I think the one year balikbayan privilege visa is fair. It can be converted to a tourist visa for up to 24 months. Anybody intending to stay longer should apply for a 13a or SSRV or SIRV . i have a British friend who had been living here on BB for four years,exiting each year for a few days before returning.On the 5th trip BI informed him that they would no longer extend him the privilege after another year and as he was clearly living in Philippines on a permanent basis,he should obtain a permanent residency visa