Gary Speiginer

Late Response: When you ask about "VA Benefits", it could be either retirement or disability: So, VA disability and military retirement checks do not reduce or offset your Social Security retirement benefits. However, there is one exception: When ... Read More

@NY_MikeThe key to this entire process is found under the Representative Payee status.  This is initially assigned to the American SSA holder and remains as such, unless the child no longer lives with the American parent.  The SSA Manila ... Read More

I prefer to look at certain items in person prior to purchase... SnR CS continues to slip downward, and so is my spending with this company. Management appears to have handed control over to the merchandisers (i.e, aka "dizzers") and seems ... Read More

@vehicross100You are talking about the FEQ, and that is Form SSA-7162. My recommendation is to be proactive and download it from here: https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/ssa7162ocrsm.pdfMake sure it is an editable PDF, fill it out, print/sign it, scan and ... Read More

@BOONDOCK-SAINT Try Agoda, where you can get more recent reviews.  I would avoid ads for condos or places without a front desk.  Many will play games with added requirements after you book and pay, so they justify not showing up on your ... Read More

Your posting should include the particular EU Country you are from since the rules and conditions differ from country to country.  Accordingly, your profile shows Sweden is possibly your EU country.  Although my experience is that of being ... Read More

@FindlayMacDUnderstand that there are many changes under Republic Act (RA) No. 11032.  Most foreigners need to state they are seeking a TIN per E.O 98 by using BIR Form 1904 ONLY!!!  [ Application for Registration for One-Time Taxpayer and ... Read More

@bigpearl,I think the 35 min. age limit is still in force, but the $50K is the min. deposit at that age. Read More

@danfinn,You are 100% correct. When I did some digging, I found the undated PRA Advisory. The same Advisory states we have to register as inbound SRRV holders for the electronic passenger registration and HDC and sends us to: ... Read More

@danfinnThis is good news since 8 weeks ago I had to produce this very same document upon my exit. Additionally, I just logged into my PRA account about 40 minutes ago and the link and form is still there as a requirement. Read More

@danfinnDue to the new monitoring system, all SRRV Holders must have an exit pass now!Holders that stay over one years must have:Travel passPay Travel TaxHolders that stay less than on year must have:Travel passSource: Log into your PRA account ... Read More

@emvaningenIt has been years since I have had an ACRI Card. There are different allowances based on certain countries. However, the last I understood, for most countries was as follows: The ACRI card for tourist 9(a) that stay past 59 days may ... Read More

@mcreybarraquias8I will try to give out general info and each person must look as deeply as possible to understand. I am not a VA employee or representative of VA. Lastly, I am not an expert by any means and you must be able to deeply research ... Read More

@mcreybarraquias8As I understand your situation, you father was never considered "service connected" for any of his medical issues.  My expereince and background does not cover the special process non-US citizen vets from the PI must step ... Read More

Update on the U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) process for my baby!I arrived in California the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023.  Was one of the first in line Thursday morning, Oct 12, 2023, at my local Southern California Social Security ... Read More

@Jason MclaughlinIt sounds liike you have a very limited set of options.....  I do advise that you do all that you can to get the baby US Citizenship first.  It will be harder for you to be denied most rights if the baby has a US Passport ... Read More

@Jason MclaughlinPlease do not make a decision based on my post. I am just advising that you look into the terms and legal issues that are here and gain a better understanding, prior to engaging an attorney. On a separate topic, I was told by ... Read More

@G_LucaWelcome to the forum. Your post is missing so much info that, if filled in, could help to get clear answers. Years ago, a fellow expat faced this topic and he allowed 5-6 beers to control his mouth and actions; resulting in about 30 hours ... Read More

@Moon DogYou will find a better rate by going to one of the major banks. With my return to California in about one week, I was just at my bank (BDO) yesterday to do the same. Read More

@kristopherryanwatsonIn general, the requirement to have the ECC-A is for foreigners who have tourist visas, while the ECC-B is issued to holders with valid alien certificate registration I-Cards and plan to return.  The requirements continue ... Read More

@RammersIf a person has a 13A Visa, they also have the ACR-I card. Since 2022, all persons in this status may want to confirm if the 13A Visa holders require a ECC-B to be issued if they are departing but plan to return. To be clear, there are no ... Read More

@yiqipoPlease be aware that helping any person by "getting help with a visit or trip to the USA" or to become a U.S. citizen, is not a typical task to be done without marriage, formal immigration to the USA and time as a legal U.S. Resident ... Read More

@bigpearlSRRV Holders require the following:If less than 1 year stay in the PI -Online Travel pass (free) https://ssrvm.pra.gov.ph/srrvIf more than 1 year stay in the PI -Online Travel pass (free) https://ssrvm.pra.gov.ph/srrvTravel Tax of ~ P1600 Read More

@Jason Mclaughlin,It sounds like you may have very limited written proof already prepared and submitted to the Brgy?  By changing from a defensive submissive approach to a very clear offensive stance may be an option.  Here are the things ... Read More

@bizwizardAs a SRRV holder:Zero requirements to exit in less than a year.  No outbound ticket required upon return to the PI.  There is no visa upon arrival with a SRRV since it is the valid visa already in your passport. Read More

@danfinnI'm going slightly off topic here but....... I will link it and make it worth your read.In 2019, I returned to California with plans to purchase an Ocean view lot and have my wife be on title.   I purchased a lot in Northern ... Read More

@bigpearlI am sure your situation represented "untraveled territory" for the legal profession here. You were on target to already know how it should have been prepared, prior to engaging the person that still ignored your needs. It has been my ... Read More

@muskegonconsultingOne of the keys to the land lease and structure ownership will be based on the wording used in the lease and the recording of said terms at the registrar's and tax offices. I am not providing legal advice here.  I am sharing ... Read More

@Enzyte BobShould any of us be shocked when this fraud increases?? With the exchange rate at or about 57 -1, imagine in the next 5-8 months what it will be like when the exchange is about 63 -1? I am sure that I am not alone with the experience of ... Read More

@yawgie Hello Jorg, The requirements can and do change from country to country. Check with the Dutch embassy in Manila and see if they still need/require all the docs you have assembled. Likewise, have your GF check with her local PSA field office ... Read More

@Veedushi Hi, please consider the topic on laws to observe and a few sub-topics that steer a person to popular sub-topics like formal complaints, courts actions, traffic accidents, etc. Read More

@tonyuk6340 Greetings! Your post has a few elements that will require a bit deeper research for sure. Here are a few examples to investigate:How will the UK handle retirement benefits earned by a person less than 55 years old?Have you reviewed the ... Read More

S&R seems very fast to repeat "what" happened (on the surface only) but will not explain "WHY" or "HOW" it happened??Their apparent greed to hold onto most accounts of foreigners could be based on the bank "float" where they use your money for ... Read More

@Enzyte BobThis is another big "Red Flagg"!!! Most banks/CC companies will not want to hear that you had false charges and did not report it ASAP. Please feel free to copy or reference my postings here and send them a link regarding what I ... Read More

@SailingHomeSorry to hear about the offloading of your GF. It I very hard to give any exact answers when your exact situation and relationship with her are not disclosed. It is possible that the following statements and questions may be of help ... Read More

I'm sure others will note that there are several universities in the Philippines that are recognized and accredited in the US. This includes those in the University of the Philippines system - This is the top university system in the Philippines ... Read More

@JustCallMeJoe Good info for those that may be UK bound. Read More

Final Chapter - At about 7:15 pm S&R sent a text and asked me to check my BofA account.... $435.33 was returned to my account this evening! ....... was also informed that the CC processing function which allows unauthorized charges, "has been ... Read More

Chapter 2 - Just returned from S&R and more delays with "I was not on duty on July 26th when it happened." As the BofA fraud center opens up in a few hours I am ready with all the evidence....  As I dig deeper into my BofA ... Read More

@JustCallMeJoe Your post touches on many sub-topics, of which others have also advised. A similar path was considered when I retired to the PI in 2013. If teaching would have been my final post-retirement path (with dual masters), I had to ... Read More

@bigpearl,My personal views guide my steps in life, as do most. I firmly believe that since I do not hold any degrees in theology, whom am I to tell others what to do? As long as I act under my beliefs and those are to always treat other ... Read More

My advice to all is to continue to be respectful and post with knowledgable content. As a christian, I offer no judgement or exact path for others.......However, I do feel some some key questions may need to be addressed by any couple in this ... Read More

@morenatuth22 ,A very interesting read.....Upon the sudden death of my wife in 2020, I was faced with her family planning to take my 2500HD Chevrolet Van to their province. Although I was in California at the time, and was not allowed to enter ... Read More

@Expat1942,Although you did not mention survivor benefits, I wish to respectfully place some focus on this within my post. At 72, I have already made this a topic in my home; where such a topic is not real comfy with most of our spouses ... Read More

@tundabita,Your bio is an interesting read. It reads: Iranian CitizenMember since 2018 Your post reads: Lives in Northern California,Retired U.S. Navy, Currently with the Department of Defense Quality Division in Defense Contract Management Agency ... Read More

@Lotus Eater - Your post made me laugh! truly, an analysis without a NMR spectroscopy....... Read More

One last but complex point...... When a married couple has the lot in the filipino spouse's name and the house in the foreign spouses name, the way the house could be settled, if they are annulling/separating is seldom talked about. Since ... Read More

@windowstv2019This is a very old post originating in 2019... Consider starting a 2023 post on this topic.....To proceed with a Lawyer? If you feel you must have a lawyer .... proceed with great caution! No matter where you look, ... Read More

It is a bit of a "run" down memory lane reading the posts here. A few moons ago (and many declassified years late), my past career included aerospace employment on selected programs where there were Pentagon waivers to allow the use of certain ... Read More

Dwsses12, Although Housebound status is the main criteria that applies to SMC-S. If not already granted, you should look into SMC-S which is available to veterans who:Have a 100 percent rating and an additional disability rated at or combining ... Read More

@Dwsses12 ..... Ahhhhh, thanks for more details. The VA compensation for your son will start as soon as you submit the VA form (Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents (VA Form 21-686c) thru ebenefits/va.gov. If you are 100% based on ... Read More

@mugteck ..... Being born abroad does not disqualify an American for Presidency! Some use Sen. John McCain as an example of a person qualified to run for the Presidency but not born in the USA. This is not a good example because although his dad ... Read More

@Dwsses12, For Americans born after 1960, the full retirement age (FRA) is 67. You just need to be prepared for the hit in your monthly benefit pay if you do an early retirement at 62. Your pay will be 70% of normal and your spouse (if you ... Read More

@bigpearl Yes, you are exactly correct! The lease option becomes void with a valid marriage, so in your situation (as I recall), you and Ben have dodged that issue. It sees also that you wisely updated any improvements and your TD's are proof. ... Read More

@vehicross100 A primary reason for this annotation on the TCT relates to what happens if you survive your spouse and there are heirs from his/her side. Additionally, it connects land TCT/TD to any house/structures where you are on the tax ... Read More

@danfinnThe term used is directly inline with the terms in the law. I use this term because under section 3 of RA 7279, states: "professional squatters" refers to; Individuals or groups who occupy lands without the express consent of the ... Read More

Here in the PI, I believe the land owner must present a clearly structured letter that includes a very clear non-legal understanding of certain laws to all authorities. Example, write a letter to the Brgy that includes violation(s) covered ... Read More

There is always a possibility of hormone imbalance along with other issues that point to leadership skills. Some key points in your post touch on the end of month money balance issue also. Remember, menopausal symptoms may include: anger and ... Read More

@PalawOne ,It. has been many years since I last was deeply involved in data for GNI, GNI per capita, GDP, GDP PPP, and Population. I do recall that one must always understand the "measuring stick" being used as compared to the exchange rates on the ... Read More

@Rex71 I am not familiar with the "Philippine citizen certificate", but if it is the same as the "Recognition as a Filipino Citizen" allowed under Bureau of Immigration’s Law Instruction No. RBR-99002, it is allowed with an authenticated ... Read More

@Cynthiavilla.... "being illegitimate, it will carry the mother's citizenship." is not accurate. An illegitimate child can have the dad's citizenship, as follows:. 1. Regarding Philippine law on child's surname: If the father executes the ... Read More

Some are able get their kids a Filipino Passport and exit the country with that passport while entering the UK with their UK passports, as allowed under the derivative citizenship status. If they don't have both passports, you may have at least ... Read More

Calif-Native My question is... which one of these are better.. PLDT or SKY or, do you have another suggestion without detailing. Thank you in advance.PLDT remains the best option for the moment. Except for Globe, most of the others have some ... Read More

Please be aware that Sky is using cable based connections (HFC) that tie into a combination of fiber optics and cables. They will never get a clean/reliable circuit with such a hybrid system compared to pure fiber connections. Your differences ... Read More

PS. To understand the massive capabilities internet infrastructures have on our lives, we learn that all of this is based on "boolean algebra"; which now includes a measure of digital data speed, in binary form. When first introduced ... Read More

This post is acronym intense but it is needed for accuracy and for those that may want to research what has been presented. Just a general clarification: Copper-/coax-based technologies vs. full-fiber technologies 1. Older systems that use ... Read More

What do I use? PLDT remains the dominant ISP in the PI, for the present. So, I have PLDT but remain in a status as not having a fully installed circuit along with technical exchanges regarding their speeds and services. As of this past week, my ... Read More

For those that may want to fact check and/or take PLDT to task on this..... here are some facts! Over 98% of the internet is delivered to counties via ocean submarine communications cables and these corridors have names. The Asia-America Gateway ... Read More

There are many posts here over the years on this topic and I will just add/restate that a person needs to understand how to set up the Speedtest.net so you don't get the false high speed results. PLDT by default selects the nearest Philippine ... Read More

A word of Caution! In the last 2 years there has been some tuning related to e-commerce in the PI and an expat would be wise to review corporate Negative/Negative B listing update along with the DTI offerings on "micro. small and medium ... Read More

@ Bazatt, You make a very good point regarding not working until the 9G is approved. Hopefully, your AEP process went without a problem. As a holder of an SRRV, I must also obtain the AEP first to legally work here in the PI. This same rule ... Read More

You can get a 9A visa before you depart if you follow the process required to prove you are the father of a minor child that has Philippine citizenship and passport. You may come under this provision, "Foreign parents of minor Filipino ... Read More

As already noted here there are different countries with different requirements regarding foreign tax obligations. Likewise, there are different tax structures or exemptions for certain Americans based on the US IRS rules. Important examples for ... Read More

As a friend just went thru this process as he stayed at my home in California, it took about 25 days once all docs and application was approved. I have outlined what is required and I suggest you get the items I listed and then go to BI with the ... Read More

You can get a 9A visa with a special exemption based on proof the child is yours and you support it. The child will require Philippine passport, Brgy Certification that the child is a resident in that brgy, letter from the mother and the birth cert ... Read More

Hi Rainrider9, I have found that when a question or need is put in writing to PRA, they most often respond in writing. What you are doing with your email is the way to memorialize your subject matter with PRA. I am unaware of any change that ... Read More

Regarding the DFA Endorsement.... It must be processed thru the PRA... they in turn batch process to the DFA. This will not involve the Philippine Consulate/Embassy at all. Regarding the 9A Visa - Although it is the same name as the tourist visa ... Read More

With the following updates, I am looking forward to my DFA Endorsement: "3) Foreign nationals who are holders of valid and existing Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) or Section 9(a) visas, provided they present, upon arrival, an ... Read More

After much research.. yet another update/set of recommendations. 1. I will make sure that if my flight is connecting thru another country; that my Covid test is with the 48 hours of the time I arrive in that country (even as a layover flight). ... Read More

Very interested on what you can find out and share on this issue.Fil-Am Mom, I thought this was a well known topic but I am happy to share some of the main research, as you requested. It is my opinion, that based on past "closed ... Read More

It is possible the process requires PRA to review if the SRRV annual payment schedule is close to the travel date or if the holder has exceeded the date. This is why I elected to pay 3 years in advance to reduce the trips to PRA. I think most of ... Read More

“You cannot imagine that someone is against flu hysteria?” I have never spoke to, posted about or taken any action whatsoever against a person identified as “eduardo001”. My posts here are intended to help others and share ... Read More

Followup #3: Received response from PRA today.... Mainly, it reads as follows: "Dear SRRV members, This is to acknowledge receipt of the attachments in your email. Your request for re-entry is under review as it will undergo the usual ... Read More

@eduardo001, It is clear what I have shared is not a fit for your mindset. However, before you decide to claim another person's shared plans are idiotic, you may want to check yourself and such negativity before you attack here. This forum is ... Read More

Followup #2: "RESOLUTION NO. 100 Series of 2021 February 18, 2021" Here is what I get from this latest update for SRRV holders, as sourced from: ... Read More

To All interested in the return via the SRRV: As I wait for the DFA Endorsed Entry exemption document, there are other steps, post approval, I still must do. These steps include: 1. e-CIF (Electronic Case Investigation Form) - This is a new form ... Read More

Thanks Ms P, I am ok and will have more closure upon return to my home in Tagaytay where the last 7+ years of a happy life was lived. Thanks so much for the concern! Read More

Since I am not clear on what visa you may hold, if any, I can only give my limited opinion on how to possibly move forward with a tourist visa, if that is your situation. If you live near a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the USA (or your ... Read More

I mostly wish to focus on the visa aspect as I am not qualified to give another a pro or con regarding matters of the heart. It is however, my view that others will always have words for you regarding age differences, skin tones and all other ... Read More