This was a make or break week and much of it has been spent sorting accounts with Metrobank to ensure I can manage my account from abroad. Unfortunately their new all signing and dancing Internet backing system does not work so the old version has been reinstated. The result, tons of paper work to get simple tasks initiated to ensureI can pay money owing to other people. I then discovered limitations on my Debit card which meant I could not pay for airline tickets. I raised the issue with my bank and after going around the houses after times. They admitted they had no system in place to raise the limited and I was the first person to request a change.
I tried Metrobank's phone banking as an alternative to the Internet only to discover that rather than having a real person on the line it is a menu based system and if you want to to transfer funds to a new account you need to set this up by filling in forms at your branch.
My House insurance is due later this month so I emailed the insurance company but of course go no reply when I requested their bank details it seems once again this has to be done via the bank. What a way to run a business, and people ask why I am leaving the Philippines.
The week started with the worst possible news from the Cyprus Consul to say my families Visa had been refused because of an "immigration risk". Once again I set a precedence my challenging the decision and was told I need to contact the Department of Foreign affairs in Cyprus, but the Consul could not provide me the either the number or the name of the person.
After some 4 hours of calling and being transferred from pillar to post, including being referred back to the Cyprus Consul in Manila. I managed to speak to someone who worked for the Minster of the Interior, So I outlined my case that as a family of an EU Citizen they cannot be refused a visa, so 30 mins later I was informed that the Minister of the Interior has granted them a 3 month Visa which would allow time for residential visa formalities to be completed. This information would be passed to the Consul and the visa's could be picked up the following day.
Tuesday midday I phoned the consulate. The secretary had just arrived and I asked her for an update and she repeated the visa had been refused, so I directed her to go to the fax machine and read the latest fax. She came back 2 mins later and said "How did you manage that" It seems people normally meekly accept matters here. She then advised the visa's would be issued on Monday. So I corrected her and said the Minister had told me that Jasmin could pick up the passports today, It does not take six days to stamp and sign a visa. she Replied the Consul was not in the Office (that is why she was late to work), so I fine I would send a courier to pick up the documents on Wednesday and all being well they will arrive Friday. I can then finalise and pay for my airline tickets.
David Ogden
Dipolog city
+639991141149
http://seriouswealth.net
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