Philippines Life. This Is How Easy It Is For Your Filipina To Get You Arrested In The Philippines

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares the story of his American friend, Manuel, who is currently in a Philippine prison after being accused of indecent assault by his ex-girlfriend. Despite the ex's allegations, Manuel maintains his innocence, refusing to pay a bribe to drop the charges. The case has dragged on for three years, with Manuel facing severe consequences and the possibility of deportation. The speaker reflects on the difficulties foreigners face in the Philippines, especially with legal matters, and offers a cautionary tale about relationships, breakups, and the potential dangers of personal disputes escalating into legal battles.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker shares a personal story about a friend, Manuel, an American living in the Philippines, who is currently serving time in prison for indecent assault allegations.
• 😀 Manuel, a good-natured man, helped the speaker with building a house when they first met, and had a troubled relationship with his girlfriend who had mood swings and was aggressive at times.
• 😀 Manuel decided to leave his girlfriend due to ongoing arguments, but chose not to tell her directly, fearing her aggressive reaction. He eventually moved out without her knowing.
• 😀 Manuel's ex-girlfriend, after finding out he had a new partner, made an accusation of indecent assault, leading to Manuel's arrest.
• 😀 Manuel’s case has been going on for three years, with frequent adjournments and rising legal costs, as well as the added difficulty of being unable to post bail due to the severity of the charge.
• 😀 The ex-girlfriend allegedly demanded 4 million pesos to drop the charges, but Manuel refused to pay, maintaining his innocence despite the pressure to settle.
• 😀 The speaker points out how easy it is for an ex-partner in the Philippines to make serious allegations against someone, especially foreigners who may not have strong legal protections.
• 😀 The Philippine legal system does not allow bail for indecent assault charges, and Manuel remains in jail while waiting for the verdict, with no jury involved—just a judge’s decision.
• 😀 Manuel’s ex-girlfriend is reportedly related to a local mayor, which may have influenced the progress of the case and the situation Manuel is facing.
• 😀 The speaker advises others to be cautious in relationships, especially when separating from a partner in the Philippines, as allegations and legal troubles can arise unexpectedly, particularly involving Filipino citizens.
• 😀 The story highlights the challenges foreigners may face in the Philippines when dealing with legal disputes, emphasizing the importance of keeping a low profile and not flaunting new relationships in front of jealous ex-partners.

Q & A

What led to the conflict between Manuel and his ex-girlfriend?

The conflict began when Manuel's ex-girlfriend became aggressive due to his new relationship. She had mood swings and would often become violent. Eventually, her jealousy triggered a series of events that led to her making a false allegation against Manuel, claiming indecent assault.

Why did Manuel choose to leave his ex-girlfriend without informing her?

Manuel decided to leave without informing her because he feared that confronting her would lead to further aggression. He also did not want to face her wrath directly, so he moved his belongings gradually and relocated 10 km away from her.

How did Manuel's ex-girlfriend try to make money from the situation?

Manuel's ex-girlfriend demanded 4 million pesos to drop the charges against him. She claimed this amount would be a settlement, but Manuel refused, believing that paying would make him appear guilty, even if he was not.

Why did Manuel refuse to pay the 4 million pesos to settle the charges?

Manuel refused to pay the 4 million pesos because he felt it would make him look guilty, even if he was innocent. He maintained that paying would be an admission of wrongdoing, which he did not want to do.

What is the legal situation surrounding bail in the Philippines for cases of indecent assault?

In the Philippines, there is no bail for cases of indecent assault. Once charged, the accused must remain in jail until the case is resolved, regardless of whether they are guilty or not.

What does the video suggest about the vulnerability of foreigners in the Philippines' legal system?

The video suggests that foreigners are particularly vulnerable in the Philippines' legal system, as the law tends to act on the accusations of local citizens (like a Filipina ex-girlfriend), and the legal system may not offer the same protections to foreigners as it would to locals.

How does Manuel cope with his time in jail?

Manuel copes with his time in jail by using his pension to buy items like electric fans for the other prisoners, possibly ensuring his safety. Despite losing a lot of weight and appearing ill, he maintains a positive attitude, referring to the experience as a 'life lesson.'

What is the status of Manuel's trial and when is a verdict expected?

Manuel's trial has been ongoing for over three years. The last update suggests that a verdict is expected by the end of July, as there is no jury in the Philippines, only a judge making the final decision.

What advice does the speaker give to others regarding relationships in the Philippines?

The speaker advises that if one decides to leave a partner in the Philippines, it should be done properly and without confrontation. He also warns against flaunting a new relationship in front of an ex, as it can lead to serious consequences, including false accusations.

How is Manuel's ex-girlfriend connected to local power structures?

Manuel's ex-girlfriend is related to a mayor in a different region of the Philippines, which seems to have helped her exert influence in the case, potentially using her connections to push the legal proceedings in her favor.