Dear Sir, First of all, thank you for your services. I am thinking of moving to the Philippines because it sounds like a nice and cheap country. But I have a problem: bribery. I dislike having to pay bribes not just for the money but because I think I am a very honest person and I like it that way. 35 years ago I spent 3 years in India without paying a bribe but of course public officials know how to "punish" you and I spent more money by not paying bribes than if I had paid them. Now it seems to me that the Philippines is one of the most corrupt countries in the world and I fear that when for example I go and ask to renew my tourist visa they will ask me for a bribe that I do not want to pay. Reporting the official to the authorities means you become their enemy and they will not be helpful to you anymore. What advice could you give me ? Should I use external Visa Processing Private Offices ? Will they make me pay the bribes they pay ? I await your news. Thanks a lot and best regards . Guido Chiesa (Italy)
Hi Guido, I feel you. I’ve paid more bribes to Indian, Thai, and Cambodian traffic police, that I’m willing to admit. However, I can say that outright bribes are much less common in the Philippines. It’s rare that an official will explicitly demand money to avoid punishment.
However, there is still implicit bribery. For example, when renewing your visa, many Bureau of Immigration officers will charge a non-optional express lane fee. Other examples include paying “fixers” to help speed up government licensing and permit paperwork.
The good news is the Philippines is improving. While corruption still exists, many government agencies posts their standard operating procedures along with expected timelines online, so you know what to expect.
Another major improvement is online visa renewals. As of this year, foreigners can extend their tourist visas and pay the associated fees online, avoiding any potential for payoffs or additional fees. For other types of visa (retirement, investment, or marriage), using an accredited and certified Immigration specialists ensures you avoid corrupt officials.