I got my 13a Visa in the Philippines today (Update July 16)

I have converted my temporary (one year) 13a visa for a permanent one (renew every 5 years). A Philippine 13a visa is similar to a "green card" in America.

I retired here in Western Visayas 3 years ago. I am now 71 years old; my Filipina wife is 68.

Government leaders come and go. Some are abhorrent (Trump and Duterte), others are closer to normal.

However, the people are really what matters. A country in which 40% of the population think Donald Trump should be President is a country I want to spend as little time in as possible.

Marcos Jr. has been a very pleasant surprise to me, as a reliable US ally and reversing many of Duterte's anti-press and extra judicial policies.

I love it here in the Philippines and am proud to be a permanent resident.

July 16 update:

Yesterday (July 15) I received my Philippine National ID card which came in from Manila. Although my 13a permanent status was granted on June 4 the process to get the physical, plastic ID card, which states "permanent resident" on the front, came in last week to the Iloilo office and I picked it up yesterday. The 13a permanent status is good until June of 2029 (after the next presidential term has expired). I have passed an NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) background check. I am apprehensive about America's future. I almost never talk politics in my emails, and I have no Facebook or social media presence. My only political opinions are here at DU. I am not so important that I think there is any danger to me here, but I do think there are some high-profile anti-Trump influencers that should be worried if the worst happens.

God Bless America: We're going to need it.