Declaring large amount of cash at Manila Airport - any problems?

[Englishman2010]

I nearly came unstuck last year when I was leaving NAIA bound for Singapore. Although it's a small amount to us, I had around 15000 pesos in 1000 peso notes (£220) in my wallet, as I was heading back to the Phils after a week over in SG. When I went through the security scanner and x-ray machines, the guard made me open up my wallet and saw the cash. He told me I was only allowed to take 10K out of the country. It soon became apparent that what he really wanted was a 'souvenir' from me. At this point I somehow completely forgot how to speak English and repeatedly said I couldn't understand him. Eventually, he let me move on

[Dedworth]

I nearly came unstuck last year when I was leaving NAIA bound for Singapore. Although it's a small amount to us, I had around 15000 pesos in 1000 peso notes (£220) in my wallet, as I was heading back to the Phils after a week over in SG. When I went through the security scanner and x-ray machines, the guard made me open up my wallet and saw the cash. He told me I was only allowed to take 10K out of the country. It soon became apparent that what he really wanted was a 'souvenir' from me. At this point I somehow completely forgot how to speak English and repeatedly said I couldn't understand him. Eventually, he let me move on

A close shave he could have taken you out the back, snapped on the latex examination gloves and searched you thoroughly for hidden currency

[Englishman2010]

A close shave he could have taken you out the back, snapped on the latex examination gloves and searched you thoroughly for hidden currency

Thankfully not

The other thing you have to watch out for at NAIA are the entrance guards if there is a long queue outside. They seem to have a habit of coming up to me and telling me they can get me to the front of the queue by the main entrance. At some point in the conversation they hint it will cost 500 pesos or that they would like an English note as a souvenir. I'm thinking of taking some Monopoly money next time