Moving to Philippines: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

109,180,815

Population Growth Rate

1.84%

Urban Population

48.800000

Population in Major Urban Areas

MANILA (capital) 11.862 million; Davao 1.565 million; Cebu City 855,000; Zamboanga 884,000

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Age Structure

33.710000

Median Age

23.300000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

25

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

4.95

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

3.1

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

48.9%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

48.9%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

23.1

Mother's mean age at first birth

23.1

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-1.25

Ethnic Groups

Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 3%

Language Note

There are two official languages in the Philippines, Pilipino and English.

English is used for business, government, and education from the fourth grade through college.

Pilipino, which is based mostly on Tagalog, which is the language spoken in central Luzon.

Pilipino is referred to as Tagalog by most people.

Nationality Noun

Filipino(s)

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Literacy - total population

92.6%

Literacy - male

92.5%

Literacy - female

92.7%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

2.7%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

11.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

72.210000

Infant Mortality Rate

18.190000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

18.190000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

99

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

1.15

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.1%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

6.3%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

92.500000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

79.400000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

20.2%

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Economic Overview

• Growth: The Philippine economy has been experiencing steady growth over the past few years, although it faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, the Philippines consistently posted GDP growth rates averaging around 6%, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. Services
• Sector: The services sector is a significant driver of the Philippine economy, contributing the largest share to GDP. This includes IT-BPO, tourism, retail, and financial services. The IT-BPO industry, in particular, has been a major contributor to economic growth, leveraging the country's skilled English-speaking workforce.
• Remittances: The Philippines receives a substantial amount of remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly from countries like the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These remittances play a crucial role in supporting household consumption and driving domestic demand.
• Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector is another important contributor to the Philippine economy, encompassing industries such as electronics, automotive, and food processing. The government has been implementing initiatives to attract more investment in manufacturing and improve competitiveness.
• Agriculture: Agriculture remains a significant sector, employing a large portion of the population, particularly in rural areas. However, it has faced challenges such as land reform issues, natural disasters, and low productivity. Efforts to modernize the sector and improve productivity are ongoing. Infrastructure
• Development: Infrastructure development has been a priority for the Philippine government, with ambitious plans aimed at improving connectivity, transportation, and logistics across the archipelago. Projects such as roads, bridges, airports, and seaports are underway to support economic growth and development.
• Challenges: Despite its growth potential, the Philippine economy faces various challenges, including income inequality, poverty, corruption, and bureaucratic red tape. Addressing these challenges is crucial for sustaining inclusive growth and development. Government
• Policies: The government has been implementing various policies and reforms to promote investment, improve the business climate, and boost economic competitiveness. These include tax reforms, ease of doing business initiatives, and initiatives to attract foreign direct investment. Regional
• Disparities: There are significant regional disparities in the Philippine economy, with the capital region of Metro Manila and surrounding areas experiencing faster growth compared to rural and less developed regions. Efforts to promote more inclusive growth and development are needed to address these disparities.

Industries

electronics assembly, textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, petroleum refining, fishing

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$7,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

6%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$871,560,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$7,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

6%

GDP - official exchange rate

$299,300,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 71.5% government
• consumption: 10.2% investment in fixed
• capital: 21.7% investment in
• inventories: -0.6% exports of goods and
• services: 28% imports of goods and
• services: -30.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

10.7%

GDP by Sector- Industry

31.6%

GDP by Sector- services

57.6%

Industrial Growth Rate

12.1%

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Inflation Rate

3.8%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Philippine peso (PHP)

Currency Name and Code

Philippines Peso (PHP)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

5.8%

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Labor Force

38,900,000

Unemployment Rate

7.3%

Major Industries

electronics assembly, textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, petroleum refining, fishing

Agriculture Products

rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, pork, eggs, beef, fish

Population Below Poverty Line

32.9%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

32%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

15%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

53%

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Annual Budget

$26,840,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

77.4%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-1.8%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

14.3%

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Full Country Name

Republic of the Philippines

Country Name

Philippines

Local - Long

Republika ng Pilipinas

Local - Short

Pilipinas

Etymology- history of name

named in honor of King PHILLIP II of Spain by Spanish explorer Ruy LOPEZ de VILLALOBOS, who visited some of the islands in 1543

Independence

4 July 1946 (from the US)

National Holiday

• Independence Day, 12 June (1898)
• note - 12 June 1898 was date of declaration of independence from Spain
• 4 July 1946 was date of independence from the US

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest ratified 2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987
• amendments: proposed by Congress if supported by three fourths of the membership, by a constitutional convention called by Congress, or by public petition; passage by either of the three proposal methods requires a majority vote in a national referendum; note - the constitution has not been amended since its enactment in 1987

Legal System:

mixed legal system of civil, common, Islamic (sharia), and customary law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Ferdinand "BongBong" MARCOS, Jr. (since 30 June 2022); Vice President Sara DUTERTE-Carpio (since 30 June 2022); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
• head of government: President Ferdinand "BongBong" MARCOS, Jr. (since 30 June 2022); Vice President Sara DUTERTE-Carpio (since 30 June 2022)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the consent of the Commission of Appointments, an independent body of 25 Congressional members including the Senate president (ex officio chairman), appointed by the president
• elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on separate ballots by simple majority popular vote for a single 6-year term; election last held on 9 May 2022 (next to be held on 9 May 2028)
• election results: 2022: Ferdinand MARCOS, Jr. elected president; percent of vote - Ferdinand MARCOS, Jr. (PFP) 58.7%, Leni ROBREDO (independent) 27.9%, Manny PACQUIAO (PROMDI) 6.8%, other 6.6%; Sara DUTERTE-Carpio elected vice president; percent of vote Sara DUTERTE-Carpio (Lakas-CMD) 61.5%, Francis PANGILINAN (LP) 17.8%, Tito SOTTO 15.8%, other 4.9% 2016: Rodrigo DUTERTE elected president; percent of vote - Rodrigo DUTERTE (PDP-Laban) 39%, Manuel "Mar" ROXAS (LP) 23.5%, Grace POE (independent) 21.4%, Jejomar BINAY (UNA) 12.7%, Miriam Defensor SANTIAGO (PRP) 3.4%; Leni ROBREDO elected vice president; percent of vote Leni ROBREDO (LP) 35.1%, Bongbong MARCOS (independent) 34.5%, Alan CAYETANO 14.4%, Francis ESCUDERO (independent) 12%, other 4%

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of: Senate or Senado (24 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by majority vote; members serve 6-year terms with one-half of the membership renewed every 3 years) House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan (316 seats; 253 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 63 representing minorities directly elected by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 3-year terms)
• Elections: Senate - elections last held on 9 May 2022 (next to be held in May 2025) House of Representatives - elections last held on 9 May 2022 (next to be held in May 2025)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NPC 5, PDP-Laban 5, NP 4, other 5, independent 5;
• Composition: men 17, women 7, percentage women 29.2% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PDP-Laban 22.7%, NP 13.7%, NUP 12.6%, NPC 11.7%, Lakas-CMD 9.4%, LP 3.8%, HNP 2.5%, other 19.6%, independent 4%; seats by party - PDP-Laban 66, NP 36, NPC 35, NUP 33, Lakas-CMD 26, LP 10, HNP 6, other 35, independent 6, party-list 63;
• Composition: men 226, women 85, percentage women 27.3%; total Congress percentage women 27.5%

Judicial Branch:

• office: justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council, a constitutionally-created, 6-member body that recommends Supreme Court nominees; justices serve until age 70
• subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; Sandiganbayan (special court for corruption cases of government officials); Court of Tax Appeals; regional, metropolitan, and municipal trial courts; sharia courts

Regions or States:

• Summary: 81 provinces
• and 38 chartered cities provinces: Abra
• Agusan del Norte
• Agusan del Sur
• Aklan
• Albay
• Antique
• Apayao
• Aurora
• Basilan
• Bataan
• Batanes
• Batangas
• Biliran
• Benguet
• Bohol
• Bukidnon
• Bulacan
• Cagayan
• Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Camiguin
• Capiz
• Catanduanes
• Cavite
• Cebu
• Cotabato
• Davao del Norte
• Davao del Sur
• Davao de Oro
• Davao Occidental
• Davao Oriental
• Dinagat Islands
• Eastern Samar
• Guimaras
• Ifugao
• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• Iloilo
• Isabela
• Kalinga
• Laguna
• Lanao del Norte
• Lanao del Sur
• La Union
• Leyte
• Maguindanao
• Marinduque
• Masbate
• Mindoro Occidental
• Mindoro Oriental
• Misamis Occidental
• Misamis Oriental
• Mountain
• Negros Occidental
• Negros Oriental
• Northern Samar
• Nueva Ecija
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Palawan
• Pampanga
• Pangasinan
• Quezon
• Quirino
• Rizal
• Romblon
• Samar
• Sarangani
• Siquijor
• Sorsogon
• South Cotabato
• Southern Leyte
• Sultan Kudarat
• Sulu
• Surigao del Norte
• Surigao del Sur
• Tarlac
• Tawi-Tawi
• Zambales
• Zamboanga del Norte
• Zamboanga del Sur
• Zamboanga Sibugay; chartered cities: Angeles
• Bacolod
• Baguio
• Butuan
• Cagayan de Oro
• Caloocan
• Cebu
• Cotabato
• Dagupan
• Davao
• General Santos
• Iligan
• Iloilo
• Lapu-Lapu
• Las Pinas
• Lucena
• Makati
• Malabon
• Mandaluyong
• Mandaue
• Manila
• Marikina
• Muntinlupa
• Naga
• Navotas
• Olongapo
• Ormoc
• Paranaque
• Pasay
• Pasig
• Puerto Princesa
• Quezon
• San Juan
• Santiago
• Tacloban
• Taguig
• Valenzuela
• Zamboanga

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Democratic Action (Aksyon Demokratiko) [Ernesto RAMEL, Jr]
• Alliance for Change (Hugpong ng Pagbabago or HNP) [Claude BAUTISTA]
• Lakas ng EDSA-Christian Muslim Democrats or Lakas-CMD [Sara DUTERTE-CARPIO]
• Liberal Party or LP [Francis PANGILINAN]
• Nacionalista Party or NP [Manuel "Manny" VILLAR]
• Nationalist People's Coalition or NPC [Mark COJUANGCO]
• National Unity Party or NUP [Ronaldo V. PUNO]
• Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or PDP-Laban [Rodrigo DUTERTE]
• Partido Federal ng Pilipinas or PFP [Ferdinand MARCOS, Jr.]
• Progressive Movement for the Devolution of Initiatives or PROMDI [Mariano "Mimo" OSMENA]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Philippines dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 10 years

Capital Name

Manila

Capital - geographic coordinate

14 36 N, 120 58 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ADB
• APEC
• ARF
• ASEAN
• BIS
• CD
• CICA (observer)
• CP
• EAS
• FAO
• G-24
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• MINUSTAH
• NAM
• OAS (observer)
• OPCW
• PCA
• PIF (partner)
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• Union Latina
• UNMIL
• UNMOGIP
• UNOCI
• UNOOSA
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; withdrew from the ICCt in March 2019

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador MaryKay Loss CARLSON (since 22 July 2022)
• Embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila 1000
• Mailing Address: 8600 Manila Place, Washington DC 20521-8600
• Telephone: [63] (2) 5301-2000
• FAX: [63] (2) 5301-2017
• Email: acsinfomanila@state.gov
• Website: https://ph.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Jose Manuel del Gallego ROMUALDEZ (since 29 November 2017)
• Chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
• Telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300
• FAX: [1] (202) 328-7614
• Email: info@phembassy-us.org
• Consulate(s) General: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)

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Geographic Location

Southeast Asia

Geographic Coordinates

13 00 N, 122 00 E

Total Area

115,830 Square Miles 300,000 Square Kilometers

Land Area

115,123 Square Miles 298,170 Square Kilometers

Water Area

707 Square Miles 1,830 Square Kilometers

Coastline

22,549 Miles 36,289 Kilometers

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Terrain

mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

Highest Point

2,954 Meters

Highest Point Location

Mount Apo 2,954 m

Lowest Point Location

Philippine Sea 0 m

Natural Resources

timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper

Irrigated Land

7,255 Square Miles 18,790 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

The Philippines has a tropical climate, but it is marginally less hot and humid than many tropical countries for most of the year.

Although the sun shines almost year round, there are slight seasonal variations in the weather.

The dry summer season, which runs from about late April to early June is hot and humid and with little rainfall.

The typhoon season runs from June to September, with frequent drenching rains that can temper the heat somewhat but also preclude any outdoor activities.

The downpours are often limited in duration, but the resulting flash floods can create chaos by blocking streets, stranding motorists, and bringing the already congested traffic of Manila to a virtual standstill.

The most pleasant season follows the rainy season, from November until March.

During this time of year, mornings can be fresh, and even the midday temperatures remain bearable, with frequent breezes that temper the heat.

The temperature range in Manila is relatively narrow, with minimum temperatures in the mid-70s and highs in the mid-90s, and an annual mean of about 80°F.

Average relative humidity ranges from 69% in April to 84% in August or September.

Baguio, the original summer capital of the Philippines, is located 155 miles north of Manila at an altitude of about 5,000 feet.

The climate varies between the dry and the very wet season, each lasting about six months.

The dry season runs from December to May, with temperatures ranging from the 50s and 60s at night to highs in the mid-80s during the day.

Baguio averages 176 inches of rainfall a year, about half of which falls in July and August alone.

The rains begin tapering off in September and are light in October and November.

Terrain

mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

Location

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Total Area

115,830 Square Miles 300,000 Square Kilometers

Environment - Current Issues

• uncontrolled deforestation especially in watershed areas
• soil erosion
• air and water pollution in major urban centers
• coral reef degradation
• increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps that are important fish breeding grounds

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

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Exports

$50,720,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$59,900,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

electronic equipment, machinery and transport equipment, garments, coconut products, chemicals

Major Imports

raw materials, machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals

Top Export Partners

US 24.7%, Japan 15%, Netherlands 8.7%, Taiwan 7.1%, Singapore 7%, Hong Kong 6.7%, Malaysia 4.7%

Top Import Partners

US 20.6%, Japan 20.4%, South Korea 7.8%, Singapore 6.5%, Taiwan 5%, Hong Kong 4.5%

Export Partners

US 24.7%, Japan 15%, Netherlands 8.7%, Taiwan 7.1%, Singapore 7%, Hong Kong 6.7%, Malaysia 4.7%

Import Partners

US 20.6%, Japan 20.4%, South Korea 7.8%, Singapore 6.5%, Taiwan 5%, Hong Kong 4.5%

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Country Description

The Philippines is an emerging economy with a democratic system of government.

Located in Southeast Asia, the country is an archipelago consisting of more than 7,100 islands, of which more than 800 are inhabited.

The major island groupings are Luzon in the north, where the capital, Manila, is located; the Visayas in the center; and Mindanao in the south.

Tourist facilities are available within population centers and the main tourist areas.

English is widely spoken in the Philippines, and most signs are in English.

Safety & Security

U.S. citizens contemplating travel to the Philippines should carefully consider the risks to their safety and security while there, including the risk of terrorism.

The southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago are of particular security concern.

Travelers should defer all travel to the Sulu Archipelago and should exercise extreme caution on the island of Mindanao.

For further information regarding the continuing threats due to terrorist and insurgent activities in the Philippines, see the Travel Warning for the Philippines.

Terrorist groups, such as the Abu Sayyaf Group and Jema’ah Islamiyah, as well as groups that have broken away from the more mainstream Moro Islamic Liberation Front, have carried out bombings resulting in deaths, injuries, and property damage; they have also taken hostages.

The city of Zamboanga suffered widespread devastation in September 2013 during a deadly confrontation between Philippine public security forces and rogue fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front.

Separately, bombings in central and western areas of Mindanao have targeted bus terminals, public buildings, public markets, and local festivals.

While those responsible do not appear to have targeted foreigners, travelers should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas.

Official U.S. government visitors and Embassy employees must seek special permission for travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago.

When traveling in Mindanao, U.S. official travelers attempt to lower their profile, limit their length of stay, and exercise extreme caution.

Some foreigners who reside in or visit western and central Mindanao hire their own private security personnel.

Kidnap-for-ransom gangs operate in the Philippines and have targeted foreigners, including Filipino-Americans.

Such gangs are especially active in the Sulu Archipelago, and a number of foreigners have been kidnapped there in recent years.

Occasionally, the U.S.

Embassy is the target of planned and/or spontaneous demonstrations.

While Philippine security forces generally prevent such demonstrators from reaching the Embassy, in rare instances protestors have made their way successfully to the Embassy perimeter.

In such instances, Embassy security authorities may take appropriate measures to safeguard personnel and visitors, including restricting access to the compound.

U.S. citizens or other individuals having business at the Embassy should keep this in mind and be prepared to defer their business until any such situation is resolved.

U.S. citizens in the Philippines are advised to monitor local news broadcasts and consider the level of preventive security when visiting public places, especially when choosing hotels, restaurants, beaches, entertainment venues, and recreation sites.

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Crime

Crime is a significant concern in Manila.

As a rule of thumb, U.S. citizens should exercise good judgment and remain aware of their surroundings.

Reports of confidence games (con games), pick pocketing, Internet scams, and credit/ATM card fraud are common.

U.S. citizens should be wary of unknown individuals who attempt to befriend them, especially just after their arrival in the country.

It is best not to accept food, drink, or rides in private vehicles from strangers, even if they appear to be legitimate.

There have been several cases of solo travelers meeting people on Roxas Boulevard in downtown Manila, striking up a conversation, developing a relationship, and then being invited to a tourist destination outside of Manila under the guise of meeting their Philippine family.

The travelers are taken to the area and, typically, during a meal are given a substance that knocks them unconscious.

They are then robbed of valuables, including their ATM cards, which are then used to drain their bank accounts.

While U.S. citizens are not typically targeted, kidnappings and violent assaults do occur in the Manila area.

Taxis are the recommended form of public transportation.

The following safeguards are important: do not enter a taxi if it has already accepted another passenger and always request that the driver use the meter to record your fare.

If the driver is unwilling to comply with these requests, wait for another cab.

It is also a good idea to make a mental note of the license plate number of the cab, or text it to someone, should there be a problem.

There have been several instances of travelers arriving at the Manila international airport and, shortly after they leave the airport area in a taxi or private vehicle, their vehicle is stopped, typically by an intentional rear-end collision, and the travelers are robbed.

When driving in the city, make certain that vehicle doors are locked and the windows are rolled up.

For both safety and security reasons, avoid all other forms of public transportation, such as the light rail system, buses, and “jeepneys.” You should also be vigilant when using credit and debit cards.

One common form of credit/ATM card fraud involves an illicit electronic device attached to ATM card readers that retrieves and records information, including the PIN, from a card's magnetic strip.

The information is then used to make unauthorized purchases.

To limit your vulnerability to this scam, never let your card out of your sight.

Avoid ATMs with unusual coverings attached to the card receiver.

When using an ATM, be aware of your surroundings.

Avoid ATM locations in dimly lit areas.

Be careful to prevent observation by others when entering your PIN code.

A continuing problem is the commercial scam or sting that attempts to sell or to seek negotiation of fraudulent U.S. securities.

Visitors and residents should be wary when presented with supposed Federal Reserve Notes or U.S. securities for sale or negotiation.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in the Philippines, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

Criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in the Philippines, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

U.S. citizens should also be aware of a recent statement by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) regarding the participation of foreigners in demonstrations in the Philippines.

In the statement, the BI advised foreigners against participating in public protests or political rallies since this activity may be considered a violation of the terms of admission to the Philippines.

Foreign nationals who participate in these activities may be detained and deported for violating Philippine immigration laws.

Persons violating the Philippines’ laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possession of, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the Philippines are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

If a traveler is found to have any amount of drugs on his or her person, or nearby, when arriving at or departing from the Philippines, he or she will be charged with trafficking.

This offense is non-bailable, and the maximum penalty is life imprisonment.

There have been instances where persons carrying controlled substances (e.g., medical marijuana or morphine) as well as a doctor’s prescription for the substance were charged with drug possession because they did not possess the proper prior clearance from the Philippine government before entry.

If you are arrested in the Philippines, authorities of the Philippines are required to notify the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

Adequate medical care is available in major cities in the Philippines, but even the best hospitals may not meet the standards of medical care, sanitation, and facilities provided by hospitals and doctors in the United States.

Medical care is limited in rural and more remote areas.

Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost several or even tens of thousands of dollars.

Most hospitals will require a down payment of estimated fees in cash at the time of admission.

In some cases, public and private hospitals have withheld lifesaving medicines and treatments for non-payment of bills.

Hospitals also frequently refuse to discharge patients or release important medical documents until a bill has been paid in full.

A list of doctors and medical facilities in the Philippines is available from the U.S.

Embassy in Manila.

You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website.

The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

In the past, the Philippines has seen outbreaks of dengue and schistosomiasis.

The CDC website has additional information about both diseases.

Schistosomiasis is transmitted by waterborne larvae and is endemic in the Philippines.

The disease presents a risk on Mindanao, Bohol, and Samar, as well as the provinces of Sorsogon (the southern tip of Luzon Island) and eastern Mindoro Island.

Travelers should avoid freshwater exposure in these areas.

Traffic Safety

While in the Philippines, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning the Philippines is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Travel within the Philippine archipelago is possible by boat, plane, bus, or car.

Few U.S. citizens rent cars to drive, as the roads are more crowded and drivers are less disciplined than those in the United States.

It is particularly dangerous to drive off the national highways and paved roads, especially at night, and you should avoid doing so.

There have been five major inter-island ferryboat accidents in the last two years, one with significant loss of life.

The safety record is such that U.S. government employees are advised not to take inter-island ferry boat services unless they are the only means of transportation available.

There have also been a series of bus accidents as a result of poor bus maintenance.

U.S. citizens are advised to avoid overcrowded or unsafe transport and to exercise caution in planning travel by inter-island ferryboats or other public conveyances.

For specific information concerning Philippine driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, please contact the Philippine

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Airports - total

247

Airports with Paved Runways

89

Heliports

2

Railways

618 Miles 995 Kilometers

Roadways- total

132,446 Miles 213,151 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

33,853 Miles 54,481 Kilometers

Waterways

2,000 Miles 3,219 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Guimaras Island, Iligan, Iloilo, Jolo, Legaspi, Manila, Masao, Puerto Princesa, San Fernando, Subic Bay, Zamboanga

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Pipelines: Gas

352 Miles 567 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

86 Miles 138 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

115 Miles 185 Kilometers

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Telephones

6,783,000

Cell Phones

51,795,000

Internet Users

5,300,000

Internet Country Code

.ph

Internet Hosts

394,990

Broadcast Media

• multiple national private TV and radio networks
• multi-channel satellite and cable TV systems available
• more than 350 TV stations - 4 major TV networks operating nationwide with 1 being government-owned
• some 1100 cable TV providers and some 1,200 radio stations broadcasting
• the Philippines is scheduled to complete the switch from analog to digital broadcasting by the end of 2015

Telephone System

• assessment: good international radiotelephone and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate
• domestic: telecommunications infrastructure includes the following
• platforms: fixed-line, mobile cellular, cable TV, over-the-air TV, radio and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), fiber-optic cable, and satellite; mobile-cellular communications now dominate the industry
• international: country code - 63; a series of submarine cables together provide connectivity to Asia, US, the Middle East, and Europe; multiple international gateways

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

54,400,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

61,930,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

2,860,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

3,910,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

98,540,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

315,600

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

20,090

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

182,000

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

14,360

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

138,500,000

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Anthem Lyrics

Bayang magiliw Perlas ng Silanganan Alab ng puso Sa dibdib mo'y buhay.

Lupang hinirang, Duyan ka ng magiting, Sa manlulupig Di ka pasisiil.

Sa dagat at bundok Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw; May dilag and tula At awit sa paglayang minamahal.

Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y Tagumpay na nagniningning, Ang bituin at araw niya Kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim.

Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati't pagsinta, Buhay at langit sa piling mo; Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

Anthem Lyrics English

Land of the morning Child of the sun returning With fervor burning Thee do our souls adore.

Land dear and holy, Cradle of noble heroes, Ne'er shall invaders Trample thy sacred shores.

Ever within thy skies and through thy clouds And o'er thy hills and seas; Do we behold thy radiance, feel the throb Of glorious liberty.

Thy banner dear to all hearts Its sun and stars alright, Oh, never shall its shining fields Be dimmed by tyrants might.

Beautiful land of love, oh land of light, In thine embrace 'tis rapture to lie; But it is glory ever when thou art wronged For us thy sons to suffer and die.