First of all, we need to clarify that administrative violations and criminal offenses are completely different things in Philippine law. Simply put, administrative violations won't land you in jail, but criminal offenses are a different story, and you might really end up behind bars!
1. Administrative Violation vs. Criminal Offense
Administrative Violation: For example, issues like expired visas, ALO (immigration watch list), and POGO (offshore gaming) are considered administrative violations. As long as you haven't committed any criminal offenses in the Philippines, the immigration authorities generally won't give you too much trouble. At most, you'll be fined, but you won't be imprisoned. Moreover, the fines are standardized, and most people can handle them.
Criminal Offense: For instance, if you're at work and suddenly the police raid and catch you red-handed, that would be considered a criminal offense, and you might really end up spending some time in jail.
2. How are administrative violations handled?
If you're stopped by the police on the street and they find your visa has expired, or you have records of POGO or ALO, don't panic! At most, they'll take you to the immigration office to process your departure, but they definitely won't put you in jail.
Some people hear that the immigration office will confiscate passports, which is possible, but they confiscate the passport, not the person! Confiscating the passport ensures that you leave the country on time, and they will return it to you at the airport. Moreover, when they confiscate your passport, the immigration office will give you a receipt, which can be used as a temporary passport in the Philippines, so don't worry.
3. Are agencies reliable?
If it's just an administrative violation, there's absolutely no need to hire an agency! Anyone who hires an agency is just wasting money.
If it's a criminal offense, agencies can't really help either; what really helps is having connections at the police station. So, no matter the situation, hiring an agency is pointless.
Many agencies like to play word games, mixing up administrative violations and criminal offenses, charging you for criminal offenses while processing it as an administrative violation, which is purely a scam.
In summary:
Administrative Violation: Mainly fines, no imprisonment, don't hire an agency, you can handle it yourself.
Criminal Offense: You might end up in jail, you'll need connections at the police station, agencies won't be of help.
In conclusion, everyone should try to abide by the law in the Philippines to avoid trouble. If there are any problems, go through the proper channels, and don't be fooled by agencies. Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year, and have a joyful celebration! 🎉
Happy New Year's Eve! Wishing everyone great luck in the new year! Also, let's talk about some issues with the Philippine Immigration Bureau to help everyone avoid pitfalls.
Philippine Departure Customs Clearance Tips
这里主要就是制作一些关于菲律宾工签或逾期的帖子合集，方便有需要的业者浏览
Comments0
This godforsaken place in the Philippines, either pay money or pay with your life.
The immigration office doesn't detain people? You probably haven't encountered the 'special list'. Last month, my friend ALO was directly detained in Bicutan detention center, and it cost 200,000 pesos to get out. Those who know, understand...
The logic of the original poster is sound, but to add: ALO is divided into active and passive. For the passive list, such as POGO associations, appeals can be made, but require proof from the company. For the active list (such as being reported), it is recommended to leave the country directly, as r
After three years in the Philippines, I've become a collector of administrative violations — ALO, ECC, OTL all unlocked.
Last year, I was overdue for 9 months, and the immigration bureau fined me on a daily basis, ending up paying over 30,000 pesos. It really hurt, but I indeed didn't go to jail, nor did the police come to arrest anyone.
The most cunning are the corrupt police in the Philippines! Last time on the road, a traffic cop stopped me and upon seeing my expired visa, insisted that I should pay 50,000 pesos to 'settle it privately'. I simply said 'Take me to the immigration office then', and he chickened out right there, hah
After reading it, I immediately ditched the agent! I was scammed out of 2000 USD last month, but when I went to handle it myself at the immigration office, I found the process so simple it made me cry.
I was scammed by an intermediary before; they took the money and did nothing. In the end, I had to go to the immigration office and sort it out myself.
Criminal offenses cannot be resolved through intermediaries; the key is to have connections with the police department.
I'm being fooled by the agent day by day, feeling more and more bewildered.
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