure if her parents and her siblings would be higher up on the hierarchy than us. I would think her child would come first before her parents and siblings but then again what do I know, I'm still worried about the gardener.

Again I could be mistaken but I have read in several places that a foreigner can own land if his wife dies. Clearly everyone in her family is ahead of him but I am pretty sure he is able to own a small portion of it. Does anyone know for sure? Since we bought a farm I am happy to share with her whole family but I'd at least like to have enough space for a Bahay Kubo and my Carabao. Something, I did pay for it after all. The land that is. The Carabao just followed me home one day.

I've looked into land issue before, there is a list of hierarchy Primary - Legitimate children and/or descendants Secondary - Legitimate parents and/or ascendants; illegitimate parents (will inherit only in default of the primary heirs) Concurring - Surviving spouse; illegitimate children and/or descendants It is actually way more complicated than that. After hours of researched I've come to the conclusion that the gardener will have more rights to the land than I. Just kidding, I think 1/3 goes to her parents if they are still alive, 1/3 to her children, and maybe I might get 1/3. Just as long as we don't have a gardener. I believe this is the only way a foreigner can own land.

LOl, Okay no seriously put your hands down. no really put them down. Actually I would stay, even if alone. It was my idea to move to the Philippines, not my asawa. In fact I had to convince her to do it. First of all I love the food!. I love her family, but I guess if she left me they would cast me out of the family. That would suck. I bought a large farm in the hopes that her family will come live with us. That is my dream. I've read that invading in laws can be a thorn in the side but my wife's family are not poor so I think that makes a difference. Not to sound like the jerk than I am, I only mean no one would ask for money with a long sad story attached. So I feel they are genuine when we hang out. Come to think of it they always insists on paying for everything when we visit. Perhaps my experience of the PI is different from the average Joe. But again I've digressed, The balik bayan requires the wife to travel with me I think. This would not always be the case so maybe a SRRV in my own name would be best.

The money isn't the issue but Senior hound dawg has just informed me that with the 13A if the wifey left me the visa goes too where as the SRRV is more loyal. lol

ahh, got it. Well since everything is in her name if she ever developed common sense and left my sorry ass then worring about a visa would be the least of my troubles. Who would remind me of what I jerk I really am? How would I be able to park my car without some telling me which parking stall to take only to find a better one closer to the entrance after I am half way parked. Just don't think I would be able to function without her anyway. But it does sound like the SRRV would be a better choice. Thank you

Please correct me if I am wrong, It is true that 20+ years ago my wife renounced her Philippino citizenship to become a US Citizen. but later the Philippines changed the policy and said anyone who gave up their Philippino citizenship can regain it by applying for dual citizenship. She has done that and has both a US and Philippines passport. We just did this so she could buy land there. Now to my knowledge you are correct the US does not recognize dual citizenship but I don't think this matters. Also because we were married in the US it is true she did need to contact the Philippine consulate here in the states and inform them that the most eligible bachelor in America has been taken off the market. So I think our marriage is official according to the Philippines government. I know I can do all the paper work for the 13A here in the states, intact there is no one year probation and only one visit is required. I'm just not sure if 13A or SRRV is the better option for me.

I realize the SRRV is a bit cheeper but it seems to me the 13A would be more permanent. Or is the SRRV permanent too?

Hi, need help figuring out which visa I need. I'm sure it has been asked before but I cannot find an older post. My wife has recently received her dual Citizenship with the US / Philippines and we are married in the US. Would I get the 13(A) or retirement visa? We plan on living in the Philippines permanently but will travel back to the US several times a year to visit fam. Also, can I get this visa from the Philippines Consulate here in the states before we even move? Any advise appreciated. Thank you

OK believe what you will. Now anyway lets get back to the topic as we are all off in another direction. What are the reasons immigration can kick me out is what this topic is. I would agree, I live in Oakland California, multiple people are randomly murdered every single day just in this city alone. So by comparison it seems foreigners being murdered is not the biggest concern. I've hear of foreigners insulting Filippinos and getting the boot, I'd think that would happen more often.

Okay, this makes me feel better. And makes more sense. I hear all these stories about expats who settle down in the PH and are kicked out for very minor reasons. Committing a felony in in a foreign land should be a reason to be told to leave. I wonder if anyone has created a cheat sheet for Expats. A list of what not to do. Things that we do all the time in our own Country and didn't realize was such a huge violation elsewhere. For example, I talk stink about my President just about every day. I would guess that might not be a transferable habit though. lol

Right, I was thinking of just that. Introducing my self to the barangay captain. Im coming out there in January and have been stock piling toys and candy for the kids in town. I thought I would ask the local captain if their police or fire dept needed any supplies from America so I could bring out next trip. Now my better half said that may not be a good idea. She thinks I should stay far away from anyone with authority. Now she left the Philippines as a teenager so she doesn't really know how to get around as an adult so maybe some on this forum has more insight. Also, I know not to insult a large group of people. I certainly won't make broad statements like "Filipino's are __________!" They take that very personal I know. But what about an individual? Lets say I am shopping in the market and a vendor wants to charge double the price to me. Do I stay away from an argument at all costs or is there any leeway for a foreigner?

My Asawa and I are planning to move to the Philippines and as a foreigner I would like to know what I am not allowed to do. We are going to build a house and couldn't imagine getting kicked out or not allowed to re-inter for doing stuff that is perfectly legal in the States. I know I cannot own a firearm or land. But what about getting into some local trouble? What if I get into a fight with a scam artist or pickpocket? What if I have a disagreement with a local and words are exchanged? I understand that insulting Filippino culture or religion in public is a bad idea but is it likely that could get me exiled? If I get arrested for some minor offence would that automatically get me banned? Obviously I will keep a low profile, stay away from shady situations and be a good boy, I don't anticipate getting into trouble. But with little rights in the PH I would like to know my limits so I don't screw up my retirement plans. Any real life advice would be appreciated

Can anyone tell me what middle class or upper middle class means in the PH. My Asawa has cousins who live in Manila. They seem very middle class to me. They own their own home. Have a new car, and a couple of ya-ya's. Every few years they come visit us here in the states and we visit them. Now I have no idea what they make nor would I ever ask but it seems to me they MUST make over PH 1,857,000 per year. That's simply what a new car cost now a days right? So my question is if they are living what we as westerners would consider a middle class life style by our standards does that mean by PH lifestyle they would have to be rich? (My definition of middle class is owning a mortgage, one or two cars, kids go to a decent public school, maxing out 401k, able to eat out once or twice a week and take the family on vacation once or twice a year) By that definition it seems to me in the Philippines that would be well above middle class standards. Am I wrong?

I always found these average house hold income stats to be very low here in the states. I think it would be even harder to gauge in the PH. Reason being in the states we have one or two income producing members of the house hold. From my experience most Philippino homes are full of house hold members. Some working, some not, but usually more than two bringing in money. Since the money is pooled to cover food and rent it makes it more difficult to categorize middle to upper middle classes.