In 16 May 2005 correspondence sent to the Research Directorate, the Consul General of the Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa provided the following information:

Prior to departure from the Philippines, a legally admitted permanent resident should obtain a re-entry permit from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, in which case he or she would not require a visa to return to the Philippines. Re-entry permits, which are valid for six months, can be extended for one year at the Commissioner of Immigration's discretion, up to a maximum continuous period of five years. Unless indicated otherwise, a re-entry permit is valid for a single trip.

The Consul General indicated that an expired re-entry permit cannot be extended. If a permanent resident who left the Philippines for a temporary visit abroad either does not possess a re-entry permit or possesses an expired re-entry permit, he or she may be granted a returning resident visa in order to return to the Philippines. The Consul General added, however, that in certain circumstances, a permanent resident can be assumed to have left the Philippines without any intention to return. Such circumstances could include: "failure to secure a re-entry permit prior to departure, absence of family ties in the Philippines, lack of ownership of substantial assets in the Philippines or non-engagement in a profitable profession in the Philippines."

More specific information on whether having an adult son, or any other immediate family members, living in the Philippines could affect a permanent resident's right to return to the Philippines could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within time constraints.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa. 16 May 2005. Correspondence from the Consul General.

Internet sites, including: Amnesty International (AI), Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, DC, European Country of Origin Information Network (ECOI), Government of the Philippines, Human Rights Watch (HRW), Manila Times, Philippines Bureau of Immigration, Philstar.com, United States Department of State, World News Connection (WNC).