I don't know enough about it Steve.
Family will normally travel if it's worth their while...even if just temporarily.
At least you know who you're dealing with then...rent-free or not.
Personally I wouldn't fancy having an empty and unattended lot in a strange (ie..non-family) place.
Another useful site and forum here for you...run by people living there (not just about Cebu by the way).
http://www.philippines-expats.com/
